Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft, 0.9 Cu. Ft and
✅ PROS
- 700W of actual cooking power in a chassis that fits under most standard upper cabinets — a rare combo at this size
- Push-button door release and stainless steel finish hide fingerprints far better than cheaper black plastic alternatives
- Six one-touch presets (popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, frozen dinner, reheat) that actually use sensible time/power combos, not guesswork
❌ CONS
- The 0.7 cu ft interior is genuinely tight — a standard dinner plate only fits if you remove the turntable, which defeats the purpose
- Power output drops noticeably on lower settings; defrosting large items takes patience and manual attention, not set-and-forget
The Verdict
Let’s cut through the noise: countertop microwaves under 1.0 cubic foot are a crowded field of cheap plastic boxes that all look and perform the same. The Chefman 0.7 and 0.9 cu ft models are trying to be different — and for the most part, they succeed. Here’s what 215 Amazon reviewers (averaging 4.3 stars) are actually saying, plus what the specs sheet doesn’t tell you.
What You’re Actually Getting
The Chefman ships with the microwave, a glass turntable, rotating ring, and a basic user manual. No frills, no accessories you’ll throw in a drawer. The unit itself is compact — roughly 17.5 inches wide and 12 inches tall for the 0.7 cu ft model — which means it fits under standard upper cabinets without that awkward gap. The stainless steel exterior is the standout feature here; it resists smudges far better than the gloss-black finishes on competing units from Farberware or RCA.
The control panel is straightforward: a digital LED display, six one-touch presets, and a push-button door release. The door mechanism deserves a mention because it’s genuinely satisfying — a firm click, no flimsy plastic latch that’ll break in six months.
Performance: Where It Excels and Where It Struggles
Power output is 700W, which is standard for this size class. Here’s what that means in practice: leftovers reheat evenly in 60-90 seconds, a cup of coffee gets properly hot in about two minutes, and frozen dinners take roughly the stated time on the package. The 700W is honest — some budget brands inflate their wattage claims, but Chefman’s numbers check out.
The one-touch presets are better than most. The popcorn button actually stops before burning (a rarity at this price point), and the potato preset uses a sensible power cycling pattern rather than just blasting full power. One reviewer noted: “The reheat button is the most used feature in my kitchen — it somehow knows not to turn my pasta into a rubbery mess.” That tracks with what I’ve seen from other owners.
Where it falls short: defrosting. The lower power settings pulse in a way that leaves edges cooked while centers stay frozen. If you regularly defrost meat, plan to babysit the process and flip items manually. Also, the 0.7 cu ft interior is smaller than you think. A standard 10-inch dinner plate only fits if you remove the turntable — and then you lose the rotating cooking function. The 0.9 cu ft version fixes this, but it’s a bigger footprint.
What Owners Consistently Praise
- Size-to-power ratio: “Finally a microwave that doesn’t eat my entire counter but still heats like a real appliance.” This sentiment appears repeatedly across reviews.
- Build quality: Multiple reviewers compared the Chefman favorably to pricier units from major brands, noting the door hinge feels solid and the stainless doesn’t scratch easily.
- Noise level: The unit hums quietly during operation — noticeably softer than the rattling you get from some budget competitors.
Where It Genuinely Disappoints
The interior light is dim — you’ll struggle to see food clearly, especially in a dark kitchen. It’s a minor annoyance, but one you’ll notice every single day.
The cord is short (about 3 feet), which limits placement options if your outlet is awkwardly positioned. And while the presets are good, the custom cook time button requires scrolling through settings — a small UX miss that slows down frequent use.
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You have a dorm room, office kitchen, small apartment, or RV. You want a microwave that heats properly without dominating your counter space. You value a finish that won’t look grimy after a week.
Skip it if: You regularly cook for more than two people. You need to defrost large cuts of meat. You want to fit standard dinner plates without removing the turntable. In those cases, step up to the 0.9 cu ft version or a 1.1 cu ft model from a bigger brand.
FAQ
Q: Does the stainless steel really resist fingerprints? A: Better than black plastic, but it’s not magic. It shows smudges less often and they wipe off more easily. Expect to wipe it down weekly, not daily.
Q: Can I fit a standard dinner plate inside? A: On the 0.7 cu ft model, only if you remove the turntable — which kills even heating. The 0.9 cu ft version handles standard plates fine. Budget accordingly.
Q: How loud is it during operation? A: Noticeably quieter than most budget microwaves. There’s a soft hum during cooking and a gentle chime when done. No rattling, no harsh beeping.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Chefman is a genuinely good compact microwave that respects its limitations. It doesn’t try to be a full-size appliance — it’s a well-built, honest performer for small spaces. The dim interior light and tight turntable clearance keep it from a perfect score, but for the price and footprint, it’s hard to beat.
Buy it if you need a reliable, good-looking compact microwave for light daily use. Skip it if you need real capacity or frequent defrosting — those buyers should look elsewhere.
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.