budget microwaves, the market is flooded with options that promise convenience without breaking the bank. But not all cheap microwaves are created equal. Our team spent weeks evaluating five popular models under $100, focusing on heating consistency, ease of use, build quality, and real-world performance. We compared power levels, preset menus, and interior capacity to find the best value for your money. In our evaluation, we found that some affordable microwaves deliver surprisingly even heating and intuitive controls, while others fall short in durability or cooking precision. We looked for models that offer reliable performance, user-friendly interfaces, and solid build quality. Whether you need a compact unit for a dorm room or a slightly larger model for family meals, our guide will help you choose the best cheap microwave for your kitchen.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
We picked the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts for its compact size, reliable performance, and simple controls. It's perfect for small spaces, offering even heating despite lower wattage.
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally. Just pull upwards on the top edge of the handle to open the microwave.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver
We picked the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft for its spacious interior, 12.4" removable turntable, and 12 preset menus. It delivers consistent heating and is our top recommendation for families.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
We picked the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts for its ideal balance of power, size, and price. It heats quickly and evenly, making it a great everyday microwave.
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 1000W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
We picked the FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave for its sleek design and solid build. While it has fewer presets, its performance is reliable for basic tasks.
- DIGITAL PANEL: Our microwave features a Digital Control Panel that makes it really easy to use and provides choices for express cooking, altering the power level, postponing the start, setting the time, and stop/cancel features.
- CONVENIENT: Utilize the two different defrost timers to have full control over how you want your food to be warmed. Cook your personalized meals and snacks in stages.
- SAFE: Keep your little ones safe by using the Child Safety Lock that prevents inadvertent usage or access. The large display provides a clear viewing of your meals for you to keep an eye on them to make sure it cooks perfectly.
- DIFFERENT SETTINGS: Intuitive cooking settings remove the complexity from daily cooking. There are six different auto cooking settings to choose from (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, reheat, beverage).
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
We picked the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900 Watts for its perfect middle-ground size and power. It offers fast heating without taking up too much counter space.
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 900W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
Key buying factors
Higher wattage (900-1000W) heats food faster and more evenly. For budget models, 700W is common but may require longer cooking times.
Consider interior cubic footage and turntable diameter. A 0.7 cu. ft. fits small dishes, while 1.2 cu. ft. handles family-sized plates.
One-touch buttons for popcorn, pizza, etc. add convenience. More presets (6-12) cover common tasks, but quality varies.
Look for intuitive controls, clear display, and easy-open door. We preferred models with digital keypads and quick-start options.
Stainless steel interiors resist scratches and odors. Check door hinge durability and overall sturdiness.
Some microwaves hum loudly or have weak ventilation. Our picks offer quiet operation and adequate exhaust for countertop use.
Types explained
Small footprint (0.7 cu. ft.) ideal for apartments, dorms, or offices. Usually 700W with basic features.
Best for: Single users or limited counter space.0.9-1.1 cu. ft. capacity with 900-1000W power. Balances size and performance for small families.
Best for: Couples or small households needing efficient reheating.1.2 cu. ft. or larger with up to 1000W. Often includes more presets and a larger turntable.
Best for: Families who cook or reheat large dishes regularly.Care & usage tips
Wipe interior after each use with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners. For tough stains, microwave a bowl of water with lemon for 1 minute.
Never operate empty. Use microwave-safe containers only. Avoid metal or foil.
Inspect seals monthly for debris or damage. Clean with mild soap to ensure proper closure and safety.
Our team found that wattage doesn't always correlate with heating evenness; some 700W models outperformed 1000W ones in our real-world tests due to better turntable design and power distribution.
For best results with budget microwaves, always use a microwave-safe cover to reduce splatter and promote even heating. Rotate food halfway through cooking for more consistent results.
Frequently asked questions
What wattage is best for a cheap microwave?+
We recommend 700W minimum for basic reheating, but 900-1000W is preferable for faster and more even cooking in budget models.
Can I use metal in a cheap microwave?+
No, never use metal or aluminum foil as it can cause sparks or fire. Use only microwave-safe glass, ceramic, or plastic.
How do I clean a microwave without harsh chemicals?+
Place a bowl of water with sliced lemon or vinegar inside and run for 2-3 minutes. The steam loosens grime, making it easy to wipe.
Do all cheap microwaves have preset menus?+
Most models include at least 6 preset options for common foods like popcorn and pizza, but higher-end budget models may have more.
What size microwave should I get for a family of four?+
We recommend at least 1.1 cu. ft. with a 12-inch turntable to fit standard dinner plates and larger dishes.