Are you tired of spending too much money on a microwave? It feels like every kitchen gadget has a hefty price tag these days. Finding a good microwave that doesn’t break the bank can be a real challenge. You want something that heats your food quickly and reliably, but you don’t want to overpay for features you’ll never use.
The struggle is real when you’re trying to balance quality with your budget. You might worry that “low cost” means “low quality,” and that’s a valid concern. But what if we told you there are fantastic microwaves out there that are both affordable and dependable? This post is here to help you navigate the world of budget-friendly microwaves.
By reading on, you’ll discover exactly what makes a low-cost microwave a smart buy. We’ll show you how to spot the best deals and avoid common pitfalls. Get ready to find a microwave that fits your needs and your wallet, making your kitchen tasks a breeze without the stress of overspending.
Our Top 5 Low Cost Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Low Cost Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.8/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. This compact 0.7 cu. ft. microwave packs a punch with 700 watts of power and offers a wide range of cooking options to make your life easier. It’s perfect for quick meals, snacks, or reheating leftovers.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies make cooking a breeze. You can also just type in the time you need.
- Flexible Power: With 10 power levels, you can gently melt butter or quickly cook your food.
- Easy Controls: Digital controls let you set time and power easily. The +30 seconds button is super convenient.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch access.
- Safety Features: A child safety lock keeps little hands out, and a lock mode secures the control panel.
- Quiet Operation: The mute button lets you turn off beeps, so you won’t disturb others.
- Modern Look: Its compact size and black finish fit nicely with other kitchen appliances.
- Eco Mode: Save energy by disabling the display when not in use.
- Simple to Clean: The exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Trusted Quality: It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or big meals.
This Chefman microwave oven is a reliable and user-friendly appliance that will simplify your daily cooking routine. Its thoughtful features and compact design make it a great value.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, a compact powerhouse designed for your kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot stainless steel microwave is perfect for heating up snacks, cooking meals, and making your busy life a little easier. Its user-friendly design and helpful features make it a great addition to any home, whether you’re a busy student, a working professional, or a family on the go.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and frozen veggies.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is super handy for quick reheating.
- You can easily see the cooking time on the large LED digital display.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The interior light lets you check on your food without opening the door.
- The push-button door makes opening and closing a breeze.
- It comes with a removable 10-inch glass turntable for even cooking and easy cleaning.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it’s not the most powerful microwave, so some longer cooking times might take a bit longer.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity is on the smaller side, so it might not fit larger dishes.
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a reliable and user-friendly microwave. It’s a good choice for basic heating and cooking needs.
3. Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The Farberware FMO07ABTBKA Classic 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Microwave Oven in Black is a handy appliance that simplifies meal preparation. It’s designed for quick and easy cooking, making it a great addition to any kitchen or office space.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly with 700 watts of power.
- You can customize cooking with ten power levels and multi-stage cooking.
- Six one-touch options like popcorn, potato, and pizza are super convenient.
- It has defrost settings for both weight and time.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- A clear LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting helps you see your food while it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra security.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be less powerful than some larger microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger dishes or families.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use cooking companion. Its compact size and smart features make it a practical appliance for everyday use.
4. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.0/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for small spaces. Its sleek black design fits right in on your countertop. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food super simple with its easy-to-use features.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sounds, which is perfect for quiet mornings or late-night snacks.
- The ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power, helping you save on your electricity bill.
- One-touch express cooking buttons, including 1-6 minute options and a +30 seconds button, make heating food fast and easy.
- It has helpful auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, and beverages, taking the guesswork out of cooking.
- The child safety lock gives you peace of mind if you have little ones around.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to select your settings.
- A 10-inch glass turntable inside ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for added protection.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be a bit small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- While it has many useful features, some users might prefer more advanced cooking options or a digital display that shows cooking time remaining more clearly.
Overall, this COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact, user-friendly appliance with convenient features like silent operation and energy saving. It’s a practical microwave for daily use.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact microwave that brings convenience to your kitchen. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any apartment. It’s a powerful 900-watt microwave, perfect for heating leftovers, making popcorn, or defrosting food quickly. The 0.9 cubic foot capacity is just right for smaller spaces. This microwave also has smart features that make cooking easier.
What We Like:
- It has 6 helpful auto-cook menus for popular foods like pizza and potatoes.
- You can adjust the power with 11 different levels, giving you control for various cooking tasks.
