Does your kitchen feel incomplete without a reliable microwave? Finding a great countertop microwave doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Many people think quality means high prices, but that’s often not true, especially for everyday heating and defrosting tasks. It can be frustrating sifting through endless models, wondering which cheap microwave will actually last longer than a few months.
You need speed and efficiency without breaking the bank. The struggle is real when you want good features—like easy-to-clean interiors or simple controls—but the price tags seem too high. We understand that balancing budget and performance is key for any busy kitchen.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We have researched the best countertop microwaves available right now for under $100. You will learn exactly what features matter most in this price range. Get ready to discover durable, efficient models that fit perfectly on your counter and in your budget.
Top Counter Top Microwave Under $100 Recommendations
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally. Just pull upwards on the top edge of the handle to open the microwave.
- MUTE OPTION: Silence this counter top microwave with the Audio Button, turning off any annoying beeps if you’re trying to stay quiet or not wake up your kids.
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 1000W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- PRE-PROGRAMMED SETTINGS: 6 presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages, and leftovers take the guesswork out of perfectly cooked food.
- LOW TO HIGH HEAT: 900 watts with 10 power levels offer better heating, defrosting, cooking, and more all in one compact microwave oven.
- SAVE YOUR FAVORITE SETTINGS: Memory function saves frequently used settings to quickly start your cooking.
- MULTIPHASE COOKING: Use 2 different cooking cycles for 1 meal. Simply program power levels and times and then press start.
- COOK QUIETER: Mute option silences beeps and alarms for quieter cooking.
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 900W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
The Savvy Shopper’s Guide to Countertop Microwaves Under $100
Finding a great microwave without breaking the bank is totally possible! If your budget is firmly set under $100, you still need to know what makes a microwave a good buy. This guide helps you choose the best small appliance for your kitchen needs.
Key Features to Look For
Even budget microwaves offer important functions. Focus on these features first:
1. Wattage Power
- What it is: Wattage tells you how fast the microwave cooks.
- What to aim for: Look for models offering 700 to 1000 watts. Lower wattage (around 700W) works fine for reheating coffee or simple snacks. Higher wattage (900W+) heats leftovers much faster.
2. Capacity (Size)
- What it is: This is how much food fits inside. It is measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.).
- What to aim for: For dorm rooms or small apartments, 0.5 to 0.7 cu. ft. is often enough. If you need to fit a standard dinner plate, aim for 0.9 cu. ft. or larger. Remember, bigger microwaves take up more counter space!
3. Essential Presets
- Look for simple buttons like “Popcorn,” “Defrost,” and “Reheat.” These shortcuts make daily use much easier.
Important Materials and Durability
What a microwave is made of affects how long it lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Exterior Casing
Most microwaves in this price range use **painted metal** for the outside. This is durable enough for normal kitchen use. Avoid units that feel flimsy when you press on the sides.
Interior Cleaning
The inside should be easy to wipe down. Look for a **smooth interior coating**, often gray or white enamel. Darker interiors can sometimes hide spills, but lighter ones show dirt more easily. Glass turntables are standard and easy to remove for washing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all budget microwaves perform the same. A few small details make a big difference.
Quality Boosters:
- Even Cooking: Check user reviews to see if the microwave heats food evenly. Poorly made models often leave cold spots in the center of your food.
- Simple Controls: Dials or large, clear push buttons are better than tiny, sensitive touchpads that stop working after a year.
Quality Reducers:
- Loud Operation: Cheaper motors can make a lot of noise when running. If you have an open-plan living space, a loud microwave can be annoying.
- Cheap Door Latches: If the door handle feels weak or the latch sticks, the microwave will wear out fast. The door must close securely every time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the microwave. This impacts the size and power you need.
Small Spaces (Dorm Rooms, Offices):
You need a compact model (0.5 cu. ft.). Power isn’t the biggest concern; quick reheating of drinks or instant noodles is the main goal. Simple controls are best because you are often in a rush.
Busy Families (Quick Meals):
Families need more power (900W+) and a larger capacity (1.0 cu. ft. if possible). Preset functions for frozen dinners or cooking vegetables save time when dinner prep is chaotic.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Microwaves Under $100
Q: Can I find a microwave with inverter technology under $100?
A: Inverter technology provides steady, continuous power for better defrosting. It is rare to find true inverter models under $100; they usually cost more.
Q: Are microwaves under $100 safe?
A: Yes. All microwaves sold must meet safety standards. The difference in price usually relates to features and build materials, not basic safety.
Q: What is the typical warranty for a cheap microwave?
A: Most budget models come with a standard one-year limited warranty covering parts and labor.
Q: How much counter space do I need for a small model?
A: A compact model (0.7 cu. ft.) usually needs about 17 inches wide and 14 inches deep, plus extra space for ventilation around the sides and back.
Q: Do I need a turntable, or can I use a flatbed model?
A: Flatbed microwaves heat more evenly because they lack the rotating mechanism that can break. However, most models under $100 still include a standard glass turntable.
Q: What does “Manual Defrost” mean?
A: Manual defrost means you must input the time yourself, often using low power settings. Dedicated “Auto Defrost” buttons calculate time based on food weight.
Q: Is a microwave with a digital clock better than one with a dial?
A: Digital clocks are easier to read precisely. Dials are often faster for simple tasks, like adding 30 seconds by turning the knob.
Q: Can I use this microwave to cook raw meat?
A: Yes, you can cook raw meat, but it requires careful monitoring and stirring to ensure it cooks evenly and reaches a safe temperature.
Q: What color options are usually available in this price range?
A: White and black are the most common colors. Stainless steel finishes are sometimes available but might push the price slightly over the $100 limit.
Q: How long should I expect a budget microwave to last?
A: With careful use, a well-made budget microwave can last between five and eight years. Heavy, daily use might shorten that lifespan.