BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft Microwave Review

Intro

This BLACK+DECKER countertop microwave is a straightforward, no-frills 900-watt unit with a 0.9 cubic-foot cavity, a removable 10.6-inch turntable, and six pre-programmed auto menus. The listing highlights a digital control panel, one-touch start, memory function, a two-step child safety lock, and 10 power levels. Owner feedback repeatedly calls it easy to use and a good fit for small counter spaces — while a few consistent nuisances show up in multiple reviews.

What it is / first look

The listing positions this model as a compact countertop microwave for everyday reheating and basic cooking tasks. Key specs from the listing:

• Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
• Wattage: 900 watts
• Turntable diameter: 10.6 inches (removable)
• Exterior: listed as Stainless Steel; inner material listed as Plastic
• Controller Type: Touch buttons with one-touch start, memory function and 10 power levels
• Pre-programmed cooking programs: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plates
• Safety feature called out in the listing: two-step child lock
• Item dimensions: 13.2" D x 18.6" W x 10.7" H; item weight: 26 pounds
• Included components: manual instruction book, microwave oven and turntable
• Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer

Owners describe it as compact but roomy enough to hold a full-size dinner plate and a two-quart reheating dish, which aligns with the listed turntable size. The control panel is the simple push-button type described in the specs, and the unit's pre-programmed menus and one-touch start are repeatedly called out as easy to use.

Who this is a good gift for

This is a practical gift choice when the recipient needs a compact, straightforward countertop microwave. Concrete recipient fits:

For a college student or dorm resident

Assumption: the dorm allows a countertop microwave and the student needs simple reheating and frozen-meal cooking. The 0.9 cu ft capacity and 900W power are typical for dorm-friendly units, and owners report it fits full-size dinner plates and basic cookware, which matters when space is tight.

For someone in a small apartment or kitchenette

Assumption: limited counter or cabinet space. The listing dimensions (18.6" W x 13.2" D x 10.7" H) and 26-pound weight make it easy to move and tuck into small spaces; owners praise the fit in prebuilt cabinet openings and shallow cabinets.

For a home office or shared work kitchen

Assumption: occasional reheating and convenience over heavy cooking. The simple controls, 10 power levels and one-touch start are good for communal use; the two-step child lock is useful where accidental use by kids is a concern.

For an older relative who needs a countertop replacement

Assumption: the user prefers straightforward buttons over complex touchscreen menus. Owners call it easy to use — but note the door-opening method (see below) to ensure it matches the recipient's mobility and dexterity needs.

For a first-apartment or housewarming gift

Assumption: the giftee needs essential appliances rather than premium bells and whistles. The unit checks the basic boxes — capacity, power, and preset menus — without extra complexity.

In daily use

Owners' practical notes give a useful picture of day-to-day behavior.

Performance and heating

Repeated owner feedback is that the microwave reheats food quickly and evenly for everyday use. Multiple reviewers say it "cooks well" and that heating time is "spot on." The six pre-programmed auto menus (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, dinner plates) and the 10 adjustable power settings give straightforward control for common tasks. The listing also notes an auto-defrost system.

Controls and convenience

The unit uses a digital panel with touch/button inputs. The listing advertises one-touch start and a memory function for quick recalls of favorite settings. Owners like the simplicity — a common positive theme is "easy to use" and "great size."

Turntable and capacity realities

The turntable is 10.6 inches across and is removable. The listing explicitly says it can easily fit a 10-inch pizza on the removable turntable; owners add that full-size dinner plates and common reheating dishes fit with room to spare. That matters if the recipient routinely warms large plates or uses deeper covers.

Annoyances and small usability friction

There are several consistent minor complaints across owner feedback:

• Door-opening method: Some owners report the door won’t open with a simple pull — you must press a button labeled "door open" first. Multiple owners call this an extra step and an annoyance. The listing does not explicitly describe the door release mechanism, so this is an owner-observed behavior.
• Child lock mechanics: The listing highlights a two-step child lock. Owners say it's a solid safety feature but can be an extra hassle if the microwave is used frequently by adults and not by children; one owner links the presence of the lock to regional safety rules where they live.
• Clock behavior: A couple of owners reported the clock disappearing after use and having to be reset, though at least one updated their note to say the clock started working correctly later. The listing lists a timer and digital control but does not detail that clock behavior.
• Exterior fingerprints: At least one owner notes the exterior shows fingerprints and needs wiping — consistent with a stainless-style finish.

Materials & build quality

The listing lists the material type as "Stainless Steel" for the exterior and "Plastic" for the interior. Included items are the appliance, a manual, and the removable turntable. The model weighs 26 pounds, which is light enough to move for cleaning or placement but heavy enough to feel stable on a countertop.

Owner phrases such as "good quality" and "very resistant material" appear in the positive feedback, suggesting the unit's materials and construction meet expectations for a mid-range countertop microwave. The listing’s 10.6-inch turntable and 0.9 cu ft capacity are concrete, verifiable touchpoints for gauging what will physically fit inside.

