Farberware 700W Countertop Microwave Review

Intro

If you want a basic countertop microwave for a dorm, office, RV or a small apartment, the Farberware 700-watt model positions itself as a no-frills, programmable option. The listing highlights a simple digital interface with one-touch cooking programs, a child safety lock and an inner stainless-steel surface. Where this model earns praise is for compact size, approachable controls and a low-power footprint; where it draws criticism is in repeated owner reports of reliability and quality-control problems. This review walks through what the listing actually says, what owners repeatedly report, and who should consider this unit — and who probably should look elsewhere.

What it is / first look

The listing presents this as a compact, countertop microwave intended for residential use. Key listing facts and features include:

• Listed wattage / power: 700 watts (specs list wattage and power consumption as 700 watts).
• Capacity and sizing: the title in some listings references a 0.7 cu. ft. model, while the product specifications here list the capacity as 1.1 cu. ft.; the listing therefore contains inconsistent capacity information (see "Check before you buy").
• Controller & interface: touch controller with buttons/keypad; a clear LED display with clock and timer is listed.
• Programs and controls: 6 auto-cooking programs (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, dinner plate, beverage), 10 power levels, defrost by time or weight, memory function to save favorite settings.
• Materials & construction: material type is listed as "Stainless Steel Or Painted Metal" with the inner material explicitly listed as stainless steel.
• Turntable: a turntable is included; turntable diameter is listed as 10 inches (included components state Microwave Oven, Turntable, User Guide).
• Physical size and weight: listed dimensions are 12.91" D x 17.75" W x 10.1" H and the item weight is 22.9 pounds.
• Safety feature from the listing: an easy-to-use child safety lock (the listing states the oven can be locked to eliminate unsupervised use).
• Brand & maker: Brand - Farberware; Manufacturer - EMG East, Inc.; import designation: Imported.

The product is offered in several colorways — Black, Red, Stainless Steel and White — and the listing shows multiple available sizes across the Farberware lineup (0.7, 0.9, 1.1, 1.3, 1.6 and 2.2 cu. ft.), which means you may see more than one physical size under similar branding. The control layout and programming are described as simple and approachable in the listing copy.

In daily use

What the listing claims about everyday operation is straightforward: six one-touch cook programs, 10 power levels and a clock/timer display. Buyer feedback fills in how those features work in the real world — most of it along expected lines for a compact, lower-power microwave, with a clear pattern of both satisfied users and reported failures.

Heating speed and power (who this is good for)

The listing states a 700-watt output. Owners consistently note that a 700W microwave heats more slowly than a 1,000–1,200W model; that’s normal for a lower-power unit. Multiple owners describe the appliance as fine for reheating leftovers, making beverages and popcorn and for simple, short jobs — especially when space or electrical constraints make a lower-power unit preferable. Several owners explicitly recommend this style of microwave for small kitchens, dorms, offices, and RV or off-grid setups where a lower-draw unit is a practical choice.

Controls and programming

The listing emphasizes touch controls and a memory function. Owners praise the simple, familiar control layout — many note the keypad and single-button presets are easy for older users or anyone who wants a straightforward interface. That said, some owners described the door or buttons as feeling "janky" (sticky or stiff) and a few reported user-interface oddities tied to manufacturing defects.

Noise, turntable, and daily reliability

Owner reports on noise and daily operation are mixed. Several users say the unit is quiet and unobtrusive; others describe loud, unsettling noises and a noisy fan. The listing includes a 10-inch turntable; some buyers reported receiving units with turntable issues or parts that didn’t mesh properly, and a few noted dents or shipping damage on arrival. Those are quality-control signals rather than listing claims, but they show up repeatedly enough in owner feedback to be worth noting.

Packaging & unboxing notes

The listing’s included components are Microwave Oven, Turntable and User Guide. Some buyers report dents or damaged trim out of the box and state they accepted the unit despite cosmetic damage; a few others report missing or ill-fitting turntable components that prevented normal operation. Expect to inspect the unit at delivery and test basic functions immediately if you can.

Materials & build quality

The listing lists material type as "Stainless Steel Or Painted Metal" and the inner material as stainless steel. It also lists the exterior color options and the unit weight (22.9 pounds). From those listing facts you can expect a compact metal build with a stainless-steel cavity: the listing explicitly states an inner stainless-steel surface and a painted or metal exterior.

Owners add practical context. Positive feedback repeatedly calls out the microwave as a standard, simple, compact unit — many owners say the control panel and basic layout look identical to other small 700W microwaves on the market, which suggests shared OEM designs. Several owners praise the easy-to-clean interior and the sealed touch controls. On the other hand, a pattern of quality-control complaints appears in the owner notes: arriving dented trim, sticky doors, turntable components that don’t seat properly, and units that fail electrically after a short period. Those are real owner trends and they affect perceived build quality.

Manufacturer and listing details to remember:

• Manufacturer: EMG East, Inc. (listed).
• Materials called out by the listing: inner material is stainless steel; exterior is stainless steel or painted metal (as listed).
• Included components listed: microwave oven, turntable and user guide.

Safety considerations

Flagging safety first: the listing includes a child safety lock and the usual microwave features like defrost by time or weight and a sealed touch control pad. That said, owner feedback contains several safety-relevant complaints that should not be ignored.

