
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
On a budget and short on space? The Comfee EM720CPL-PMB is your solution. It offers a range of preset heating options, making dinner prep a breeze, and its compact design is perfect for those with limited counter space. This microwave handles common tasks like reheating leftovers effortlessly, and its interface is intuitive thanks to its thoughtful button layout. But, due to its small footprint, you might want to consider something with a larger plate if you're planning to heat large dishes or defrost meals for a family.
Heating
The temperature was fairly consistent across the two slices of pizza we reheated. It ranged between 130 to 163 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfectly edible, but we would've liked it to be a tad hotter. Just a few extra seconds in the microwave would have likely done the trick, though slightly longer than the others in this lineup.
In our heat map test, he Comfee burnt in the center of the plate, while remaining cool around the perimeter. Clearly, we see this microwave is capable of heating up small things well but falls off drastically near the edges.
The Comfee isn't the best at heating its contents quickly. It raised our 125mL beaker of water from 43 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit—a difference of 67 degrees. This small device needs more time to heat effectively, which is to be expected from a 700-watt microwave.
The Comfee was close to getting reheated leftovers to an ideal temperature, but didn't quite make it with the extended cooking time. Everything was warmed to an edible temperature, but we found it needed another 30 seconds or so. This rang especially true for the potatoes as they lagged behind the most.
Soup Heating
Some microwaves excel at warming the various textures and consistencies that soups may have. Others struggle to evenly heat the contents. With many foods having soup-like consistencies, we wanted to ensure these microwaves could stand up to the challenge.
Heating soup is where the Comfee EM720CPL-PMB stands out amongst its competitors. It was able to get soup to just the right temperature for consumption at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The soup was ready to go right away.
Frozen Foods
This product struggled with frozen burritos on a high setting. The outer portion of the tortilla was a little tough but not burnt, while the inside remained quite cool. College students and burrito lovers, beware.
Again, it struggled when it came to frozen lasagna. The temperature range on the lasagna was evenly distributed, with only a 13-degree variance. However, it remained too cold for consumption, failing to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, we examined the microwave's performance when heating a Hot Pocket, which delivered satisfactory results. The Hot Pocket was heated quite evenly, with the center remaining slightly cooler at 170 degrees and the sides reaching 191 to 198 degrees. Though we hoped for a crisper exterior, we were pleased with the above-average results.
Defrosting
After 11 minutes and 36 seconds, the majority of the meat was successfully thawed without any of it being cooked, which is exactly what you want from a defrost setting. Only a small portion of the meat remained slightly frozen and proved challenging to fully break apart. While it may not be the quickest defrosting process ever, the results were quite satisfactory, especially considering the microwave's compact size.
Presets
The quick buttons enhance the user-friendliness of this product, especially when you're in a rush. The internal lighting effectively improves visibility while cooking, heating, or thawing your food. There's also a handy 30-second start button and express cook buttons when you need to add time. One downside is the instability of the unit.
Should You Buy the Comfee?
If you don't require the extensive features of larger, pricier microwaves, the Comfee EM720CPL-PMB is a great choice. It's compact and fits easily on any kitchen counter, making reheating leftovers a breeze. However, if you're looking for advanced features or need to cater to a family, you might want to explore higher-priced options.
What Other Microwaves Should You Consider?
If you're willing to spend a few extra dollars, consider the Toshiba EM131A5C, which features a more effective defrost mode while remaining user-friendly and affordable. If appearance is a primary concern, take a look at the Galanz Retro, which offers a sleek design and makes short work of reheating leftovers.