A countertop microwave doesn’t have to be massive to earn a permanent spot in your kitchen. For many households in the US, the ideal microwave is small enough to sit on the counter, yet powerful enough to heat up leftovers, frozen meals, popcorn, drinks and quick meals without frustration for everyday cooking.
That’s exactly where these two models compete.
On the other hand, the TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. 900W Countertop Microwave is a small but fairly capable model with six auto menus, mute function, child lock, LED lighting, and a 10.6-inch removable turntable.
There’s also the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W Countertop Microwave, a smaller model that features six one-touch presets, express cooking, 10 power levels, a child safety lock, and an easy-clean interior.
At first glance, they seem to cater to the same shopper.
But look closer and there is a meaningful difference:
TOSHIBA gives you more power, more room inside.
BLACK+DECKER gives you a smaller, simpler countertop system.
If you have the counter space, the TOSHIBA is the more versatile appliance, with 900 watts and 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity. But bigger is not always better. If you live alone, are furnishing a small apartment, or just need a microwave for coffee, leftovers, snacks and the occasional frozen meal, the BLACK+DECKER’s 0.7-cu.-ft. interior and 700W output may be all you really need.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
If you don’t want to read the entire comparison, here’s the quick answer.
| Category | Our Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | 🏆 TOSHIBA | Better power/capacity balance |
| Best Cooking Power | 🏆 TOSHIBA | 900W vs 700W |
| Best Capacity | 🏆 TOSHIBA | 0.9 vs 0.7 cu. ft. |
| Best for Everyday Cooking | 🏆 TOSHIBA | More versatile for regular use |
| Best for Apartments | 🏆 TOSHIBA | Compact without sacrificing as much capacity |
| Best for Couples | 🏆 TOSHIBA | Better for larger portions |
| Best for Larger Plates | 🏆 TOSHIBA | Larger interior |
| Best Quiet Convenience | 🏆 TOSHIBA | Mute function |
| Best for Small Countertops | 🏆 BLACK+DECKER | Smaller-capacity design |
| Best for Solo Users | 🏆 BLACK+DECKER | Enough for many basic meals |
| Best for Basic Reheating | 🏆 BLACK+DECKER | Simple, compact option |
| Best Power-Level Control | 🏆 BLACK+DECKER | 10 power levels |
| Best for Express Cooking | 🏆 BLACK+DECKER | Quick-start functionality |
| Best Value | 🤝 Depends | Check current prices |
How We Tested and Compared
For transparency, we’re not claiming that we physically lab-tested these exact two units side by side.
Instead, this comparison is based on the specifications provided for the selected products and how those differences affect realistic microwave use.
1. Cooking Power :
TOSHIBA: 900W
BLACK+DECKER: 700W
This is one of the most important differences because wattage affects cooking and reheating expectations.
2. Interior Capacity
We compared:
0.9 cu. ft. vs 0.7 cu. ft.
We considered how that difference could affect everyday dishes, plates, bowls, and food containers.
3. Everyday Reheating
We considered typical use cases such as:
- Dinner leftovers
- Coffee
- Soup
- Pasta
- Rice
- Pizza
- Vegetables
The TOSHIBA’s additional power gives it an expected advantage for frequent reheating.
4. Frozen Foods
Frozen meals are where microwave wattage becomes especially noticeable.
Cooking instructions often specify different times for different wattages.
The TOSHIBA’s 900W output gives it the stronger starting point, while BLACK+DECKER users may need longer cooking times depending on the food.
5. Cleaning
Microwaves get messy.
Sauce splatters, melted cheese, soup, and other food can quickly build up inside.
We considered removable components and the accessibility of the cooking cavity rather than treating cleaning as an afterthought.
