Tired of lukewarm leftovers or spending too much on a simple kitchen appliance? Finding a good countertop microwave that doesn’t break the bank can feel like a quest. You want something that heats your food quickly and reliably, but the sheer number of choices under $100 can be overwhelming. Do you pick the one with the most buttons, or the cheapest one you can find? It’s tough to know which one will actually work well and last.
But what if you could find a fantastic countertop microwave for under $100 that actually makes your life easier? This post is here to guide you. We’ll cut through the confusion and show you exactly what to look for. By the end, you’ll know how to spot a great deal and pick the perfect microwave for your kitchen without overspending.
So, let’s dive in and find your next kitchen workhorse!
Our Top 5 Counter Top Microwave Under $100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Counter Top Microwave Under $100 Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for quickly heating up snacks or full meals. Its sleek black design fits into any kitchen, and it’s packed with features to make cooking easy and convenient.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn and pizza.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels to cook food just right.
- The digital controls are easy to use, and the +30 seconds button is handy.
- A memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch cooking.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe, and the mute button lets you cook quietly.
- Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display when not in use.
- Cleaning is a breeze, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or big meals.
- At 700 watts, it might not be as powerful as some larger, higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers great convenience for daily use.
2. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.9/10
Need a microwave that’s small but mighty? The Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts, 0.7 Cu. Ft. is a fantastic choice for anyone with limited space. It’s perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, or even your office. This microwave makes heating up leftovers or making a quick snack super easy. Its stainless steel finish looks great on any counter and is a breeze to wipe clean.
What We Like:
- It’s a powerful 700-watt microwave that heats food fast.
- It has ten power levels and six one-touch settings for things like popcorn and potatoes.
- The 0.7 cubic foot size is ideal for small kitchens.
- The LED lighting makes it easy to see your food while it cooks.
- A child lock feature adds extra safety for families.
- The stainless steel interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It includes a kitchen timer and clock on a clear LED display.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The 700-watt power might be slightly less powerful than some larger models.
This Farberware microwave is a smart pick for its convenience and size. It offers good features for everyday use.
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 that fits perfectly on your kitchen counter. It’s designed for easy everyday use, offering a variety of helpful features to make cooking and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sounds, which is great for late-night snacks or when the baby is sleeping.
- The ECO Mode saves energy by cutting standby power in half.
- One-touch express cooking buttons for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more make cooking super simple.
- You can cook from 1 to 6 minutes with the plus 30 seconds button.
- It has two defrost settings, one by weight and one by time, so your food thaws perfectly.
- The digital display is bright and easy to read, and the control panel is straightforward.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally starting the microwave.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates your food evenly for consistent cooking.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger families or when heating very big dishes.
- While convenient, the auto-cook presets might not be perfect for every type of food, sometimes requiring slight adjustments.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone seeking a simple, efficient, and quiet countertop cooking solution. Its user-friendly features and energy-saving mode make it a practical addition to any kitchen.
4. COMFEE CMO-C20M1WB Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the COMFEE CMO-C20M1WB Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper! This compact microwave is just right for small spaces, offering a 0.7 cubic-foot capacity and 700 watts of power. It’s packed with useful features like 11 power levels, a handy turntable reset, and speedy cooking options. Plus, it makes defrosting a breeze with both weight and time settings, and a memory function remembers your favorite cooking times. Safety is important, so it includes a two-step child lock to keep little hands safe.
What We Like:
- The compact size is perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, or small kitchens.
- It has a bright digital display and an easy-to-read control panel.
- The one-touch express cooking for 1-6 minutes and 30 seconds is super convenient.
- Defrosting by weight or time takes the guesswork out of thawing food.
- The two-step child lock provides extra peace of mind for families.
- It includes popular auto-cook options like popcorn, potato, and pizza.
- The 10-inch glass turntable fits most standard dishes.
- It has a stylish look that fits well in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic-foot capacity might be too small for larger families or bigger meals.
- While it has 11 power levels, some users might prefer even more precise control.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. Its smart features and safety additions make it a great addition to any kitchen.
5. Emerson MW7601SL Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Sleek Mirrored Finish Door 10 Power Levels
Rating: 8.9/10
The Emerson MW7601SL Compact Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its sleek silver finish and mirrored door add a modern touch. This microwave offers great versatility for all your heating and cooking needs.
What We Like:
- It has 10 power levels. This lets you pick the right heat for reheating leftovers or cooking meals.
