Yes, Farberware microwaves are good budget-friendly options that offer reliable heating and intuitive controls, though they lack the longevity of high-end brands.
You need a new microwave. Your old one just sparked its last bag of popcorn, or maybe you are outfitting a first apartment. You walk down the aisle or scroll through listings, and you see Farberware everywhere. The prices look great. The designs look clean. But you worry about quality.
Cheap appliances often end up in the trash bin within a year. You want to know if this heritage brand still holds up in the kitchen. We tested the specs, read the owner reports, and analyzed the build quality to give you a clear answer.
The Reputation Behind The Name
Farberware has been around since 1900. They started with tin and copper cookware. Today, they license their name for small appliances. This is common in the industry. It means the company making your pots might not be the exact same factory making your microwave.
However, the brand maintains a specific standard. They target the “everyday user.” These are not chef-grade machines. They are workhorses meant for reheating leftovers, popping corn, and defrosting chicken. If you expect a machine that lasts twenty years, look elsewhere. If you want a solid machine for under $150, you are in the right place.
Are Farberware Microwaves Good For Daily Families?
Most families use a microwave ten times a day. You heat coffee. You melt butter. The kids make ramen. A microwave must tolerate slamming doors and constant button pushing.
Farberware models generally handle this well. Owners report that the door mechanisms feel sturdy compared to other budget brands. The handles are often pull-style rather than push-button. Push-buttons tend to stick over time. The pull handles on Farberware units remove that failure point.
The heating consistency is the next big factor. Cheaper microwaves often leave cold spots. Farberware uses standard turntable technology. It rotates the food to even out the waves. It works for 90% of kitchen tasks. If you need inverter technology (which cooks at steady lower power), you might need a pricier brand like Panasonic. For standard blasting, Farberware delivers.
Power Output and Speed
Wattage matters. Farberware sells units ranging from 700 watts to 1100 watts. This difference is massive.
A 700-watt unit will take three minutes to heat soup. An 1100-watt unit does it in ninety seconds. If you buy a Farberware, we strongly recommend sticking to the 1000-watt models or higher. The lower wattage units are fine for dorms, but they will frustrate a family trying to get dinner on the table.
Control Panel Usability
Nobody wants to read a manual to reheat pizza. Farberware sticks to the “Express Cook” layout. You press numbers 1 through 6 for that many minutes of instant cooking. It saves time. The “Add 30 Seconds” button is also standard.
The buttons are usually membrane switches. They are easy to wipe clean. However, heavy users note that the frequently used buttons (like Start/Stop) can wear out after three or four years.
Comparison Of Current Series
Farberware segments their microwaves by size and finish. Understanding the difference helps you pick the right one. The internals are similar, but the capacity changes what you can cook.
| Model Series/Type | Wattage Range | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Series (0.7 Cu. Ft) | 700 Watts | Dorm rooms, small offices, reheating coffee. |
| Professional (1.1 – 1.3 Cu. Ft) | 1000 – 1100 Watts | Standard family dinners, frozen entrees. |
| Family Size (1.6 Cu. Ft) | 1100 Watts | Large casserole dishes, whole chickens. |
| Black/Stainless Combo | 900 – 1000 Watts | Modern aesthetic kitchens, mid-level use. |
| Retro Collection | 700 Watts | Style-focused spaces, light reheating tasks. |
| Air Fryer Combo | 1000 Watts | Small apartments lacking an oven. |
| Sensor Cooking Models | 1100 Watts | Cooking raw vegetables, potatoes, popcorn. |
Build Quality and Materials
You are paying for utility, not luxury. The exterior is usually thin metal or plastic. It can dent if you drop something heavy on it. The interior is painted metal.
One specific issue pops up in long-term reviews: peeling paint. The interior paint under the glass turntable wheels can chip after years of rotation. If the paint peels, the metal underneath exposes itself to the microwaves. This causes arcing (sparks). You must keep the interior clean to prevent this.
