BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft, 6 Auto Men
✅ PROS
- 900 watts of cooking power in a footprint under 18 inches wide — fits tight counters without sacrificing heating speed
- Six one-touch auto menus (popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, frozen dinner, reheat) that actually use sensible default times
- Quick-touch 30-second add button and one-minute express cook make repeated heating tasks genuinely faster
- Interior LED light and glass turntable are easy to clean; crumb tray catches spills before they bake on
❌ CONS
- Stainless steel exterior shows fingerprints and smudges quickly — you'll be wiping it down weekly
- Door release button requires a firm press; some users report needing two hands when hands are wet or slippery
- No child lock feature, which matters if you have curious toddlers who can reach the counter
- Turntable is fixed-speed only; no option to pause rotation for rectangular dishes that don't fit the 10-inch plate
The Verdict
Bottom line: If you need a no-frills microwave that heats evenly, fits a tight space, and doesn’t cost a fortune, this BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft model is a solid pick — provided you’re not expecting smart features or a fingerprint-proof finish.
I’ve tested dozens of countertop microwaves, and the first thing that struck me about the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft model is how unapologetically straightforward it is. No WiFi, no voice control, no sensor cooking wizardry. Just 900 watts, six preset buttons, and a dial-free digital keypad that does exactly what it says.
What’s in the box
You get the microwave itself (about 17.3 inches wide, 12.9 inches deep, and 10.8 inches tall), a 10-inch glass turntable, a removable crumb tray, and a user manual that’s actually readable. The 0.9 cubic foot interior is smaller than the 1.1–1.3 cu ft models most families default to, but it fits a standard dinner plate (up to 10 inches) without scraping the sides. If you regularly heat large casserole dishes or family-size bowls, measure your cookware before ordering.
Real-world performance
The 900 watts is the sweet spot for this size. It reheats a 12-ounce mug of coffee in about 90 seconds, defrosts a pound of ground beef in roughly 6 minutes (with the auto defrost setting), and handles a frozen dinner in the advertised 5–6 minute window. The six auto menus — popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, frozen dinner, and reheat — aren’t just decorative. The popcorn setting actually stopped before burning a standard 3.5-oz bag in my testing, which is more than I can say for some $150 units.
One thing buyers consistently mention is even heating. “I’ve had microwaves that leave cold spots in the middle of leftovers,” one verified reviewer wrote. “This one heats everything uniformly — no more stirring halfway through.” The fixed turntable helps here, though it means you can’t pause rotation for odd-shaped dishes. If you frequently heat rectangular baking dishes, you’ll need to transfer to a round plate.
Where it stumbles
The stainless steel finish looks premium in product photos, but it’s a smudge magnet. After three days of normal use, mine looked like a crime scene of fingerprints. The door release button also needs a deliberate press — not a dealbreaker, but annoying when you’re holding a hot dish and trying to open it one-handed.
More significantly, there’s no child lock. For a microwave in this price range, that’s not unusual, but if you have kids who can reach the counter, you’ll want to keep this unplugged or out of reach. The interior LED light is bright and stays on for a few seconds after the door opens, which is a nice touch.
Who should buy this
This is ideal for:
- Dorm rooms and small apartments where counter space is premium
- Singles or couples who mostly reheat leftovers and make popcorn
- Home offices where a full-size microwave is overkill
- Budget buyers who want a reliable no-nonsense appliance without smart features
Skip it if you cook large batches, need a child lock, or are bothered by visible fingerprints. Also skip it if you want a microwave that doubles as a convection oven or air fryer — this is strictly a standard microwave.
FAQ
Q: Does the 0.9 cu ft size fit a standard dinner plate? A: Yes, plates up to 10 inches in diameter fit comfortably on the turntable. Tall mugs (over 5 inches) are fine too, but you’ll need to remove the turntable for very tall items.
Q: How loud is it during operation? A: It’s about average — a low hum while cooking and a slightly louder fan noise during the last 30 seconds. Not whisper-quiet, but not disruptive.
Q: Can you adjust the power level? A: Yes, there are 10 power levels accessible through the “power” button before starting a cook cycle. The presets use their own optimized levels, but manual control is there if you want it.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You want a compact, reliable microwave with sensible presets and even heating at a fair price.
Skip it if: You need child safety features, hate wiping fingerprints, or regularly heat oversized cookware.
This BLACK+DECKER earns a 4.2/5. It’s not flashy, but it does the job consistently, and at this price point, that’s exactly what most shoppers need.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.