- The 6 pre-programmed settings make meal prep easy. Just choose a setting, and the microwave does the work.
- The stylish mirrored glass door looks great. It’s also easy to clean and maintain.
- Defrosting is quick with time and weight options. No more guessing how long to defrost your food.
- The LED display and digital clock are clear. You can easily see your cooking progress.
- A child safe lock provides extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is compact. This might be too small for larger dishes or families.
- While the mirrored finish is stylish, it can show fingerprints easily.
Overall, the Emerson MW7601SL is a user-friendly microwave that combines good looks with practical features. It’s a solid choice for smaller kitchens or for those who want a microwave that’s as attractive as it is functional.
Your Guide to Finding a Great Microwave Under $100
Finding a good microwave doesn’t have to break the bank. Many fantastic countertop microwaves are available for under $100. These microwaves are perfect for quick meals, reheating leftovers, and making popcorn. Let’s explore what makes a microwave a great buy in this price range.
Key Features to Look For
1. Wattage: Power Matters
Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For most everyday tasks, a microwave with 700 to 1000 watts is ideal. This range heats food evenly and quickly.
2. Capacity: How Much Can It Hold?
Microwave capacity is measured in cubic feet. A smaller capacity (around 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet) is good for single servings or small kitchens. A larger capacity (around 1.0 to 1.2 cubic feet) can fit bigger plates and more food. Think about what you’ll be heating most often.
3. Preset Cooking Options: Convenience at Your Fingertips
Many microwaves come with preset buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These make cooking easier. You just press a button, and the microwave does the rest. This is a handy feature for busy people.
4. Turntable: Even Heating
A glass turntable inside the microwave spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most microwaves under $100 have a turntable, but it’s always good to check.
5. Digital Display and Controls: Easy to Use
A clear digital display shows the cooking time and settings. Easy-to-use buttons or a dial make it simple to set the time and power level. Some microwaves have touch controls, which are easy to clean.
Important Materials and Build Quality
1. Interior Coating: Durability and Cleaning
The inside of a microwave is usually coated with a material that’s easy to clean. Common coatings include ceramic enamel or a simple painted metal. Ceramic enamel is often more durable and resists scratches better. Painted metal is also good and usually found in more budget-friendly models.
2. Exterior Casing: Sturdiness
The outside of the microwave is typically made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often found on less expensive models. Both can be good if the microwave is well-built.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great?
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food all the way through without cold spots. This often comes from good wattage and a working turntable.
- Durability: A well-made microwave lasts a long time. Look for sturdy buttons and a solid door that closes securely.
- Ease of Cleaning: A non-stick interior and simple controls make cleaning a breeze.
What Can Lower the Quality?
- Uneven Heating: If food is cooked poorly, it might mean the microwave isn’t heating evenly.
- Flimsy Construction: Buttons that feel cheap or a door that doesn’t close tightly can be signs of lower quality.
- Short Lifespan: Microwaves that break down quickly are not a good value.
User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Convenience
Microwaves under $100 are perfect for everyday tasks. They help you reheat last night’s dinner quickly. You can also defrost frozen foods in minutes. Making popcorn for a movie night is super easy. These microwaves are great for college students, busy families, or anyone who wants quick and simple meal preparation.
Simple and Effective
These microwaves focus on doing the basics well. They heat food, defrost, and can even cook simple recipes. You don’t need a lot of fancy features to get a lot of use out of them. Their compact size also means they fit nicely on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in a microwave under $100?
A: Wattage is very important. A higher wattage means faster cooking. Aim for at least 700 watts.
Q: How much capacity do I need?
A: For one or two people, 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet is usually enough. If you cook larger meals or for more people, consider 1.0 to 1.2 cubic feet.
Q: Are microwaves under $100 durable?
A: Many are! Look for good reviews about build quality and how long they last.
Q: Can I cook full meals in these microwaves?
A: Yes, you can reheat and cook many simple meals. They are great for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen dinners.
Q: Do I need a turntable?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly, so it’s a good feature to have.
Q: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage measures the power of the microwave. Higher wattage means it heats food faster.
Q: Are there microwaves under $100 with presets?
A: Yes, many budget-friendly microwaves have presets for common foods like popcorn or potatoes.
Q: What should I do if my food isn’t heating evenly?
A: Make sure the turntable is spinning correctly. You can also try rearranging the food halfway through cooking.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a microwave under $100?
A: You can find great deals at big box stores, online retailers, and even some discount stores.
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!