The lighting is another consideration. Farberware uses standard incandescent bulbs in most models. They are dim but functional. Some newer units use LEDs, which help you see the food clearly while it cooks.
Cooking Performance Analysis
We looked at how these machines actually cook food. It is one thing to boil water; it is another to defrost a steak without cooking the edges.
Defrosting Capabilities
Farberware uses a pulse method for defrosting. It cycles the magnetron on and off. You enter the weight of the meat, and it calculates the time. It works adequately. However, you must flip the meat halfway through. This is standard for any non-inverter microwave. If you ignore the beep to flip the food, the edges will cook while the center stays frozen.
Popcorn Performance
The popcorn button is a staple. Farberware presets are tuned for standard 3.0-ounce bags. If you use mini bags, you need to stop it early. The moisture sensors on the higher-end Professional models help here. They detect steam and stop the microwave before the corn burns. If you burn popcorn often, spend the extra twenty dollars for the sensor model.
Noise Levels and Sound
Kitchens are noisy places. You do not need an appliance that sounds like a jet engine. Farberware microwaves sit in the middle of the pack regarding decibels.
They hum at around 55 to 60 decibels. This is roughly the volume of a normal conversation. The cooling fan continues to run for a few seconds after cooking finishes on some models. This is normal. It protects the magnetron from overheating.
The “beep” is loud. Most models beep five times when done. Some users find this annoying. Unfortunately, most budget Farberware models do not have a mute function. If you have a sleeping baby and heat milk at midnight, this is a factor to consider. Check the specific manual for a “Sound On/Off” feature, but do not expect it on the Classic series.
Safety and Radiation Concerns
A common question involves safety. Does the budget price mean leaky seals? No. All microwaves sold in the United States must meet strict federal standards regarding radiation leakage.
The FDA regulates microwave oven safety to ensure emission limits are not exceeded during properly closed operation. Farberware units comply with these rules. The mesh screen in the door blocks the waves while letting you see inside. As long as the door latches firmly and the hinges are not bent, the unit is safe.
How Farberware Compares To Rivals
You are likely looking at Toshiba and Panasonic as well. Here is the breakdown of how they stack up.
Farberware vs. Toshiba
Toshiba is the current king of the budget microwave hill. They often include “Smart Sensor” technology at a similar price point. Toshiba models often run quieter. However, Farberware often has a more intuitive control panel. If you want simplicity, Farberware wins. If you want features, Toshiba edges them out.
Farberware vs. Panasonic
Panasonic uses Inverter Technology. This delivers a steady stream of 50% power, rather than pulsing 100% power on and off. This makes Panasonic better for defrosting and cooking. However, Panasonic units usually cost significantly more. If you only reheat coffee and pizza, the Farberware saves you money for the same result.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
No appliance is perfect. We analyzed hundreds of user complaints to find the patterns. Knowing these helps you decide if the risk is worth the savings.
The most frequent complaint involves the door latch. If you yank the door open while the microwave is running, you can damage the safety switch. This blows the internal fuse. The microwave will look dead. Always press “Stop/Clear” before opening the door. This simple habit extends the life of the machine by years.
Keypad failure is the second issue. Steam is the enemy. If you cook high-moisture foods like broccoli without a cover, steam blasts the control panel from the inside. Over time, this moisture corrodes the contacts. Using a microwave cover keeps the steam in the bowl and away from the electronics.
Warranty and Support
Farberware offers a standard one-year limited warranty. This covers defects in material and workmanship. It does not cover wear and tear or cosmetic damage.
Support is handled by a third-party licensee usually. You will likely be asked to cut the power cord and send a photo of the back label to get a replacement. They rarely send repair technicians for countertop units. It is cheaper to replace the unit than to fix it. Keep your receipt. You will need it.
Environmental Impact and Efficiency
Energy consumption is a hidden cost. Microwaves are generally efficient because they heat the food, not the air. Farberware units usually have an “Eco Mode” or simply draw very little power when idle.
When the unit eventually dies, you cannot just throw it in the trash. It contains a capacitor and other electronic waste. You should check with local e-waste recycling programs to dispose of the unit properly. Many Best Buy or Staples locations accept old appliances for recycling.
