Does your kitchen feel a little… incomplete without a trusty microwave? Imagine this: you’ve just finished a long day, and the thought of cooking a whole meal feels exhausting. You crave a quick, warm snack or a reheated leftover. But then you remember – your old microwave gave up the ghost, or maybe you never even had one! Finding a good, affordable microwave can feel like a treasure hunt, and honestly, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. It’s tough to know which one will actually work well without breaking the bank.
That’s where this guide comes in! We know you want a microwave that heats your food evenly, is easy to use, and doesn’t cost a fortune. You’re probably wondering if you can even get a decent one for under $100. The good news is, yes, you absolutely can! We’ve done the digging so you don’t have to. Keep reading, and we’ll help you discover the best microwaves that fit your budget and your kitchen needs.
Our Top 5 Microwave Under $100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Under $100 Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, a compact and stylish addition to any kitchen. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave is perfect for heating up snacks, cooking quick meals, and reheating leftovers. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on your countertop.
What We Like:
- It has helpful pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 10 power settings give you control over how your food cooks.
- You can easily add 30 seconds of cooking time with the express cook button.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find 700 watts a bit less powerful than other microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for larger families or big dishes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for small kitchens or for anyone who needs a simple, reliable appliance. It offers great features for its size and price.
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 life. This 0.7 cubic foot, 700-watt microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its smart features and user-friendly design.
What We Like:
- It heats food super fast. You can pick from six special cooking settings for things like popcorn, pizza, or veggies. You can also just press a number for minutes of cooking.
- It has ten different power levels. This lets you melt butter gently or cook food quickly on high power.
- The digital controls are simple to use. You can easily set the time and power. The +30 seconds button is great for extra heating time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings. This means you can start your usual meals with just one touch.
- A child safety lock keeps the door shut tight. You can also turn off the control panel to keep kids safe.
- The mute button stops annoying beeps. This is handy when you need quiet or don’t want to wake anyone.
- Its sleek black design looks good in any kitchen. The compact size saves counter space. Eco Mode lets you save power and turn off the display.
- Cleaning is easy. The outside wipes clean with a damp cloth. The glass plate can even go in the dishwasher.
- It’s built to last and has safety features. Chefman also offers a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be a bit small for very large dishes or multiple items at once.
- While powerful for its size, 700 watts might take slightly longer for some cooking tasks compared to higher wattage microwaves.
This microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for everyday meals. It combines smart features with a compact design, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
3. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.5/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven in Pearl White is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed for your kitchen. It offers a 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of power, making it ideal for quick meals and snacks. This microwave focuses on convenience with features like easy one-touch buttons and energy-saving modes.
What We Like:
- The Mute Function is a game-changer, letting you silence all beeps by holding the sound on/off button for 3 seconds. This means quieter cooking, especially late at night or early in the morning.
- The Easy One-Touch Express Cooking function is very handy. You can quickly cook for 1-6 minutes or add 30 seconds with a single press.
- It includes two smart defrost settings: one by weight and another by time, making it easier to prepare frozen foods.
- The Auto-Cook functions for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggies, beverages, and reheating are simple to use.
- The Energy Saving Eco Mode is a great feature. It cuts standby power by 50%, helping you save a little on your electricity bill.
- The Two-Step Child Lock Feature adds extra safety, preventing accidental use by children.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 0.7 cubic feet, it might be a bit small for cooking larger dishes or for families who prepare big meals.
- The 700-watt power is standard, but some users might prefer a bit more power for faster cooking.
Overall, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM microwave is a practical choice for anyone seeking a simple, quiet, and energy-efficient option for everyday cooking needs.
4. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.6/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces. This microwave offers 700 watts of power, perfect for heating up snacks or cooking quick meals. Its sleek black design and user-friendly features make it a practical choice for busy households.
What We Like:
- The mute function is a lifesaver for quiet mornings or late-night snacks.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power.
- Easy one-touch buttons and express cooking options make heating food super simple.
- The child safety lock adds peace of mind for families with young children.
- It includes handy auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more.
- The bright digital display and interior light make it easy to see and use.
- A 10-inch glass turntable fits most standard dishes.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for added confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700W power might be a bit slow for larger cooking tasks compared to higher wattage models.
- While compact, the 0.7 cu.ft. capacity may not be enough for very large items.
This COMFEE’ microwave is a solid option for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance. Its thoughtful features, like the silent mode and energy-saving option, make it a smart and convenient choice for everyday use.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS), a sleek Black Stainless Steel microwave that’s just right for small kitchens or apartments. It’s packed with features to make cooking easy and safe, all in a compact 0.9 cubic foot size. This microwave heats food fast with 900 watts of power and has a handy 10.6-inch turntable that spins your food evenly.
