BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with vs Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close

Design and Build Quality

The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 has a classic professional-style design with a black enclosure and stainless steel door frame, while the Breville BMO650SIL features a sleek silver finish with a compact footprint. The BLACK+DECKER measures 20.6” x 16.5” x 11.8”, providing a slightly larger interior space of 1.1 cubic feet compared to Breville’s 0.9 cubic feet (25 liters). The Breville is designed to fit well in kitchens with limited space, making it ideal for smaller countertops. Additionally, the Breville distinguishes itself with an 80% quieter soft close door mechanism, offering a premium user experience compared to the push-button door on the BLACK+DECKER. Both models include child safety locks, but Breville’s soft close door adds a touch of luxury and quiet operation.

Power and Cooking Performance

When it comes to power, the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 delivers 1000 watts with 10 power settings, whereas the Breville BMO650SIL operates at 900 watts. This 100-watt difference means the BLACK+DECKER can potentially cook food faster or at higher power levels, which might be significant for users prioritizing quick cooking. Both microwaves provide precise cooking options, but BLACK+DECKER’s 10 power settings offer more granular control compared to Breville’s unspecified power level adjustments. The BLACK+DECKER also features a 30-second express cooking button and a large LED display for easy timer management. Breville compensates with specialized functions like a gentle defrost to prevent overheating, and a reheat function that avoids drying or overcooking food, highlighting its focus on delicate cooking.

Cooking Presets and Convenience Features

Both microwaves come with convenient presets, but they differ in scope and specificity. The BLACK+DECKER offers pre-programmed buttons for popular items such as popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and dinner plate. This can simplify everyday cooking tasks with quick access to six common food types. The Breville includes one-touch auto buttons for reheat, defrost, popcorn, and beverage, alongside a broader Food Menu with options like reheating pizza, defrosting vegetables, or cooking potatoes. This Food Menu adds versatility for users who want more tailored cooking shortcuts beyond basic presets. Additionally, Breville’s soft close door and quieter operation increase convenience by reducing noise and door slamming, which is not a feature found on the BLACK+DECKER.

Size and Capacity

In terms of size and capacity, the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is larger, offering 1.1 cubic feet, compared to Breville’s 0.9 cubic feet (25 liters). This roughly 22% larger interior allows the BLACK+DECKER to accommodate bigger dishes or multiple items simultaneously, which is advantageous for families or those who cook larger portions. The physical dimensions of the BLACK+DECKER are also bigger, which might be a consideration for kitchens with limited counter space. Breville’s compact footprint makes it better suited for smaller spaces without compromising essential cooking functions. If countertop real estate is limited, Breville’s smaller size may be the more practical choice.

User Interface and Controls

The BLACK+DECKER features a large LED digital display that shows the clock, cooking time remaining, and kitchen timer, alongside easy-to-read controls and a push-button door release. This straightforward interface emphasizes usability and quick access. Breville’s interface focuses on ease as well, with one-touch auto buttons, a Food Menu for specific cooking tasks, and additional features like a mute button and the Breville Sound Suite that reduce beeps and operational noise. The inclusion of a soft close door also contributes to a more refined user experience. While BLACK+DECKER’s interface is simple and functional, Breville’s controls offer more customization and quieter operation, appealing to users who prefer a quieter kitchen environment.

Safety and Additional Features

Both microwaves prioritize safety with child lock features, protecting small children from accidental operation. The BLACK+DECKER includes a child safety lock and an interior light for visibility during cooking. Breville also offers a child lock but enhances safety and user experience with its quieter operation, soft close door, and mute button to reduce noise pollution. Breville’s defrost function is designed to gently thaw food without overheating or drying edges, which can be seen as an additional safety and quality consideration for food preparation. Warranty-wise, Breville provides a 1-year limited product warranty, while the BLACK+DECKER’s warranty details are not specified in the provided information.

Price and Value

There is a significant price difference between the two models. The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 is priced at $132.99, which is about 47% less expensive than the Breville BMO650SIL at $249.95. BLACK+DECKER also has a much better sales rank (206) compared to Breville (10,154), indicating stronger popularity and potentially higher customer satisfaction in its price range. For budget-conscious buyers seeking solid performance and capacity, BLACK+DECKER offers excellent value. Breville’s higher price reflects its premium design features like the soft close door, quieter operation, and advanced presets, which may justify the cost for those prioritizing convenience and refinement.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 and the Breville BMO650SIL depends largely on your priorities. If you want a larger microwave with more power (1000 watts vs. 900 watts), multiple power settings, and a lower price point ($132.99 vs. $249.95), BLACK+DECKER is the clear choice. It offers a spacious 1.1 cubic foot capacity and a straightforward, functional design favored by many, as reflected in its strong sales rank. On the other hand, if you need a compact unit with a quieter, soft close door, a more refined user interface with a Food Menu, and enhanced noise control features, Breville’s model justifies its higher price. It is well-suited for smaller kitchens and those who prioritize quiet operation and cooking precision. Ultimately, BLACK+DECKER is best for budget and capacity, while Breville excels in quiet convenience and compact design.