Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, or maybe you need to reheat last night’s delicious leftovers in a hurry. A microwave oven is a kitchen superhero, making life so much easier. But when your budget is tight, finding a good one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want something that heats food evenly, is easy to use, and doesn’t break the bank. The thought of sifting through endless models, trying to figure out what “wattage” really means, and worrying if it will even last can be a real headache.
That’s exactly why we’re here! You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable microwave. In this guide, we’re diving deep into the world of microwaves priced under $100. We’ll cut through the confusion and show you exactly what to look for. Get ready to discover fantastic options that fit your budget without sacrificing quality. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident and ready to pick the perfect microwave that will become your new kitchen best friend.
Our Top 5 Microwave Oven Under $100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Oven Under $100 Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.4/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a compact countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. It’s designed for convenience with easy-to-use buttons and helpful features like sound control and energy saving. This black microwave fits nicely on most kitchen counters, offering a good amount of space for its size.
What We Like:
- The mute function is a game-changer for quiet kitchens. No more loud beeps waking up the house!
- ECO Mode cuts down on wasted energy, saving you money and helping the environment.
- One-touch buttons for popcorn, pizza, and more make cooking simple.
- Express cooking and +30 seconds buttons are super handy for quick meals.
- The child safety lock gives peace of mind for families.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read panel make it simple to use.
- The interior light and 10-inch glass turntable make it easy to see and clean.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for added security.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700W, it might take a little longer to cook some items compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu.ft. capacity is on the smaller side, so it might not fit larger dishes.
This COMFEE’ microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a simple, efficient, and user-friendly kitchen appliance. Its thoughtful features, like the silent mode and energy-saving options, make it a practical addition to any home.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet your new kitchen helper: the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven. This compact, 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave is designed for speed and simplicity. It makes heating up snacks or cooking meals a breeze.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six handy presets for popcorn, pizza, veggies, and more.
- You can easily set the cooking time by just pressing the number keys.
- It has 10 power levels, so you can melt butter gently or cook food fast.
- Digital controls make it simple to pick your time and power.
- The +30 seconds button adds extra cooking time easily.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings with the memory function.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure.
- The mute button lets you turn off annoying beeps.
- Its sleek black design looks great in any kitchen.
- The Eco Mode saves power and dims the display.
- Cleaning is easy; the exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved for safety and comes with a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or big meal prep.
- While powerful for its size, it may not cook as quickly as larger, higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a smart choice for small kitchens or anyone who values convenience and ease of use. It offers great features for its size and price.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.5/10
Looking for a microwave that’s simple to use and gets the job done? The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice for your kitchen. Its compact size, at 0.7 cubic feet, makes it ideal for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. Plus, its sleek stainless steel finish looks good on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 700-watt power and 10 different power settings let you cook or reheat food just right.
- You can quickly add 30 seconds of cooking time with the Express Cooking button.
- The big LED display is easy to read, and the control panel is simple to understand.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out of trouble.
- The removable glass turntable is 10 inches wide and can be washed in the dishwasher.
- The push-button door makes opening it quick and easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only has 700 watts of power, which might be a little slow for some larger meals.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is on the smaller side, so it might not fit very large dishes.
This microwave is a solid, no-fuss appliance. It’s a good option for anyone needing a reliable microwave for basic cooking and reheating needs.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. This 1.2 cubic foot microwave boasts a sleek silver finish and a generous 12.4-inch removable turntable, perfect for fitting larger dishes. Its 1000 watts of power heats food quickly and evenly, and smart sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking by automatically adjusting time and power based on your food’s humidity.
What We Like:
- Smart Sensor Technology automatically cooks food perfectly, preventing over or undercooking.
- 12 Auto Menus offer quick and easy cooking for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- 10 Power Levels give you control for various cooking needs, from defrosting to boiling.
- Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start features make meal prep simple and fast.
- The Mute Function and ECO Mode add convenience and energy savings.
- The Easy Clean Interior makes cleanup a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Smart Humidity Sensor” is a great feature, but it’s good to still check food for doneness.
