If you want a microwave without all the bells and whistles, something basic and perhaps small enough to fit in a dorm or apartment, then you’ll want the AmazonBasics Microwave Smart Microwave Works with Alexa. If you didn’t notice, it also has the potential to link with Alexa to open voice commands. With its niche use and performance, it may earn a place on your counter as one of the best kitchen appliances, or one of the best microwaves.
Related: Looking for an air fryer that also has dehydrating capabilities? Read the 1550 Watt Reheating Dehydrating review
Why We Like It – AmazonBasics Microwave Smart Microwave Works with Alexa
While plain and basic, this affordable microwave has everything you need and is small enough for any apartment or dorm, with the added benefit of being a smart device.
- Ideal in small apartments and dorms
- Can control with voice commands
- Very affordable
- Some features only available with an Amazon Echo speaker
- Very plain design
Related: In case you want an avocado slicer, read the Amco 8685 Avocado Slicer Pitter review
Performance
For a small microwave, the AmazonBasics Microwave is pretty decent at its job. It isn’t the most powerful, only peaking at 700 watts, but it knocks out all the basic features like defrosting and popcorn—certainly more versatile than the Dash DEC005BK. It’s as basic as you can get before being useless, but what this microwave has that none of the best appliances, like the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1, is it’s a smart microwave. Yes, as an Alexa enabled device, you can connect it with the Amazon Alexa app and open up voice controls. Simply press the ask Alexa button and use the “say Alexa” command to get started. For example, “Alexa reheat one cup of coffee” or “Alexa microwave one bowl of popcorn” and so on. On a separate topic, if you are looking for a lightning fast car charger for your Apple devices, check out the Amazon basics coiled cable lightning car charger review.
Design
Now let’s talk about design or rather, lack thereof. The AmazonBasics Microwave Smart Microwave Works with Alexa is by far the most basic-looking microwave we’ve seen. The irony that it’s a part of Amazon’s Basic line is not lost on us either. It truly is basic. But is that a bad thing? Not really. The microwave works, and that’s all the matter to us in the end. It has a kitchen timer, defrost, and popcorn button for popcorn replenishment. For something with wider appeal, the Ninja FD401 Foodi 8-qt. 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Cooker & Air Fryer might be more valuable. How do you plan on cleaning your microwave? For a good solution, click our Angry mama microwave cleaner review.
Value
Continuing our AmazonBasics Microwave review, let’s talk value. Who is this for? Well, give that it is a small microwave and isn’t the most powerful, it’s perfect for smart homes—preferably homes that view microwaves as niche appliances. Something you use when you need it, but largely left in the corner. At the same time, the Alexa integration obviously means you need an Amazon Echo device. It’s the only way you can take advantage of the Alexa voice commands, unfortunately. Still, when you remove that aspect, you still have a decent microwave for a good price.
AmazonBasics Microwave Smart Microwave Works with Alexa Wrap Up
For someone in a small apartment or dorm, having a small microwave is a godsend. After all, frozen meals only need a microwave! It’s plain, yes, but you can expand its use through an Amazon Echo device, provided you have access to one. And if you don’t, that’s okay—the microwave is only $60, and still works as a decent appliance.
