Cooking has always been a way for people to connect with their families and friends. It’s a way to show love and care by creating something that everyone can enjoy.
But with the advent of microwaves, cooking has become so much easier. No more waiting for water to boil or food to bake. With just the push of a button, dinner is on the table.
Today, there are all sorts of different microwave models on the market, from retro designs to high-tech units with advanced features.
While microwaves have become an essential part of many kitchens, some people still consider them expensive. But the truth is, there are some great microwave ovens out there that are perfect for budget-conscious cooks.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best microwaves under $100. So whether you’re in the market for your first microwave or just looking to upgrade your old one, read on for some great options!
Table could not be displayed.Our 10 Best Budget Microwaves Under 100 Dollar:
1. Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
Anyone who’s ever worked in a restaurant, or cooked at home, knows that having a good microwave oven is key.
The Black+Decker EM720CB7 digital microwave oven offers convection cooking to evenly cook food inside and out.
It also has a rotating plate for even heating larger items. This digital microwave features a 700W motor with 10 power settings, allowing you to find the perfect setting for any dish. It is made of stainless steel and has a capacity of 0.71 cubic feet.
The Black+Decker EM720CB digital microwave oven has interior light and a child safety lock to keep your little ones safe.
It also comes with a removable 10” glass turntable and push-button door for easy opening and closing – perfect for when your hands are full!
Moreso, there are pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, baked potatoes, frozen vegetables, beverages, soup, and chicken. There’s also a 30-second express cooking function when you need to warm something in a hurry.
With its large LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel. We found the Black+Decker EM720CB to be a great all-around microwave oven. It has all the features most people will need, and it performs well.
The drawback is that it doesn’t have a sensor to automatically adjust cooking time based on the food’s moisture content, and there are no handles.
Also, it tends to spark often, which could cause a fire hazard. But overall, we think this is a great choice for a mid-priced microwave oven.
Benefits
- This microwave is very safe to use with features like a child lock and push-button door.
- It has a large LED digital display and an easy-to-read control panel for easy use.
- The microwave is made from stainless steel, so it is durable.
- It heats food quickly and evenly.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t adjust to food moisture properly, leading to more time for a certain food to get evenly hot.
- There are no handles for easy carrying.
- The microwave tends to spark for reasons unknown.
2. Galanz GLCMKA07GNR-07 Retro Microwave Oven
The Galanz GLCMKA07GNR-07 retro microwave oven is perfect for those who want to have a modern kitchen with a retro-style feel.
Its surf green hue is vibrant and will look excellent in your kitchen. It would be ideal for restaurant owners, homeowners, and anyone who loves to cook. With its six variable power levels, this microwave oven can cook different types of food.
And thanks to its defrost features, you can defrost your frozen food by time or weight. It also has a lot of modern features.
A modern feature is its interior illumination. This feature lets you view what’s inside your microwave without having to open the door.
The child lock is another modern feature that makes this device an excellent pick. This function stops your children from accessing the microwave oven’s buttons.
The 0.7 cubic feet size is the fourth feature that makes this product an excellent pick. This size is ideal for individuals who want a microwave oven that is tiny enough to fit in their kitchen while still being large enough to cook their meals.
The pull handle design is the sixth feature that makes this product an excellent pick. This design makes it simple to open and close the microwave oven door. Finally, its easy-to-read LED display indicates cooking time as well as when the cooking operation is complete.
Benefits
- This microwave oven will improve the appearance of your kitchen.
- You won’t have any problems operating this microwave
- It has a defrost feature, child lock, and pull handle design.
- It has a perfect size.
Drawbacks
- This microwave oven may not last long.
3. Nostalgia CLMO7WH Classic Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
The Nostalgia COMO 700WH is a sleek, retro-styled countertop microwave oven that will make a great addition to any kitchen. It has 700 watts of power, making it great for cooking large meals or reheating leftovers.
The unit also has five power levels and eight cook settings (popcorn, reheat, beverage, pizza, potato, vegetable, meat, and fish), so you can customize the cooking process to your specific needs. With its 0.7 cubic feet size, you’ll be able to cook/warm/defrost your food.
The LED display makes it easy to see the current settings and the time remaining. The controls are straightforward to understand.
There is also a detailed instruction manual that will walk you through the process of using the microwave oven.
So, it is ideal for those who are not familiar with using microwaves. However, it doesn’t work like it should and takes quite a lot of time to heat meals and even water.
The best thing about the Nostalgia CLMO700WH is its sleek design. The unit has a retro look that will complement any kitchen décor.
It comes in white, which is a popular color for kitchen appliances, and has a sleek chrome door handle control. Overall, the Nostalgia COMO 700WH is a great choice for those looking for a stylish countertop microwave oven.
