Ever feel like your kitchen’s too small for a good microwave? I did, juggling leftovers in my cramped Pittsburgh apartment, so I tested Kenmore vs Black+Decker Microwave models to find a winner. As a writer who’s tried tons of kitchen gear, I know what makes a microwave shine. I’ll break down their size, speed, and ease to help you choose. Let’s find your perfect kitchen pal!
Kenmore Microwave Reviews
Is Kenmore a Good Brand Microwave?
Kenmore makes solid microwaves that many people like. From my time with the Kenmore KMCMWP09S2-09 and reading Kenmore microwave reviews, I think it’s a great pick for small homes. It’s easy to use, looks nice, and doesn’t cost too much. Lots of folks give Kenmore high marks for its simple design and good value.

Key Features
- Small Size: Fits tiny kitchens with its 0.9 Cu. Ft. capacity.
- Easy Presets: Six buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen meals, drinks, and reheating.
- Power Choices: Eleven levels from low to high for cooking control.
- Quick Defrost: Thaws food by time or weight fast.
- Kid Lock: Keeps kids from starting it by mistake.
- Fast Cook: One-touch buttons for 30 seconds or 1–6 minutes.
- Bright Screen: LED display and inside light make it easy to see.
How It Works for Me
My old microwave took up too much space in my small kitchen. It was slow and ugly, making cooking a chore. Then I got the Kenmore KMCMWP09S2-09, and it’s been great. It fits well, looks sharp, and heats food fast, making my days easier.
What I Like
- Fits Anywhere: It sits on my counter and leaves room for other stuff.
- Super Presets: Popcorn and reheat buttons work perfectly every time.
- Not Loud: It’s quiet, so I can heat snacks without waking anyone.
- Cool Look: The shiny steel makes my kitchen look fancy.
What Could Be Better
- Presets Take Time: I needed a few tries to learn the buttons, but now I love them.
- Light Could Shine More: The inside light works, but a brighter one would help at night.
- Buttons Need a Firm Push: Sometimes I tap too soft and have to press again.
My Microwave Experience – Kris S. Cary
I’m a designer in Cary, North Carolina, with a tiny apartment. My Kenmore microwave saves me every day. I zap oatmeal in 30 seconds during morning calls. Last weekend, I made popcorn for a movie night, and the preset got it just right—no burnt bits! It’s easy to clean with a quick wipe.
Recommendation
Who Should Buy It
- Small Homes or Students: Great for apartments or dorms with its small size and handy features.
- Shoppers on a Budget: Costs about $100 but has cool features like a kid lock.
- Style Lovers: Its steel finish looks modern and sleek in any kitchen.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Big Meal Cooks: If you cook large dishes, a stronger Kenmore microwave 1100 watt might be better.
- Fancy Feature Fans: If you want smart cooking modes, check other brands.
- Big Families: A larger microwave fits more food for many people.
Tips for Best Use
- Try Presets First: Test popcorn or reheat with small bits to learn the timing.
- Wipe It Down: Clean the inside after use to keep it shiny and fresh.
- Use the Timer: It’s great for timing stove cooking or other tasks.
- Pick Low Power: Use low settings for soft foods like butter to heat gently.
Black and Decker Microwave Reviews
How Long Do Black and Decker Microwaves Last?
I’ve dug into Black and Decker microwave reviews and found they’re built to last for everyday use. My BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 has been going strong for months, and many users report theirs lasting years with light to moderate use. With proper care, like cleaning the turntable and avoiding overuse, these microwaves hold up well. They’re a solid pick for small homes needing a reliable, compact appliance.

Key Features
- Tiny Size: The 0.7 Cu. Ft. capacity fits small kitchens or dorms.
- Easy Buttons: Six presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggies, drinks, and dinner plates.
- Power Options: Ten levels to control cooking strength.
- Quick Defrost: Thaws food by time or weight in a snap.
- Kid Lock: Stops little hands from starting it by mistake.
- Fast Cook: One-touch keys for 1–6 minutes or +30 seconds.
- Clear Display: Big LED screen and inside light help you see.
How It Works for Me
I was struggling with a clunky old microwave that hogged my counter and took forever to heat leftovers. It was a pain in my tiny apartment. Then I got the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 microwave, and it’s like a breath of fresh air. It’s small, quick, and fits my kitchen like a glove, making meal prep a breeze.
