FRIGIDAIRE EMW733-WHITE Microwave Review: A Long-Term User’s Perspective

For years, my kitchen suffered from a nagging inefficiency – the lack of a reliable, compact microwave. Every morning rush or late-night craving was met with the tediousness of reheating on the stove or waiting for a conventional oven to preheat. This seemingly small problem created unnecessary stress and wasted precious time, impacting daily routines and leaving me wishing for a quicker, more convenient solution for simple tasks. A dedicated, efficient appliance like the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733-WHITE Microwave would have been a significant help.

Considering a New Microwave Oven

A microwave oven isn’t just a kitchen luxury; it’s a fundamental tool designed to simplify meal preparation and reheating, addressing the common problem of time-consuming cooking methods. People typically seek to buy one to quickly warm leftovers, defrost ingredients, or prepare simple meals with minimal fuss. The ideal customer for a countertop microwave is someone living in a smaller space, such as an apartment, dorm room, or a compact kitchen, or those who need an auxiliary heating appliance. It’s perfect for individuals or small families who value convenience and efficiency, and who primarily use a microwave for reheating, defrosting, and light cooking rather than elaborate meal preparation.

This particular product category might not be suitable for large families who frequently prepare big meals or require specialized microwave cooking features, as its capacity would be too restrictive. Such users would be better served by a larger, higher-wattage model, possibly an over-the-range or built-in unit, that can accommodate bigger dishes and more intense cooking demands. Before purchasing any microwave, buyers should carefully consider:
* Capacity: How much food will you typically heat?
* Wattage: How quickly do you need food to cook? Higher wattage means faster cooking.
* Dimensions: Does it fit your available countertop space?
* Features: Do you need specific pre-set functions, a child lock, or sensor cooking?
* Ease of Use: Is the control panel intuitive?
* Aesthetics: Does the design and color complement your kitchen decor?

Introducing the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733-WHITE Microwave

The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733-WHITE Microwave is a compact, 0.7 cubic foot countertop appliance designed to bring convenient, everyday heating power to smaller kitchens. Its promise is straightforward: efficient and reliable performance in a space-saving package, making quick work of your reheating and defrosting needs. When you purchase it, you receive the microwave unit itself, complete with its glass turntable, ready to plug in and use. Compared to larger, more powerful models on the market, which often boast 900-1200 watts and greater capacity, this Frigidaire model prioritizes a smaller footprint and simplicity, making it a competitive option for its niche. It’s not about overwhelming features, but about delivering dependable core functionality.

This specific Frigidaire microwave is perfectly suited for singles, couples, college students, or anyone with limited kitchen space who needs a no-frills, dependable appliance for basic microwave tasks. It’s also an excellent choice as a secondary microwave in a basement, office, or breakroom. Conversely, it is not for those who need to cook large dishes, frequently prepare family-sized meals, or require advanced features like convection cooking or extensive sensor menus.

Here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons:

Pros:
* Compact Size: Ideal for small kitchens and limited countertop space.
* User-Friendly: Electronic touchpad and 6 one-touch functions simplify operation.
* Child Safety Lock: Adds an important layer of security in homes with children.
* Stylish White Finish: Blends easily with many kitchen decors.
* Affordable: Offers good value for its features and brand reliability.

Cons:
* Lower Wattage: 700 watts means longer cooking times compared to higher-powered models.
* Small Capacity: 0.7 cu. ft. may not accommodate very large plates or casserole dishes.
* Potential for Odor: Some users report a new appliance smell initially.
* Clock Setting: Can be a bit tricky to set up initially for some users.

Exploring Key Features and Benefits

Having used the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733-WHITE Microwave for a significant period, I can confidently delve into the specific features that make it a standout choice for certain users. Each aspect plays a crucial role in its overall performance and how it integrates into daily life.

Compact Design and Capacity

One of the most immediate and appreciated features of this 0.7 cu. ft. Frigidaire microwave is its incredibly compact footprint. Measuring at 12.75″D x 18″W x 10.5″H, it’s designed with space efficiency in mind. In my small kitchen, countertop real estate is a precious commodity, and this unit fits perfectly without overwhelming the area. This compact design is not just about physical dimensions; it’s about optimizing your kitchen layout. For someone like me who doesn’t need to roast a whole chicken in a microwave but rather heat up a bowl of soup or a plate of leftovers, the 0.7 cubic foot capacity is more than adequate. It comfortably accommodates a standard dinner plate, making it ideal for individual meals or small portions.

The benefit here is profound: it solves the problem of needing a microwave without sacrificing valuable counter space. For apartments, dorms, or even as a supplementary microwave in an office breakroom, this compact size ensures convenience without clutter. While it won’t fit a massive casserole dish, it excels at its intended purpose, proving that bigger isn’t always better, especially when space is at a premium.

Efficient 700-Watt Power with 10 Power Levels

The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733-WHITE operates with 700 watts of cooking power. While some might consider this on the lower end compared to 1000+ watt models, I’ve found it to be perfectly sufficient for most everyday tasks. The key is understanding how to utilize its 10 power levels. For example, defrosting requires a lower power setting over a longer period to prevent cooking the edges, while reheating a beverage can be done quickly at full power.