TOSHIBA vs BLACK+DECKER Comparison Table
| Feature | TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. | BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.9 cu. ft. 🏆 | 0.7 cu. ft. |
| Cooking Power | 900W 🏆 | 700W |
| Primary Strength | Power + capacity | Compact simplicity |
| Preset Menus | 6 auto menus | 6 one-touch presets |
| Power Levels | Multiple settings* | 10 levels |
| Express Cooking | Quick controls* | Yes 🏆 |
| Mute Function | Yes 🏆 | Not a highlighted feature |
| Child Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Interior Light | LED | Yes* |
| Turntable | 10.6-inch removable | Removable turntable* |
| Larger Portions | Better 🏆 | More limited |
| Frozen Meals | Better power 🏆 | May require longer heating |
| Basic Reheating | Excellent | Excellent |
| Small Countertops | Good | Better 🏆 |
| Solo Users | Excellent | Excellent 🏆 |
| Couples | Better 🏆 | Good |
| Apartment Use | Excellent 🏆 | Excellent |
| Regular Daily Use | Better 🏆 | Good |
| Best For | Everyday home use | Space-conscious buyers |
| Early Rating | ⭐ 4.8/5 | ⭐ 4.5/5 |
1. TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. 900W Countertop Microwave Review
TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – Review
- Fast and even heating performance
- Compact size fits small kitchens
- Quiet mute function available
- Easy-to-use preset cooking menus
- Stylish black stainless finish
- Smaller than family-sized microwaves
- No convection cooking feature
- Limited interior for large dishes
What We Liked
1. 900W Cooking Power : The extra 200W over the BLACK+DECKER is one of the biggest reasons to choose it.
2. 0.9-Cu.-Ft. Capacity : It provides more useful interior room while remaining relatively compact.
3. Six Auto Menus : Common presets make quick meals and reheating easier.
4. Mute Function : Excellent for apartments, late-night use, and shared homes.
Where It Falls Short
Not as Small as a 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Microwave
The extra interior capacity means the TOSHIBA is not the most space-saving option. If every inch of countertop matters, BLACK+DECKER may fit your kitchen better.
900W Isn’t the Most Powerful Option Available
Many larger microwaves provide 1000W, 1100W, or more.
If maximum cooking speed is your top priority, you may want a higher-powered model.
Six Presets Won’t Replace Manual Cooking Judgment
Preset programs are convenient, but portion size and food type still affect cooking time.
More Capacity May Be Unnecessary for Some Buyers
If you’re living alone and mostly use a microwave for beverages and snacks, a 0.7-cu.-ft. model may be enough.
Who Should Buy the TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave?
Buy It If You:
- Want more power than a 700W microwave
- Reheat food regularly
- Prepare frozen meals
- Live in an apartment
- Share the microwave with a partner
- Want a mute function
- Need a larger interior than 0.7 cu. ft.
- Want 10 power settings
- Prefer a removable glass turntable
- Want a compact microwave that can serve as your primary unit
Best For:
Apartment residents, couples, regular microwave users, and shoppers wanting a compact primary microwave.
2. BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W Countertop Microwave Review
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – Review
- Compact footprint for limited counters
- Six convenient one-touch presets
- Ten selectable power levels
- Child safety lock included
- Removable turntable simplifies cleaning
- 700W is slower than 900–1,200W models
- 0.7-cu.-ft. interior is relatively small
- Not ideal for large dinner plates
What We Liked
1. Excellent Compact Size This is the main reason to choose BLACK+DECKER. It works well when countertop space is limited.
2. 10 Power Levels : The range of power settings gives you more manual control.
3. Six Cooking Presets : Useful for common foods and quick everyday cooking.
4. Child Safety Lock : A useful household safety feature.
Where It Falls Short
Lower 700W Output
This is the biggest performance disadvantage compared with TOSHIBA. Food may take longer to heat.
Smaller 0.7-Cu.-Ft. Interior
It’s excellent for compact kitchens, but larger plates and food containers can be more limiting
Less Ideal for Couples
A household reheating larger portions regularly may quickly outgrow the capacity.
Not the Best for Frequent Frozen Meals
It can handle frozen meals, but the lower wattage means more attention to cooking-time adjustments.
Who Should Buy the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave?
Buy It If You:
- Live alone
- Have limited countertop space
- Mainly reheat smaller meals
- Want a compact microwave
- Need 10 power levels
- Like express cooking
- Want simple one-touch presets
- Need an office microwave
- Want a child safety lock
- Prefer a smaller appliance over maximum cooking power
Best For:
Solo users, studio apartments, office kitchens, small countertops, and basic everyday reheating.
Who Should Buy Which Microwave?
