Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, or maybe you need to reheat last night’s delicious leftovers. But your old microwave is on its last leg, or perhaps you’re moving into a new place and need a budget-friendly option. Finding a good microwave oven without breaking the bank can feel like a treasure hunt. Many of us want convenience and functionality, but the price tag can be a big hurdle. It’s tough to know which affordable microwave will actually get the job done without being a flimsy disappointment.
That’s where this guide comes in! We understand the struggle of wanting a reliable appliance that fits your budget. You’re probably wondering, “Can I really get a decent microwave for under $100?” The answer is a resounding yes! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for, the best features to prioritize, and which models stand out in the under-$100 category. We’ll help you say goodbye to microwave shopping stress and hello to a kitchen essential that makes your life easier.
Our Top 5 Microwave Oven Under $100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Oven Under $100 Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact and powerful solution for your kitchen needs. Its 0.7 cubic feet capacity and 700 watts of power make it ideal for quick meals and snacks. With 10 different power levels and 6 handy cooking presets, you can easily prepare everything from popcorn to potatoes. The digital controls are straightforward, and the +30 seconds button adds convenience. Plus, features like Eco Mode and a Mute Button offer smart functionality.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with 6 popular presets for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- 10 power levels allow for precise cooking, from melting butter to rapid reheating.
- Digital controls and a +30 seconds button make it easy to set cooking times.
- Memory function lets you save frequently used settings for one-touch cooking.
- Child safety lock and control panel lock provide added security.
- Mute button turns off beeps, perfect for quiet operation.
- Sleek, modern black design fits well in any kitchen.
- Eco Mode saves power and can disable the display.
- Easy to clean exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
- Trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for larger families or big dishes.
- 700 watts is standard, but some users might prefer a slightly higher wattage for even faster cooking.
This Chefman microwave is a practical addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable countertop appliance.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for any kitchen. It offers 900 watts of cooking power and a 0.9 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for quick meals and snacks. With 10 power levels and 6 helpful cooking presets, you can easily heat, cook, or defrost your favorite foods. Its sleek black design fits right in with your other appliances, and user-friendly features make it a joy to use.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- You can choose from 10 power levels, from low to high, to melt butter or cook fast.
- Digital controls make it simple to set time and power, and the +30 seconds button adds extra time easily.
- A memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- The child safety lock keeps the door secure, and you can lock the control panel.
- The mute button lets you turn off beeps, so you can cook quietly.
- Eco Mode saves power and lets you turn off the display.
- It’s easy to clean, with a durable exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
- Chefman offers trusted quality with cETL approval and a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger dishes or families.
- While it has presets, some users might prefer more advanced cooking options.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly cooking solution. Its blend of power, convenience, and safety makes it a smart choice for busy households.
3. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.5/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed for your kitchen. Its sleek black finish and 0.7 cubic feet capacity make it a great fit for smaller spaces. This microwave offers a variety of convenient features to simplify your cooking and reheating tasks.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you silence annoying beeps, perfect for late-night snacks or quiet mornings.
- ECO Mode significantly reduces standby power, saving energy and money.
- Easy one-touch buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more make cooking a breeze.
- Express cooking gives you instant 1-6 minute heating with a quick plus-30-second option.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) ensure your food thaws perfectly.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel are easy to read and operate.
- A child safety lock prevents accidental use, giving you peace of mind.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food evenly for consistent heating.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for added security.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- While it has many auto-cook functions, some users might prefer more customizable manual settings.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a simple, efficient, and quiet countertop oven. It handles basic cooking and reheating needs exceptionally well.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and handy appliance that can make your kitchen tasks much easier. It has a sleek stainless steel finish that looks good on any countertop. This microwave is perfect for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking quick meals.
What We Like:
- It comes with helpful pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 10 power settings give you control over how your food cooks.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super convenient for quick reheating.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see and use the controls.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door is simple to open.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 0.7 cubic feet, it might be a little small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking features.
This microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a straightforward and reliable appliance for everyday use. It’s a great addition to a dorm room, small kitchen, or office.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.5/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave oven that offers a lot of handy features for its size. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, especially in smaller apartments. This microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its smart settings and powerful performance.
What We Like:
- Powerful 900W Output: It heats food quickly and efficiently.
- 6 Auto Menus: Easily cook popular foods like popcorn and potatoes with just a few button presses.
- Mute Function: You can silence the end-of-cooking beeps, which is great for quiet mornings or late-night snacks.
