Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, a steaming cup of tea, or maybe just reheating last night’s delicious leftovers. What’s the magical box that makes it all happen in minutes? Your microwave! But when it comes time to buy a new one, the choices can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to keep your wallet happy. It’s tough to figure out which affordable microwave will actually do the job without breaking the bank or becoming a frustrating paperweight.
That’s where we come in. This post is your friendly guide to navigating the world of inexpensive microwave ovens. We know you want a reliable appliance that heats your food evenly, defrosts without turning your chicken into rubber, and doesn’t cost a fortune. We’ll show you how to find a microwave that fits your budget and your needs, so you can get back to enjoying those quick meals and warm drinks.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in picking out a budget-friendly microwave that you’ll actually love using. We’ll break down what to look for, what features are truly important, and where to find the best deals. Let’s dive in and find your perfect, wallet-friendly kitchen helper!
Our Top 5 Inexpensive Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Inexpensive Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.1/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, fitting easily on your counter. This black microwave heats your food with 700 watts of power and has smart features to make cooking simple. You can even turn off the annoying beeps!
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook without loud beeps.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power.
- Easy one-touch buttons handle common tasks like popcorn and pizza.
- Express cooking gets your food ready fast with 1-6 minute options and a +30 second button.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) make thawing food simple.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- A bright digital display and clear control panel are easy to see and use.
- The interior light lets you check your food while it cooks.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates your food for even heating.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or big meals.
- 700W of power is standard but may take slightly longer to cook than higher wattage microwaves.
This COMFEE’ microwave offers a good mix of convenience and thoughtful features for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop microwave.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact and user-friendly digital microwave oven that makes heating and cooking quick and easy. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave is just the right size for small spaces, dorm rooms, or even your office desk. It’s designed to handle all your basic microwave needs with simple controls and helpful pre-programmed settings.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- It comes with a child safety lock to keep little hands out.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It has 10 different power levels for flexible cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a bit longer to cook or heat some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is a bit small for larger dishes or multiple items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for everyday heating and cooking tasks. It offers great convenience for its size and price.
3. Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting
Rating: 8.9/10
This 0.7 cu. ft. 700-watt countertop microwave oven in sleek black is a game-changer for small kitchens. It’s designed to make cooking quick and easy, fitting perfectly into apartments, dorm rooms, or any space where every inch counts. With its handy features, you can whip up meals in a flash.
What We Like:
- It has 700 watts of power, which cooks food fast.
- You get 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking for total control.
- Six one-touch buttons, like for popcorn and pizza, make cooking super simple.
- Defrosting is a breeze, either by weight or by time.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is compact but offers plenty of cooking space.
- An LED display, clock, and timer help you keep track of cooking.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A 9.6-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- Cleaning the inside is easy, saving you time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s compact, some might want a slightly larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The 700-watt power is good for basic tasks, but more power could speed up cooking even further.
This microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for their compact living space. It truly delivers on convenience and essential cooking functions.
4. 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 microwave is designed for busy kitchens. It packs 700 watts of power, giving you plenty of cooking strength. With 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets, it makes heating up food super simple. Plus, its sleek black design looks great on any counter.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn and pizza.
- You can choose from 10 power levels, from melting butter to fast cooking.
- Digital controls make it easy to set time and power, and the +30 seconds button adds extra time fast.
- A memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands from opening the door accidentally.
- You can mute the annoying beeps with the audio button, perfect for quiet mornings or late nights.
- Its modern black design fits in with any kitchen decor.
- Eco Mode lets you save power and turn off the display when not in use.
- Cleaning is a breeze; the exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be a bit small for larger families or for heating very large dishes.
- While powerful for its size, it may not cook as quickly as higher wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a reliable, easy-to-use, and compact appliance. It offers great features for everyday cooking needs.
5. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
Rating: 9.4/10
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and convenient kitchen appliance. It offers 700 watts of power to quickly heat up your food. This microwave is designed for small spaces, making it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or small offices. Its sleek black finish looks good in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It heats food fast with 700 watts of power.
- It has ten different power levels and multi-stage cooking for custom meals.
