West Bend Microwave Review: Compact Power & Convenience
Review of the West Bend 900-Watt Stainless Steel Microwave. Find out if this compact microwave is the right choice for your small kitchen or dorm room.
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience in the kitchen is paramount. Whether you’re a busy student, a young professional living in a compact apartment, or simply looking to streamline your cooking routine, a reliable microwave is an essential appliance. The West Bend 900-Watt Stainless Steel Microwave offers a compelling solution, tackling the common problems of counter space limitations and slow cooking times, while delivering a range of features that make it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
This compact microwave oven promises a blend of power and efficiency, designed to quickly reheat leftovers, defrost ingredients, and even cook simple meals. But does it live up to its promises? This comprehensive review will explore its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if the West Bend Microwave is the right choice for your needs.
Overview
The West Bend 900-Watt Stainless Steel Microwave is a compact countertop appliance built for modern living. Its sleek stainless steel exterior and compact footprint (0.9 cubic feet) make it ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and RVs. While small in size, it doesn’t compromise on power, boasting 900 watts of cooking power and a rotating glass turntable for even heat distribution. It’s a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics, prioritizing ease of use and compact design without sacrificing essential cooking features.
The appliance is targeted toward individuals and families who value convenience, space-saving design, and a user-friendly interface. It’s particularly well-suited for those who frequently need to quickly reheat meals, defrost ingredients, or prepare simple dishes without taking up valuable counter space.
Features
Convenient Compact Design: The 0.9-cubic-foot capacity is perfect for small spaces, accommodating standard-sized plates and dishes while minimizing countertop clutter. Its compact dimensions (11”H x 19”W x 14.5”D) make it incredibly versatile, fitting comfortably in apartments, dorms, offices, and RVs where space is at a premium.
Six Pre-Programmed Cooking Modes: Forget guesswork and complicated settings! With pre-programmed modes for popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, frozen dinner, and reheating, this microwave simplifies cooking for both novice and experienced cooks. These modes automatically adjust cooking time and power levels for consistent results every time.
Speed Defrost Function: Defrosting frozen foods is often a time-consuming chore. The speed defrost function automatically calculates defrosting time based on the weight of the food, saving you time and effort. This feature ensures even defrosting, preventing partially cooked edges and icy centers.
Electronic Control Panel & 10 Power Levels: The intuitive electronic control panel makes operation a breeze, even for first-time users. Offering 10 variable power levels, you have complete control over the cooking intensity, enabling precise results whether you’re gently melting chocolate or rapidly reheating a meal.
Child Lock Safety Feature: Peace of mind is paramount, especially with children around. The one-touch child lock button prevents accidental operation, ensuring safety and preventing unintended use.
Benefits
Rapid Meal Preparation: Cut down on cooking time with 900 watts of power and pre-programmed modes, making it ideal for busy weeknights and quick meals.
Space-Saving Design: The compact footprint frees up valuable counter space in smaller kitchens and living areas, making it a perfect solution for apartment living.
Effortless Cooking: The intuitive control panel and pre-programmed settings make cooking simple, even for those with limited cooking experience.
Consistent Results: The rotating glass turntable and multiple power levels ensure even cooking and consistent results every time, preventing hot spots and unevenly cooked food.
Enhanced Safety: The child lock feature provides peace of mind and prevents accidental operation, making it a safe appliance for households with children.
Usages
Perfect for Dorm Room Living: Ideal for students needing a compact and convenient way to prepare meals and snacks in their dorm rooms.
Great for Small Apartment Kitchens: The space-saving design and efficient cooking power make it a perfect addition to compact apartment kitchens where counter space is limited.
Convenient for Office Lunch Breaks: Quickly reheat leftovers or prepare simple meals during office lunch breaks.
Helpful for RV and Tiny Home Cooking: A compact and efficient cooking solution for RVs and tiny homes with limited space and power options.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and space-saving design
- User-friendly electronic control panel
- Convenient pre-programmed cooking modes
- Speed defrost function saves time
- Child lock feature enhances safety
Cons
- Some users have reported a high-pitched noise during operation
- Door functionality has been reported as an issue by some users.
- Uneven heating when heating liquids in some instances.
- Smaller capacity compared to larger microwave ovens
FAQs
How do I clean the microwave?: To clean, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. The glass turntable is removable and can be washed with warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the interior.
What is the capacity of the microwave?: The West Bend Microwave has a capacity of 0.9 cubic feet, suitable for standard-sized plates and dishes.
How noisy is the microwave?: While all microwaves produce some noise during operation, the West Bend model has received mixed feedback. Some users have noted a high-pitched noise during operation.
Does the microwave heat evenly?: The rotating glass turntable helps ensure even cooking, but some users have reported issues with uneven heating when heating liquids.
What is the warranty on this appliance?: Please refer to the product documentation for the specific warranty details. It’s essential to register your product to ensure full warranty coverage.
Product Specifications
| Dimensions | 11 x 19 x 14.5 inches |
| Weight | 27 pounds |
| Wattage | 900 watts |
| Capacity | 0.9 Cubic Feet |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Material | Glass & Stainless Steel |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Included Accessories | Glass Turntable, Care and Use Manual |
Ratings
| Performance | 4.2 |
| Design & Build Quality | 3.9 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.0 |
| Safety Features | 4.7 |
Recommendation
This microwave is ideal for students, young professionals, and anyone living in a small apartment or RV.
If you prioritize space-saving design and user-friendly features, the West Bend Microwave is an excellent choice.
Consider this appliance if you frequently need to quickly reheat meals and defrost ingredients.
Conclusion
The West Bend 900-Watt Stainless Steel Microwave offers a compelling combination of compact design, user-friendly features, and efficient cooking power. While some users have experienced minor issues with noise and door function, the overall value and convenience it provides make it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen.
Its space-saving footprint, intuitive controls, and helpful cooking modes make it a great choice for those seeking a reliable and convenient appliance for quick meal preparation and everyday cooking needs. The price point makes it an accessible option for a wide range of budgets, solidifying its position as a practical and dependable kitchen solution.