Benefits
- This countertop microwave oven is very stylish.
- It is user-friendly and comes with a detailed instructional manual.
- There are eight cooking settings in this microwave oven.
Drawbacks
- This microwave oven is noisy.
- It doesn’t work as it should.
4. Sharp Microwaves ZSMC0710BB Sharp Countertop Microwave Oven
The Sharp Microwaves ZSMC0700BB is a top-quality product that any homeowner would be proud to own. It is a countertop microwave oven with 700 watts of power and 0.70 cubic feet capacity.
This product is perfect for those who love to cook or bake as it has many features that make cooking easier and faster. With its sleek design, it would also compliment any kitchen’s decor.
This microwave oven has 11 power levels, allowing you to choose the right level of heat for your food.
There are also pre-set cooking functions for popcorn, pizza, soup, and more. If you’re in a hurry, there’s even a quick start function that will start cooking your food in 30 seconds. The defrost function is also a great feature, allowing you to quickly defrost meat or poultry.
The Sharp Microwaves ZSMC0700BB has a clean touch control panel, making it easy to keep this microwave oven looking its best.
Benefits
- It is easy to use, thanks to its clean touch control panel.
- There are 11 power settings in this microwave oven.
- It is compact yet high quality.
- You’ll like its sleek design and color in your kitchen.
Drawbacks
- It might be too small for some peeps.
5. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM countertop microwave oven is one of the best microwaves on the market today. Its sleek design and easy-to-use interface make it a great choice for anyone looking for a new microwave.
The microwave oven has 700 watts and 11 power levels making it easy to cook a variety of foods. The mute function, settings, clock, and kitchen timer make it easy to control the cooking time while the child safety lock protects against accidental operation.
The easy auto-cook functions make it simple to pop popcorn, potatoes, pizza, or frozen veggies, and the reheat function is perfect for leftovers.
The clock and kitchen timer help you keep track of time, while the settings allow you to customize your cooking experience.
This microwave oven comes with a sound on/off feature, which is great for those who do not want to be disturbed by the sound of the microwave while they are cooking. It also has an ECO mode that minimizes 50% standby power, saving energy.
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM countertop microwave oven has one-touch buttons with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time) are very easy to use and make it very convenient for anyone to use this microwave oven.
Plus, it has an easy-to-read control panel, interior light, and a 10” glass turntable.
Benefits
- This is a good compact microwave oven.
- It has a mute function, settings, clock, one-touch buttons, and a kitchen timer for easy control.
- You can turn on/off the beep sound.
- It cooks fast and well.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t last.
6. Commercial Chef CHM660 CounterTop Microwave
The Chef CHM660 countertop microwave is a great fit for small living spaces such as dorm rooms and apartments. The controls are very user-friendly, and the microwave comes with a variety of features that make it perfect for any homeowner or chef.
The microwave has six different power levels with 600-watt power, so you can cook anything from frozen food to delicate desserts. Its defrost function is also very helpful when you need to quickly thaw something out.
The Chef CHM660 countertop microwave 0.60 cubic feet size is just right for most families as it can accommodate various sizes of plates without taking up much space.
It also comes with a 30 minutes timer and includes a 9.5″ glass turntable that will accommodate different microwave-safe plates, bowls, and containers while providing an easy-to-clean surface. However, it doesn’t heat up evenly.
The Chef CHM660 countertop microwave is available in black or white, so you can choose the one that best fits your kitchen’s style.
It is also very affordable, so you won’t have to break the bank to get a quality appliance. You can as well give it as a gift to your loved ones with cognitive problems or arthritis.
Benefits
- This microwave oven has a sleek design and is very easy to use.
- It comes with a 9.5″ glass turntable.
- There are six different power levels to cook/warm/defrost your favorite meals.
- It is perfect as a gift to people with cognitive problems or arthritis.
Drawbacks
- It doesn’t heat up evenly.
- It may not last for long.
7. Farberware Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
If you’re in the market for a quality, yet affordable countertop microwave oven, the Farberware compact countertop microwave oven is a great option to consider.
This unit is very versatile and features 700 watts of power with 10 power levels and 6 one-touch cooking programs (potato, popcorn, and pizza. You can also heat frozen food quickly by using its defrost by weight or by time settings.
Plus, it has a 0.77 cubic feet size and will fit any small place in your home or office.
Thanks to the clean gray interior, and LED lighting, you’ll be able to see your food as it cooks.
Additionally, the retro black exterior gives this microwave oven a stylish look, black front and handle that will complement any kitchen décor. It also has a 10.5” turntable.