- While it has many presets, some users might prefer even more specific options.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a great blend of smart features and user-friendly design. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient countertop cooking solution.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven is a stylish and handy addition to any kitchen. Its sleek black and stainless steel finish looks great on your countertop. This microwave makes cooking quick and easy with its powerful 1000-watt output and 10 different power settings. You can reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, or cook frozen vegetables with just the press of a button thanks to its pre-programmed settings. The large LED display makes it simple to see and use, and the child safety lock gives you peace of mind. Plus, the spacious 1.1 cubic foot interior fits most common dishes, and the removable glass turntable ensures even cooking.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt output cooks food quickly.
- Pre-programmed buttons simplify cooking common items like popcorn and pizza.
- 10 power settings offer great control over cooking.
- Large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make it user-friendly.
- Child safety lock provides extra security.
- Generous 1.1 cu.ft. capacity fits most dishes.
- Removable 12.4” glass turntable ensures even cooking and easy cleaning.
- Push-button door release offers convenient access.
- Stylish black and stainless steel design.
What Could Be Improved:
- The overall dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a great combination of performance, convenience, and style for your kitchen needs.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Microwave Under $100
Finding a good microwave oven doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can get a great one for under $100! This guide will help you pick the perfect microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a microwave under $100, some features are more important than others.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means it cooks food faster. Look for at least 700 watts.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is how much food can fit inside. For one or two people, 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet is usually enough. For families, you might want a bit more.
- Turntable: This is a glass plate that spins your food. It helps cook your food evenly. Make sure it’s easy to clean.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, or reheating. These can be very handy.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear screen and easy-to-use buttons make operating the microwave simple.
- Child Lock: This is a safety feature that stops kids from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Important Materials
Most microwaves have similar materials.
- Exterior: The outside is usually made of durable plastic or painted metal. They are easy to wipe clean.
- Interior: The inside cavity is often coated with a special enamel or ceramic material. This makes it easy to clean up spills.
- Door: The door has a glass window so you can see your food. It also has a handle made of plastic or metal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a microwave better or worse.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Solid Construction: A microwave that feels sturdy and well-built will last longer.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly without hot spots.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: A smooth, non-stick interior makes cleaning up messes a breeze.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are louder than others. A quieter model is more pleasant to use.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Flimsy Build: A microwave that feels light and cheap might not last long.
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is sometimes cold in the middle and hot on the edges, the microwave isn’t cooking evenly.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read display can be frustrating.
- Short Cord: A very short power cord can limit where you can place the microwave.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your microwave.
- For Quick Snacks: If you just need to heat up leftovers or make popcorn, a smaller, simpler model will work well.
- For Small Kitchens: Compact microwaves are perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or offices.
- For Basic Cooking: If you plan to reheat meals or cook simple frozen dinners, most microwaves under $100 can handle it.
- For Families: If you have a family, you might need a slightly larger capacity microwave. Preset buttons for family favorites can also be helpful.
A microwave under $100 can be a great addition to your kitchen. By looking at the wattage, capacity, and features, you can find one that fits your budget and your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in a microwave under $100?
A: The most important feature is usually the wattage. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: How much capacity do I need?
A: For one or two people, 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet is usually good. For families, you might want more.
Q: Do I need a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable helps cook your food evenly. It’s a very useful feature.
Q: What does “preset cooking options” mean?
A: These are buttons for specific foods like popcorn or pizza. They help you cook them perfectly.
Q: How do I know if a microwave is good quality?
A: Look for solid construction and a microwave that cooks food evenly. Easy cleaning is also a sign of good quality.
Q: Are microwaves under $100 powerful enough?
A: Many are! Look for models with at least 700 watts for good performance.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a microwave under $100?
A: You can reheat meals and cook simple frozen dinners. For complex cooking, a different appliance might be better.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most interiors are easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some have special non-stick coatings.
Q: Is a digital display important?
A: A digital display makes it easier to see cooking times and settings. It’s helpful for precise cooking.
Q: Where can I find good microwaves under $100?
A: You can find them at major home goods stores, electronics stores, and online retailers.
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.