BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven Review

In a world where kitchen appliances need to balance compactness, affordability, and functionality, the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven offers a tempting option for students, singles, small families, and anyone short on space. In this review, we take a deep dive into its features, user experience, advantages and disadvantages, and whether it lives up to the reputation of the BLACK+DECKER brand.

Key Features and Specifications

Before we get into real-world usage and performance, let’s break down the core specifications and features of this model.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Description
Brand	BLACK+DECKER
Model	EM720CB7
Color	Stainless Steel
Product Dimensions	17.3” W x 13.0” D x 10.2” H
Capacity	0.7 cubic feet
Power Output	700 watts
Power Input	1050 watts
Power Settings	10 levels
Display	LED Digital
Turntable Size	10-inch glass turntable (removable)
Pre-Programmed Buttons	6 (Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Beverage, Frozen Vegetable, Dinner Plate)
Defrost Options	Time Defrost and Weight Defrost
Door Type	Push-button release
Child Safety Lock	Yes
UL Approval	Yes
Warranty	1-year limited

This microwave is clearly designed with simplicity and convenience in mind. The key highlights are its compact form factor, pre-programmed buttons for quick cooking, and features such as a child lock for safety and an LED digital interface for easy control.

Performance

Despite being a 700-watt unit—considered on the lower end of microwave power—the EM720CB7 delivers acceptable performance for its size and price bracket. Here’s how it handles key functional categories:

Heating & Cooking

While 700 watts may not seem powerful compared to larger models (which may offer up to 1200 watts), it proves sufficient for daily cooking needs like reheating leftovers, warming beverages, defrosting, and cooking frozen foods.

Test Item	Time to Heat	Evenness of Heating	Result
1 Cup of Water	~2 minutes	Very even	Hot throughout
Frozen Vegetables	~4 minutes	Mostly even	Soft & steamy
Pizza Slice	~1.5 minutes	Slight unevenness	Hot in the center
Popcorn (100g bag)	~2.5 minutes	Good (no burning)	Few unpopped kernels

The pre-programmed buttons work as expected. However, you’ll likely find yourself adjusting cooking times manually depending on your specific food type and preference. The “Express Cooking” feature is particularly useful for quick tasks – tap a number key (1 to 6) to instantly start cooking at full power for that number of minutes.

Defrosting

There are two defrost options—by time or by weight. The weight defrost is fairly accurate and prevents partially cooked or still-frozen sections, though larger items like thick meats may require some manual turning midway through the cycle.

Ease of Use

The control panel is intuitive, with clearly marked buttons and no confusing interface. Even older users or those unfamiliar with digital microwaves will find it easy to operate.

Other user-friendly details include:

• The push-button door release, which is smooth and doesn’t require excessive force.
• A bright interior light, which allows users to monitor food while cooking.
• Removable glass turntable, making cleaning easy.

Noise Level

Noise is moderate. While some units may emit a noticeable buzzing sound, the majority operate at a standard hum comparable to other microwaves in this class. The beeping sound at the end of cooking is loud enough to be heard from another room but not shrill.

Customer Feedback

To better understand the performance and quality of this microwave, we looked at hundreds of verified customer reviews from various online platforms including Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot. Here’s a breakdown of the recurring themes:

Positive Feedback Highlights

Feature	Summary of Feedback
Size	Perfect for dorms, apartments, or RVs
Ease of Use	Simple enough for all ages
Price	Excellent value for budget buyers
Design	Attractive and sleek; fits most kitchens
Basic Functionality	Performs all essential tasks reliably

Customers often describe it as a “no-frills” workhorse, ideal for simple heating tasks. It’s praised for being lightweight and portable, and a favorite among college students and elderly users due to its minimal complexity.

Negative Feedback Highlights

Complaint Area	Description
Build Quality	Some units reported issues within weeks
Uneven Heating	Especially on larger or denser items
Noise	Occasional buzzing or humming reported
Lack of Features	No sensor cooking or convection options

While many users have had positive long-term experiences, a small percentage experienced early failure—typically within the first few weeks or months. Issues mentioned include faulty internal components or the door latch malfunctioning. Fortunately, the 1-year limited warranty provides some safety net.

Pros and Cons

Let’s consolidate everything into a quick reference pros and cons list.

Pros

Feature	Details
Compact Size	Perfect for small spaces, RVs, dorm rooms
Simple Interface	Easy to operate, even for seniors
Affordable	Great value for the price
Child Safety Lock	Adds security for households with children
Decent Power	700W is adequate for most daily needs
Attractive Design	Brushed stainless steel looks modern

Cons

Feature	Details
Low Wattage	Slower heating compared to 1000W+ models
Limited Capacity	Not ideal for family-sized dishes
Occasional Noise	Some users reported excessive humming

Final Verdict

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven fulfills exactly what it promises: a basic, compact, affordable, and easy-to-use microwave oven for residential use. It isn’t built for gourmet chefs or large families—but it’s an excellent fit for budget-conscious consumers, students, and those living in small apartments or dorms.

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