- Two-Step Child Lock: This safety feature gives parents peace of mind, preventing little ones from accidentally turning it on.
- 11 Power Levels: You have lots of control to cook different foods perfectly, from gentle defrosting to boiling water.
- One-Touch Start: Quickly start cooking for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- Spacious Interior: The 0.9 cu ft capacity and 10.6-inch turntable fit most standard dishes.
- LED Lighting: See your food clearly as it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- External Dimensions: While compact, it still requires a decent amount of counter space.
- Input Power: The 1400W input power is higher than some microwaves, which might be a consideration for some electrical setups.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance for their apartment or small kitchen. It balances convenience, safety, and performance in a stylish package.
Your Guide to Finding a Great Microwave Under $100
Looking for a microwave oven without breaking the bank? You’ve come to the right place! Microwaves are super handy kitchen helpers. They reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, and even cook quick meals. Finding a good one for under $100 is totally possible. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. More watts mean faster cooking. For most everyday tasks, 700-1000 watts is a good range. A higher wattage cooks food more evenly.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is how much food can fit inside.
- 0.5 – 0.9 cubic feet: Good for small spaces or single servings. Think dorm rooms or small apartments.
- 1.0 – 1.5 cubic feet: Best for families or if you cook larger meals. This is a common size for many homes.
- Turntable: A spinning plate inside. This helps cook your food evenly. Most microwaves have them, but check if it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Presets/One-Touch Cooking: Buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These make cooking simple. You just press a button, and the microwave does the rest.
- Digital Display and Controls: Easy-to-read screens and simple buttons make using the microwave a breeze. Some have touchpads, while others have knobs.
- Child Lock: A safety feature that stops kids from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Important Materials
Most microwaves have an exterior made of steel or plastic. Steel is usually more durable and looks sleeker. The interior is often coated with enamel or a special non-stick coating. These are easy to wipe clean. The door usually has a glass window so you can see your food cooking.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)?
- Quality Improvements:
- Even Cooking: A good microwave cooks food all the way through without hot or cold spots.
- Durability: Well-built microwaves last longer. Look for sturdy doors and controls.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. Quieter models are more pleasant to use.
- Quality Reducers:
- Uneven Heating: Food cooked poorly is frustrating. This can happen with lower wattage or poor design.
- Flimsy Construction: Parts that feel cheap might break easily.
- Difficult Cleaning: Stubborn stains inside can make cleaning a chore.
User Experience and Use Cases
A microwave under $100 is perfect for many situations:
- Students: Great for dorm rooms. They can heat up ramen, make popcorn, and reheat meals.
- Small Apartments: Ideal for saving counter space. They offer quick cooking and reheating.
- Busy Individuals: Perfect for quick lunches or dinners after a long day.
- Second Kitchen: A handy addition to a basement or garage kitchen.
Using a microwave is usually straightforward. You place your food inside, close the door, set the time and power level, and press start. Many come with helpful instructions for different cooking modes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Microwaves Under $100
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in a microwave under $100?
A: The wattage is very important. Aim for at least 700 watts for good cooking power. This helps food cook faster and more evenly.
Q: How big should my microwave be?
A: Consider how much space you have and what you’ll cook. For one person or small spaces, a smaller microwave (around 0.7 cubic feet) is fine. For families, a larger one (1.0-1.5 cubic feet) is better.
Q: Do I need a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable is very useful. It spins your food to help it cook evenly. Most good microwaves have one.
Q: What does “preset cooking” mean?
A: Preset cooking means there are buttons for common foods like popcorn or potatoes. You press the button, and the microwave sets the cooking time and power for you.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice inside for a few minutes. The steam will loosen the grime, making it easier to wipe away.
Q: Are microwaves under $100 good quality?
A: Yes, many microwaves under $100 are good quality. You can find reliable models from trusted brands. Just make sure to check reviews and look for the features you need.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a microwave under $100?
A: You can cook many simple meals and reheat leftovers. For more complex cooking, you might need a microwave with more power or special features, but for basic needs, they work well.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a microwave?
A: A well-cared-for microwave can last about 7-10 years. This can vary depending on how often you use it and its build quality.
Q: Is a digital display better than knobs?
A: It’s a matter of preference. Digital displays often offer more precise settings and presets. Knobs can be simpler for quick adjustments.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with microwaves?
A: Always make sure the microwave door closes properly. Never run it empty. Use microwave-safe dishes. Most modern microwaves have safety features built-in.
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!