Ever stare at your empty fridge and wish for a quick meal solution that doesn’t cost a fortune? In today’s world, a microwave oven is like a kitchen superhero, ready to heat leftovers, pop popcorn, or whip up a speedy snack. But when your budget is tight, finding a good, inexpensive microwave can feel like a treasure hunt with a blindfold on. So many brands, so many features – it’s easy to get confused and pick one that doesn’t quite do the job.
That’s where we come in! This post is your friendly guide to navigating the world of affordable microwave ovens. We’ll help you understand what really matters when you’re shopping on a budget. You’ll learn how to spot the best deals and find a microwave that’s perfect for your needs without emptying your wallet. Get ready to discover how to get a great appliance that makes your life easier and tastier, all while saving money.
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: 8.9/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and smart addition to any kitchen. Its sleek black design fits easily on your countertop, and it offers a variety of features to make cooking and reheating a breeze. From its quiet operation to its energy-saving mode, this microwave aims to simplify your daily routine.
What We Like:
- The “Mute function” lets you cook without annoying beeps, perfect for early mornings or late nights.
- ECO Mode significantly cuts down on standby power, saving energy and money.
- Easy one-touch buttons for popcorn, pizza, and other favorites make cooking super simple.
- The “Express cooking” options give you quick 1-6 minute cooking times, plus a 30-second boost.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) handle frozen foods efficiently.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe from accidental operation.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel are easy to read and use.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food for even heating.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be a bit small for larger families or big meal prep.
- While it has a mute function, the sound options might be limited for those who prefer more audible alerts.
This COMFEE microwave offers a great balance of convenience and efficiency. Its user-friendly features and energy-saving options make it a solid choice for everyday kitchen tasks.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed for your busy kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze. It offers 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets, so you can prepare everything from popcorn to potatoes with just a touch. Plus, its sleek black design and useful features like Eco Mode and a Mute Button make it a smart and quiet addition to any countertop.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with 6 popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- 10 power levels let you control the heat from low to high for perfect results.
- Digital controls and a +30 seconds button make it easy to set times and add extra cooking time.
- Memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- Child safety lock keeps little hands safe, and the Lock Mode secures the control panel.
- Mute Button lets you turn off annoying beeps for quiet operation.
- Modern black design fits well in any kitchen and is easy to wipe clean.
- Eco Mode saves power and lets you disable the display when not in use.
- The glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- cETL approved with advanced safety technology and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
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 take slightly longer to cook very large items compared to bigger microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic choice for small spaces and everyday cooking needs. It’s user-friendly, safe, and looks great in any kitchen.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance that brings convenience to your kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave makes heating up snacks or meals quick and simple with its easy-to-use controls and helpful pre-programmed settings.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is great for quick reheating.
- The large LED display is easy to read.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The removable glass turntable makes cleaning a breeze.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It’s a good size for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a bit slow for some cooking tasks.
- Some users might wish for more advanced features.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and straightforward way to heat food. It’s a great addition to any kitchen looking for ease and efficiency.
4. Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to whip up delicious meals in a flash with this awesome 0.7 cu. ft. 700-watt countertop microwave. It’s designed for speed and convenience, making it a perfect fit for apartments, dorm rooms, or any smaller kitchen space. Its sleek black design looks great on any counter.
What We Like:
- It’s super powerful with 700 watts, so your food heats up fast.
- You get 10 power levels for just the right cooking.
- It has handy one-touch buttons for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- Defrosting is easy with weight or time settings.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces.
- It comes with a bright LED display and a clock/timer.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food cooking clearly.
- A 9.6-inch glass turntable ensures even heating.
- The child lock feature adds extra safety for families.
- Cleaning the inside is a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very large meals or multiple dishes, the 0.7 cu. ft. might feel a bit small.
- While it has great features, some might wish for more advanced cooking presets.
This compact microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. It makes quick meals simple and cleanup even simpler.
5. Farberware Countertop 700 Watts
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware Countertop 700 Watts, 0.7 cu ft 700-Watt Microwave Oven in Black is a handy appliance for anyone needing to heat up meals quickly. It’s a great addition to kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices where space might be limited. This microwave offers a good balance of power and convenience for everyday tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s very convenient for making quick meals.
