Imagine this: you’re starving after a long day, and all you want is a quick, hot meal. But then you look at your kitchen counter. Your old microwave is sputtering, or maybe you don’t have one at all. The thought of spending a lot of money on a new appliance can feel overwhelming, right? It’s tough to find a microwave that’s good without costing a fortune.
Many people want a reliable microwave that heats food well, defrosts things quickly, and maybe even has a few handy presets, all without breaking the bank. But with so many brands and features, how do you know which one is the best bang for your buck? You don’t want to buy something cheap only to find out it doesn’t work well or breaks down too soon. It’s a real headache trying to figure out what makes a good deal.
That’s exactly why we’re here! In this post, we’ll walk you through the best inexpensive microwave ovens out there. We’ll show you what to look for, what features really matter, and how to find a microwave that fits your needs and your budget. Get ready to discover how to get a great microwave without spending a ton of cash!
Our Top 5 Inexpensive Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Inexpensive Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a compact, 0.7 cubic foot microwave with a sleek stainless steel finish. This microwave is designed for everyday use and makes cooking and reheating simple with its easy-to-use features.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, making cooking quick and easy.
- You can choose from 10 power settings to cook your food just right.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is super handy for when you’re in a hurry.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable 10-inch glass turntable is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- The push-button door release is convenient.
- It’s UL approved for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt cooking power might be a bit slow for some users compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is on the smaller side, so it might not fit larger dishes or multiple items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a good balance of features and convenience for its size and price. It’s a solid choice for simple cooking needs.
2. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.7/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a handy kitchen helper. It’s black and fits nicely on your counter. This microwave is great for quick meals and snacks. It has a good amount of space inside for its size.
What We Like:
- You can turn off the annoying beeping sounds with the mute function.
- The ECO Mode saves energy by using less power when it’s not actively heating.
- It has easy one-touch buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The express cooking function lets you heat food quickly with just one touch for up to 6 minutes.
- It has a child safety lock to keep little hands safe.
- Defrosting is simple with options for weight or time.
- The digital display is bright and easy to read.
- It comes with a 10-inch glass turntable for even cooking.
- A one-year limited warranty is included for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet size might be a bit small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- At 700W, it may take slightly longer to heat food compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This COMFEE’ microwave is a solid choice for its convenience features and energy-saving options. It makes everyday cooking tasks simpler and quieter.
3. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers 700 watts of power, making it perfect for quickly heating up leftovers or making a snack. This microwave is designed for convenience and ease of use.
What We Like:
- It has 700 watts of power to cook food fast.
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking let you control how your food is cooked.
- Six one-touch options, like popcorn, potato, and pizza, make cooking simple.
- You can defrost food by weight or time.
- Its 0.7 cu ft size is perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- A clear LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra security.
- Farberware is a trusted brand that helps families make memories with food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a bit slow for some users who prefer faster cooking.
- While compact, some users might want a slightly larger capacity for bigger meals.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It balances functionality with a compact design, making it suitable for many different needs.
4. Techomey Microwave Countertop 0.7 Cu.ft. Compact Small Microwave 700W
Rating: 9.0/10
The Techomey Microwave Countertop 0.7 Cu.ft. Compact Small Microwave is a great option for anyone needing a microwave that doesn’t take up a lot of space. It’s perfect for small kitchens in apartments, dorm rooms, or even RVs. This microwave offers enough power to heat up your food quickly and has handy features to make cooking easy.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: Its compact 0.7 cu.ft. size is ideal for small spaces like apartments, dorms, and offices. It fits easily on your counter without hogging all the room.
- Quick and Easy Cooking: The one-touch express cook and six auto menus make heating snacks and meals super fast. Just press a button for popcorn, pizza, or drinks.
- Customizable Power: With 700W of power and 10 different levels, you can control how your food cooks. You can gently reheat leftovers or cook meals at full power.
- User-Friendly Features: It has a clear LED display, a child lock for safety, and a 9.6-inch glass turntable that spins for even heating.
- Stylish Look: The sleek design looks good in any kitchen and adds a touch of elegance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity: While compact, the 0.7 cu.ft. capacity might be too small for larger dishes or cooking for more than one person at a time.
- Wattage: 700W is standard for compact microwaves, but it might take slightly longer to cook or heat food compared to higher wattage models.
This Techomey microwave is a smart choice for those who need a functional and compact appliance. It delivers on convenience and style, fitting perfectly into smaller living spaces.
5. FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave
Rating: 9.4/10
The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave in sleek black is a handy addition to any kitchen. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its features offer convenience for daily meal prep.
What We Like:
- The digital control panel is super easy to use. You can choose express cooking, change the power level, set a delayed start, or just set the time.
