REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Compact size
Mostly even heating
REASONS TO AVOID
Display is difficult to read
Can't fit a full-size dinner plate
Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft Review
This compact and inexpensive microwave is a decent option for those with limited space who don't mind longer cook times
Credit: Farberware
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Our Verdict
The Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft is an inexpensive, small microwave that is often a go-to for those with limited space or frequently on the move. Among the other microwaves we tested, we found it an inexpensive option that performed relatively well in our evaluation, aside from a few caveats. Overall, if you're looking for a microwave and have limited space, the Farberware should be on your short list of considerations. But if you need something that will fit large dinner plates, you'll want to check out our full review of microwaves.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Microwave for Heating Frozen Food |  Best Value Microwave | Best Microwave on a Tight Budget | ||
| Price | $90 List $89.99 at Amazon | $120 List $112.99 at Amazon | $125 List $124.95 at Amazon | $115 List $109.99 at Amazon | $82 List $69.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A no-frills, compact, and affordable microwave that will take a little longer to cook your food | A full-size microwave that is a solid performer across the board with outstanding frozen food heating capability | A middle of the road product for a reasonable price, scoring similarly to many others that were priced much higher | This model stood out for its ease of use and great performance with frozen foods, but performed poorly at defrosting | Ideal for those on a budget or with limited space, but this model falls short in terms of premium build quality and high-level performance across our evaluated metrics |
| Rating Categories | Farberware 700W 0.7... | Magic Chef MC110MB | Panasonic NN-SB458S | Toshiba EM925A5A | Comfee EM720CPL-PMB |
| Heating (40%) | |||||
| Frozen Foods (30%) | |||||
| Defrosting (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Farberware 700W 0.7... | Magic Chef MC110MB | Panasonic NN-SB458S | Toshiba EM925A5A | Comfee EM720CPL-PMB |
| Measured 45 Sec Heating Temp Rise | 76 F | 106 F | 89 F | 89 F | 67 F |
| Measured Weight of Defrosted Meat | 12.5 oz | 12.5 oz | 8.8 oz | 6.9 oz | 11.8 oz |
| Average Temperature Difference | 27 F | 7 F | 29 F | 23 F | 13 F |
| Measured Unpopped Kernels | 126 | 23 | 8 | 22 | 192 |
| Wattage | 700 watts | 1000 watts | 900 watts | 900 watts | 700 watts |
| Measured Turntable Diameter | 10" | 12.4" | 10.6" | 10.6" | 10" |
| Measured External Dimensions (WxHxD) | 17.3" x 10.2" x 14.1" | 20.6" x 11.8" x 14.7" | 19.1" x 11.5" x 14.8" | 19.2" x 11.5" x 15.9" | 17.1" x 10.1" x 12.4" |
| Measured Internal Dimentions (WxHxD) | 10.8"x 6.8" x 10.2" | 13.1" x 8.2" x 12.5" | 13.9" x 8.1" x 12.4" | 13.7" x 8.7" x 12.3" | 10.8" x 6.8" x 10.1" |
| Size | 0.7 cu. ft | 1.1 cu. ft | 0.9 cu. ft | 0.9 cu. ft | 0.7 cu. ft |
| Child lock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft microwave is an affordable and compact option, ideal for those with constrained space or a nomadic lifestyle. Its size, however, is a double-edged sword. It is great for those with space limitations but limits what fits inside, and its lower power rating ends up costing you time to heat and achieve the same results as the larger models we tested.
Performance Comparison
Each microwave in our line-up undergoes various tests to determine how well they perform.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Heating
Heating is a microwave's most important task, so we evaluated each microwave's heating ability using five tests. The Farberware performed adequately in most of our heating assessments, coming in below average in heating speed. We were not surprised by this result, given its rating of 700 watts, which is lower than most of the other microwaves we tested.
Our heat map assessment helps determine how evenly distributed the heating of each microwave is.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Heat Map
We assess each microwave's ability to heat consistently by evenly spreading jet-puffed marshmallow across a piece of parchment paper that we cut to the size of each microwave's turntable. We then heated it on high for two minutes before reviewing how well the marshmallow was heated. Lower-wattage microwaves are allotted additional time as necessary.
In our heat map test of the Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft, given its lower wattage rating, it was allocated three minutes instead of two. After heating, the surface of the marshmallow changed somewhat in texture on top, and there were three golden-brown rings with no signs of burning. These results were some of the most favorable we saw in our testing, with many others showing signs of less even heating and burning the marshmallow creme in places.
Analyzing both sides of the heat map results, we can see how the heating affected the marshmallow fluff.
Heating Speed
To test each microwave's heating speed, we fill a beaker with 125 mL of refrigerated water, give each microwave the opportunity to heat the water for 45 seconds, and then measure how many degrees the water temperature rises.