• Major reliability and safety incidents reported: some owners report that units stopped working after a couple months, and at least one owner reports the unit "caught on fire." Another owner describes a unit starting itself and running continuously until unplugged. These are serious reports and appear in the owner feedback pool.
• Venting and shutdown behavior: at least one buyer described repeated automatic shutdowns tied to steam accumulation and poor venting, followed by a unit that later failed to respond to normal controls. The listing doesn’t specify advanced venting features; it simply lists the heating method as "microwave radiation."
• Door and turntable fit: multiple owners raised concerns about the door feeling sticky or "janky" and about turntable components not seating correctly. A misaligned or non-rotating turntable can affect even heating and is worth checking immediately on arrival.
• Manufacturer support / warranty friction: an owner report mentions trouble finding a valid phone number for the manufacturer when pursuing warranty or repair, and that can complicate responses to safety or reliability failures. The listing does not list a warranty length; the owner referenced buying a separate extended warranty and experiencing poor manufacturer contact.

Bottom line on safety: the listing includes standard safety features such as a child lock, but multiple owner reports about electrical failure, self-starting behavior, poor venting, and even a reported fire are material red flags. Confirm the current listing details, read recent owner reviews, and follow manufacturer instructions if you proceed. If a unit shows any odd sounds, smells, sparks, or uncontrolled behavior, unplug it and contact seller/manufacturer support immediately.

Who this is for / who should skip

Picking the right microwave is about matching your needs and tolerance for risk. Use the listing facts plus owner patterns to decide where this Farberware model fits.

Who this is for

• Buyers who need a compact, budget countertop microwave for simple reheating, beverages and snacks. The listing highlights one-touch programs and a small footprint that suits tight counters.
• People who want simpler controls: the touch keypad and six one-touch programs make it approachable for seniors and anyone who prefers fewer settings (owners repeatedly note ease of use).
• Low-power situations: owners report a 700W unit is easier on smaller breakers and lower-capacity power sources; several owners specifically recommend lower-power microwaves for RVs, cabins or off-grid setups and say these units are less likely to trip a breaker.
• Those who want a stainless-steel interior (the listing lists inner material as stainless steel) and an included 10" turntable for even rotation of small to medium plates.

Who should skip or consider alternatives

• Anyone who needs fast heating or frequently microwaves large, heavy casseroles or oversized dinner plates — the listing contains capacity/size inconsistencies and owner notes emphasize the small footprint; double-check dimension fit for your plates and containers.
• Buyers who prioritize long-term reliability and strong manufacturer support: owner reports of short-term failures, self-starting units, and difficulty contacting manufacturer support suggest this is not the best choice if you need a microwave you expect to last many years without potential service hassles.
• Households with high microwave throughput (large families cooking many items per day): consider stepping up to a higher-wattage, larger unit designed for heavy daily use.

Verdict

Listing highlights like a child safety lock, six one-touch programs, ten power levels, and a stainless-steel interior make this Farberware model an attractive, budget-friendly choice for small spaces and simple cooking tasks. Owner feedback repeatedly describes it as a classic, compact microwave that’s easy to use for reheating, popcorn and beverages, and as a practical option for dorms, offices, RVs and older cooks who want uncomplicated controls.

At the same time, a significant recurring theme in owner notes is inconsistent quality control and some serious reliability issues. Buyers report arriving dents, sticky doors, ill-fitting turntable parts, loud noise, automatic shutdown or self-starting events, and a few outright failures — including at least one report of a unit catching fire. Those safety and longevity concerns lower the product’s overall recommendation for buyers who need a microwave they can rely on for years without worry.

If you value low cost, compact size and a simple interface — and you’re willing to accept the risk of variable build quality — this model can be a practical, budget-friendly option. If you need stronger reliability, long-term manufacturer support, or higher power and larger capacity, look at better-specified alternatives or larger Farberware models.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm the capacity on the current listing — the product title references 0.7 cu. ft. while the specs here list 1.1 cu. ft.; make sure you understand which size you’re ordering.
• Measure your plates, bowls and the counter footprint against the listed dimensions (12.91" D x 17.75" W x 10.1" H) to ensure an adequate fit.
• Read recent owner reviews for quality-control and safety reports (look for comments about dents, sticky doors, turntable fit, and electrical behavior).
• Test the unit on arrival: inspect for cosmetic damage, verify the turntable rotates, test basic functions, and confirm the child lock and timer work as expected.
• Verify manufacturer support and return/warranty procedures in the current listing before purchase; owner reports suggest follow-up can be difficult for some buyers.
• If you have a specific concern about venting or smelling steam during use, follow manufacturer instructions and discontinue use if the unit behaves unusually.

Available colorways in the listing include Black, Red, Stainless Steel and White — pick the finish that best matches your kitchen or workplace. Confirm the exact size variant at checkout; the brand list shows several sizes available under similar model names, which can be confusing if you want a particular capacity.

Overall, this Farberware 700W countertop microwave is a practical, budget-friendly small appliance for straightforward reheating and light daily use — but recent owner reports of reliability and safety issues mean it’s important to confirm the current listing, inspect the item on delivery, and weigh whether long-term reliability or higher power is a higher priority for your kitchen.