A microwave with a +30-second button makes it easy to extend a cooking cycle without entering a new time. The best fit depends on more than that shortcut: capacity, wattage, preset options, and countertop space all affect everyday use. The picks below range from compact 700-watt models to a roomier 1.1-cubic-foot option. One important distinction: the West Bend’s supplied feature list does not specifically mention a +30-second button, so check its control panel before buying if that feature is essential.
Quick Comparison
| Microwave | Capacity | Power | Quick-time feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave | 0.7 cu. ft. | 700 watts | +30 seconds; number-key minute entry | Small kitchens and simple reheating |
| Chefman Countertop Microwave | 1.1 cu. ft. | 1,000 watts | +30 seconds; number-key minute entry | More interior room and higher power |
| Farberware Stainless Steel Microwave Oven | 0.9 cu. ft. | 900 watts | Express Cook and +30 seconds | Preset variety in a compact size |
| West Bend Countertop Microwave | 0.7 cu. ft. | 700 watts | +30-second button not specified | Compact cooking with defrost options |
| Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven | 0.7 cu. ft. | 700 watts | Express Cook and +30 seconds | Small spaces and preset cooking |
Our Picks: Best Microwave With 30 Second Button reviews
1. Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave: Best for Small Spaces
This Chefman is the smallest-capacity option in the roundup, with a 0.7-cubic-foot interior and 700 watts of power. Its compact format is aimed at kitchens where counter space matters, such as an apartment, dorm, or office. The listed stainless finish gives it a more polished look than a plain white appliance, though the available details do not specify its exact dimensions.
The +30-second control is handy when food needs a little more time after the first heating cycle. You can also enter a cooking time with the number keys, choose from 10 power levels, or use one of three one-touch presets for popcorn, beverages, and leftovers. A mute option can silence the microwave’s beeps, and the handle includes a child safety lock.
The main tradeoff is the combination of a compact interior and 700-watt output. It is better suited to snacks, drinks, and smaller portions than to large dishes or frequent batch cooking. Compared with the larger Chefman below, this model gives up capacity and power in exchange for a smaller footprint.
Pros:
- Clearly listed +30-second button
- Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size
- 10 power levels and three one-touch presets
- Mute option and child safety lock
Cons:
- 700 watts may be a slower fit for some cooking tasks
- Small capacity limits the size of dishes it can accommodate
Verdict: Choose this Chefman if your priority is a compact microwave with a clearly specified +30-second button and useful everyday controls.
2. Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot Microwave: Best for More Power and Room
This larger Chefman offers a 1.1-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000 watts of power, making it the roomiest and highest-wattage microwave in this selection. That combination can be useful if you regularly heat larger portions or want more power than the 700-watt compact models provide. Be sure to measure your counter and check the product listing for the appliance’s full dimensions before ordering.
Its digital controls include a +30-second button, 10 power levels, and three one-touch presets for popcorn, beverages, and leftovers. The number keys can also be used to set a cooking time by the minute. Like the compact Chefman, this model includes a child safety lock on the handle and a sound option that silences beeps.
The larger interior is a practical advantage, but it also makes this a less obvious choice for a very tight counter. Its feature set is close to the smaller Chefman’s; the major reasons to step up are the extra capacity and higher wattage, not a wider selection of presets.
Pros:
- Largest capacity in this roundup at 1.1 cubic feet
- Highest listed output at 1,000 watts
- +30-second button and 10 power levels
- Mute option and child safety lock
Cons:
- May take up more counter space than the compact models
- Has three listed one-touch presets, fewer than the Farberware options
Verdict: Pick this Chefman if you want a +30-second button along with more interior capacity and power than a compact 700-watt microwave offers.
3. Farberware 0.9-Cubic-Foot Microwave: Best Preset Variety
This Farberware balances a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity with 900 watts of power. It sits between the 0.7-cubic-foot compact choices and the larger Chefman, giving you a middle ground if you want more room than a mini microwave without moving up to the biggest model in this list.
It includes eight auto-cook settings for foods such as popcorn, pizza, potatoes, vegetables, beverages, meat, and bread. The Express Cook control and +30-second button offer quick ways to start or extend a cycle, while 10 power levels allow more control for tasks that call for gentler heating. The product is described as stainless steel, but the supplied information does not give its exact external dimensions.
Eight presets make this model more menu-focused than either Chefman, each of which lists three one-touch presets. The tradeoff is that you may not need that many preset options if you usually heat food manually. Its 900-watt output is also below the 1,000-watt Chefman’s, but above the 700-watt models here.
Pros:
- +30-second button and Express Cook function
- Eight auto-cook settings for a range of foods
- 900 watts and 10 power levels
- Middle-ground capacity of 0.9 cubic feet
Cons:
- Not as powerful as the 1,000-watt Chefman
- More presets may add little value if you prefer manual settings
Verdict: This Farberware is a strong match if you want a +30-second button, a useful selection of presets, and a size between compact and roomy.
4. West Bend 0.7-Cubic-Foot Microwave: Best for Defrost Options
The West Bend is a compact 700-watt microwave with a 0.7-cubic-foot interior. Its six pre-programmed settings cover baked potatoes, popcorn, pizza, beverages, frozen dinners, and reheating. It also lists speed defrost and defrost by weight, plus a rotating glass turntable to support more even heating.
One detail matters for shoppers focused on the target feature: the supplied product information does not specifically list a +30-second button. It may still suit you if compact size, common presets, and defrost functions matter most, but verify the control panel in the current product listing if you want a dedicated 30-second shortcut.
At 700 watts and 0.7 cubic feet, it shares the core size and power figures of the compact Chefman and Farberware models. The West Bend stands out more for its defrost options and listed one-year limited warranty than for quick-time controls. Its listed features make it a practical small-space alternative, but it is not the clearest choice for a confirmed +30-second button.