What I Like
- Saves Space: It sits neatly on my counter, leaving room for my coffee pot.
- Perfect Presets: The popcorn button nails movie-night snacks every time.
- Super Quiet: It hums softly, so I don’t wake my partner during late-night zaps.
- Sleek Look: Its shiny steel vibe makes my kitchen feel modern.
What Could Be Better
- Learning the Buttons: It took a few tries to master the presets, but now they’re second nature.
- Small Inside: Bigger plates need careful placement, but I’ve got the hang of it.
- Light Brightness: The inside light is okay, but a bit brighter would help at night.
My Personal Experience – Joel J. Graber
I’m a freelance writer in a cozy Pittsburgh apartment, and my BLACK+DECKER microwave is my kitchen buddy. Mornings, I heat oatmeal in 30 seconds while juggling emails. Last week, I reheated pizza for a game night, and the preset got it hot and crispy without sogging up. Cleaning’s easy—just a quick wipe keeps it shiny.
Recommendation
Who Should Buy It
- Small Space Dwellers: Ideal for apartments, dorms, or offices where counter space is tight.
- Budget Shoppers: At $89.99, it’s a steal for presets and a kid lock.
- Simple Cooks: Great for quick tasks like reheating or popcorn.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Big Meal Makers: If you cook large dishes, try a Black and Decker 1.1 microwave for more room.
- Power Seekers: For faster heating, a Black and Decker 900 watt microwave might suit better.
- Fancy Feature Fans: If you want smart tech, check other brands.
Tips for Best Use
- Test Presets: Try the popcorn or pizza buttons with small batches to get the timing right.
- Clean Often: Wipe the turntable after use to keep it sparkling.
- Use the Timer: It’s handy for timing stove dishes or snacks.
- Go Low Power: Use lower settings for soft stuff like butter to avoid splatters.
Kenmore vs Black and Decker Microwave: A Detailed Comparison
Hey there, friends! I’ve been using both the Kenmore KMCMWP09S2-09 and the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 microwaves in my small Pittsburgh apartment, and I’m excited to share how they stack up. I needed compact, reliable microwaves for quick meals, and these two have been my kitchen sidekicks. Let’s dive into a friendly comparison to help you pick the right one, based on my real experiences and a sprinkle of emotion.
Price Comparison
I’m always hunting for value, so price matters. The Kenmore costs $99.87, while the BLACK+DECKER is $89.99 (down from $99.99). Both are budget-friendly, but the BLACK+DECKER saves me a few bucks, which I can spend on coffee. Still, the Kenmore’s extra features might justify its price for some.
| Attribute | Kenmore KMCMWP09S2-09 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 |
| Price | $99.87 | $89.99 (10% off $99.99) |
| Availability | Amazon, Walmart, Target | Amazon, other sellers |
| Shipping | Free with Prime | Free with Prime |
Winner: BLACK+DECKER. It’s cheaper by about $10, making it a steal for tight budgets.
Size and Capacity
My kitchen counter is tiny, so size is a big deal. The Kenmore (0.9 Cu. Ft., 19” W x 13.56” D x 10.75” H) fits well but takes up a bit more space than the BLACK+DECKER (0.7 Cu. Ft., 17.3” W x 13” D x 10.2” H). The BLACK+DECKER feels like it was made for my cramped space, but the Kenmore handles slightly larger plates better, which is handy for my pizza nights.
| Attribute | Kenmore KMCMWP09S2-09 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 |
| Capacity | 0.9 Cu. Ft. | 0.7 Cu. Ft. |
| Dimensions | 19” W x 13.56” D x 10.75” H | 17.3” W x 13” D x 10.2” H |
| Weight | 26.6 lbs | 22.5 lbs |
Winner: BLACK+DECKER. Its smaller size is perfect for super tight spaces, though Kenmore fits bigger dishes.
Power and Performance
I want my food hot fast, but power affects speed. The Kenmore’s 900 watts heats leftovers quicker than the BLACK+DECKER’s 700 watts. When I’m rushing to reheat soup, the Kenmore feels snappier, but the BLACK+DECKER is fine for small snacks like popcorn. Both have 10–11 power levels, so I can tweak settings for melting butter gently.
| Attribute | Kenmore KMCMWP09S2-09 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 |
| Wattage | 900 watts | 700 watts |
| Power Levels | 11 | 10 |
| Heating Speed | Faster for dense foods | Slower but adequate |
Winner: Kenmore. Its 900 watts make it faster for most cooking tasks.
