BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 0.7 cu.ft Microwave Review

Intro

If you need a small, straightforward countertop microwave that won’t dominate the counter, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the model most people reach for. The listing positions it as a compact 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt unit with a push-button door, a removable 10" glass turntable, and six one-touch presets. In owner feedback the microwave gets praise for being compact, easy to use, and attractive, but recurring complaints around noise, sliding on slick counters, and at least one report of early fan failure are worth factoring into a purchase decision.

What it is / first look

At a glance the EM720CB7 is a no-frills, countertop microwave intended for residential use. The product title and listing call out a stainless steel finish and the interior includes a removable glass turntable. Key, verifiable specs from the listing:

• Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
• Power: 700 watts (listed wattage and power consumption)
• Turntable diameter: 10 inches (removable glass turntable)
• Controls: touch controller with buttons and a large LED digital display
• Number of power levels: 10
• Pre-programmed buttons: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate (six one-touch presets)
• Physical dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3" x 13.0" x 10.2"
• Item weight: 22.5 pounds
• Additional features listed: child safety lock, interior light, 30-second express cooking, push-button door release, defrost by time or weight
• UL approved and backed by a one year limited warranty (listing)

The unit is positioned as a compact, budget-friendly countertop microwave — useful for reheating, simple cooks, and small households. The images and product title indicate a stainless-steel appearance; available colors may include stainless steel (see the colors list below).

In daily use

The EM720CB7 is shaped and specified for everyday reheating, simple cooking, and short cook cycles. Owners consistently describe it as easy to set up and easy to clean, and the control layout and presets simplify routine tasks.

Small apartments, dorms, and offices

This is where the microwave tends to perform best. The 0.7 cu.ft capacity and external footprint (17.3" x 13.0" x 10.2") mean it won’t dominate a small countertop, and multiple owners say it’s “perfect for what I need” for reheating single plates, small bowls, and beverages. The 10" turntable handles most small dinner plates and mugs without issue. The listing emphasizes easy-to-read controls and a large LED display; several owners said the unit is simple to use even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Families and larger kitchens

Buyers who regularly heat large casseroles, plates for several people at once, or full-size dinner plates may find the cavity limiting. Multiple owners noted that because the interior is compact and the power is 700W rather than a higher wattage, you may need to run things longer or in multiple batches to get even heating. If you frequently microwave large items, a larger-capacity or higher-watt model is a better fit.

Quiet, quick reheating — sometimes

Some owners describe the EM720CB7 as quiet and efficient; others report a distinct low-frequency buzz or textured noise when running. That split in experience shows up repeatedly in owner feedback: for some this is a quiet, “works in the background” unit; for others the running noise is notable enough to surprise them. Expect variability in perceived noise level.

Controls and presets

The microwave has a touch controller with buttons, a large LED display, and ten power levels. The listing highlights one-touch buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate, plus Time Defrost and Weight Defrost modes. Owners report the timer and express 30-second cooking function are reliable for quick reheats. A few buyers called out that the control labeling can be small or not backlit, which made the panel harder to read under dim kitchen lighting.

Materials & build quality

Listing-specified materials and build notes are limited but clear where provided. The listing title and description identify the exterior as "Stainless Steel" and the inner material is listed as glass (the turntable). The product spec sheet lists Material Type as "Not Available," so the detailed composition of the cabinet, door face, or interior lining beyond the glass turntable is not specified in the listing. What we can say from the listing and owner reporting:

• The product is listed as stainless steel in the title and description.
• The turntable is removable glass (explicit in the listing).
• The microwave is UL approved (listed feature), which speaks to meeting certain electrical safety standards.
• Included components in the listing mention the magnetron and turntable, etc.

Owner feedback on build quality is mixed but leans toward “solid for price.” Many owners call the unit attractive, easy to clean, and “feels solid.” A few buyers received returned or scratched units when purchasing used/returned inventory and noted cosmetic imperfections, which is not unusual for products sold that way. One important owner-reported problem — a venting fan that failed after a couple months, producing steam and smoke build-up — impacts perceived build reliability for at least some users.