- It has two different defrost timers, giving you control over warming your food just right. You can even cook meals in stages.
- The Child Safety Lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- A large display lets you easily see your food as it cooks.
- There are six auto-cooking settings: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, reheat, and beverage. These make cooking simple and quick.
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 to use, some users might prefer physical buttons for a more tactile feel.
This Frigidaire microwave is a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward and user-friendly appliance. It simplifies everyday cooking tasks with its helpful presets and safety features.
Your Guide to Finding a Great, Affordable Microwave
Microwave ovens make life easier. They heat up food fast. You can find a good one without spending a lot of money. This guide helps you pick the best inexpensive microwave for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop, check for these important things:
Wattage: How Powerful is it?
Wattage tells you how fast the microwave cooks. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For most needs, 700 to 1000 watts is great. Lower wattage microwaves might take a bit longer. Think about how you will use it. If you just reheat leftovers, lower wattage is fine. If you cook meals, aim higher.
Size and Capacity: How Much Fits Inside?
Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for small kitchens or just one person. Medium and large ones can fit bigger plates and more food. Measure your counter space before you buy. Also, think about what you will cook. A family might need a bigger microwave than a student.
Cooking Presets: Easy Buttons for Common Foods
Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These make cooking simple. You just press a button, and the microwave knows how long to cook. This is a nice feature if you eat these foods often.
Turntable: For Even Heating
A turntable is a spinning plate inside. It turns your food as it cooks. This helps heat your food evenly. Most microwaves have them. It is a good feature to have.
Digital Display and Controls: Easy to Use
A clear digital display shows the time. Easy-to-use buttons make setting the cooking time simple. Some microwaves have touch screens. Others have knobs. Pick what feels best for you.
2. Important Materials
Microwaves are made of a few key parts:
Exterior: What You See
Most microwave exteriors are metal or plastic. Stainless steel looks nice and is strong. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper. Both work well.
Interior: Where the Food Goes
The inside is usually made of painted metal or a ceramic enamel coating. Ceramic enamel is easy to clean and doesn’t scratch easily. Painted metal is common and works fine. Make sure the inside is smooth for easy wiping.
Door: What You Look Through
The door has a glass window. This lets you see your food. The glass is usually tinted to block some light. The door should feel sturdy when you open and close it.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it less good.
Build Quality: How Well It’s Made
A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should close tightly. The buttons should work smoothly. Cheaper microwaves might feel flimsy. Read reviews to see what others say about build quality.
Ease of Cleaning: A Big Help
A microwave that is easy to clean saves you time. Smooth interior surfaces and removable turntables help a lot. Some microwaves have special cleaning features. These can make a big difference.
Noise Level: How Loud It Is
Some microwaves are louder than others when they run. If you are sensitive to noise, look for a quieter model. Reviews often mention how loud a microwave is.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters when you choose one.
For Quick Reheating
If you just need to warm up leftovers or a drink, a small, simple microwave with a few presets is perfect. You don’t need a lot of fancy features.
For Basic Cooking
If you cook simple meals or heat up frozen dinners, a medium-sized microwave with decent wattage and a turntable is a good choice. Preset buttons can be helpful here too.
For Small Kitchens
Space is important in small kitchens. Look for compact models. They still do a great job but take up less room on your counter.
For Families
Larger families might need a bigger microwave. This allows you to heat more food at once or fit larger dishes. More wattage can also be helpful for faster cooking.
By thinking about these features and factors, you can find an inexpensive microwave that works well for you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in an inexpensive microwave?
A: The most important feature is usually wattage. It tells you how fast it cooks your food.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: A turntable helps heat food evenly. It’s a good feature to have for better results.
Q: How much space does a microwave take up?
A: Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are about 0.7 cubic feet, and larger ones can be 2 cubic feet or more. Measure your counter space before buying.
Q: Are cheap microwaves safe?
A: Yes, all microwaves sold in the US must meet safety standards. Inexpensive microwaves are just as safe as expensive ones.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for a microwave size?
A: Cubic feet refers to the inside space of the microwave. A bigger number means more room for food.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a small microwave?
A: Probably not. Small microwaves are best for reheating and cooking smaller items. Larger microwaves can fit bigger dishes.
Q: What is a good wattage for reheating food?
A: Around 700 to 1000 watts is good for most reheating tasks. It will heat your food quickly.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some models have special cleaning cycles.
Q: Do cooking presets really work?
A: Yes, cooking presets are usually pretty accurate for common foods like popcorn or potatoes. They take the guesswork out of cooking.
Q: Where can I find reviews for inexpensive microwaves?
A: You can find reviews on online shopping websites, product review blogs, and consumer reports.
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 Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!