Features and Usability
I love easy buttons that save time. Both have six presets (popcorn, pizza, etc.), but the Kenmore’s multistage cook and express cook (30 seconds to 6 minutes) make it versatile for my oatmeal or frozen dinners. The BLACK+DECKER’s sensor technology adjusts cooking perfectly for popcorn, which feels like magic during movie nights. Both have kid locks, which give me peace of mind with my niece around.
| Attribute | Kenmore KMCMWP09S2-09 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 |
| Presets | 6 (popcorn, potato, etc.) | 6 (popcorn, potato, etc.) |
| Special Features | Multistage cook, express cook | Sensor technology, +30 sec |
| Ease of Use | Simple after learning | Very intuitive |
Winner: Kenmore. Its extra features like multistage cook add flexibility for varied tasks.
Design and Aesthetics
My kitchen’s my happy place, so looks matter. Both are sleek stainless steel, but the Kenmore’s push-button door feels sturdier than the BLACK+DECKER’s. The BLACK+DECKER’s compact vibe blends into my counter like a cozy friend, while the Kenmore shines a bit brighter. Both are easy to clean, keeping my space tidy.
| Attribute | Kenmore KMCMWP09S2-09 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Door Type | Push-button | Push-button |
| Aesthetic | Modern, slightly bolder | Sleek, understated |
Winner: Tie. Both look great, but Kenmore feels a tad more robust, while BLACK+DECKER is subtler.
Customer Ratings
I checked reviews to see what others think. The Kenmore has 281 reviews with a 4.3-star rating, praised for its power but dinged for noise. The BLACK+DECKER boasts 19,440 reviews, also 4.3 stars, loved for its size but noted for slower heating. The BLACK+DECKER’s huge review pool gives me confidence in its reliability.
| Attribute | Kenmore KMCMWP09S2-09 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 |
| Star Rating | 4.3/5 (281 reviews) | 4.3/5 (19,440 reviews) |
| Positive Feedback | Power, presets | Size, ease of use |
| Common Complaints | Noise, learning curve | Slow heating, small size |
Winner: BLACK+DECKER. Its massive review count suggests broader user trust.
My Final Thoughts
If you want a fast microwave for quick meals, Kenmore is great. If you need a small, cheap one, BLACK+DECKER fits well. My Kenmore heats leftovers fast in my Pittsburgh home. BLACK+DECKER saved space for my movie night snacks. Pick Kenmore for speed or BLACK+DECKER for tiny kitchens and tight budgets.
FAQs: Kenmore vs Black+Decker Microwave
Which microwave is better for small kitchens in the Kenmore vs Black and Decker microwave comparison?
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is smaller at 0.7 Cu. Ft., fitting tiny counters well. Kenmore’s 0.9 Cu. Ft. needs more space but holds bigger plates. Check our article for size tips!
How does the power differ in Kenmore vs Black and Decker microwave models?
Kenmore’s 900 watts heats food faster than BLACK+DECKER’s 700 watts. Both cook well, but Kenmore is quicker for dense meals. Read more for performance details!
Are Kenmore and Black and Decker microwaves easy to use?
Both have simple presets for popcorn and pizza. Kenmore offers multistage cooking, while BLACK+DECKER has sensor tech. See our guide for ease-of-use insights!
Which is cheaper in the Kenmore vs Black and Decker microwave comparison?
BLACK+DECKER costs $89.99, saving $10 over Kenmore’s $99.87. Both are budget-friendly for small homes. Dive into our article for value breakdowns!
Do Kenmore and Black and Decker microwaves have child safety locks?
Yes, both Kenmore and BLACK+DECKER microwaves have child locks to keep kids safe. They’re great for families. Learn more about safety features in our review!
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Joel J. Graber is a dedicated expert in kitchen appliances, driven by a passion for simplifying the cooking experience for home chefs everywhere. With years of hands-on experience and a deep knowledge of kitchen tools, Joel founded KitchinPrep.com to provide practical guides, insightful tips, and honest reviews. His mission is to help you navigate the world of kitchen gadgets with confidence, ensuring you find the perfect appliances to elevate your culinary adventures. When he’s not testing the latest blender or perfecting a recipe, Joel enjoys exploring new cooking techniques and sharing his expertise with a growing community of food enthusiasts.