Buy the TOSHIBA If You Want a Better Everyday Microwave
Best for: Apartments, Couples & Frequent Use
For most people looking for their main countertop microwave, we’d choose the TOSHIBA.
The biggest reason is its combination of 900W cooking output and 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity. That gives you more room and power than the BLACK+DECKER’s 700W, 0.7-cu.-ft. setup.
That difference becomes more useful when you regularly microwave complete meals rather than just coffee or small snacks.
Choose TOSHIBA if you:
- Reheat leftovers almost every day
- Regularly prepare frozen meals
- Want 900W instead of 700W
- Need more interior space
- Live with a partner
- Want six preset menus
- Like having a mute function
- Want more power-level control
- Need a microwave as your primary unit
- Have enough countertop room for a 0.9-cu.-ft. model
TOSHIBA Is Better for Frequent Frozen Meals
Our Pick: TOSHIBA
If frozen meals are a regular part of your routine, we’d favor the 900W TOSHIBA.
Many frozen-food packages provide different instructions depending on microwave wattage. A 700W microwave can still prepare frozen foods, but cooking times may need adjustment.
TOSHIBA’s extra 200W gives it the stronger starting point for this type of everyday cooking.
Best for frequent frozen meals: TOSHIBA
Buy the BLACK+DECKER If Compactness Comes First
Best for: Solo Users, Tight Countertops & Simple Reheating
The BLACK+DECKER isn’t the winner for raw cooking performance, but it doesn’t need to be.
Its strongest argument is compact practicality.
The EM720CB7 measures approximately 17.3 inches wide, 13 inches deep, and 10.2 inches high, with a 0.7-cu.-ft. cavity and 10-inch turntable.
That’s attractive when you already have a toaster, coffee maker, blender, or air fryer competing for countertop space.
Choose BLACK+DECKER if you:
- Live alone
- Have a very small kitchen
- Mostly reheat small portions
- Want a 0.7-cu.-ft. microwave
- Don’t mind 700W cooking power
- Want 10 power levels
- Need express cooking
- Want six common food presets
- Need a compact office microwave
- Care more about space than maximum speed
BLACK+DECKER Is Better for Very Small Kitchens
Our Pick: BLACK+DECKER
Countertop space is valuable.
A microwave isn’t the only appliance competing for it. You may also have:
- Coffee maker
- Air fryer
- Toaster
- Blender
- Electric kettle
- Stand mixer
That’s why the BLACK+DECKER’s compact dimensions are important.
At approximately 17.3 × 13 × 10.2 inches, it’s specifically categorized as a small countertop microwave.
Who Should NOT Buy the TOSHIBA?
Skip the TOSHIBA if your top priority is the smallest possible countertop footprint.
You may also not need the extra capacity if you:
- Rarely use a microwave
- Mostly heat beverages
- Cook only for yourself
- Have an extremely small kitchen
- Already own another primary microwave
In those situations, BLACK+DECKER’s smaller design may be the smarter choice.
Who Should NOT Buy the BLACK+DECKER?
Skip the BLACK+DECKER if microwave performance matters more than compactness.
The manufacturer’s manual confirms that the EM720CB7 has 700W output and 0.7-cu.-ft. capacity.
We’d look at TOSHIBA instead if you:
- Microwave food several times per day
- Frequently prepare frozen meals
- Reheat larger portions
- Share the microwave with another person
- Want more cooking power
- Want a larger interior
- Regularly use full dinner plates
- Don’t have severe countertop-space restrictions
How to Choose the Right Countertop Microwave
Choosing the best countertop microwave isn’t just a case of buying the one with the most buttons or the highest wattage. The best microwave is one that matches your kitchen space, your cooking habits, your household size and your daily routine.
So, with the TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. 900W and the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W, this things should help you decide which one makes more sense for your kitchen.
1. Choose the Right Microwave Capacity
Capacity tells you how much usable cooking space you have inside the microwave, and it’s usually measured in cubic feet.
For this comparison:
TOSHIBA: 0.9 cu. ft.
BLACK+DECKER: 0.7 cu. ft.
TOSHIBA’s larger cavity provides more room for dinner plates, food-storage containers, bowls and frozen meals. Fisher & Paykel’s 0.9-cu.-ft. model also has a 10.6-inch turntable.