Safety considerations

Safety features and owner signals combine to give a cautious thumbs-up with specific caveats:

• Child safety lock: The listing includes a child safety lock feature. Several owners mention it; one owner also struggled with turning the lock off and found the lock behavior frustrating. If child-lock operation is critical, verify the user manual and how to engage/disengage it before relying on it.
• UL approval: The listing states the unit is UL approved and includes a one year limited warranty. UL approval is listed on the product page and appears in the bullet features.
• Ventilation and placement: Owner feedback quotes the manual’s recommendation to allow for three inches of clearance all around the unit for proper ventilation. One owner specifically reported accumulated steam and a fan failure, which led to smoke/steam buildup under the rotating tray. Because that’s a reported failure mode, make sure to follow the listing/manual ventilation recommendations and monitor early use.
• Push-button door: The microwave uses a push-button door release. That’s convenient for one-handed access, but as with any door mechanism, confirm the latch feels solid when you first unbox the unit.
• Noise/operational sounds: Some owners report a low-frequency buzzing sound while the unit runs, which startled one owner. Expect variability; if noise is a concern for your environment, consider testing or checking return policies.
• Countertop stability: Several buyers reported the microwave can slide on slick countertops. The listing does not specify anti-slip feet; owners specifically called out sliding as a safety/annoyance issue.

Overall: the listing shows standard safety features like a child lock and UL approval, but owner-reported fan failures, noise, and sliding reduce the safety picture for some buyers. Follow the manual’s placement and clearance recommendations and verify that the control panel and latch work as expected during unboxing.

Who this is for / who should skip

Use-case guidance below focuses on the things the listing and owner feedback make clear.

Who this is for

• Single people, couples, or small households who need a compact countertop microwave for reheating, simple cooking, and beverages.
• People with limited counter space — the compact footprint and 0.7 cu.ft cavity make it a good fit for small kitchens or dorms.
• Shoppers who want straightforward controls and handy one-touch presets like popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.
• Buyers who value an affordable, UL-approved microwave with basic features and a glass turntable.

Who should skip

• Households that regularly microwave large dishes, full meal plates for multiple people, or full-size casserole dishes — the 0.7 cu.ft interior is compact and may require multiple batches.
• Anyone who needs a high-wattage microwave — this model is specified at 700 watts, which is lower than higher-power 1000–1200W units; some owners noted longer heating times or uneven heating compared with higher-wattage models.
• Buyers who need a whisper-quiet unit or who are sensitive to low-frequency motor/fan noise — owner experiences vary and some report a noticeable buzz.
• People who have very slick countertops and cannot accommodate anti-slip measures — several owners report the unit slides on slick surfaces and the listing does not specify non-slip feet.

Verdict

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact, functional countertop microwave with a clear set of strengths and a handful of ownership risks to weigh. The listing-backed facts — 0.7 cu.ft capacity, 700W power, 10 power settings, a removable 10" glass turntable, push-button door, child safety lock, UL approval, and a one year limited warranty — make it a sensible pick for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, or anyone wanting a budget-friendly reheating solution that doesn’t take up a lot of space.

Owner feedback reinforces that it’s easy to use, easy to clean, and attractive in a small kitchen. However, persistent owner-reported negatives — a textured buzzing noise for some users, the unit sliding on slick counters, small or non-backlit control labels, and at least one reported fan/venting failure within a few months — matter. Those signals knock down the reliability and safety picture enough that buyers who need rock-solid long-term performance or who heat large plates often should look at larger, higher-wattage models.

Check before you buy

• Confirm the real-world footprint and internal dimensions (the listing gives overall dimensions and 0.7 cu.ft capacity) so it fits your plates and counter space.
• Verify the listed power: the unit is 700 watts (power consumption listed as 700 watts) — expect to run things a bit longer than on higher-wattage microwaves.
• Confirm the child safety lock behavior in the manual if you plan to rely on it — owners report the lock can be hard to disable if you’re not familiar with the sequence.
• Check the turntable size (10" removable glass turntable) and make sure it clears your plates and containers.
• Confirm ventilation/placement needs — owners note the manual recommends allowing three inches of clearance around the unit.
• Note the one year limited warranty and UL approval listed in the product features; if warranty support is important to you, verify current warranty and service process with the seller/manufacturer.
• Consider countertop stability — the listing doesn’t specify anti-slip feet and owners report sliding on slick surfaces; plan for a stable placement.

Colors

• Available colors may include: stainless steel