BEST Microwave Ovens Under $100: Top 10 Picks!

Understanding countertop appliance innovation reveals a significant market for cost-effective yet powerful microwave ovens. Achieving optimal kitchen functionality doesn’t necessitate a hefty investment, and the best microwave oven under $100 offers surprising versatility.

Exploring the top contenders among the best microwave oven under $100 options reveals diverse features like sensor cooking and express cook functions, all within an affordable price point. For those seeking a budget-friendly yet capable countertop microwave, this exploration delves into the leading models that balance performance and value.

Continue reading to uncover the perfect blend of technology and affordability for your culinary needs.

Find Your Perfect Kitchen Workhorse!

Image	Product	Price
Best Pick 1	COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode	Check Price
Best Pick 2	BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child	Check Price
Best Pick 3	TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute	Check Price
Best Pick 4	Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with	Check Price
Best Pick 5	Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts	Check Price

1. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode

Discover convenient and efficient meal preparation with the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven. Designed for modern households, this compact appliance offers essential functions and smart features to simplify your daily cooking needs, making it a budget-friendly addition to any kitchen.

This 700-watt microwave boasts 11 power levels and a 7 cu.

ft. capacity, perfect for reheating leftovers, defrosting ingredients, and quick meals. Its intuitive button controls and easy-to-use interface ensure effortless operation, while specific cooking presets for popcorn, potato, pizza, and beverages streamline meal prep.

Enjoy a quieter kitchen with the Mute Function, and enhance safety with the two-step Child Lock feature.

Pros

• Peaceful Kitchen Environment: The Mute Function allows you to turn off all microwave beeps for a distraction-free cooking experience, ideal for early mornings or late-night snacks without waking others.
• Enhanced Safety for Families: The integrated two-step Child Lock feature provides an extra layer of protection, preventing accidental operation and ensuring peace of mind for households with young children.
• Energy Efficiency: Activate the ECO Mode to significantly reduce standby power consumption, contributing to lower electricity bills and a more environmentally conscious approach to using your kitchen appliance.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Beyond quick heating, enjoy one-touch express cooking for 1-6 minutes, +30-second increments, and dual defrost settings (by weight or time), plus convenient auto-cook programs for common food items.

Cons

• Given its 700-watt power, it may take slightly longer to cook or heat larger portions compared to higher wattage microwaves, though it remains an excellent value for its price point.

The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB offers a practical and affordable solution for everyday microwave needs. Its thoughtful features like the mute and eco modes, combined with essential cooking functions, make it an excellent choice for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or as a secondary microwave for anyone seeking an efficient and user-friendly appliance.

2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child

Discover effortless meal preparation with the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven. Offering a perfect blend of convenience and performance, this essential kitchen appliance is designed to simplify your daily cooking, reheating, and defrosting tasks, making it an ideal choice for busy households seeking value and reliability.

This compact yet powerful 700-watt microwave boasts 10 distinct power levels and convenient pre-programmed settings for popular items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. Its intuitive push-button door release and spacious interior with a removable 10-inch glass turntable ensure easy operation and cleaning, while the child safety lock provides peace of mind.

Pros

• Versatile Cooking Options: Features 6 one-touch cooking programs (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, dinner plate) for quick and easy meal preparation, along with 10 power levels for precise control.
• User-Friendly Design: Equipped with a large, easy-to-read LED digital display, a clock, a kitchen timer, and a 30-second express cooking button for enhanced convenience.
• Safety and Accessibility: Includes a child safety lock for added security and a push-button door release for effortless access, all within a compact footprint ideal for any kitchen counter.
• Efficient Operation: Delivers 700 watts of cooking power efficiently, ensuring your food is heated thoroughly and quickly.

Cons

• While powerful for its size, the 700-watt output might lead to slightly longer cooking times for larger or denser food items compared to higher-wattage models.

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 makes an excellent addition to any kitchen, especially for those seeking an affordable and reliable microwave oven. Its smart features and compact design make it the perfect countertop appliance for students, small families, or anyone needing a dependable option for everyday heating needs under $

3. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute

Discover the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven, a compact and intelligent addition to any kitchen designed for convenience and everyday use. This 900-watt microwave offers a blend of smart features and user-friendly operation, making reheating, defrosting, and cooking a breeze. Whether you’re in a dorm, apartment, or simply seeking a countertop microwave solution, this model delivers reliable performance.

Whether you’re in a dorm, apartment, or simply seeking a countertop microwave solution, this model delivers reliable performance.

