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Cuisinart CMW-100 Microwave Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Jul 10, 2024 at 10:13 am

The Cuisinart CMW-100 is a medium-sized microwave priced in the mid-range. It has programs one might expect from a microwave, like a 'Popcorn' program and defrost and reheat modes. However, it doesn't have a steam sensor for more automatic microwaving and doesn't include a way of muting end-of-cycle beeps, so it's pretty basic overall.

Our Verdict

7.0 Power

The Cuisinart CMW-100 is a 1000-watt microwave that heats food somewhat slowly. Some 900-watt models heat food faster, like the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS.

Pros
  • Lots of quick-start programs.
Cons
  • Heats food somewhat slowly.
  • No steam sensor or mute function.

Performance Usages

  • 7.0 Power
  1. Updated Jul 10, 2024: Review published.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Cuisinart CMW-100 only comes in one 'Stainless Steel' variant. You can see the label for the unit we tested here and here.

If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Microwaves

The Cuisinart CMW-1000 is a mid-range microwave. It has a medium-sized cooking chamber and basic controls like 'Popcorn,' 'Defrost,' and quick-start programs, but it doesn't heat food as fast as other similarly sized, less expensive 1000-watt microwaves like the Sharp SMC1162HS and the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS.

If you're still looking for a microwave, check out the best microwaves and the best over-the-range microwaves.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Body
Installation
Countertop
Height 13.0" (33.0 cm)
Width 20.5" (52.0 cm)
Depth Without Handle
15.9" (40.3 cm)
Depth With Handle
17.1" (43.4 cm)
Power Cord Length 3.51 ft (1.07 m)
Design
Cooking Chamber
Advertised Chamber Volume
1.0 cu. ft.
Turntable Diameter
12.4" (31.5 cm)
Chamber Height
8.7" (22.0 cm)
Chamber Width
13.3" (33.7 cm)
Chamber Depth
14.6" (37.2 cm)
Measured Chamber Volume
1.0 cu. ft. (0.03 m³)

It has a medium-sized cooking chamber. The light inside isn't very bright, so it can be difficult to see inside.

Design
Controls And Functions
Door Release
Handle
Cooking Sensor
No
Popcorn Button
Yes
Defrost Button
Yes
Add Time Button
Yes
Kitchen Timer
Yes
Mute Sounds Button
No
Lock Controls Button
Yes

This microwave has basic controls. You can use buttons 1–6 to quickly start a one- to six-minute cycle and save up to five custom programs with the 'Memory' button. It also has dedicated buttons for different functions and foods like 'Defrost,' 'Reheat,' 'Popcorn,' and 'Beverage.' However, it has no sensor cooking programs, and you can't mute its controls.

Design
In The Box

  • Turntable
  • Turntable roller
  • User manual

Performance
7.0
Performance
Power
Inverter Technology
No
Advertised Microwave Output Power
1,000 W
Tested Heating Rate At 100% Power
605 W
Performance
Shallow Dish Heating Uniformity
Area Of Underheated Dinner Plate
11%
Grayscale Range Dinner Plate
61
Area Of Underheated Turntable
7%
Grayscale Range Turntable
61

Microwaves all heat food in shallow dishes quite similarly. Heating evenness depends on factors like what kind of food you're microwaving, how much of it, and in what container. If you're interested in knowing more about microwave performance, check out our investigation here.

Performance
Deep Dish Heating Uniformity
Min. Food Temperature (100% Power)
82 °F (28 °C)
Food Temperature Range (100% Power)
118 °F (65 °C)
Min. Food Temperature (50% Power)
79 °F (26 °C)
Food Temperature Range (50% Power)
96 °F (53 °C)

You won't notice a difference between how different microwaves perform when evenly heating food in deeper dishes. Evenness depends on what you're heating, not what microwave you use. You can read more about our investigation into microwave performance here.