Ever feel like your kitchen is missing a magic box that heats up leftovers in a flash? That’s where microwaves come in! But when you’re on the hunt for a new one, especially one that won’t break the bank, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want something that works well without costing a fortune, and sometimes finding that perfect balance feels like a treasure hunt.
So many brands, so many buttons, and what do all those watts even mean? It’s easy to get lost in the details and wonder if you’re really getting the best deal for your money. You might worry about buying a cheap microwave that breaks quickly or doesn’t heat your food properly. These are real worries we all have when trying to save money.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll walk through what to look for in an affordable microwave, making your decision much easier. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking out a microwave that fits your budget and your kitchen needs. Let’s dive in and find the best cheap microwave for you!
Our Top 5 And Cheapest Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 And Cheapest Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
Introducing the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed for your busy kitchen. This 0.7 cu. ft. microwave boasts 700 watts of power and offers 10 different power levels for precise cooking. It comes equipped with six popular cooking presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, and leftovers, making meal prep a breeze. Plus, with its one-touch express cook feature, you can quickly set cooking times in minutes. The modern black design and user-friendly features make it a great addition to any countertop.
What We Like:
- Quick cooking with six easy-to-use presets.
- Ten power levels offer great cooking control.
- Digital controls and a +30 seconds button make operation simple.
- Memory function lets you save favorite cooking settings.
- Child safety lock and mute option add convenience and peace of mind.
- Eco Mode saves energy and the sleek black design looks good in any kitchen.
- Easy to clean, with a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
- Trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger meals or families.
This Chefman microwave is a reliable and user-friendly appliance that simplifies everyday cooking. It’s a smart choice for anyone seeking convenience and efficiency in their kitchen.
2. Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking for a microwave that fits your small space and busy life? This 0.7 cu. ft., 700-watt countertop microwave is a great choice. It’s designed to make cooking quick and easy, fitting perfectly in apartments, dorm rooms, or any kitchen where space is tight. Its sleek black design will look good on any counter.
What We Like:
- It has 700 watts of power, which heats food fast.
- You get 10 power levels for just the right cooking.
- It has 6 one-touch cooking options, like for popcorn and pizza.
- Defrosting food by weight or time is super easy.
- It’s a compact size, but it still cooks like a bigger microwave.
- The LED display and interior light make it easy to see and use.
- The 9.6-inch glass turntable spins your food evenly.
- A child lock adds extra safety for families.
- The inside is easy to clean, saving you time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size might be too small for some larger dishes.
- While powerful for its size, it may not cook as quickly as higher-wattage microwaves.
This microwave is a solid option for anyone needing a reliable and compact cooking appliance. It offers a good balance of features and convenience for everyday use.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance that fits easily on most countertops. Its sleek stainless steel finish adds a touch of modern style to any kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave is perfect for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or quickly preparing a meal. The digital display and easy-to-read control panel make selecting cooking times and power levels simple.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, making cooking easy.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is super handy for quick reheating.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- The push-button door release is convenient for quick access.
- It comes with a kitchen timer and a clock, adding extra functionality.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a bit longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is smaller, so it might not fit larger dishes or multiple items at once.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for small kitchens or for anyone needing a simple, reliable microwave for everyday tasks. Its convenient features and compact size make it a great addition to your kitchen.
4. Avanti MM07V1B Microwave Oven 700-Watts Compact Mechanical with 5 Power Settings
Rating: 9.2/10
The Avanti MM07V1B Microwave Oven is a great choice for anyone needing a small, reliable microwave. Its compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office break areas. With 700 watts of cooking power and easy-to-use mechanical dials, you can quickly heat up leftovers or defrost frozen foods.
What We Like:
- Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity is just right for most everyday needs.
- Simple dial controls make it super easy to pick your power level or defrost setting.
- The 700-watt power cooks food efficiently.
- A removable glass turntable ensures your food cooks evenly every time.
- The push-button door release opens smoothly for easy access.
What Could Be Improved:
- The mechanical dials, while simple, might not offer the precise control some users prefer for very specific cooking tasks.
- It lacks some of the advanced features found in digital microwaves, like preset cooking programs.
This Avanti microwave is a solid, no-fuss appliance that gets the job done. It’s a dependable option for simple heating and defrosting.
5. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.5/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces. This microwave is designed for convenience with easy one-touch buttons and useful features like a mute function and an ECO mode to save energy. It also has handy auto-cook options for common foods.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you silence those annoying beeps, which is perfect for early mornings or late nights.
- ECO Mode is a smart feature that cuts down on energy use when the microwave isn’t actively cooking.
- The one-touch express cooking buttons, from 1 to 6 minutes plus a 30-second option, make heating up food super fast.