With a generous 9 cubic feet capacity, this Toshiba microwave fits comfortably on most countertops.

The intuitive control panel, external dimensions of 7x

7x 7 inches, and a

Effortlessly defrost frozen foods by weight or time, and enjoy the quick start option for instant heating needs.

Pros

• Child Safety Lock: A crucial safety feature that prevents accidental operation, providing peace of mind for households with young children.
• Mute Mode Functionality: Eliminate disruptive beeping sounds by long-pressing the “8” button, allowing for quiet operation, ideal for early mornings or late nights.
• Versatile Cooking Options: 11 power levels and 6 smart auto-menus offer flexible cooking customizable to various food types, from sensitive reheating to robust defrosting.
• Efficient Defrosting: The easy defrost system, controllable by weight or time, quickly thaws frozen ingredients, saving preparation time in the kitchen.
• One-Touch Start: Quickly begin cooking for 1-6 minutes at full power with a simple touch, perfect for immediate heating needs without programming.

Cons

• While positioned as a budget-friendly option, its price of $110 may exceed the strict sub-$100 category for some shoppers comparing affordable microwaves.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is an excellent choice for those seeking a feature-rich, compact microwave that prioritizes safety and user convenience. Its mute mode and child lock are stand-out features for any kitchen environment.

If you’re looking for a reliable countertop microwave that offers more than just basic reheating, this Toshiba model is a strong contender.

4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with

Discover the perfect compact kitchen companion with the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven. This 7 cu.

ft., 700-watt appliance offers speedy cooking and precise control, making everyday meal prep and reheating a breeze, all within an attractive and budget-friendly design.

Experience efficient cooking with six one-touch presets for popular items like popcorn and pizza, or easily set custom times. With 10 adjustable power levels, from gentle warming to rapid heating, and intuitive digital controls including a handy +30 seconds button, managing your cooking is effortless.

Pros

• Versatile Presets: Six convenient one-touch cooking programs (popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, leftovers) simplify common kitchen tasks.
• Precise Power Control: 10 distinct power levels, from low melt to high cooking, provide flexibility for various food preparation needs.
• User-Friendly Digital Interface: Easy-to-navigate digital controls, including a prominent +30 seconds button, ensure quick and accurate operation.
• Enhanced Safety Features: A built-in child safety lock on the handle prevents accidental opening, offering peace of mind.
• Quiet Operation Option: The mute button allows you to turn off audible beeps, ideal for early mornings or late-night snacks without disturbing others.
• Stylish & Compact Design: Its sleek black finish and small footprint make it a modern addition that complements any kitchen countertop.
• Effortless Maintenance: The durable exterior wipes clean easily, and the removable glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.
• Trusted Certification: cETL approved with advanced safety technology ensures reliable performance and durability.

Cons

• Limited Capacity: At 0.7 cu. ft., this compact microwave may be too small for cooking larger dishes or multiple items simultaneously.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for individuals, small apartments, or dorm rooms seeking a reliable and feature-rich microwave without breaking the bank. Its combination of convenience, safety, and modern aesthetics makes it a smart investment for everyday culinary needs.

5. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts

Discover convenient and efficient meal preparation with the Farberware 7 Cu.

Countertop Microwave Oven. Designed for modern kitchens, this compact powerhouse delivers 700 watts of cooking energy, making it an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a reliable and budget-friendly microwave solution, especially within the best microwave oven under $100 category.

This compact appliance seamlessly integrates into any kitchen or office space, offering a generous 7 cubic feet of interior capacity.

Enjoy the ease of six one-touch cooking programs, including dedicated settings for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, simplifying everyday meal prep.

Pros

• Versatile Cooking Options: Features six one-touch cooking programs and ten power levels, including defrost by weight or time, offering flexibility for various food preparation needs.
• Compact & Space-Saving Design: With 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, it’s an ideal small microwave oven for countertops in apartments, dorm rooms, or small offices without sacrificing functionality.
• User-Friendly Interface: A clear LED display, kitchen timer, and clock make operation straightforward, while interior lighting allows for easy monitoring of food as it cooks.
• Enhanced Safety Features: Includes a child safety lock for added peace of mind, making it a secure option for households with young children.

Cons

• Basic Aesthetics: While functional, the design may be considered standard and less premium compared to higher-end microwave models.

The Farberware 7 Cu. Ft.

Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven stands out as a top contender in the affordable microwave market. Its blend of essential features, user-friendly operation, and compact size makes it a perfect electric appliance for quick meals and everyday reheating needs – an excellent value proposition for those searching for the best microwave oven under $

6. BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety

Discover convenient cooking with the BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven, designed for modern kitchens. Offering powerful 900-watt performance and intuitive controls, it simplifies meal preparation for busy individuals and families seeking an affordable and reliable countertop microwave.

This 9 cu. ft.

ft. microwave boasts 10 power settings and pre-programmed cooking options for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more. Its spacious interior accommodates various dishes, while the easy-to-read LED display and push-button door make operation straightforward.

The removable glass turntable ensures even heating and simple cleanup.

Pros

• Versatile Cooking Options: Includes six one-touch cooking presets (popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, frozen vegetable, dinner plate) for quick and easy meal preparation, making it a practical choice for everyday use and budget-friendly microwave needs.
• Powerful and Efficient Heating: Delivers 900 watts of power across 10 adjustable power levels, ensuring efficient and consistent heating for a wide range of foods, from reheating leftovers to cooking frozen meals.
• User-Friendly Design with Safety Features: Features a large LED digital display, simple push-button door release, and a child safety lock for added peace of mind, distinguishing it as a safe and accessible appliance.
• Convenient Turntable System: The removable 10.6-inch glass turntable rotates food for even cooking and is easily detachable for hassle-free cleaning, contributing to its overall value as an under $100 microwave solution.

Cons

• While the price is competitive, it slightly exceeds the initial “under $100” target, positioning it as a premium option within the budget microwave category.

The BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich appliance that balances performance with ease of use. It’s an ideal addition to apartments, dorm rooms, or any kitchen where efficient and straightforward microwave cooking is desired.

7. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel

Effortlessly prepare meals with the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, a sleek and powerful 9 cu.

ft. digital appliance designed for modern kitchens. Offering 900 watts of cooking power and intuitive touch controls, it streamlines your daily cooking, reheating, and defrosting needs with stylish stainless steel appeal.

This Chefman microwave simplifies cooking with 6 pre-programmed settings, 10 power levels, and a handy memory function for your favorite dishes. Its multiphase cooking capability allows for complex meal preparation with ease, while features like Mute Option and Eco Mode enhance user experience and energy efficiency.

Ensure safety with the childproof lock, providing peace of mind for families.

Pros

• Versatile Cooking Presets: Six quick-touch settings (popcorn, potato, pizza, veggies, beverages, leftovers) take the guesswork out of common microwave tasks, ensuring perfectly cooked results every time you need a convenient microwave meal.
• Powerful and Precise Heating: With 900 watts of power and 10 adjustable power levels, this kitchen essential offers superior control for reheating, defrosting, and cooking a variety of foods, making it a reliable countertop microwave for busy households.
• User-Friendly Features: The integrated memory function saves your most-used settings, while multiphase cooking lets you combine different cooking cycles. Plus, the Mute Option and 30-second Quick Start button add significant convenience for everyday microwave use.
• Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: A childproof lock keeps little ones safe, and the Eco Mode minimizes energy consumption. UL approval with advanced safety technology ensures durability and reliable performance for affordable microwave solutions.

Cons

• The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be slightly small for very large dishes or batch cooking, positioning it as an ideal choice for individuals or smaller families seeking a compact microwave oven.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a feature-rich and reliable appliance that balances performance with user convenience. Its intuitive design and essential safety features make it a smart addition to any kitchen seeking a quality microwave under $100.

8. Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts

Discover the Farberware 7 Cu.

Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, your ideal solution for fast, convenient cooking without breaking the bank. This compact powerhouse delivers 700 watts of cooking power, making it a fantastic option for kitchens, dorm rooms, or office break areas seeking efficiency and affordability.

With a 7 cubic foot capacity, this Farberware microwave offers surprising versatility for its size.

It features ten power levels and six one-touch cooking programs, including presets for popcorn, potatoes, and pizza, simplifying meal preparation. The defrost function, available by weight or time, ensures your frozen foods are ready to cook quickly. Its intuitive digital display with a clock and timer, along with interior lighting, makes monitoring your cooking effortless and safe, thanks to the child lock feature.

Pros

• Budget-Friendly Convenience: Priced under $80, this microwave is a top contender for the best microwave oven under $100, offering excellent value for its features and performance.
• Space-Saving Design: Its compact 0.7 cu. ft. footprint is perfect for small kitchens, apartments, college dorms, or office countertops, providing essential microwave functionality without taking up too much space.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Features ten power levels and six one-touch settings (like popcorn, potato, pizza, and beverage) along with efficient time or weight defrost, catering to a variety of everyday cooking needs with ease.
• User-Friendly Interface: The clear LED display, clock, kitchen timer, and easy-to-view interior light enhance usability, while the child safety lock provides peace of mind.

