Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you need a quick meal. You reach for your trusty microwave, but it’s old, slow, and doesn’t cook evenly. Sound familiar? Finding a microwave that’s both affordable and does a great job can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many microwaves are expensive, or they’re cheap but break easily or don’t heat your food properly. It’s frustrating when you just want a simple way to heat up leftovers or pop some popcorn without any fuss.
This is where we come in! We’ve done the digging to help you find the perfect microwave that won’t empty your wallet. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for to get the best value. We’ll cover the important features that make a microwave great, even on a budget, so you can stop stressing and start enjoying delicious, hot meals in no time. Get ready to discover how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to your kitchen’s most convenient appliance.
Our Top 5 And Cheap Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 And Cheap Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed to make your kitchen tasks quick and easy. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave is packed with features to simplify your cooking and reheating needs. Its sleek black finish and modern design fit perfectly on any countertop, while its user-friendly controls make it a breeze to operate.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) and simple number pad entry get your food ready fast.
- 10 Power Levels: From gently melting butter to rapid cooking, you can choose the perfect power for any task.
- Digital Controls: Easily set time and power, or use the +30 seconds button for quick boosts.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- Safety First: A child safety lock prevents accidental door openings, and the control panel can be locked.
- Mute Option: Turn off annoying beeps to keep things quiet, especially when kids are sleeping.
- Modern Design: Its compact size and black finish look great in any kitchen.
- Eco Mode: Save energy and turn off the display when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Easy to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: cETL approved with advanced safety features and a 1-year Chefman assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for very large dishes or batch cooking.
- While powerful for its size, it may not cook as quickly as larger, higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a convenient and reliable cooking companion. Its smart features and safety options make it a great addition to any kitchen.
2. Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting
Rating: 8.7/10
This Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting, Turntable and Child Lock, Compact Microwave Perfect for Apartments and Dorms, Easy Clean Interior, Black is a fantastic addition to any small kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful with 700 watts of cooking power.
- You can customize your cooking with 10 power levels and 6 one-touch options like popcorn and pizza.
- Defrosting food is quick and easy with weight or time settings.
- Its compact size (0.7 cu ft) is perfect for apartments and dorm rooms.
- The LED display, interior light, and glass turntable make it easy to see your food.
- A child safety lock adds extra peace of mind.
- The interior is super easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s compact, some users might prefer a slightly larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The power is 700 watts, which is good for most things, but might be slower for very large items compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This microwave oven offers a lot of convenience in a small package. It’s a reliable choice for anyone needing a simple and effective way to heat and cook food.
3. 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 user-friendly appliance designed for modern kitchens. Its sleek black finish and 0.7 cubic feet capacity make it a great fit for smaller spaces, while its features offer convenience for everyday cooking and reheating needs. This microwave aims to simplify your kitchen routine with its easy-to-use controls and smart functions.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you operate the microwave without noisy beeps, perfect for late-night snacks or quiet mornings.
- ECO Mode significantly reduces standby power, saving energy and money.
- One-touch express cooking buttons for common items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza are super convenient.
- The plus30 seconds function is handy for quick reheating.
- Two defrost settings, by weight or time, make thawing food simple.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make settings clear.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food evenly for better results.
- A child safety lock adds an extra layer of security.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 0.7 cu ft capacity is suitable for many, larger families might find it a bit small for bigger dishes.
- The “Sound On/Off” feature is great, but the default setting might still be a bit loud for some users when it’s on.
Overall, the COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB microwave is a smart and efficient choice for anyone seeking a no-fuss countertop appliance. It balances helpful features with energy-saving technology, making it a practical addition to any kitchen.
4. Smad Small Microwave Countertop 0.7 Cu.Ft with Removable Turntable and Child Lock
Rating: 8.5/10
The Smad Small Microwave Countertop is a compact powerhouse, perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or apartments. Its sleek stainless steel design fits easily on any countertop, offering convenience without taking up too much space. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave is designed to make your life easier, from quick snacks to reheating leftovers.
What We Like:
- Easy Cooking with 6 Auto-Cook Programs: No more guessing! Choose from six helpful presets like popcorn, pizza, or frozen meals. Your food heats up perfectly in about a minute.
- Defrost and See Everything with LED Display: Easily defrost food by weight or time. The bright LED screen clearly shows you how much cooking time is left.
- Safe for Families with Child Lock: Keep little ones safe with the built-in child lock. It stops accidental starts, giving you peace of mind.
- Even Cooking with Glass Turntable: The 9.6-inch glass turntable spins your food for consistent heating. It’s also super easy to wipe clean.
- Versatile Power with 10 Levels: With 10 different power settings, you can do more than just reheat. You can cook, defrost, and keep food warm just right.
- Space-Saving Compact Design: Its small size (17.9*14*10.4 inches) is ideal for any countertop. It’s built tough for everyday use.
- 12-Month Warranty: The product comes with a 12-month guarantee against any manufacturing defects.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Capacity: At 0.7 cubic feet, it’s great for individuals or small families, but might be too small for larger meals or big dishes.
- 700W Power: While sufficient for most tasks, some users might prefer a microwave with higher wattage for even faster cooking.
This Smad microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers a good balance of features and a compact design that fits seamlessly into smaller living spaces.
