Ever stared at a wall of microwaves, feeling overwhelmed by the prices and features? You need a quick way to heat leftovers or pop some popcorn, but your wallet is screaming for a break. Finding a microwave that works well without emptying your savings account feels like a treasure hunt with no map.
The truth is, you don’t need the flashiest, most expensive model to get perfectly heated food. Many budget-friendly microwaves offer the essential power and simple controls everyone needs. The real challenge is cutting through the noise to find those hidden gems that save you money *and* actually perform reliably.
This post is your secret weapon. We’ve sifted through the options to bring you the best, most affordable microwave ovens available right now. You will learn exactly what features matter most when buying cheap, ensuring you get maximum value for every dollar spent.
Ready to discover the perfect budget companion for your kitchen counter? Let’s dive into the top inexpensive microwave ovens that prove quality doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Top Inexpensive Microwave Ovens Recommendations
- Mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- One touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and plus30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time)
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizing 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
- Bright digital display, easy-to-read control panel, interior light and 10 inch glass turntable
- One year limited warranty. Express cooking options & silent mode
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
- Countertop Microwave Oven: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave ovens. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed
- Powerful Microwave Oven: This black microwave has 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with 6 one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work
- Compact Microwave: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this small microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space
- Microwave Oven with All You Need: Features a LED display, timer/clock,that lets you easily keep track of time. Interior lighting, 9.6" glass turntable for clear dish monitoring, and a child safety lock for added security
- Convenient Microwave: Our countertop microwave ovens features an easy-to-clean interior. Perfect for busy nights and memorable family feasts, crafting meals that create lasting memories
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Versatile cooking with 10 power levels to choose from: With 10 different power levels, this sleek microwave offers a wide range of cooking options to suit your needs. Whether you're reheating leftovers or cooking a frozen meal, you can easily adjust the power level to achieve the desired result.
- Effortless meal prep with 6 pre-programmed settings: This microwave is equipped with 6 pre-programmed settings that take the guesswork out of cooking. Simply select the appropriate setting for your dish and let the microwave do the rest.
- Stylish Reflective Finish Glass: The stylish reflective finish glass gives a slick look that adds a touch of style to your kitchen. The silver finish is both sleek and durable, making it easy to clean and maintain.
- Quick heating with time and weight Defrost: Take the guesswork out of defrosting meals with the time and weight defrost options.
- Convenient LED display and digital clock for easy monitoring: The LED display and digital clock make it easy to monitor your cooking progress and keep track of the time. The display is clear and easy to read, even from a distance, so you can keep an eye on your food without having to open the door.
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate
- 900 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10.6” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Compact Design: 700W output power and 1020W input power, external dimensions (WDH): 17.1 x 12.2 x 9.5 inches, internal dimensions (WDH): 11.8 x 11.7 x 8.1 inch, 9.6-inch glass turntable
- ChefDefrost Feature: The sophisticated ChefDefrost offers up to 40% faster defrosting compared to traditional methods while preserving the original texture and flavor of foods.
- 6 Auto Menus: Countertop microwave oven featuring 6 auto menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels: Customize your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility. This essential appliance is perfect for everything from warming up beverages to cooking entrees, side dishes, snacks, and much more.
- Easy to Use: The control panel includes One Touch Start with buttons to operate 1 to 6 minutes of full-power cooking, Child Lock Function, ECO Mode, Clock, and a Kitchen Timer.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Inexpensive Microwave Ovens
Finding a great microwave that won’t empty your wallet is totally possible! You need a reliable machine for heating leftovers, popping popcorn, and making quick meals. This guide helps you choose the best budget-friendly microwave oven.
Key Features to Look For
Even cheap microwaves need the right tools. Focus on these important settings:
Power Levels and Wattage
- Wattage Matters: Look for at least 700 watts. Lower wattage means longer heating times. Most budget models fall between 700W and 1000W.
- Control Power: Make sure you can adjust the power. Full power is great for boiling water, but lower power is better for softening butter without melting it.
Capacity (Size)
- Counter Space: Measure your kitchen spot first! Small microwaves (around 0.7 cubic feet) are great for dorms or small apartments.
- Family Needs: If you heat large plates or frozen dinners, aim for a mid-size model (1.0 to 1.2 cubic feet).
Controls and Presets
- Simple Controls: Digital keypads are usually better than old-style dials. They let you be more exact with cooking times.
- Quick Buttons: Look for shortcuts like dedicated buttons for “Popcorn,” “Defrost,” and “Add 30 Seconds.” These make daily use much faster.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your microwave lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Surface
- Easy Cleaning: The inside should have a smooth finish. Painted metal interiors are common in cheaper models and clean up easily with a damp cloth.
- Avoid Rough Spots: Rough interiors trap food splatters, making cleaning a chore.
Turntable
- Glass is Best: The glass turntable rotates your food for even heating. Make sure it is removable so you can wash it properly.
- Sturdy Ring: Check that the plastic ring underneath the glass feels solid; flimsy rings cause the plate to wobble.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some small differences make a big impact on your cooking experience.
Quality Boosters:
- Inverter Technology (Rare in Budget): If you find a budget model with inverter tech, grab it! It cooks food more evenly by providing constant, steady power, unlike cheaper models that cycle on and off.
- Clear Display: A bright, easy-to-read clock and timer display improves daily use.
Quality Reducers:
- Loud Operation: Cheaper motors often make the microwave loudly hum or beep excessively when finished. Read reviews to check the noise level.
- Flimsy Door Latch: If the door feels loose or you have to push hard to close it, the latch might break sooner.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use your new oven.
Dorm Room/Office Use
If space is tight, prioritize a compact size (under 1.0 cu. ft.) and simple operation. You mainly need to reheat coffee or make instant noodles. Speed is less important than footprint.
Quick Family Meals
For reheating leftovers for a small family, a 1000W mid-size model works best. It heats larger portions faster. Good preset buttons become very helpful here for busy weeknights.
Defrosting
Defrosting can ruin food if done too fast. Ensure the defrost setting is reliable. Some budget models only offer time defrost, while better ones use weight settings for more accuracy.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Inexpensive Microwaves
Q: What is the minimum safe wattage I should buy?
A: We strongly recommend a minimum of 700 watts. Anything less cooks very slowly.
Q: Do cheap microwaves last long?
A: They can last many years, but they generally don’t last as long as premium models. Expect 5 to 8 years with regular use.
Q: Are digital controls better than dial controls on budget models?
A: Yes. Digital controls allow you to set time in precise seconds, which dials often make difficult.
Q: Should I worry about the exterior material?
A: Not much. Most budget microwaves use painted metal casings. Focus more on the interior cleaning surface.
Q: What does “countertop” mean for buying?
A: It means the microwave sits freely on your counter. It does not mount under cabinets.
Q: How important is the turntable? Can I remove it?
A: The turntable is very important for even heating. You can and should remove it for cleaning.
Q: What is the difference between “Reheat” and “Cook” buttons?
A: “Reheat” uses medium power settings for a set time, aiming to warm food gently. “Cook” usually runs at 100% power.
Q: Will a small microwave fit a standard dinner plate?
A: Most models around 0.9 cubic feet will fit a standard plate, but check the diameter measurement if you have very large dishes.
Q: Why do some cheap microwaves beep so much?
A: Manufacturers often use loud, simple buzzers on budget electronics to save on component costs.
Q: Can I use my microwave without the glass plate inside?
A: You should not use it without the glass plate. The plate helps distribute the energy evenly; running it empty can damage the magnetron (the part that makes the heat).