A cheap microwave does not have to feel cheap. The best budget models reheat leftovers evenly, defrost frozen food reliably, and slip into tight kitchen corners without hogging counter space. For students, renters, small households, and anyone who just wants to warm a plate, a simple 0.7 cubic foot countertop unit covers nearly every task you will throw at it.
When shopping at the low end, focus on the basics that affect daily use: usable interior capacity, wattage for cooking speed, the number of power levels, and how easy the controls are to learn. Helpful extras like one-touch presets, a mute or sound off button, and an eco standby mode separate a smart buy from a frustrating one. Build quality and a clear, readable display matter more than a long spec sheet, so prioritize the few features you will actually use every day.
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
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. delivers 700 watts, 10 power levels, and six one-touch presets in a compact, easy-to-use package. Its balance of intuitive controls and reliable everyday performance makes it the strongest all-around pick for budget shoppers.
- 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.
FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
The Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave in black covers all the essentials with trusted-brand build quality and a clean, readable control panel. It is a dependable, no-fuss choice for anyone who wants simple reheating and cooking without extras.
- 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).
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7 Cu Ft/700W, Pearl White
The COMFEE' EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave adds a sound on/off toggle, ECO mode, and an easy-to-use preset menu that elevate it above the typical budget unit. These thoughtful features make it the most refined option for quiet, efficient daily use.
- Two-Step Child Lock Feature: For extra protection and to prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are asked to follow new safety standard and add a 2-step child lock function
- Mute Function: Turn off all the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button for 3 seconds, which will bring you quieter cooking time
- Easy one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). With easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- Energy saving Eco mode: Minimize 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
The COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB shares the same sound on/off, ECO mode, and convenient presets as its sibling in an alternate finish. It is an excellent backup pick when you want COMFEE's feature set in a different color to match your kitchen.
- Two-step Child Lock Feature: For extra protection and prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are asked to follow the new safety standard and add this 2-step child lock function
- Mute Function: Turn off all the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button for 3 seconds, for a quiet cooking experience
- Easy one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). With easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizes 50% standby power by using ECO mode
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven - 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave offers 700 watts of power and handy auto-cook settings in a straightforward, compact design. It is the leanest, most stripped-back choice for shoppers who just want dependable basics.
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
Key buying factors
Most cheap microwaves land around 0.7 cubic feet, which fits a dinner plate and most single-serve bowls. Measure your space and your largest regular dish before buying, since the smallest models may not accommodate wider plates or tall mugs comfortably.
Budget units typically run at 700 watts, which is plenty for reheating and basic cooking but slower than full-size 1000-watt models. If you mainly warm leftovers and drinks, 700 watts is more than enough; heavy frozen-meal users may want the upper end of the budget range.
Look for at least 10 power levels for finer control over defrosting and gentle reheating. More levels let you soften butter or warm delicate foods without overcooking the edges.
One-touch buttons for popcorn, beverages, potatoes, and pizza save time and guesswork. The best cheap microwaves include six or more presets plus a quick express-cook function for fast one-minute heating.
A clean keypad and a bright, legible display make daily use painless, especially in low light. Choose a layout where the start, stop, and time buttons are obvious so anyone in the household can operate it without a manual.
Features like a sound on/off toggle and an eco or energy-saving standby mode add real value at this price. A mute function is ideal for late-night reheating, and eco mode trims phantom power draw when the unit is idle.
Types explained
The standard budget microwave with 700 watts, 10 power levels, and a handful of presets. It handles reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking for one or two people without taking over the counter.
Best for: Dorms, apartments, and small householdsThese prioritize auto-cook menus and express-cook buttons so you can heat common foods with a single tap. They trade some manual fiddling for speed and convenience.
Best for: Beginners and convenience-first cooksUnits that add a sound off toggle and an energy-saving standby mode for quieter, more efficient operation. They suit shared living spaces and anyone mindful of idle power use.
Best for: Shared homes, night owls, and energy saversFunctionally similar microwaves offered in finishes like classic black or stainless-look exteriors to match your kitchen. The internals are comparable, so you choose based on appearance and color.
Best for: Color-coordinated kitchensCare & usage tips
Leave a few inches of clearance around the vents on all sides so the microwave can exhaust heat properly, and set it on a flat, stable surface. Plug it directly into a grounded wall outlet rather than a power strip to avoid tripping breakers during operation.
Always use microwave-safe dishes and cover food loosely to prevent splatter and promote even heating. Stir or rotate food halfway through longer cooks, and never run the unit empty, which can damage the magnetron over time.
Wipe the interior weekly with a damp cloth; for stuck-on grime, microwave a bowl of water with lemon for a couple of minutes to loosen residue, then wipe clean. Keep the door seal and turntable clean so the door closes fully and food cooks evenly.
Wattage matters less than most buyers assume once you understand that cooking time scales with it. A 700-watt budget microwave will reheat the same plate as a pricier 1000-watt model; it simply needs roughly 30 to 40 percent more time. So unless you regularly cook frozen dinners that print exact wattage instructions, the cheaper, lower-wattage unit will serve you just as well in daily life.
Use the lower power levels rather than always running at full power; reheating leftovers at around 60 to 70 percent heats them through evenly without drying out the edges or creating cold centers.
Frequently asked questions
Is 700 watts enough for a microwave?+
Yes, for reheating, defrosting, warming drinks, and basic cooking, 700 watts is plenty. It simply takes a bit longer than higher-wattage models, so add roughly a third more time to package instructions written for 1000-watt units.
What size microwave should I buy for a small space?+
A 0.7 cubic foot countertop model is the sweet spot for dorms, apartments, and tight kitchens. It fits a standard dinner plate and most bowls while leaving room on the counter for other appliances.
Do cheap microwaves last as long as expensive ones?+
A well-cared-for budget microwave can last many years. Longevity depends more on usage habits, such as never running it empty and keeping vents clear, than on the original price.
What is eco mode on a microwave?+
Eco mode reduces standby power consumption when the microwave is idle, often by dimming or turning off the display. It trims small amounts of phantom energy use without affecting cooking performance.
Can I turn off the beeping on a microwave?+
Some budget models include a sound on/off button that mutes the keypad and end-of-cycle beeps. This is handy for reheating food late at night without waking the household.