This guide aims to help you find a microwave that fits your needs in the kitchen without breaking the bank. We tested reliable-for-everyday-task microwaves to see which affordable models stood out the most. How did we test them? Read on to find out!
Top picks
How We Test Kitchen Appliances
We tested out the most affordable compact microwaves on the market to see which budget models are best. Our most notable testing parameter was the popcorn test, where we figure out which microwave is the best at popping popcorn based on the amount of unpopped kernels.
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We also had cooking tests which involved side-by-side comparisons of how well each microwave cooked common foods.
We looked at heating power levels and memory function and compared them to other microwaves on the market that are more expensive. And we considered whether the microwaves were user-friendly or if they didn't take up too much counter space.
Why We Liked It:
Compact design is ideal for small spaces.
What Could've Been Better:
The defrosting function was inconsistent.
Our Review:
The Toshiba EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is our top pick for an affordable, efficient microwave. The compact size is perfect for dorms or condos, or any other small area where you need to heat something quickly. This 0.9 cubic feet microwave is not just space-saving; it's also high-performing.
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We liked its user-friendly control panel with 10 power settings. It has a one-touch popcorn setting, defrosting capability, and a sensor menu (a ton of versatility for its price).
Safety was at the forefront of Toshibas mind when designing this model. It has a child lock & a mute buzzer option, borderline mandatory for families.
In performance, the Toshiba microwave excels in heating & reheating. It evenly heats microwaveable food like burritos & Hot Pockets. It's warm all over instead of different temperatures all over. It's also great whenever you need to reheat leftovers.
However, its defrosting function was less effective. It struggled with even defrosting, leaving parts of items like ground turkey unevenly thawed. If you need to defrost stuff frequently, this might not be the microwave for you.
The Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven is our preferred choice for its performance at this price point. Our 'Overall Best Cheap Microwave' award goes to the Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven model.
Its ease of use & effective heating of frozen items make it a valuable kitchen addition. The compact size is best for those with limited space to put in a microwave. It shows Toshiba's commitment to quality in affordable appliances.
Product Specification Highlights:
- Size: 0.9 cubic feet, ideal for smaller spaces
- Power Settings: 10 options for versatile cooking
- Special Features: One-touch popcorn setting, pre-programmed sensor menu, interior light
- Safety: Built-in child lock, option to mute buzzer
- Performance: Efficient in heating and reheating, struggles with defrosting
- Design: Compact, suitable for limited countertop space
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Why We Liked It:
Under $100 with simple push-button controls.
What Could've Been Better:
Its smaller size limits dish options for large families.
Our Review:
We found the Black & Decker Digital Microwave Oven (EM720CB7) to be an exceptional choice for its price range. Its blend of efficiency, safety, and user-friendly design earned it our award as the best budget microwave under $100.
The stainless steel exterior is aesthetically pleasing & easy to clean. Its size makes it better in smaller kitchens. But even though it's compact, it doesn't compromise on cooking power... it has an impressive 700W max output.
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The intuitive push-button door & clearly labeled control panel make it incredibly user-friendly. We were particularly impressed with the turntable, making sure even cooking, and the customizable power levels that cater to different cooking needs.
The pre-programmed settings for common items like popcorn & pizza simplify the cooking process. The Black & Decker Digital Microwave Oven has a super unique feature programmed into the defrost settings.
The defrost function automatically calculates thawing times based on the weight of the item. We found this most useful when defrosting meat.
Its versatility easily handles reheating leftovers with its power level & heating speed capabilities. The digital clock & timer function are useful for keeping track of cooking times, especially for multitasking in the kitchen.
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There's a reason we didn't rate it #1 though: the smaller 0.7 cu.ft capacity might not be suitable for larger families or those who do extensive cooking.
It restricts the size of dishes that can be used, so we think this is one of the best budget countertop microwaves for single people because it's not designed for large families.
Product Specification Highlights:
- Model: EM720CB7
- Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
- Dimensions: 13"D x 17.3"W x 10.2"H
- Weight: 22.5 Pounds
- Power Output: 700 Watts
- Material: Stainless Steel, Glass
- Special Features: Safety Lock, Two Removable Legs
- Ventilation Type: Recirculating
- Voltage: 110 Volts
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Why We Liked It:
Its retro style & perfect fit inside small areas of the kitchen.