- It includes helpful auto-cook programs for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, and beverages, plus a reheat option.
- Defrosting is easy with options for by weight or by time.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel make it simple to see and use.
- A child safety lock adds an extra layer of security for families.
- The 10-inch glass turntable cooks food evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, the 0.7 cu ft size might be too small for cooking larger dishes or multiple items at once.
Overall, the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB is a user-friendly and energy-efficient microwave that simplifies everyday cooking. Its quiet operation and quick cooking options make it a convenient choice for many households.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Cheapest Microwave Treasure
Are you on the hunt for a microwave that won’t break the bank? Finding the cheapest microwave doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. This guide will help you find a great option that fits your budget and needs. We’ll look at what makes a microwave good and what to avoid.
1. Key Features to Look For
What essential features should you prioritize when buying a budget-friendly microwave?
Even the cheapest microwaves have important features. Think about these:
- **Wattage:** This tells you how fast your microwave cooks. Higher wattage (around 700-1000 watts) means quicker cooking. For simple reheating, lower wattage is okay.
- **Capacity (Cubic Feet):** This is how much food can fit inside. A smaller capacity (0.7-1.0 cubic feet) is good for one or two people. Larger families might need more space.
- **Turntable:** Most microwaves have a glass plate that spins. This helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s easy to clean.
- **Power Levels:** Being able to adjust the power level is useful. You can use lower power for gentle heating or defrosting.
- **Pre-set Cooking Options:** Some microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, or defrosting. These can be handy for quick meals.
2. Important Materials
What materials are common in affordable microwaves, and do they matter?
Most microwaves have similar basic materials:
- **Exterior:** Usually made of painted steel or plastic. Both are durable enough for everyday use.
- **Interior:** The inside is often coated with enamel or a special paint. This coating needs to be smooth and easy to wipe clean. Avoid microwaves with rough or peeling interiors.
- **Door:** The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The glass should be sturdy and the seal should be tight to keep heat inside.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a cheap microwave good, and what are some red flags?
Let’s break down what affects a microwave’s quality:
Things That Improve Quality:
- **Simple Controls:** Easy-to-use buttons and clear displays make a microwave user-friendly.
- **Even Heating:** A good turntable and proper wattage help food cook evenly.
- **Durability:** Look for sturdy construction. A microwave that feels flimsy might not last long.
- **Easy Cleaning:** A smooth interior and a removable turntable make cleaning much simpler.
Things That Reduce Quality:
- **Weak Door Seal:** If the door doesn’t close tightly, heat can escape, and cooking might be uneven.
- **Flimsy Build:** Cheap plastic or thin metal can feel unstable.
- **Confusing Controls:** Overly complicated buttons or displays can be frustrating.
- **Poor Heating Performance:** Some very cheap microwaves might struggle to heat food effectively.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use affordable microwaves, and what should you expect?
Affordable microwaves are perfect for basic tasks. They excel at:
- **Reheating Leftovers:** Heating up last night’s dinner quickly and easily.
- **Making Popcorn:** A quick snack for movie nights.
- **Defrosting:** Thawing frozen foods before cooking.
- **Heating Drinks:** Warming up milk, water, or coffee.
For these everyday jobs, a cheap microwave can be a real workhorse. However, they might not be the best for complex cooking or if you need many special features. A good user experience means the microwave does what it’s supposed to do without fuss. It should be intuitive to operate and provide consistent results for simple tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Cheapest Microwave
Q: What is the most important feature in a cheap microwave?
A: Wattage is very important. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Aim for at least 700 watts.
Q: Can I get a microwave with a turntable for a low price?
A: Yes, most affordable microwaves come with a turntable. It helps your food cook evenly.
Q: What size microwave is best for a small kitchen?
A: Smaller capacity microwaves, usually around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet, are great for small spaces.
Q: Are microwaves with pre-set buttons worth it on a budget?
A: They can be handy for quick tasks like popcorn or defrosting, making them convenient.
Q: What should I do if the microwave seems weak or doesn’t heat well?
A: Check the wattage. If it’s too low, it might not heat effectively. Also, ensure the door is sealed properly.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a cheap microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Many have removable turntables that can be washed separately.
Q: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage measures the microwave’s power. Higher wattage means it cooks food faster.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with very cheap microwaves?
A: Ensure the microwave has a good door seal to prevent heat from escaping. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a cheap microwave?
A: While they are great for reheating and simple tasks, complex cooking might be better suited for models with more features and higher power.
Q: Where can I find the cheapest microwaves?
A: Look at big box stores, online retailers like Amazon, and discount appliance stores. Sales events are also a good time to buy.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!