Ever wished you could zap your leftovers in seconds without emptying your wallet? Finding a great microwave under $100 can feel like a treasure hunt. Many people need a reliable microwave but don’t want to spend a fortune. It’s tough wading through endless models, trying to figure out which one actually heats well and won’t break down next month.
We know the struggle. You want good features—maybe a turntable or a decent power level—but the prices often jump way past that $100 mark. How do you balance quality with budget? Don’t worry; we have done the heavy lifting for you.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you the best, budget-friendly microwaves available right now. You will learn exactly what features matter most in this price range so you can buy with confidence. Get ready to find the perfect, affordable appliance for your kitchen!
Top Microwave Oven Under $100 Recommendations
No. 1
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
- 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.
No. 2
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
- 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”
No. 3
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
- Two-step Child Lock Feature: For extra protection and prevent misuse, all microwave oven manufacturers are asked to follow the new safety standard and add this 2-step child lock function
- Mute Function: Turn off all the microwave beeps by pressing the sound on/off button for 3 seconds, for a quiet cooking experience
- Easy one-touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time). With easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizes 50% standby power by using ECO mode
- Included Components: 1 Microwave Oven and 1 Manual Instruction Book
No. 4
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
- 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.
No. 5
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless
- 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.
No. 6
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, LED Lighting Countertop Microwave Perfect for Kitchen, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W Black Stainless Steel
- 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.
No. 7
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function, LED Lighting, Countertop Microwave Perfect for Apartments, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Stainless Steel
- 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.
No. 8
Emerson MW7302B Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Touch Control, LED Display, 700W, 10 Power Levels, 6 Auto Menus, Glass Turntable and Child Safe Lock, 0.7 Cu., Ft. Black
- Precise cooking with 10 power levels: With 10 different power levels to choose from, you can fine-tune your cooking to achieve perfect results every time. Whether you need to gently cook delicate foods or quickly heat up leftovers, you'll find the right power level for your needs.
- Convenient defrost options: This microwave offers both time and weight defrost options, so you can quickly and easily thaw frozen foods without worrying about overcooking or undercooking them. Simply input the weight or time and the microwave will automatically defrost your food to perfection.
- Fast cooking with express cooking: The express cooking function allows you to quickly cook your favorite foods without having to adjust the power level or cooking time. Simply press the express button and the microwave will automatically cook your food for a predetermined amount of time.
- Large and easy-to-read digital timer: The 99-minute, 99-second digital timer is large and easy to read, making it simple to monitor your cooking progress. Whether you're cooking a big meal or just heating up a quick snack, you'll always be able to keep track of the time.
- Memory and kitchen timer function: The memory function allows you to store your favorite cooking settings for easy access later on. The kitchen timer function is also a handy feature that lets you set a timer for other kitchen tasks, such as boiling eggs or baking cookies.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide: Microwave Ovens Under $100
Finding a great microwave oven without breaking the bank is totally possible! Microwaves under $100 are perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, or just heating up leftovers quickly. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Even in this budget range, certain features make a big difference in how you use your microwave.
Power Levels and Presets
- Wattage: Look for at least 700 watts. Higher wattage (like 900-1000W) heats food faster. Lower wattage might take longer.
- Control Type: Digital controls (buttons) are easier to clean and offer more precise time settings than old-fashioned dial controls.
- One-Touch Buttons: Simple buttons for popcorn, defrost, and reheating save you time. These are very handy!
Size and Capacity
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): For one or two people, a compact size (0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet) works great. Larger families might need to stretch the budget slightly, but some 1.1 cubic foot models sneak under $100 during sales.
- Turntable Size: Make sure your dinner plates fit easily on the glass tray.
2. Important Materials and Build
The materials used affect how long your microwave lasts and how easy it is to maintain.
- Exterior: Most budget models use plastic or thin metal casings. Plastic is lighter, but metal usually feels sturdier.
- Interior: Look for a smooth, non-stick interior coating, often gray or white enamel. These interiors wipe clean easily. Avoid textured interiors, which trap food splatters.
- Door Handle: Some budget models use a push-button release instead of a traditional handle. Button releases can sometimes wear out faster than sturdy built-in handles.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about price. Smart choices improve your daily cooking experience.
What Improves Quality:
- Even Cooking Technology: Better microwaves use sensors to heat food more evenly, preventing cold spots. While premium features are rare under $100, look for reviews that mention consistent heating.
- Quiet Operation: Some basic models sound like a small jet taking off. Quieter motors are a huge plus, especially in studio apartments.
What Reduces Quality:
- Flimsy Door Latches: If the door feels wobbly or hard to close securely, it might break sooner.
- Weak Lights: A dim interior light makes it hard to see if your food is done.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to use your new microwave.
- Dorm/Office Use: Focus on compact size and simple controls. You usually only need to reheat drinks or make quick microwave meals.
- Small Kitchens: Measure your counter space carefully! A microwave that is too deep will stick out too far.
- Ease of Use: If you are not tech-savvy, stick to a model with clear number pads and simple start/stop buttons. Complex programming menus confuse many users.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Microwaves Under $100
Q: Can I really get a good microwave for under $100?
A: Yes, you can! You will find reliable, basic models perfect for reheating and defrosting. You might miss out on advanced features like sensor cooking, but they perform the main job well.
Q: What is the minimum wattage I should accept?
A: Aim for at least 700 watts. Anything lower than that will heat food very slowly.
Q: Are microwaves under $100 usually small?
A: They are often compact (around 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet). This size fits well on crowded counters but might struggle to fit a large casserole dish.
Q: Should I worry about the brand name when buying cheap?
A: Brand recognition can sometimes mean better customer support. However, many lesser-known brands make excellent, affordable appliances too. Always check recent customer reviews.
Q: How do I clean a budget microwave interior?
A: Most budget interiors use simple enamel. You clean them by wiping them down with a damp sponge and mild dish soap. For tough spots, microwave a bowl of water and lemon slices for two minutes to create steam.
Q: Do these microwaves come with a defrost setting?
A: Almost all models include a defrost function. Look for settings that allow you to choose by weight or time.
Q: What is the difference between a dial and a button control panel?
A: Dials are simple to turn but hard to set precisely (like 35 seconds). Buttons let you type the exact time you need.
Q: How long should I expect a budget microwave to last?
A: A well-maintained budget microwave typically lasts between 5 to 8 years. Overusing it daily for complex cooking might shorten its life.
Q: Are digital clocks on these models accurate?
A: Yes, the digital clock functions just like a regular clock, but you must plug the unit in first. Some cheaper models lose time if the power briefly goes out.
Q: Can I use metal racks inside these microwaves?
A: No. Never put metal inside any microwave. Metal causes sparks (arcing) and can damage the appliance.