Unsurprisingly, the 700-watt Farberware struggled with this task and only raised the water temperature to 76 degrees. However, it did perform relatively well compared to the results of the smaller, less powerful microwaves we tested.
Using green beans, potatoes, and pre-cooked sausage links, we test how well each microwave heats leftovers.
Credit: Lesley Robinson
Leftover Heating
To test each microwave's ability to heat leftovers, we dished up equal portions of green beans and mashed potatoes along with four pre-cooked breakfast sausages. If possible, we used each microwave's “12 oz” or “Dinner Plate” function to select the proper amount of time needed to heat this size of leftover food. We then use temperature probes to measure the food in different places to capture the temperature spread and verify if the food was heated to the recommended temperature for consumption.
The Farberware's “Dinner Plate” function elected to heat the food for nine minutes. Once the heating was completed, we measured that the sausage and green beans had been adequately heated at 165 degrees or higher. On the other hand, the potatoes had a large temperature spread, and portions were not adequately heated.
The Farberware struggled in many of our ease of use tests, especially the timer, which we found to not be user-friendly.
Soup Heating
A single can of chicken noodle soup is used to test how well each microwave heats soup. Microwaves with 1,100 watts or more are given two and a half minutes to heat, and those with less than 1,100 are given three minutes to heat. Once heated, we allow the soup to stand for one minute before measuring its temperature. We're looking for an even spread of heating, bringing the soup to a comfortable eating temperature.
After three minutes of heating and one minute of standing, we tested the temperature of the soup that the farberware heated. Reaching 153 degrees, we felt it did a good job of heating the soup to a comfortable eating temperature.
The Farberware's glass turntable measures 10 inches in diameter, which is not quite big enough for large dinner plates.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Pizza Heating
Adjusting heating time for each microwave's wattage rating, we tested how well each microwave could heat up two slices of pizza. The Farberware did okay in this test, reaching an edible temperature, but also accompanied by some negative results. The outer edges of the slices were hard, and the cheese was chewy but somewhat melted.
We use multiple sample points in our testing to identify any uneven heating that may occur. As you can see, there's a lot of variance in temperature.
Credit: Lesley Robinson
Frozen Foods
For this portion of the testing, we selected three different types of frozen food: burritos, lasagna, and hot pockets. Following the manufacturer's instructions, we gave each microwave a chance to show us how well it could heat each of these foods.
Even after adding additional heating time for the lower wattage Farberware, it struggled to bring the frozen foods to safe eating temperatures. The burrito reached 161 or higher in places but still had a cold spot in the center, measuring as low as 125 degrees. The lasagna never reached 165 degrees in any of the places we tested throughout the food. The hot pocket was warm enough not to disturb our taste buds too much, but it was still unevenly heated.
After defrosting the ground meat with the Farberware, two frozen nuggets were left over.
Credit: Lesley Robinson
Defrosting
We evaluate each microwave's defrosting capability by using one pound of frozen ground meat and only flipping it during the defrosting process if the microwave instructs us to. Once completed, we measure the weight of the meat that was defrosted and the weight of what is still left frozen. We also note whether any of the meat is cooked in the defrosting process.
The Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft performed surprisingly well in our defrosting testing. None of the meat was accidentally cooked, and only a little over three ounces of meat remained frozen.
The Farberware moves around some when interacting with the door.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
We assess ease of use by comparing the features each microwave offers. Including quick buttons, lighting, timers, automatic functions, and how well they stay in place on flat surfaces.
While this microwave's small form factor is attractive to some, it does come with some trade-offs. We were unable to fit a full-size dinner plate inside of it, which is arguably the most basic thing you could ask of a microwave. Its timer is not incredibly user-friendly, and the display can be difficult to read. The Farberware includes a good amount of quick buttons. The lighting is okay, but it's still difficult to see inside when in use. It also moved around while testing it under normal circumstances on a flat surface. The popcorn function did not impress us, leaving behind 58 unpopped kernels and burning some in the process.
In our testing, we found the compact Farberware could not fit a full-size dinner plate.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Farberware 700W 0.7 Cu Ft?
In summary, for those needing a microwave with space limitations, the Farberware is a consideration but probably not your best option. If your use case doesn't include size constraints, there is a better fit out there for you.
We conducted thorough testing of the top microwaves available to evaluate their performance.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
What Other Microwaves Should You Consider?
While reviewing all of the best microwaves on the market, we found that the GE JES1109RRSS is a great, well-rounded option that also functions as an air fryer, broiler, and convection oven, giving you more bang for your buck. If you're looking for a microwave that can quickly and effectively defrost meat, we recommend the Toshiba EM131A5C. If you'd like to see how each microwave we tested stacks up, check our review of the top-ranked microwaves.
—Lesley Robinson and Kolby Anderson
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