5 Best Cheap Microwaves (Under $100) [2020 Update]
Microwaves are one of the cheapest products you can buy now online or in store.
You can get a microwave for as little as $50, or as much as $200.
If you are on a budget, you should not have any problem finding an affordable microwave.
The best cheap microwave that I came across is the Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven. Not only is it a beast, it’s completely portable due to its compact size, which we love.
If you have a good product, it can last for years. Scroll down for a list of best budget microwaves money can buy.
All the microwaves in this list are less than $100.
# | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Panasonic NN-SB458S Compact Microwave, 0.9 cft, Stainless Steel | 1,532 Reviews | $124.95 | CHECK PRICE | |
2 | COMMERCIAL CHEF 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave with 10 Power Levels, Small Microwave with Pull Handle,... | 2,258 Reviews | $80.97 | CHECK PRICE | |
3 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock,... | 27,406 Reviews | $89.99 | CHECK PRICE | |
4 | Daewoo KOR07R3ZEC 0.7 cu. ft 700W Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, Cream | 358 Reviews | CHECK PRICE | ||
5 | TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu Ft With 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, 6... | 28,297 Reviews | $97.74 | CHECK PRICE |
5 Best Microwaves Under $100 – 2024
Not only does it heat food up, it keeps them warm for hours. Its interior is heavily insulated, allowing for this.
Panasonic knows how much you love popcorn, so there’s 3 different cooking options for it. Frankly, this makes us feel very spoilt!
Of course:
It’s a beast as it’s a 900 watt microwave.
If you’ve never used a microwave before, there are 7 preset options for a range of foods.
It’s compact enough for the average sized kitchen and comes with 10 cooking power levels.
There are 6 quick cooking settings to make popcorn, pizza, baked potatoes, and for reheating frozen dinners.
It only consumes 700w of power.
The display includes a clock and a kitchen timer as well. Also, there’s a childproof lock.
All in all, this is a feature-rich microwave well worth everything you spend.
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
It’s designed with what’s called a Concave Reflex System. It’s a technique that emits micro waves more efficiently.
The oven has a little knob to set time. It comes with 5 power levels. There are 5 auto cook options as well.
The turntable is recessed to prevent misplacement during operation. The defrost function stands out. Unlike with other microwaves of the same size, the defrosting is fast and smooth.
Nearly all of the features are great. If there’s anything for concern, it’s probably the size. This microwave is slightly large, so the standard 12.5-inch shelves might make it stand out.
Overall, the product is great. You can count on getting the best value for the money you spend.
The handle is solid, the operations is intuitive, fits average size dinner plates well, while not taking up too much space (19.2 inch x 15. 9 inch x 11. 5 inch OR metric measurements of 48.7 cm x 40.4 cm x 29.2 cm).
This 900 watt microwave is equipped 10 power settings, including a power-saving eco mode for those of use looking to be energy conscious, and also equipped with a sound on/off option, which is welcome for those of us who do not desire microwave beeping sounds or melodies.
The Toshiba also comes with one touch start – a quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes or 30 seconds cooking at full power.
One very cool feature is that this Toshiba has a LED cavity light, which will offer you a bright, great crystal-clear interior view of what you're cooking. Plus, LED lighting is power-efficient and typically long-lasting, which is a bonus.
One Last Microwave to Consider on this List:
It has 6 one-touch programs for things like heating up beverages and frozen vegetables. It also has two automatic defrost options based on weight.
More importantly, it has multi-stage cooking, which means that you can adjust settings while a meal is being microwaved.
This is a good option when you want to defrost something first and then cook.
You can trust that this product will last several years.
I’ve had mine for almost one, and it has proven to be quite great at what it does so far.
I can’t say I’ve encountered any problems with this microwave oven.
Tips for Buying a Good Cheap Microwave
Before buying the first item you see, keep these tips in mind when buying a microwave under $100:
Most users want microwaves to reheat, defrost and cook food. So, you must look for these essential functions when buying a microwave.
Microwaves with pre-programmed buttons for things like making popcorn or heating up rice can take the guesswork out of most tasks.
So, it’s worthwhile to invest in a bit more for a microwave with features that simplify the cooking process.
Check both the external and internal dimensions:
The external dimensions will tell you how much space you need in your kitchen to place the microwave.
Internal dimensions are important because these measurements will tell you how big a food container you can fit inside.
Some budget microwaves are very small and can only accommodate smaller plates and dishes.
For home use, you may wish for a microwave with ample internal capacity. So, carefully check these measurements before you buy.
Buy a microwave oven with a turntable, a.k.a carousel plate.
These things rotate automatically inside. Otherwise, you will have to open the lid and manually turn the dish when heating, which is just a hassle.
Microwaves with metal racks are better at distributing heat.
If you are sick of microwaves that heat up only the top or bottom layer of food, buying one with metal racks will solve the problem.
If you want the microwave to cook your food faster, look for higher wattage ovens.
The higher the wattage, the faster your meals will be ready. Usually, the bigger microwaves offer the highest wattage levels.