What Could've Been Better:
The low wattage led to longer cooking times.
Our Review:
The Comfee Countertop Microwave Oven caught our attention for its unique blend of style & functionality, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space & a budget. Its combination of affordability & efficient performance in small-scale tasks earned it our 'Best Affordable Microwave' award. This microwave is especially suitable for small apartments, dorms, or offices.
We were impressed by its user-friendly interface, featuring a digital LED display & simple controls. It has six auto-cook functions for convenient quick meals like settings for popcorn, pizza, and beverages. The Eco-Mode feature reduces energy consumption and the sensor cook option is perfect for frozen ground beef or baking potatoes.
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However, we noted that the 700-watt power rating results in slower heating times compared to higher wattage models. This limitation is more evident when cooking larger meals or heating dense foods.
Also, its compact size restricts the size of dinner plates that can be used. Similar to the Black & Decker microwave, it's not optimal for larger households.
The Comfee Microwave is a standout in its category of countertop microwaves even though it has a few downsides. It's perfect for those needing a basic microwave oven but not for preparing anything fancy or complicated. It has a stylish design that adds aesthetic value to our kitchen when we put it in.
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The Comfee Countertop Microwave Oven is a top choice for budget-conscious consumers with limited space. While it doesn't have the fastest cook time or biggest microwave door capacity, it's still worth considering for small kitchens.
Product Specification Highlights:
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 0.7 cu ft
- Dimensions: 13” D x 17.3” W x 10.2” H
- Power: 700 Watts
- Features: Eco Mode, Mute Function
How to Pick the Right Cheap Microwave for You
- Assess Your Space: Measure your counter space to make sure the microwave fits. Key specs dimensions matter.
- Heating Needs: Consider how you'll use it. If you frequently heat food, look for a microwave with a high power level.
- Check Power Levels: More power levels offer better control over heating speed and food texture.
- Popcorn Test Performance: A good indicator of overall efficiency. Microwaves that excel in popcorn tests are usually reliable.
- Inverter Technology: Consider an inverter model for even cooking. Smart inverters adjust power for consistent heat.
- Size Matters: If space is limited, opt for a small microwave. Make sure it's big enough for a standard dinner plate.
- Turntable Quality: A glass turntable is designed to provide even-heating. Quality & size can change cooking power or total cook time.
- Compare Models: Look at other models for features and price. Balance your needs with what's available.
- Budget vs. Features: Decide on must-have features within your budget. Sometimes, spending a bit more can be worthwhile.
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Whether you need a basic model for simple heating tasks or a more advanced one with specific features, the right choice should align with your daily cooking habits and space constraints.
FAQ Section
What are the best affordable microwave air fryer combo brands?
The most top brands for microwave air fryer combos are Toshiba, Panasonic and GE. The 3-in-1 countertop model from GE earned the ‘most affordable’ award in our post about the best microwave air fryer combos. Despite it being a budget model, the GE 3-in-1 performed really well with air fryer microwave testing, which used different parameters than we used in this post.
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What are the most inexpensive countertop microwaves?
Most inexpensive countertop microwaves offer basic features suitable for heating and defrosting. Brands like Comfee and Toshiba often have models that balance cost and functionality, fitting well on a kitchen counter.
What are the best cheap microwaves?
The best cheap microwaves combine affordability with efficiency. Models from Toshiba and Comfee are popular for their ability to heat evenly and fit standard dinner plates, despite being budget-friendly.
Is there a difference between cheap and expensive microwaves?
Yes, the main differences lie in features and build quality. Expensive microwaves often have advanced features like smart sensors or inverter technology for more consistent cooking. Cheap microwaves may have fewer features but can still perform basic tasks well.
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What is a child safety lock on a microwave?
Microwave child safety locks prevent the microwave from being accidentally started or tampered with by children. It's a safety feature for families to guarantee that the microwave isn't used unsupervised.
How long do I microwave a Hot Pocket?
The cook time for a Hot Pocket usually ranges from 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the microwave's power level. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results.
How do you make popcorn in the microwave?
To make popcorn in the microwave, place the popcorn kernels in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a paper towel then microwave on high for 2-4 minutes. Stop when the popping slows to avoid burning.
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Can you microwave marshmallows?
Yes, you can microwave marshmallows. Put them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-30 seconds. Watch closely as they expand quickly and can make a mess if overheated.
Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