Pros:
- Compact 0.7-cubic-foot capacity
- Six presets for common foods and reheating
- Speed defrost and defrost by weight
- Rotating glass turntable and one-year limited warranty
Cons:
- +30-second button is not specified in the supplied feature list
- 700-watt output may be less appealing if you want higher power
Verdict: Consider the West Bend for its compact footprint and defrost features, but confirm it has the quick-add control you want before choosing it for a 30-second button.
5. Farberware 0.7-Cubic-Foot Microwave: Best Compact Preset Option
This Farberware pairs a compact 0.7-cubic-foot capacity with 700 watts of power. It is described as suitable for apartments, dorms, offices, and RV kitchens, where saving counter space can matter more than accommodating large dishes. As with any compact model, check the listed dimensions and compare them with the space you have available.
The feature list specifically includes an Express Cook function and a +30-second button. You also get 10 power levels and eight auto-cook programs, covering options such as popcorn, potatoes, pizza, vegetables, beverages, meat, and bread. That gives this model more preset choices than the two Chefman microwaves, though its interior is smaller than the 0.9- and 1.1-cubic-foot options.
On paper, this is the most direct fit if you want a small Farberware microwave with a clearly identified +30-second control and several presets. The main compromise is its 700-watt output. If you often heat larger portions or want more power, the 900-watt Farberware or 1,000-watt Chefman may be a better match.
Pros:
- Clearly listed +30-second button and Express Cook
- Eight auto-cook programs
- 10 power levels for different heating needs
- Compact design intended for smaller spaces
Cons:
- 0.7-cubic-foot capacity is limiting for larger dishes
- 700 watts is lower than the other Farberware option and larger Chefman
Verdict: Choose this Farberware if you want a compact microwave with a specified +30-second button and a wider set of presets than the Chefman models offer.
How to Choose a Microwave With a 30-Second Button
Confirm the quick-add control is listed
A dedicated +30-second button lets you extend a cycle with a press instead of entering a new cook time. In this selection, both Chefman models and both Farberware models explicitly list the feature. The West Bend’s supplied details do not, so check its product listing or control-panel images if you are considering it. Do not assume that a microwave has this shortcut just because it offers presets or Express Cook.
Match capacity to your usual dishes
Capacity is measured in cubic feet and gives you a general sense of the interior space. The 0.7-cubic-foot models are the most compact choices here, while the 0.9-cubic-foot Farberware offers a middle ground and the 1.1-cubic-foot Chefman provides the most room. Consider the plates and containers you use most, and check the listed interior and exterior dimensions when fit is important.
Think about wattage and cooking speed
The microwaves in this roundup range from 700 to 1,000 watts. In general, a higher-wattage model can heat food more quickly, though cooking time also depends on the food and the setting you choose. The 1,000-watt Chefman is the highest-output option, followed by the 900-watt Farberware. The 700-watt models may suit basic reheating and smaller portions, but you may need to allow more time.
Choose presets you will actually use
Presets can reduce the number of steps for common foods, but their usefulness depends on your routine. The Chefman models list settings for popcorn, beverages, and leftovers. The Farberware models include eight programs for foods such as pizza, vegetables, meat, and bread. West Bend lists six settings and adds defrost options. If you prefer entering time and power manually, preset count may matter less than the +30-second button and capacity.
Measure your counter and allow for clearance
A compact capacity does not tell you the microwave’s full outside measurements. Before ordering, compare the product’s listed dimensions with your available counter space and follow any clearance guidance from the manufacturer. This is especially important for apartment counters, office breakrooms, dorm rooms, or RV kitchens, where space can be limited.
Consider the controls and household needs
Think about whether you want digital time entry, multiple power levels, a mute option, or a child safety lock. Both Chefman models list a sound button and a child safety lock on the handle. The Farberware models provide 10 power levels and Express Cook, while West Bend lists speed defrost and defrost by weight. Focus on the features that solve a real daily need rather than choosing by the longest feature list alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a +30-second microwave button do?
It adds 30 seconds to a cooking cycle with one press. Depending on the microwave’s controls, it may also start a cycle when the oven is idle. Check the product instructions for the exact behavior.
Which microwave in this list has the most power?
The 1.1-cubic-foot Chefman has the highest listed output at 1,000 watts. The 0.9-cubic-foot Farberware is rated at 900 watts, while the other listed models are 700 watts.
Which pick is best for a small kitchen?
The 0.7-cubic-foot Chefman and Farberware models are the compact choices with a clearly specified +30-second button. Compare their outside dimensions with your counter before buying.
Does the West Bend microwave have a +30-second button?
The supplied West Bend feature information does not specifically mention one. If the button is a must-have, check the product listing or ask the seller to confirm before purchasing.
Is a higher-wattage microwave always the better choice?
Not necessarily. Higher wattage can be useful when you want more power, but a compact lower-wattage model may be enough for drinks, snacks, and smaller portions. Consider your typical food, available space, and preferred capacity.
Are preset buttons necessary if a microwave has a +30-second button?
No. Presets provide shortcuts for certain foods, while the +30-second button is useful for extending cooking time. If you usually set time and power manually, you may not need many presets.
Final Recommendation
For most shoppers who want a clearly specified +30-second button and more room and power, the 1.1-cubic-foot Chefman is the strongest all-around fit in this group. Choose the compact Chefman or 0.7-cubic-foot Farberware if counter space is the priority; the Farberware adds more preset options, while the Chefman includes a mute option and child safety lock. The 0.9-cubic-foot Farberware offers a useful middle ground. The West Bend is worth considering for its defrost features, but verify the quick-add control before choosing it specifically for a 30-second button.