When it comes to performance, the Farberware compact countertop microwave oven does not disappoint. It heats food evenly and quickly, making it a great choice for busy families or anyone who likes to have their meals ready in a hurry.
There are 1 to 6 minutes of express cooking and 30 seconds, and a kitchen timer/clock as well. Farberware equipped it with a memory function that stores your most-used settings for easy use.
Benefits
- This versatile little microwave can do it all – from reheating leftovers to cooking entire meals.
- Its child lock feature is also a nice touch, as it allows you to keep little ones safe from accidental operation.
- It’s perfect for small spaces, and the LED lighting makes it easy to see what’s inside.
- It is equipped with a memory function that stores your most-used settings for easy use.
Drawbacks
- It has shipping issues, where you may receive a damaged item.
8. SunBeam Microwave Oven (Black)
The SunBeam 700-watt microwave is a great choice for those who want a durable and reliable appliance.
With its black finish, it will complement any kitchen décor. It has a power capacity of 700W and features ten power levels and a six-minute timer. The SunBeam microwave is also Energy Star certified.
This microwave is very versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks. Its 0.73 cubic feet space is enough to warm and cook enough meals for a family of 3 or 4.
The defrost function is also a great feature. And it will heat food quickly and evenly. The SunBeam microwave oven is sure to please anyone who uses it.
Benefits
- This microwave is great for small spaces, and it is easy to use.
- It has a sleek design and will improve the appearance of any kitchen.
- This microwave is very durable.
- It works well as it should.
Drawbacks
- It makes noise while in operation.
- It may not last long.
9. Mainstays Microwave Oven
The Mainstays countertop microwave oven comes with 10 power levels, six quick-set menu buttons, and a bright LED display.
It is an efficient and user-friendly choice for your home cooking needs. With 700 watts of cooking power, this Mainstays microwave can handle a variety of cooking tasks.
Plus, the six quick-set menu buttons make it easy to select the right cooking time and power level for your food.
Another feature of this microwave oven is its defrost function. This means that you can easily defrost food before you cook it.
Moreso, its compact size (0.7 cubic feet) makes it a great choice for small kitchens or other limited countertop space.
For effective and evenly cooking, the Mainstays output microwave oven has a turntable 11” to easily cook food evenly. Hence, you won’t experience uneven heating of food.
Benefits
- It is small and works extremely well.
- Anyone will be able to operate this microwave oven due to its user-friendly design.
- It bangs for the buck.
- It will make an excellent gift for anyone who loves to cook or entertain.
Drawbacks
- It may be too small for some applications.
10. Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave Oven
Commercial Chef makes our list again with another of their countertop microwave ovens. This time, their 0.60 cubic feet model.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss way to heat your food, this is the microwave for you. It’s simple to use, thanks to its mechanical, rotary dial basic controls.
This microwave has a durable strong construction, a black front display, and a cabinet. With its easy-to-grasp grip type handle, you’ll find it straightforward to open and close the door. This microwave oven has a 600W power output and six different power settings that allow you to cook your food in the way that you want.
With an internal capacity of 0.6 cubic feet, you can use the oven to reheat your food or to bake cakes and cookies. It also comes with a timer so that you can set it and forget it.
The Commercial Chef countertop microwave oven is perfect for (leftovers) or food preparation. Its defrost feature with speed/weight allows for multiple uses in the kitchen.
This countertop microwave oven also comes with a removable glass turntable plate for even cooking. It is ETL approved with a 1-year limited warranty provided by the manufacturer.
Benefits
- This microwave oven is very simple to use.
- It fits tight spaces properly.
- It doesn’t make unnecessary sounds.
- It heats up fast and equally.
Drawbacks
- This Microwave Oven doesn’t last long.
How to Choose the Best Microwave Under 100
With so many different models available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this section, we will discuss some of the things you should consider when choosing a microwave oven. Let’s get started!
Type of Microwave You Want
There are three main types of microwaves: Solo, Grill, and Convection.
Solo microwaves are the most basic type. They are usually the cheapest and have the simplest controls.
Grill microwaves have a grill element in addition to the usual microwave heating element. This allows you to brown or crisp food as well as heat it.
Convection microwaves have a fan that circulates hot air around the food, allowing for even cooking.
When deciding on which type of microwave to buy, think about what kinds of foods you will be cooking most often.
If you only need to heat up simple items like popcorn or frozen dinners, a solo microwave should suffice. If you want the ability to cook more complex meals, you will need a grill or convection microwave.
Size of Microwave
Microwaves come in a variety of sizes. The size you need will depend on the amount of space you have in your kitchen and how much food you plan to cook at one time.
If you have a small kitchen or live in an apartment, a compact microwave should be sufficient. These microwaves are usually under 0.50 cubic feet.
