Microwaves are often the unsung heroes of our kitchens. The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 steps into the spotlight as a compact, affordable microwave, perfect for small spaces. If you’re looking for something that balances convenience and ease of use without taking over your counter, this might just be the one for you. Let’s break down the design, performance, and whether it’s worth adding to your kitchen.
Design and Build Quality
Let’s start with size. The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is compact, which is ideal if you’re working with a limited countertop space in an apartment, dorm room, or office. At 17.3 inches wide, 13 inches deep, and 10.2 inches high, it won’t dominate your kitchen but still offers enough room inside for your everyday dishes.
This microwave also has a 0.7 cubic feet capacity, which, while small, fits standard plates and bowls comfortably. Larger cookware might be a squeeze, so if you’re heating up oversized dishes regularly, this might be something to consider.
The stainless steel exterior gives it a clean, modern look. But it’s not all about aesthetics—the stainless steel also makes cleaning up splatters and fingerprints much easier. It blends into most kitchen decors without sticking out like a sore thumb.
In terms of usability, the push-button door makes access smooth and simple, while the digital display is bright and easy to read. Whether you’re bleary-eyed in the morning trying to heat up some coffee or sneaking a midnight snack, you won’t be fumbling with complicated controls.
Power and Performance
At 700 watts, this isn’t the most powerful microwave out there. High-wattage microwaves (typically 1000 watts and above) cook faster, but the EM720CB7 still gets the job done. It might take a little longer to heat up leftovers or pop a bag of popcorn compared to more powerful models, but it won’t leave you hanging.
What’s great is how well it handles reheating and defrosting. The defrost function is a standout, offering even thawing without half-cooking the edges of your food—something you’ll appreciate if you’re often pulling meats out of the freezer at the last minute. It’s effective with frozen meals, too, giving you evenly heated food without the dreaded cold spots in the middle.
When it comes to beverages or snacks like popcorn, the results are solid. You might need to add a few seconds here or there if you prefer piping-hot drinks, but it’s reliable enough for most everyday tasks. Think of this microwave as a steady performer that handles the basics well without trying to reinvent the wheel.
Key Features
Power Settings
One of the handiest aspects of this microwave is the 10 power levels. While some compact models skimp on adjustable power, the EM720CB7 lets you choose between different intensities depending on what you’re cooking. Melting butter or chocolate? Use a lower setting. Need to nuke a bowl of soup? Go higher.
Pre-Programmed Functions
The six preset buttons take the guesswork out of cooking. These include specific settings for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plates. For example, hit the popcorn button, and you’re good to go. It might not pop every single kernel, but you’ll rarely end up with a burned bag.
While the pre-programmed settings are convenient, they aren’t always intuitive. You’ll want to spend a few minutes with the manual to figure out the best approach for each function. For instance, the beverage button measures in cups, while the frozen vegetable setting measures in ounces—so getting the timing just right might take a little trial and error.
Child Safety Lock
If you’ve got kids running around the kitchen, this microwave has your back. The child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally starting the microwave, which adds peace of mind for families with young ones.
Usability and Convenience
When it comes to day-to-day use, the EM720CB7 is about as simple as it gets. The control panel is well-labeled, making it easy to understand even if you’re not familiar with microwave settings.
You’ll appreciate the Express Heat buttons—pressing numbers 1 to 6 lets you automatically cook or reheat food for that number of minutes without having to punch in a full time. This is great for quick tasks like warming up a cup of coffee or reheating leftovers from last night’s dinner.
The 10-inch glass turntable is a decent size for a microwave of this capacity, and the fact that it’s removable makes cleaning up any splatters much less of a chore. In fact, spills are easily managed—just pop out the turntable, give it a rinse, and you’re good to go.
Cooking Performance
Reheating and Defrosting: This microwave’s performance really shines in reheating and defrosting. Whether you’re thawing out frozen meats or reheating last night’s pizza, it delivers fairly even results. You might occasionally need to stir or rearrange your food halfway through heating, but for a microwave in this price range, it’s impressive.
Popcorn and Beverages: Popcorn, a microwave staple, comes out well with the preset button. While a few kernels might remain unpopped, it generally avoids burning, which is always a plus. As for beverages, you can get a nice hot cup of tea or cocoa in about 2 minutes—though, as mentioned, it may take a little longer compared to higher-wattage models.
Pros
Cons
Competitors and Alternatives
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 competes well with other microwaves in its class. Take the Comfee EM720CPL-PMB, for example—another 700W model with a similar price point and feature set. Both offer pre-programmed buttons, but the BLACK+DECKER’s stainless steel finish gives it a slight edge in the style department.
If you’re considering spending a little more, models like the Panasonic NN-SB458S offer more wattage and quicker cooking times, but they also take up more space and come at a higher cost. For budget-conscious buyers looking for a compact, reliable option, the BLACK+DECKER remains a strong contender.
Final Verdict
If you need a microwave that can handle everyday tasks like reheating, defrosting, and cooking simple meals, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a solid choice. It’s not the most powerful or feature-packed microwave on the market, but its compact design, ease of use, and reliable performance make it a great fit for smaller kitchens or anyone on a budget. Whether you’re a college student, living in an apartment, or just need something small and efficient, this microwave checks all the right boxes.
Dustin Barnard is the editor-in-cheif at Urban Heavenly, a platform dedicated to making homes more beautiful and functional. With a passion for design and a keen eye for detail, Dustin shares practical advice, innovative ideas, and DIY tips to help homeowners transform their spaces into personal sanctuaries.