5. Frigidaire Countertop Microwave – Digital Control Panel – 6 Auto Cooking Settings – 10 Power Levels – Child Safety Lock – 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.2/10
The Frigidaire Countertop Microwave is a fantastic addition to any small kitchen. It’s compact size makes it perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, or even your office break room. This microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its easy-to-use digital control panel.
What We Like:
- COMPACT DESIGN: It fits perfectly in small spaces like dorms, apartments, and workplaces.
- EASY-TO-USE DIGITAL PANEL: The digital control panel makes it simple to select cooking options, change power levels, and set timers.
- CONVENIENT DEFROST OPTIONS: Two different defrost timers give you control over warming your food exactly how you like it. You can even cook meals in stages.
- CHILD SAFETY LOCK: This feature keeps little ones safe by preventing accidental use.
- SMART AUTO COOKING SETTINGS: Six pre-programmed settings (popcorn, baked potato, pizza, frozen, reheat, beverage) take the guesswork out of cooking. The smart sensor adjusts power and time automatically.
- LARGE DISPLAY: The big screen lets you easily see your food as it cooks, ensuring perfect results every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger meals or families.
- While the stainless steel looks sleek, it can show fingerprints easily.
This Frigidaire microwave offers a great combination of convenience and smart features for everyday cooking. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop microwave.
Your Guide to Finding a Great, Affordable Microwave
Looking for a microwave that won’t break the bank? You’ve come to the right place! Finding a cheap microwave doesn’t mean you have to settle for something that’s difficult to use or doesn’t cook your food well. This guide will help you pick a microwave that’s both budget-friendly and a fantastic addition to your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a microwave, a few things are really important.
Power (Wattage)
- A microwave’s wattage tells you how strong it is. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
- For most everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or making popcorn, 700-1000 watts is usually enough.
- Microwaves with more watts might cook your food a little quicker.
Size (Capacity)
- Microwaves come in different sizes, measured in cubic feet.
- A smaller microwave (around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet) is good for one or two people and fits in tight spaces.
- A larger microwave (1.0 to 2.0 cubic feet) is better if you cook bigger meals or have a family.
Cooking Presets
- Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes.
- These presets make cooking easier because the microwave sets the time and power for you.
Turntable
- A turntable is a glass plate that spins inside the microwave.
- It helps your food cook more evenly by moving it around. Most microwaves have one.
Ease of Use
- Look for simple buttons and a clear display.
- You want to be able to set the time and power without a struggle.
2. Important Materials
What your microwave is made of matters for how long it lasts and how easy it is to clean.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a durable metal or plastic exterior. Metal is usually stronger.
- Interior: The inside is often made of a material that’s easy to wipe clean, like painted metal or a special enamel coating. These are good because spills are common.
- Door: The door usually has a glass window so you can see your food. The handle should feel sturdy.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, and some can make it less good.
Things That Improve Quality:
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks your food all the way through without cold spots. This is often due to the turntable and how the microwaves are distributed inside.
- Durability: A well-built microwave will last a long time. Stronger materials and good construction help with this.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter one is more pleasant to use.
Things That Reduce Quality:
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is still cold in some spots after cooking, the microwave isn’t doing its job well.
- Cheap Buttons: Buttons that stick or feel flimsy can be annoying and might break easily.
- Short Lifespan: Microwaves made with lower-quality parts might stop working sooner than you expect.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave and how easy it is to use makes a big difference.
- Simple Reheating: If you just need to warm up soup or last night’s dinner, any basic model will work.
- Quick Meals: Microwaves are great for heating up frozen meals or making instant oatmeal.
- Snack Prep: Popcorn lovers will love a microwave with a dedicated popcorn button.
- Small Kitchens: Compact microwaves are perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or even an office break room.
- Families: Larger microwaves can handle cooking more food at once, which is helpful for families.
Your Microwave FAQs
Q: What’s the most important thing to look for in a cheap microwave?
A: The most important things are that it cooks your food evenly and is easy to use. Wattage and size are also important depending on what you need.
Q: How much power (wattage) do I really need?
A: For most people, 700-1000 watts is plenty. It will heat your food well and cook it at a good speed.
Q: What does “capacity” mean for a microwave?
A: Capacity means how much food can fit inside. It’s measured in cubic feet. Bigger numbers mean it can hold more.
Q: Are microwaves with presets worth it?
A: Yes, presets can be very helpful. They take the guesswork out of cooking common foods.
Q: Does the turntable really make a difference?
A: Yes, a turntable helps your food cook more evenly by spinning it around. Most good microwaves have one.
Q: What if I only have a small space for a microwave?
A: Look for a “compact” or “small” microwave. These have smaller capacities and won’t take up much counter space.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is good quality, even if it’s cheap?
A: Read reviews! People will often mention if the microwave cooks unevenly or if it feels cheaply made. Look for sturdy buttons and a smooth door.
Q: What materials are best for the inside of a microwave?
A: Materials that are easy to wipe clean, like enamel or special coatings, are best. This makes cleaning up spills much easier.
Q: Can a cheap microwave still be durable?
A: Yes, some affordable microwaves are built to last. It’s about finding a brand that offers good value for the money.
Q: What are common uses for a microwave?
A: Common uses include reheating leftovers, cooking frozen meals, making popcorn, heating up drinks, and defrosting food.
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 Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!