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sound, so it won’t disturb anyone.
- A two-step child lock keeps little hands from turning it on by accident.
- It includes a 10.6-inch removable glass turntable, which is easy to clean.
- The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food as it cooks.
- Defrosting is simple, either by weight or time.
- The one-touch start quickly cooks food for up to 6 minutes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches, which might still be a bit large for very tiny kitchens.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. Its handy features and modern design make it a great addition to any home.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Finding a Great Low-Cost Microwave
Finding a good microwave that doesn’t cost a lot of money is totally possible! You don’t need to spend a fortune to heat up leftovers or make popcorn. This guide will help you pick the best budget-friendly microwave for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at microwaves that are easy on your wallet, focus on these important things:
- Wattage: This tells you how fast your microwave cooks. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday tasks like reheating food, 700-900 watts is usually enough. If you want to cook things faster, aim for 1000 watts or more.
- Size (Capacity): Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for small kitchens or if you only need to heat up single servings. Medium ones are more common and fit most plates. Large ones are better if you cook bigger meals or have a family. Think about what you’ll be heating up most often.
- Turntable: A turntable is a glass plate that spins your food around. This helps your food cook evenly. Most microwaves have this, and it’s a good feature to have.
- Preset Cooking Options: Some microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, baked potato, or pizza. These can be handy if you use them a lot.
- Defrost Setting: This is a useful feature for thawing frozen foods. Look for settings that let you defrost by weight or time.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear display makes it easy to see how much time is left. Simple buttons are usually best for low-cost models.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave can affect how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Interior Coating: Most microwaves have a painted steel interior. This is common and works well. Some might have stainless steel, which can be easier to clean but might cost a bit more. For a low-cost option, a good quality painted interior is fine.
- Exterior: The outside is usually made of metal or plastic. Metal exteriors can feel sturdier. Plastic exteriors are lighter. Both can work well.
- Door: The door should have a good seal to keep the heat inside. The window should be clear so you can see your food.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Here’s what makes a low-cost microwave great or not so great:
- Build Quality: Even on a budget, look for a microwave that feels solid. If it rattles a lot or the buttons feel flimsy, it might not last as long.
- Even Cooking: The best budget microwaves cook food evenly. A good turntable and proper wattage help with this.
- Ease of Use: Simple controls and a clear display make using the microwave much easier. You don’t want to spend a lot of time figuring out how to use it.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews to see if people mention it being loud.
- Durability: A well-made microwave, even if it’s cheap, should last for a few years with normal use.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your microwave.
- Quick Snacks: If you just need to heat up a mug of coffee or a quick snack, a smaller, simpler microwave will work perfectly.
- Reheating Leftovers: For reheating meals, a medium-sized microwave with decent wattage will do the job well.
- Basic Cooking: If you plan to do a little more, like cooking vegetables or making popcorn, look for one with a few preset options and a higher wattage.
- Small Kitchens: Compact microwaves are great for dorm rooms, small apartments, or offices where space is limited.
- First-Time Buyers: If this is your first microwave, a basic, easy-to-use model is a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most important feature for a low-cost microwave?
A: For a low-cost microwave, the most important features are usually wattage and size. You want it to be powerful enough for your needs and fit your space.
Q: Do I really need a turntable?
A: Yes, a turntable is very helpful. It helps your food cook evenly by spinning it around.
Q: Can a low-cost microwave cook food well?
A: Yes, many low-cost microwaves can cook food well for everyday tasks. They might not have all the fancy features, but they can heat and reheat effectively.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means it cooks food faster.
Q: How do I clean a low-cost microwave?
A: You can usually clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap. Make sure the inside is dry before you use it again.
Q: Are cheap microwaves safe?
A: Yes, as long as they are certified (like by UL or ETL), low-cost microwaves are safe to use.
Q: What size microwave should I get?
A: Think about what you will heat up. Small ones are for single servings, medium ones fit most plates, and large ones are for bigger meals or families.
Q: What if the microwave doesn’t cook evenly?
A: If your food isn’t cooking evenly, make sure the turntable is spinning correctly. You might also need to stir or rearrange the food halfway through cooking.
Q: Where can I find good deals on low-cost microwaves?
A: You can find good deals at big box stores, online retailers, and sometimes during holiday sales.
Q: How long should a low-cost microwave last?
A: With good care, a low-cost microwave can last for several years, typically 3-5 years, for basic use.
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!