Cons

• Limited Capacity for Large Items: While ideal for standard portions, the 0.7 cu. ft. interior may be too small for cooking large dishes or multiple servings simultaneously, making it less suitable for larger families or frequent batch cooking.

The Farberware 700-Watt Countertop Microwave is a practical and economical choice for anyone needing a reliable, compact appliance for daily reheating, defrosting, and cooking. It stands out in the affordable microwave category by offering essential functions and user-friendly controls in a small, stylish package.

9. Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven, LED Lighting, Pull Handle Design,

Bring retro charm and modern convenience to your kitchen with the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven. This stylish appliance doesn’t just look good, it’s packed with features to make everyday cooking a breeze, all while staying within budget. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgic design and everyday functionality.

This 700-watt countertop microwave oven offers 7 cubic feet of capacity, ideal for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or quickly preparing meals.

With six variable power levels and a convenient defrost function (by time or weight), you can achieve perfectly heated results. The intuitive LED display and easy-to-use button controls make operation simple. Enjoy consistently cooked food thanks to the 360° rotating glass turntable, ensuring even heating every time.

Pros

• Stylish Retro Aesthetic: The attractive red finish and pull handle design add a vintage flair to any kitchen countertop, making it a standout appliance.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Six adjustable power levels and effective defrost settings (time or weight) cater to a variety of food preparation needs, from simple reheating to defrosting frozen items.
• Child Safety Assurance: The integrated child lock feature provides peace of mind by preventing accidental operation, ensuring a safe environment for families with young children.
• Easy Monitoring and Operation: The interior light allows you to check food status without opening the door, while the clear LED display shows remaining cooking time, and audible beeps signal completion.
• Efficient and Even Heating: The 360° rotating glass turntable promotes uniform heating, leading to better cooking efficiency and tastier results for all your microwave needs.

Cons

• Compact Capacity: While sufficient for basic tasks, the 0.7 cu.ft. interior might be a bit small for larger dishes or meal prepping for multiple people compared to larger microwave models.

For those seeking an affordable and visually appealing microwave oven, the Galanz Retro Microwave Oven delivers exceptional value. Its blend of functional features, safety options, and charming design makes it an excellent choice for apartments, dorm rooms, or kitchens where space and style are equally important.

It’s a solid contender in the budget-friendly microwave category, offering reliable performance without breaking the bank.

10. FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black

Looking for an efficient and user-friendly countertop microwave that won’t break the bank? The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 7 Cu.

Ft. Microwave in sleek black offers a perfect blend of convenience and essential features, making it an excellent choice for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or any space needing a reliable heating solution.

This 700-watt compact microwave boasts intuitive digital controls for effortless operation. With 10 power levels and 6 pre-programmed auto cook settings, including popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, reheat, and beverage, preparing your favorite meals and snacks becomes straightforward. The

The 7 cu. ft.

capacity is ideal for everyday use, while the bright LED display provides clear visibility during cooking.

Pros

• Intuitive Digital Control Panel: Easily manage cooking with features like express cooking, power level adjustment, delayed start, and clear stop/cancel functions, simplifying your meal preparation.
• Versatile Defrost Options: Utilize two distinct defrost timers for precise control, allowing you to perfectly warm meats or other frozen items in stages according to your needs.
• Enhanced Child Safety: The built-in Child Safety Lock provides peace of mind by preventing accidental operation, ensuring a secure environment for households with young children.
• Convenient Auto Cook Presets: Six pre-programmed settings (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, reheat, beverage) take the guesswork out of cooking common items, offering quick and consistent results.
• Compact and Stylish Design: The 0.7 cu. ft. black finish fits seamlessly on any countertop, offering essential microwave functionality without consuming excessive space.

Cons

• Limited Capacity: The 0.7 cu. ft. interior might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals, making it best suited for individual servings or smaller portions.

The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ is a fantastic option for anyone seeking an affordable and dependable microwave. Its user-friendly interface and essential cooking programs make it ideal for quick meals, reheating, and everyday kitchen tasks. For budget-conscious buyers looking for a solid, easy-to-use countertop microwave, this model delivers excellent value.