If you tend to have smaller meals and containers the BLACK+DECKER is a better option. Its 0.7-cu.-ft. capacity is perfect for simple reheating without taking up too much counter space.
If you’re a single user who primarily heats coffee, leftovers, popcorn and small frozen meals, 0.7 cu. ft. might be just right.
If you’re a couple or someone who uses their microwave heavily, we’d go with the 0.9 cu. ft.
Buying Tip: Don’t automatically choose the largest microwave you can afford. Choose the smallest capacity that comfortably fits the dishes you actually use.
2. Pay Attention to Cooking Wattage
Wattage is one of the most important specifications when comparing countertop microwaves.
Here, the difference is significant:
TOSHIBA: 900W
BLACK+DECKER: 700W
That gives TOSHIBA 200 watts more rated cooking output.
In practice, the higher power microwave should usually be able to heat comparable portions more quickly.
This is especially true for packaged frozen foods. Cooking instructions are based on microwave wattages. If instructions are based on a more powerful microwave, you may have to cook your food for longer in a 700W microwave.
Which Features Matter Most?
If you’re overwhelmed by microwave specifications, prioritize them in this order:
First: Size — It has to fit your kitchen.
Second: Capacity — Your dishes need to fit inside.
Third: Wattage — It should provide enough cooking power for your habits.
Fourth: Controls — Presets and power levels should be easy to use.
Fifth: Convenience — Mute, express cooking, memory, and similar features.
Sixth: Appearance — Important, but it shouldn’t override performance and fit.
Following this order makes it much easier to avoid buying a microwave based on marketing features you’ll rarely use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better, TOSHIBA or BLACK+DECKER microwave?
Overall Pick: TOSHIBA
For most shoppers, we’d choose the TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft. 900W because it combines more cooking power with a larger interior.
The TOSHIBA offers 900W output, 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity, six preset menus, 11 power levels, Mute Mode, memory functionality, and a two-step child lock.
The BLACK+DECKER is the better choice when your main priority is saving countertop space.
2. What is the biggest difference between TOSHIBA and BLACK+DECKER?
The two biggest differences are capacity and cooking power.
TOSHIBA: 0.9 cu. ft. + 900W
BLACK+DECKER: 0.7 cu. ft. + 700W
That makes TOSHIBA better suited to regular cooking and larger portions, while BLACK+DECKER makes more sense for smaller kitchens and lighter use.
3. Is a 900W microwave better than a 700W microwave?
For many shoppers, yes.
A 900W microwave has more cooking output than a 700W model, which can translate to shorter heating times for comparable foods.
This is particularly useful if you frequently prepare frozen meals or reheat full dinner plates.
However, someone who mainly heats coffee, snacks, or small leftovers may be perfectly satisfied with 700W.
Power Winner: TOSHIBA
4.Which microwave is better for couples?
TOSHIBA
For two people, we’d choose TOSHIBA.
Its larger 0.9-cu.-ft. interior gives you more room for dinner plates, bowls, and leftover containers, while the 900W output provides a performance advantage over BLACK+DECKER’s 700W.
5. Which microwave is easier to clean?
Close to a Tie
Both use removable glass turntables, which makes cleaning spills and food splatter easier.
For either model, wiping spills soon after the interior cools will generally make cleanup easier than allowing food residue to harden.
TOSHIBA → Best for power, capacity, couples, frozen meals, daily use.
BLACK+DECKER → Good for small kitchens, one user, basic reheating.
TOSHIBA Wins
The biggest benefits are also the most important in everyday use: More power and more practical cooking space. Factor in the six preset menus, 11 power levels, 10.6-inch turntable, Mute Mode, memory function and child-lock system, and you have a more complete everyday microwave. The BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700W is still a good fit for a certain buyer. Someone who wants a small microwave for a small kitchen, and mostly needs basic re-heating.
Simplest way to decide:
TOSHIBA → Best for power, capacity, couples, frozen meals, daily use.
BLACK+DECKER → Good for small kitchens, one user, basic reheating.
If both fit on your counter space and their prices are close we'd go with the TOSHIBA. The extra cooking power and capacity are benefits you’ll appreciate more in the long run.
