Imagine this: you’re hungry, you’ve got leftovers, and you just want a quick, hot meal. But then you look at your old microwave, and it’s… well, it’s seen better days. Or maybe you’re setting up a new apartment, a dorm room, or just looking to save some money, and a fancy, expensive microwave just isn’t in the budget right now. You want a microwave that works well without breaking the bank, but where do you even start?
Choosing an inexpensive microwave oven can feel like a puzzle. You want something reliable that heats your food evenly, but you don’t want to spend a fortune. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different features and brands. Will a cheaper one still do the job? Will it last? These are the questions that can make shopping a headache.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through what really matters when you’re looking for a budget-friendly microwave. You’ll learn how to spot the best deals and find a trusty kitchen helper that fits your needs and your wallet. Get ready to discover how to get a great microwave without spending too much dough!
Our Top 5 Inexpensive Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Inexpensive Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a great little appliance for your kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet but still packs a punch with 700 watts of power. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food super easy with its many features.
What We Like:
- It cooks food really fast. You can pick from six special cooking options like popcorn, pizza, or veggies. Or, you can just press a number to set the minutes you need.
- You have lots of control over the cooking. It has 10 different power levels, so you can melt butter gently or cook food quickly.
- The digital controls are simple to use. You can easily set the time and power. The +30 seconds button is handy for extra cooking time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function. This makes your most-used microwave meals even quicker to start.
- Safety is a big deal. It has a child safety lock to keep the door shut. You can also lock the control panel so no one changes the settings by accident.
- Hate loud beeps? You can turn them off with the Mute Button. This is great if you need to be quiet, like when kids are sleeping.
- It looks good in any kitchen. The black design is sleek and modern. The Eco Mode helps you save power and you can even turn off the display when you’re not using it.
- Cleaning is a breeze. The outside wipes clean easily. The glass plate inside is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Chefman stands by its quality. It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, the 0.7 cubic feet might be a bit small for very large dishes or multiple items.
- The 700-watt power is good for everyday use, but it might take slightly longer to cook some items compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop appliance. Its blend of convenience and safety makes it a welcome addition to any kitchen.
2. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.7/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and feature-rich appliance designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. Its sleek black finish and 0.7 cubic feet capacity make it a great fit for any countertop. This microwave offers a unique sound on/off function, so you can cook in peace. Plus, its energy-saving ECO Mode helps reduce power consumption when the microwave isn’t in use.
What We Like:
- The mute function is fantastic for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- Easy one-touch buttons for popcorn, pizza, and more simplify cooking.
- The ECO Mode significantly cuts down on standby power, saving energy.
- Express cooking with 1-6 minute options and a 30-second boost is super convenient.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) offer flexibility.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
- The 10-inch glass turntable fits most standard dishes.
- A child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for larger families or bulk cooking.
- While it has many presets, some users might prefer more advanced custom cooking options.
This COMFEE microwave is a smart choice for anyone looking for a user-friendly, energy-efficient, and quiet cooking solution. It handles everyday reheating and cooking needs with ease.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed to simplify your kitchen tasks. This 0.9 cubic foot, 900-watt microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its intuitive digital controls and handy presets.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) mean you can cook your favorites with a single touch. You can also simply press number keys for minutes of cooking time.
- Low to High Power: With 10 power levels, you control the heat. Melt butter gently or cook food fast on high power.
- Digital Controls: Easily set cooking times and power levels. The +30 seconds button adds extra time when you need it.
- Memory Function: Save your most-used cooking settings for one-touch access.
- Safety First: A child safety lock prevents accidental door openings. You can also lock the control panel.
- Mute Option: Turn off the beeps with the audio button. This is great for quiet kitchens or when kids are sleeping.
- Modern Design: The sleek black finish looks good in any kitchen. Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display when not in use.
- Easy to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily. The glass turntable is even dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, the 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for very large dishes.
- The “extra-quick cooking” presets are convenient, but sometimes manual settings offer more precise control for unique recipes.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a user-friendly and efficient countertop appliance. Its thoughtful features make it a valuable addition to any busy kitchen.
4. Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting
Rating: 9.4/10
This Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It’s compact but packs a punch with 700 watts of power. You can cook all sorts of foods quickly and easily. It’s perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms.
What We Like:
- It has 700 watts of power, so it cooks food fast.
- You get 10 different power levels for cooking.
- There are 6 one-touch buttons for popular foods like popcorn and pizza.
- You can defrost food by weight or by time.
- It’s small, measuring 0.7 cubic feet, so it fits in tight spaces.
- It has a bright LED display and a clock.
- The interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- A 9.6-inch glass turntable spins your food for even cooking.
- A child lock keeps little hands safe.
- The inside is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for small spaces, its 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger meals or families.
