BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Review: Small Kitchen Hero or Space-Wasting Disappointment?

Dorm rooms, studio apartments, and tight kitchen counters all share one common challenge: finding appliances that actually fit without sacrificing functionality. The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 promises to solve this problem with its compact 0.7 cubic foot design, but does this tiny powerhouse deliver where it counts?

Quick Verdict

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is best suited for light-duty heating tasks in small spaces like dorm rooms, offices, or as a backup microwave. With its 700-watt power output and compact design, it handles basic reheating and simple cooking tasks adequately, though it struggles with more demanding jobs. At around $70-90, it’s reasonably priced for what you get, but users seeking powerful performance or frequent cooking should look elsewhere.

Best for: College students, office kitchenettes, RV owners, and households needing a secondary microwave
Skip if: You need to cook full meals regularly or frequently defrost large items

Performance & Build Quality

The EM720CB7 operates at 700 watts, which puts it in the lower tier of microwave power. In real-world testing, this translates to longer heating times compared to standard 1000+ watt units. A cup of coffee that might take 45 seconds in a full-power microwave needs closer to 75-90 seconds in this unit.

The stainless steel exterior gives it a more premium appearance than typical budget microwaves, though the build quality feels appropriately lightweight for the price point. The 10-inch glass turntable rotates smoothly, and the interior cavity, while small, is well-designed with adequate lighting.

Professional testing by TechGearLab revealed some limitations in cooking evenness, particularly with frozen foods, though the unit performed surprisingly well in defrosting tests with ground meat. The push-button door mechanism feels sturdy and operates smoothly, even after extended use.

User Experience & Daily Operation

The digital control panel is refreshingly straightforward, featuring large, clearly labeled buttons that make operation intuitive. The LED display shows time clearly, and the 10 power settings provide decent control over cooking intensity. Six pre-programmed buttons (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and dinner plate) work reasonably well, though users report the popcorn setting tends to over-pop some brands.

One standout feature is the child safety lock, which automatically engages after use. While some users find this annoying for adult-only households, it’s genuinely helpful for families with young children. The lock disengages easily with a quick button press.

The compact size means you’ll need to plan your cooking accordingly. A standard dinner plate fits comfortably, but larger casserole dishes or family-sized leftovers won’t work. The 30-second express cooking button is handy for quick heating tasks.

Value Assessment

Priced typically between $70-90, the EM720CB7 sits in the sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize space savings over raw power. Compared to similarly sized competitors like the Toshiba EM925A5A-SS (900 watts, $90-110) or the Panasonic NN-SB428S (900 watts, $100-120), the BLACK+DECKER trades some performance for a lower price point.

The unit includes essential features like a timer, clock, and child lock that some cheaper models omit. However, the lower wattage means longer cooking times, which could impact electricity usage for heavy users.

For the target audience of students, RV owners, or those needing a secondary microwave, the combination of compact size, basic reliability, and affordable pricing makes sense. Those planning to use it as their primary microwave for regular meal preparation might find the limitations frustrating.

Real-World Testing Results

During extended testing periods, the EM720CB7 handled typical college and office tasks well:

• Reheating leftovers: Adequate, though requires 25-30% longer than full-power microwaves
• Frozen meal preparation: Works but requires careful attention to avoid cold spots
• Beverage heating: Reliable and consistent results
• Popcorn: Generally successful, though timing varies by brand
• Defrosting: Surprisingly effective with smaller items (under 2 pounds)

The unit runs relatively quietly compared to some budget models, making it office-friendly. Heat distribution isn’t perfectly even, but rotating food halfway through cooking helps mitigate hot spots.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Space-efficient design fits in tight quarters without dominating counter space
• Attractive stainless steel finish looks more expensive than the price suggests
• Straightforward controls make operation simple for users of all ages
• Automatic child safety lock adds peace of mind for families
• Reliable basic performance handles light-duty tasks consistently
• Affordable pricing offers good value for the intended use case

Cons:

• Low 700-watt power means significantly longer cooking times
• Limited interior capacity restricts dish sizes and cooking flexibility
• Uneven heating requires food rotation for best results
• Pre-programmed settings need adjustment for optimal results with many foods

Bottom Line

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 succeeds at being exactly what it promises: a compact, affordable microwave for basic heating tasks. It’s not trying to be a kitchen powerhouse, and buyers who understand this limitation will likely be satisfied with their purchase.

For college students heating ramen and reheating takeout, office workers warming lunch, or RV owners managing space constraints, this microwave delivers adequate performance at a reasonable price. The attractive design and reliable basic operation make it a solid choice for light-duty applications.

However, anyone planning to use this as their primary microwave for regular cooking should consider spending extra for a higher-wattage model. The extended cooking times and limited capacity can become frustrating with frequent use.

Want to see current pricing and availability? Check the latest deals on Amazon, where customer photos and additional reviews can help you make the final decision. The unit typically ships quickly and comes with BLACK+DECKER’s standard warranty coverage.