Detailed Error Code Guide
When things go wrong, the microwave might flash a code. Understanding these saves you from buying a new one unnecessarily.
| Symptom / Code | Likely Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 or E-2 | Thermistor Short/Open | Unplug for 5 minutes. If it returns, sensor is dead. |
| Unit runs, no heat | Magnetron failure or HV Diode | Usually not worth repair cost. Replace unit. |
| Sparks inside | Metal object or food debris | Clean waveguide cover (silver card on wall). Remove metal. |
| Turntable jerky | Dirty roller ring | Wash the glass plate and roller ring in warm soapy water. |
| Bulb flickers | Loose connection or age | Normal behavior on lower power settings (pulsing). |
| Door won’t latch | Broken hook or spring | Check for debris in the latch holes. Do not force close. |
| Loud buzzing | High Voltage Transformer | Sign of aging component. Safe to use until it dies. |
Design and Aesthetics
The look of the appliance matters. It sits on your counter all day. Farberware keeps it safe with Stainless Steel and Black finishes. The stainless steel models usually have black accents.
The footprint is compact. The vents are usually on the side or back. You need to leave about three inches of clearance for airflow. If you shove it tight into a cabinet cubby, it will overheat and shut down. The “Classic” series has a rounded, softer look, while the “Professional” series has sharp, squared-off edges that look more modern.
Who Should Buy Farberware?
We can narrow down the perfect buyer for these machines. You will be happy with this purchase if you fit these categories.
Renters and Students: The price is low enough that if it gets damaged during a move, it is not a tragedy. The compact size fits in small galleys.
Seniors: The mechanical controls on some older models or the simple express buttons on digital ones are easy to navigate. The handle is easy to grip for those with arthritis.
Office Break Rooms: These units are cheap to replace. When a coworker explodes a soup and ruins the interior, you are only out $80, not $300.
Who Should Skip It?
Gourmet Cooks: If you use your microwave for actual cooking (poaching fish, baking cakes, precise steaming), the lack of inverter technology will disappoint you.
Open-Plan Homes: If your kitchen is open to the living room, the noise level might be intrusive during movie night.
Maintenance Tips For Longevity
You can make a cheap microwave last five years with three simple habits. First, cover every single dish. Food splatters absorb microwave energy. This creates “hot spots” on the walls that burn the paint. Once the paint burns, the metal arcs.
Second, never run it empty. The waves need something to absorb them. If there is no food, the waves bounce back and destroy the magnetron tube. If you use it for a timer, make sure you press “Timer,” not “Cook.”
Third, wipe the door seal. Grease buildup on the seal allows minute amounts of energy to leak, but more importantly, it makes the door hard to close. Slamming the door to overcome the grease breaks the latch switches.
Understanding The Buttons
You might see buttons you never use. “Potato” is actually useful. It senses the steam release. It prevents the shriveled, dry potato skin you get from manual timing.
“Memory” is a hidden gem on Farberware units. You can program a specific two-stage cooking cycle. For example, high power for two minutes, then 50% power for five minutes. This is great for oatmeal that tends to boil over on high power.
The “0” button usually doubles as a Mute or Lock button on select models. Holding it for three seconds locks the panel. This prevents kids from turning it on empty. Check the small print on your specific model’s panel to see if this feature exists.
Final Verdict On Value
Farberware microwaves are good. They are not exceptional, but they are honest. They provide consistent heating, easy-to-read displays, and a price tag that leaves room in the budget for groceries.
For the average household reheating leftovers and making popcorn, the Professional Series (1.1 Cu. Ft or larger) is the sweet spot. It offers the power of a full-size unit with the footprint of a compact one. Avoid the 700-watt models unless space is your absolute primary constraint.
If you treat it well, keep it clean, and don’t slam the door, a Farberware microwave will serve you faithfully for years. It is a sensible purchase that solves the problem of “cold food” without creating the problem of “empty wallet.”