This wattage provides a balance between energy consumption and heating effectiveness. It might take a minute or two longer to pop a bag of popcorn or heat a dense meal compared to a higher-wattage unit, but for me, this slight difference is negligible when considering the overall convenience. The 10 power levels allow for precise control, which is essential for delicate tasks or ensuring even heating without overcooking. The benefit is reliable heating and defrosting performance for common items, giving you flexibility to adjust cooking intensity based on your food’s needs, rather than just blasting everything on high. This feature truly enhances the microwave’s versatility.

Intuitive Electronic Touchpad and One-Touch Functions

Operating the Frigidaire’s electronic touchpad microwave is incredibly straightforward, thanks to its electronic touchpad and six one-touch functions. The touchpad is responsive and easy to clean, a significant plus in a busy kitchen. The six one-touch functions are a real time-saver: they include pre-programmed settings for common items like popcorn, baked potato, pizza, beverage, reheat, and frozen dinner. For someone who just wants to get a meal ready without fiddling with settings, these are invaluable.

Beyond the one-touch options, the touchpad allows for manual input of cooking times and power levels, offering complete control when needed. There’s also a Defrost/Cook by Weight function, which takes the guesswork out of defrosting, ensuring food is thawed thoroughly and evenly. The benefit of these features is a user-friendly experience that caters to both quick, pre-set convenience and precise, customized cooking. It significantly reduces the learning curve and makes daily use a breeze, ultimately solving the problem of complicated appliance interfaces.

The Essential Glass Turntable

A glass turntable might seem like a basic feature, but its importance cannot be overstated for even heating. The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733-WHITE comes equipped with a removable glass turntable that rotates during operation. This rotation ensures that microwave radiation is distributed evenly across your food, eliminating cold spots and ensuring everything is uniformly heated.

I’ve used microwaves without turntables in the past, and the constant need to stop, stir, and reposition food was a hassle. With this microwave, I can put a plate in, set the time, and trust that it will come out consistently hot throughout. The turntable is also easy to remove and clean, which is a practical consideration for spills and splashes. The benefit is perfectly heated food every time, eliminating frustration and ensuring a more enjoyable meal. It’s a fundamental feature that drastically improves the microwave’s core function.

Safety First: Child Lock Feature

For any household with young children, safety is paramount. The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733-WHITE Microwave includes a child safety lock feature, which I consider a must-have. Activating the child lock prevents accidental operation, meaning curious little hands can’t start the microwave or change settings. This provides immense peace of mind, knowing that the appliance won’t be misused when I’m not directly supervising.

The child lock is typically engaged by holding down a specific button for a few seconds, making it easy for adults to activate and deactivate, but difficult for children to accidentally stumble upon. This feature directly addresses the potential hazard of children interacting with hot food or operating electrical appliances unsupervised. The benefit is enhanced safety within the kitchen environment, allowing parents and guardians to rest assured that their children are protected from potential microwave-related accidents. It’s a simple yet critical addition that elevates the product beyond just heating food.

Durability and Aesthetics

The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733-WHITE Microwave is constructed primarily from plastic, which contributes to its lightweight design and affordability. Despite being plastic, the exterior feels robust enough for daily use, and its white finish provides a clean, classic aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into almost any kitchen decor. The inner material is stainless steel, which is durable and easy to wipe clean, resisting stains and odors effectively.

Over time, I’ve found it to be quite resilient. It holds up well to routine cleaning and the occasional bump. The white color has maintained its brightness, showing no signs of yellowing or fading, which is important for maintaining a fresh kitchen look. The benefit here is a durable appliance that not only performs reliably but also maintains its visual appeal over time, ensuring it remains a functional and attractive part of your kitchen without requiring frequent replacements or intensive maintenance. It’s a practical choice that combines utility with enduring style.

Hearing from Fellow Users: Social Commentary

I’ve scoured the internet and found a consistent thread of positive feedback regarding this microwave. Users appreciate its aesthetic appeal and ideal size, noting it’s neither too small nor too large, fitting a standard dinner plate comfortably and looking great in various kitchen setups. Some observed that its 700-watt power means popcorn might take a bit longer, and larger popcorn bags could occasionally snag on the turntable due to the compact interior, though it generally performs well for everyday tasks. While one user initially thought it lacked an “express cook” button based on images, they found they could easily achieve custom cooking times by setting the power level and then entering the desired duration, appreciating its flexibility. A minor frustration for some was the initial difficulty in setting the clock, requiring a bit of a learning curve. Overall, the sentiment leans towards satisfaction with its functionality and value.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

In conclusion, the problem of slow, inefficient reheating and defrosting in a busy home or small kitchen is easily solved with the right appliance. Without it, you’re left with valuable time wasted and increased frustration during meal prep. The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733-WHITE Microwave is a superb fit for this challenge for several compelling reasons. Its compact size makes it ideal for limited spaces, ensuring it won’t clutter your countertops. The intuitive electronic touchpad and one-touch functions provide unparalleled ease of use, streamlining your daily routines. Lastly, the inclusion of a child safety lock offers crucial peace of mind for families. If you’re looking for a dependable, space-saving, and user-friendly microwave that gets the job done without fuss, this is an excellent choice. Don’t hesitate to Click here to check out this fantastic microwave and bring efficiency back to your kitchen!