What We Like:
- It has a Two-Step Child Lock, keeping little hands safe from starting it by accident.
- You get 6 Preset Menus for quick cooking of things like popcorn and potatoes.
- It offers 11 Power Levels, giving you lots of control for different foods.
- The Mute Mode lets you turn off the beeping sound when it’s done.
- Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start make cooking simple and fast.
- The LED lighting inside helps you see your food clearly.
- Its Black Stainless Steel finish looks modern and stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1400 watts, which is higher than the output power.
- The instructions for the child lock need to be followed carefully, as shown in the figure.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance for their kitchen.
Your Wallet-Friendly Guide to Microwaves Under $100
Finding a great microwave without breaking the bank is totally possible! If you need a simple way to heat up leftovers, pop some popcorn, or thaw frozen food, a microwave under $100 is your perfect match. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means it heats food faster. For most basic tasks, 700-900 watts is good. If you want to cook more than just reheat, aim for 900 watts or higher.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is how much food can fit inside. Small microwaves are usually around 0.7 cubic feet, perfect for a single person or small kitchen. Medium ones are 0.9 to 1.1 cubic feet, good for families.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass plate that spins. This helps food heat evenly. Make sure it’s easy to remove and clean.
- Preset Cooking Options: Some microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These can make cooking super easy.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital screen helps you see the time and settings. Easy-to-use buttons make operating the microwave simple.
- Timer: A simple timer is essential for cooking and reheating.
- Child Lock: If you have kids, a child lock feature keeps them safe by preventing accidental starts.
Important Materials
Most microwaves under $100 are made with a few key materials:
- Exterior: The outside is usually made of painted steel. This makes it durable and easy to wipe down.
- Interior: The inside is often coated with an enamel or a non-stick material. This coating makes it easy to clean up spills and splatters.
- Door: The door has a glass window so you can see your food. It also has a metal mesh to block microwave radiation. The handle is typically made of plastic.
- Turntable: The spinning plate is usually made of tempered glass. This glass is strong and can handle the heat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave better or not so great:
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels sturdy and well-put-together will last longer. Wobbly parts or thin plastic can be signs of lower quality.
- Heating Evenness: A good microwave heats food all the way through. If your food has cold spots, the microwave might not be distributing the heat well. This can be due to wattage or design.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. A quieter microwave is more pleasant to use, especially in open living spaces.
- Ease of Cleaning: A smooth interior with a removable turntable makes cleaning much easier. Stubborn stains can be a hassle.
- Durability of Controls: Buttons and touchpads should feel responsive and not get stuck. If the controls wear out quickly, it can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Microwaves under $100 are great for many everyday tasks:
- Quick Reheating: They are perfect for reheating last night’s dinner or a quick lunch.
- Popcorn Power: Many people buy microwaves just for making popcorn. Preset buttons can help get it just right.
- Thawing Frozen Foods: Need to thaw some chicken or veggies? A microwave makes it much faster than leaving them on the counter.
- Simple Cooking: You can even cook simple things like baked potatoes or oatmeal.
- Dorm Rooms and Small Apartments: Their compact size and affordable price make them ideal for students or those with limited kitchen space.
- Office Break Rooms: A microwave under $100 is a common sight in offices for employees to heat their lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in a microwave under $100?
A: The most important feature is probably wattage. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: Are microwaves under $100 powerful enough for everyday use?
A: Yes, most microwaves under $100 have enough power for basic tasks like reheating and cooking popcorn.
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 for a few minutes, then wipe.
Q: What does “capacity” mean for a microwave?
A: Capacity tells you how much space is inside the microwave. It’s usually measured in cubic feet.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a microwave under $100?
A: While you can cook some simple meals, these microwaves are best for reheating and quick cooking tasks.
Q: Is a turntable really necessary?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly by spinning it. It’s a very helpful feature.
Q: How long do microwaves under $100 usually last?
A: With good care, a microwave under $100 can last for several years, often 5 to 10 years.
Q: What are some common problems with budget microwaves?
A: Sometimes they might not heat as evenly as more expensive models, or they could be a bit louder.
Q: Should I worry about radiation from my microwave?
A: Microwaves are designed with safety features to prevent radiation leaks. As long as the door is not damaged, they are safe to use.
Q: Where can I find good deals on microwaves under $100?
A: You can often find good deals at big box stores, online retailers, and during holiday sales.
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!