- It has ten power levels and multi-stage cooking for customized cooking.
- The six one-touch options make cooking easy, like for popcorn or pizza.
- Defrosting by weight or time is a helpful feature.
- Its 0.7 cu ft size is perfect for small spaces.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It includes a clear LED display, kitchen timer, and clock.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra security.
- Farberware is a trusted brand for making meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a bit longer to cook some foods compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be too small for larger dishes or multiple servings.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for its size and ease of use. It delivers on its promise of quick and convenient cooking for single servings or small tasks.
Finding Your Budget-Friendly Kitchen Buddy: An Inexpensive Microwave Oven Buying Guide
Why You Need an Inexpensive Microwave
Microwave ovens are super handy! They heat up leftovers fast. They also cook quick meals. You can even defrost frozen food. An inexpensive microwave oven does all these jobs without costing a lot of money.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size Matters: Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for one person. They fit easily on a counter. Larger ones can cook more food at once. Think about how much food you usually heat up. A 0.7 cubic foot to 1.0 cubic foot microwave is usually enough for most people.
2. Power Up: Wattage
Wattage tells you how strong the microwave is. More watts mean faster cooking. Most inexpensive microwaves have between 700 and 1000 watts. This is plenty for most everyday tasks.
3. Simple Controls: Ease of Use
Look for easy-to-use buttons. You want to be able to set the time and power level without a struggle. Some microwaves have pre-set buttons for popcorn or pizza. These can be very convenient.
4. Safety First: Features
Child lock is a great safety feature. It stops little hands from turning on the microwave by accident. A turntable that spins food evenly is also important. This helps food cook more uniformly.
Important Materials
Most microwaves have a metal exterior. This is durable and easy to clean. The inside is usually made of painted metal. Some higher-end models might have stainless steel interiors. For inexpensive models, a good quality painted interior is fine. Make sure the door has a strong glass window. This lets you see your food while it cooks.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Good Inexpensive Microwave:
- A sturdy build. The microwave should feel solid.
- Even cooking. Food should be heated through.
- Easy cleaning. The inside should wipe down nicely.
- Reliable performance. It should work consistently.
What Can Make it Less Good:
- Flimsy construction. It might feel cheap and wobbly.
- Uneven heating. Some spots of your food might be cold.
- Difficult to clean interiors. Food splatters might be hard to remove.
- Short lifespan. The microwave might break down quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
An inexpensive microwave is perfect for many situations. It’s great for students in dorm rooms. It’s ideal for small apartments. It’s also a good choice for a second microwave in a garage or workshop. People who just need to reheat leftovers or make simple snacks will love them.
Imagine coming home from school and wanting a quick snack. You can pop in some leftovers or make popcorn in minutes. Or perhaps you need to defrost some chicken for dinner. An inexpensive microwave makes these tasks simple and fast. They save you time and energy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Inexpensive Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the average price for an inexpensive microwave oven?
A: Inexpensive microwave ovens often cost between $50 and $100. Some can be found for even less during sales.
Q: How long do inexpensive microwave ovens usually last?
A: With good care, an inexpensive microwave can last for 5 to 7 years. Some may last even longer.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly. It rotates the food as it heats. Most inexpensive microwaves come with one.
Q: What is the difference between wattage and oven size?
A: Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Oven size (capacity) tells you how much food it can hold.
Q: Can I cook full meals in an inexpensive microwave?
A: Yes, you can cook many simple meals. Things like baked potatoes, oatmeal, or steaming vegetables work well. They are best for reheating and quick cooking tasks.
Q: Are there any special cleaning tips for microwaves?
A: Yes. You can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice inside for a few minutes. This loosens stuck-on food and makes it easy to wipe clean.
Q: What does “countertop microwave” mean?
A: It means the microwave is designed to sit on your kitchen counter. It’s a common and convenient type.
Q: Are inexpensive microwaves safe to use?
A: Yes, when used properly, they are very safe. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What are some common problems with inexpensive microwaves?
A: Sometimes they might cook unevenly or have less durable buttons. But many work just as well as more expensive models for basic tasks.
Q: Where is the best place to buy an inexpensive microwave?
A: You can find good deals at big box stores, online retailers, and sometimes even at discount stores. Always compare prices.
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!