- Six one-touch settings, like popcorn and potato, make cooking simple.
- Defrosting by weight or time is super easy.
- The 0.7 cu ft size fits perfectly in small kitchens.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- A clear LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more cooking presets.
- The 0.7 cu ft size might be too small for very large dishes.
This Farberware microwave offers great value and makes meal prep a breeze. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a compact and efficient microwave.
Finding a Great Deal: Your Guide to Inexpensive Microwave Ovens
Looking for a microwave that won’t break the bank? You’ve come to the right place! Inexpensive microwave ovens can be just as useful and reliable as their pricier counterparts. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a budget-friendly microwave, focus on the features that matter most for everyday use.
Power (Wattage)
Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For most basic needs, 700 to 900 watts is plenty. If you plan to cook more often or reheat larger meals, aim for 1000 watts or more.
Size and Capacity
Think about how much food you usually heat. Microwaves are measured in cubic feet. A smaller kitchen might need a compact model (around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet). If you cook for a family or like to reheat leftovers in big dishes, look for a larger capacity (1.2 to 1.6 cubic feet).
Turntable
A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most inexpensive microwaves have this feature. Make sure it’s easy to clean.
Simple Controls
You don’t need a million buttons. Look for easy-to-understand settings like “Start,” “Stop,” and number pads for setting the time. Preset buttons for common foods like popcorn or baked potatoes are nice but not essential.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect its durability and how it looks.
Exterior
Most microwave exteriors are made of plastic or painted metal. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper. Painted metal can feel sturdier and look sleeker. Both can be wiped clean easily.
Interior
The inside of a microwave is usually coated. The most common coatings are enamel or a special non-stick material. Enamel is durable and easy to clean. Some newer, budget-friendly models might use a different type of coating that’s also designed for easy cleanup.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Even with a low price, some things make a microwave better than others.
Build Quality
Check how well the door closes. It should shut snugly. Listen for any rattling when you open or close it. A well-built microwave will last longer.
Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for making reliable appliances, even on a budget. Reading reviews can help you find these brands. A good warranty also shows the company stands behind its product.
User Reviews
What do other people say? Real users can tell you if a microwave heats food well, if the controls are easy to use, and if it breaks down. This is one of the best ways to judge quality.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your microwave. This helps you pick the right one.
Quick Reheating
For busy mornings or quick lunches, a simple microwave is perfect. Just pop in your leftovers and press start. A higher wattage will heat things up faster.
Simple Cooking
Need to melt butter, cook oatmeal, or make a mug cake? Many inexpensive microwaves can handle these tasks with ease. Preset buttons can be helpful here.
Small Kitchens and Dorm Rooms
Compact models are ideal for saving space. They fit easily on countertops and are great for single servings.
Remember, an inexpensive microwave doesn’t mean a low-quality one. By focusing on these key features and looking at what other users say, you can find a fantastic microwave that fits your budget and your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in an inexpensive microwave?
A: The most important feature is usually reliable heating. This means it cooks food evenly and safely.
Q: Do I need a lot of wattage for basic use?
A: No, 700 to 900 watts is usually enough for reheating and simple cooking tasks.
Q: How do I know if a microwave is good quality if it’s cheap?
A: Read customer reviews! They give you real-world feedback on how well a microwave works and how long it lasts.
Q: Are expensive microwaves really that much better?
A: Sometimes, but many inexpensive models offer great performance for everyday needs. You just need to choose wisely.
Q: What does “capacity” mean for a microwave?
A: Capacity is the size of the inside of the microwave, measured in cubic feet. It tells you how much food you can fit inside.
Q: Is a turntable really necessary?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly. Most microwaves have them, and they are very helpful.
Q: What kind of controls should I look for on a budget microwave?
A: Simple buttons that are easy to read and understand are best. You don’t need fancy digital displays for basic use.
Q: Can I cook full meals in an inexpensive microwave?
A: You can cook simple meals and reheat leftovers. For complex cooking, you might need a more advanced model.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some can be cleaned with a bowl of water and lemon juice heated inside.
Q: What is a good warranty for a microwave?
A: A one-year warranty is common and a good sign that the manufacturer trusts their product.
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.