Notes to consider when assessing build quality for gifting:

• The listing does not specify interior finish details beyond "Plastic." If a recipient prefers a full stainless interior for cleaning or longevity, the listing does not confirm that.
• There is no mention in the listing of third-party safety or energy certifications—if those matter to you, verify current manufacturer documentation before buying.

Safety considerations

The listing foregrounds a two-step child safety lock; it is described as a "mandatory safety feature" in the listing copy and owner feedback calls it useful but occasionally inconvenient. The feature is intended to protect against unintended child use, and the listing says it can be deactivated by following provided instructions.

Other practical safety and usage points from the listing and owners:

• Wattage and power: The unit is rated 900 watts. That power level is typical for compact countertop microwaves — it heats faster than lower-watt units but is not in the higher-power range used for faster cooking.
• Door-opening behavior: Owners reporting a required button press to open the door is a usability detail with safety implications for people with limited hand strength or dexterity; test the door mechanism if gifting to someone who might be affected.
• Warranty: The listing states a one-year manufacturer warranty. Owners do not report warranty claims in the supplied notes, but the warranty length is explicitly listed.
• Certifications and claims: The listing does not provide details about safety certifications (for example, UL) in the provided material. If certifications are important, confirm them with current manufacturer documentation.

Who should skip it

This model isn’t the right choice for everyone. Consider skipping this microwave if any of the following are true:

• The recipient needs a larger interior for casserole dishes, roasts, or oversized platters — the listed capacity is 0.9 cu ft and the turntable is 10.6" diameter.
• They want a microwave with convection, grilling, or advanced cooking modes — the listing only references standard microwave heating, auto-defrost, and the six pre-programmed menus.
• They require a stainless-steel interior for heavy-duty durability or ease of deep cleaning — the listing lists the inner material as plastic.
• They dislike the idea of a two-step child lock or a push-button door release — several owners flagged those as annoyances.
• The intended installation is built-in, over-the-range, or inside a cabinet without ventilation provisions — the listing specifies countertop installation.

Verdict

Buy / Maybe / Skip: For most practical gift shoppers, this is a safe "buy" for the right recipient. It's a compact, well-specified countertop microwave with 900W power, 10 power levels, easy-to-use presets and a removable 10.6-inch turntable. Owners consistently call it easy to use and praise the size for small kitchens, dorms and offices. The two-step child lock and one-touch start are useful features for families or busy users, and the one-year manufacturer warranty is standard for this category.

The main downsides to weigh: a required button press to open the door reported by multiple owners; intermittent clock behavior reported by a few users; and an interior listed as plastic, which some buyers may not prefer. None of these are catastrophic defects, but they are real trade-offs that have shown up repeatedly in owner feedback.

Check before you buy

• Measure the intended counter or shelf: the unit is 18.6" W x 13.2" D x 10.7" H. Confirm it fits both the space and any cabinet door clearance if you plan to place it under a cabinet.
• Confirm turntable fit: the listed 10.6" turntable fits a 10" pizza and, according to owners, full-size dinner plates — if the recipient uses larger cookware, this could be too small.
• Ask about the door: if the recipient has limited dexterity, verify the door opens acceptably for them; owner feedback indicates a push-button door-release in practice.
• Double-check the interior finish: the listing lists inner material as Plastic — if a stainless interior is required, verify current product details before gifting.
• Decide about the child lock: the listing’s two-step child lock is helpful for families, but can be an annoyance for people who don’t need it; check how easy it is to deactivate per the manual if that matters.
• Confirm color/finish and availability: the listing lists Stainless Steel material; verify the current colorways on the seller/manufacturer page.
• Note the warranty: one-year manufacturer warranty is listed — consider gifting with the receipt or registration info for warranty purposes.

Bottom line: this BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft, 900W countertop microwave is a solid, practical pick for dorms, small apartments, offices and gift recipients who want a simple, capable countertop appliance. It’s not a high-end, feature-rich model, but owners repeatedly say it performs the core job well and fits common kitchen items.

Colors and finishes

The product’s listing material type is listed as "Stainless Steel," and owner photos and comments reference a stainless-style finish and visible fingerprints. Because image filenames were not provided in the listing data, the conservative read is that available colors may include:

• Stainless steel (silver finish)

Final gift pick guidance

Best gift fit: a reliable, practical countertop microwave for a student, first-apartment resident, office kitchen or a family needing a straightforward replacement. The combination of 900 watts, 10 power levels, simple presets and a compact footprint makes it an efficient everyday appliance without extra complexity.

Biggest buying risk: make sure the door release and interior size match the recipient’s needs. Multiple owners mention the door requires a button press to open, and the interior is modest at 0.9 cu ft with a 10.6" turntable. If either of these are deal-breakers for your giftee, choose a different model.

Who should skip it

Recap: skip if you need a larger capacity, an interior stainless finish, built-in/over-the-range installation, convection features, or if the recipient needs an immediately pull-to-open door instead of a push-button release.

Short checklist for gift wrap and handoff

• Include the manual and the purchase/registration info for the one-year warranty.
• Wrap with a note about the child lock and how to deactivate it (the listing says it can be deactivated by following the provided instructions).
• If delivering to a small kitchen/dorm, verify space and tabletop load before wrapping.