Your Guide to the Best Microwave Oven Under $100

Microwave capacity and size needs

The volume of a microwave, typically measured in cubic feet, dictates its internal cooking space and directly influences its utility for various household needs and meal preparation styles.

A compact unit might suffice for an individual needing to reheat single servings, but larger families or those who frequently cook family-sized meals will benefit from a greater capacity to accommodate larger dishes, multiple plates, or bigger food items.

Beyond internal volume, consider the appliance’s external dimensions to ensure it fits comfortably on your countertop without encroaching on prep areas. An interior dimension of at least 12 inches in diameter is generally recommended to readily accommodate standard dinner plates, casserole dishes, and baking pans. While budget-friendly options are available, don’t overlook how the unit’s size will integrate into your kitchen workflow and whether its internal dimensions are practical for your everyday cooking and reheating tasks.

Performance and power options

The cooking power and available features of a countertop appliance dictate its utility and speed, directly influencing your kitchen experience.

Higher wattage translates to more efficient cooking, meaning your meals are prepared faster and more evenly. For example, a 1000-watt model cooks food significantly quicker than a 700-watt unit, saving you valuable time during busy periods.

Beyond raw power, pre-programmed settings simplify common tasks. Preset cooking functions for popcorn, pizza, or beverages eliminate guesswork, while specialized defrosting capabilities, often by weight or time, prevent overcooking or undercooking by gently thawing frozen foods.

Ease of use and cleaning features

A straightforward user interface and effortless upkeep are paramount for any kitchen appliance intended for daily use.

You want a microwave that simplifies your cooking and reheating tasks, not complicates them. This means looking for models with clear, intuitive control panels where buttons are logically laid out and easy to understand, allowing you to quickly set cooking times and power levels without fumbling. Such design minimizes frustration and ensures that anyone in the household can operate it with confidence.

Beyond the initial operation, maintenance is a key consideration. A removable turntable makes cleaning significantly easier, as individual components can be washed thoroughly in the sink or dishwasher, preventing the buildup of splatters and residue that can become baked-on and difficult to remove.

Coupled with smooth, wipeable interior surfaces, these features drastically reduce the time and effort needed to keep your appliance hygienic and looking its best, ensuring a pleasant user experience over its lifespan.

Durability and design elements

The robust construction and thoughtful design of a microwave oven are paramount to its everyday usability and lifespan, especially when seeking economical countertop appliances.

Investing in a unit built from quality materials, such as sturdy plastics or brushed stainless steel interiors, ensures it can withstand frequent use and resist wear and tear. Pay close attention to the door latch and handle mechanism; a securely locking door and an ergonomic, durable handle prevent common issues like accidental openings or breaking under pressure.

Consider how the unit’s size and finish will harmonize with your countertop and cabinetry, ensuring a cohesive and appealing culinary environment.

When evaluating these aspects, look for features that speak to longevity. For instance, solid metal hinges for the door and a robust internal casing contribute significantly to how long your kitchen appliance will reliably serve you. The exterior finish should be easy to clean and resistant to scuffs and fingerprints, maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time.

Furthermore, a well-designed control panel, whether touch-sensitive or button-operated, should be intuitively laid out and built to last through countless cycles, enhancing both the user experience and the overall durability of your budget-friendly kitchen essential.

Quick Best Microwave Oven Under $100 Buying Checklist

• Check Wattage: Ensure sufficient power for your cooking needs.
• Measure Your Space: Confirm the oven fits your counter.
• Evaluate Capacity: Choose a size suitable for your household.
• Look for Presets: Useful for common cooking tasks like popcorn or reheating.
• Consider Cleaning: Opt for easy-to-clean interiors and turntables.
• Read Reviews: See what other users say about performance and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Good Wattage For A Microwave Under $100?

Aim for at least 700 watts for decent cooking speed and evenness in this price range.

Are Compact Microwaves Good Enough?

Compact models are great for small spaces but may have limited capacity for larger dishes.

What Are Common Features Found In Budget Microwaves?

Expect basic presets, digital timers, and often turntable functions.

How Do I Clean A Microwave Oven Effectively?

Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild detergent; most have removable turntables for easier cleaning.

Do Microwaves Under $100 Have Advanced Features Like Inverter Technology?

Inverter technology is less common in this price bracket, but you can still find reliable performance for everyday tasks.

Final Words

Finding the best microwave oven under $100 doesn’t mean sacrificing functionality. These affordable units offer the convenience and speed you need for quick meals and reheating. Invest wisely today to enjoy effortless cooking and reheating for years to come.