- The one-touch presets might not be perfectly calibrated for every brand or type of food.
This microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and compact cooking solution. It makes preparing meals simple and efficient.
5. FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
Rating: 8.6/10
The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave in sleek black is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s compact enough for smaller spaces but powerful enough for your daily cooking needs. This microwave makes preparing meals and snacks super simple.
What We Like:
- The digital control panel is very easy to use. You can quickly choose express cooking, change the power, delay the start, set the time, or stop the microwave.
- It has two defrost timers. This gives you great control over how your food warms up. You can cook personalized meals in stages.
- A Child Safety Lock keeps little ones from accidentally turning it on.
- The large display lets you clearly see your food cooking. You can watch to make sure it’s perfect.
- Smart sensor technology adjusts power and time automatically. This takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- There are six helpful auto cooking settings: popcorn, baked potato, pizza, frozen, reheat, and beverage.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While the digital panel is easy, some users might prefer a simpler dial for basic functions.
This Frigidaire microwave offers a great balance of convenience and smart features for everyday cooking. It’s a reliable choice for quick meals and snacks.
Your Guide to Awesome Inexpensive Microwave Ovens
Finding a great microwave oven doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can get a fantastic appliance that heats your food, defrosts leftovers, and even pops popcorn without breaking the bank. This guide will help you pick the perfect, budget-friendly microwave for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an inexpensive microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This is how much power the microwave uses. More wattage means faster cooking. For most everyday tasks, 700 to 1000 watts is a good range.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food can fit inside. A smaller capacity (around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet) is good for one or two people. A larger one (1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet) works better for families or bigger meals.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass plate that spins. This helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s easy to remove and clean.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These can be very handy.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital screen makes it easy to see the time and settings. Simple button controls are usually best for budget models.
- Timer and Clock: These are basic but useful features for keeping track of cooking and your kitchen schedule.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Exterior: Most inexpensive microwaves have a durable plastic or painted metal exterior. Both are easy to wipe down.
- Interior: The inside of the oven cavity is usually coated with enamel or a non-stick material. Enamel is very common and easy to clean. Some higher-end models might have stainless steel, but that’s less common in budget options.
- Door: The door is typically made of glass with a plastic frame. Look for a door that opens smoothly and feels sturdy.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Even in inexpensive microwaves, some things make them better or not as good.
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels solid and well-made will last longer. Check if the door closes securely and if the buttons feel responsive.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to keep clean. Stains and splatters happen, so this is important.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when they run. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for reviews that mention how quiet the model is.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. A good turntable and sufficient wattage help with this.
- Durability of Controls: Buttons and touchpads can wear out over time. Look for models with simple, reliable controls.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave will help you decide which features are most important.
- For Students or Singles: A small, compact microwave with basic functions is perfect for reheating leftovers or making quick snacks.
- For Families: A larger capacity microwave with helpful preset options can make meal prep and reheating for multiple people much easier.
- For Small Kitchens: Countertop microwaves are common, but some models can be mounted above a range or built into cabinets if space is very tight.
- Everyday Use: Most people use their microwaves to reheat meals, defrost frozen items, and cook simple things like popcorn or baked potatoes. A reliable model that does these things well is key.
- Simple Operation: For many, the goal is a microwave that’s easy to use right out of the box. Simple buttons and clear instructions are a big plus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in an inexpensive microwave?
A: The most important feature is good wattage for fast cooking and a suitable capacity for the amount of food you usually heat.
Q: Do I need a lot of fancy buttons on a budget microwave?
A: Not necessarily. Basic presets for common foods like popcorn are helpful, but you can do most cooking with just the time and power level settings.
Q: How do I know if an inexpensive microwave will cook food evenly?
A: Look for models with a good turntable that spins smoothly. Reading reviews can also tell you if a specific model tends to cook food evenly.
Q: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage tells you how much power the microwave uses. Higher wattage means it can heat food faster.
Q: Is it hard to clean an inexpensive microwave?
A: Most inexpensive microwaves are designed to be easy to clean. Look for models with smooth interiors and removable turntables.
Q: Can I defrost food in a cheap microwave?
A: Yes, most microwaves, even inexpensive ones, have a defrost setting. This uses lower power to thaw food slowly.
Q: What size microwave is best for a small apartment?
A: A compact microwave with a capacity of around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet is usually a good choice for small spaces.
Q: Are there microwaves that are quieter than others?
A: Yes, some models are designed to be quieter. Checking product reviews is the best way to find out if a microwave runs loudly.
Q: What if I only need to reheat leftovers?
A: For just reheating, you don’t need many features. A basic model with time and power level controls will work perfectly.
Q: Where can I find good deals on inexpensive microwaves?
A: You can find great deals at big box stores, online retailers, and during holiday sales events.
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!