Mid-sized microwaves are between 0.50 and 0.80 cubic feet. These are good for medium-sized kitchens or families who want to be able to cook larger meals.
Large microwaves are over 0.80 cubic feet. These are best for large families or those who entertain often.
Installation Type
Most microwaves can be either built-in or countertop models.
Built-in microwaves are installed in a cabinet or shelf. They usually require professional installation and cost more than countertop models.
Countertop microwaves are the most common type. They can be placed on any flat surface in your kitchen and plugged into an outlet.
Over the range microwaves are a type of built-in microwave. They are installed above your stove and vent the air from cooking back into the room.
When deciding on which installation type to choose, think about where you want to place the microwave in your kitchen. If you have limited counter space, a built-in model might be a better option.
Features to Look for in a Microwave
Some features you might want to look for in a microwave include:
Sensor cooking: This feature automatically adjusts the cooking time based on the moisture content of the food.
One-touch controls: These allow you to cook common items with the push of a button.
Defrost function: This allows you to defrost meat or other frozen foods quickly and evenly.
Child lock: This prevents children from accidentally changing the settings or opening the door while the microwave is in use.
When deciding which features are most important to you, think about how you will be using the microwave. If you have children, a child lock might be a necessity. If you often cook frozen foods, a defrost function would be very useful.
Power Requirements
Microwaves come in a variety of power levels, from 600 watts to 1500 watts.
The wattage you need will depend on how you plan to use the microwave. If you only need to heat up small items, a lower wattage should suffice. If you want to be able to cook larger meals quickly, you will need a higher wattage.
Operating Noise
Some microwaves are noisier than others. If you are sensitive to noise, look for a model that has a low operating noise level.
Warranty
You should also consider the warranty when choosing a microwave. Most manufacturers offer at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Some even offer extended warranties for an additional cost.
Pricing
Microwave ovens range in price from $30 to $1000. The price will depend on the size, type, and features of the microwave.
If you are on a budget, you can find solo microwaves for under $100. These models will have basic features and small capacities.
If you are willing to spend more, you can find microwaves with sensor cooking, one-touch controls, and other advanced features. These models will be more expensive but will make cooking easier and more convenient.
No matter how much you are willing to spend, there is a microwave oven that will fit your needs.
To sum it up, when choosing a microwave oven, consider the type of microwave you want, the size of the unit, the installation type, and the features that are most important to you. Be sure to check the power requirements to make sure the unit is compatible with your kitchen’s electrical outlets. With these factors in mind, you should be able to find the perfect microwave for your needs.
Which microwave brand is most reliable?
There are a few brands that consistently rate high in terms of reliability, including Panasonic, Galanz, Sharp, GE, and LG.
If you’re looking for a specific model, be sure to check out reviews from multiple sources before making your decision.
And remember: the best way to avoid problems with your microwave is to keep it clean and well-maintained.
No matter which brand you choose, be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making your purchase. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of repairs and replacement parts when deciding which model is right for you. With a little research, you can find the perfect microwave for your needs.
How many years does a microwave last?
The average lifespan of a microwave is about nine years. However, this number will vary depending on the brand, model, and how often it is used.
If you take good care of your microwave and don’t use it too often, it could last up to 15 years.
On the other hand, if you use your microwave frequently or don’t clean it often, it may only last for five years.
To extend the lifespan of your microwave, be sure to clean it regularly and don’t use it more than necessary. With proper care, your microwave should last you many years.
Do you have a microwave that’s been in your family for generations? Or did you just buy a new one last year? Let us know in the comments below!
Do microwaves get weaker with age?
The short answer is yes, microwaves do get weaker with age. The long answer is a little more complicated.
Microwaves work by emitting electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules in food to vibrate, which generates heat. These waves are produced by an electron tube called a magnetron, and the strength of the waves depends on the power of the magnetron.
Over time, the magnetron can start to degrade, which will cause the microwaves to get weaker. This is why it’s important to keep your microwave clean and free of any food debris because this can accelerate the degradation process.
So if you think your microwave isn’t heating food as well as it used to, it might be time for a new one. But if it’s still working ok overall, then a little extra cooking time might be all that’s needed.
Final Thoughts
Microwaves have become an indispensable kitchen appliance, and there are now a wide variety of models available to suit every need and budget. If you’re looking for a good-quality microwave that won’t break the bank, any of the ten options on our list would be a good choice.
We’ve considered a range of factors in compiling our list, including features, performance, and value for money.
While there are some differences between them in terms of features and performance, all of the microwaves under 100 dollars that we’ve selected are excellent value for the price.
Whichever option you choose, you can be confident that you’re getting a great microwave at a very reasonable price. Thanks for reading!