Is your old microwave on its last legs, or are you just looking for a budget-friendly upgrade? Finding a good microwave for under $100 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want something that heats your food quickly and reliably, but the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Plus, how do you know which one won’t break down after a few months?
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! This guide is here to make your life easier. We’ll help you cut through the confusion and find a fantastic microwave that fits your budget. You’ll learn what features really matter, discover some top-rated models, and be able to choose a microwave that will be a workhorse in your kitchen without emptying your wallet.
Get ready to discover the best microwaves under $100 that offer great value and performance. Let’s dive in and find your perfect kitchen companion!
Our Top 5 Microwave Under $100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Under $100 Detailed Reviews
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet your new kitchen helper: the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven. This compact, 0.7 cubic foot microwave packs a punch with 700 watts of power. It’s designed to make your cooking and reheating simple and efficient. With easy-to-use digital controls and helpful presets, it’s a great addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets like popcorn and pizza.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels for just the right heat.
- The digital controls and +30 seconds button make it easy to use.
- A memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands from opening the door.
- You can mute the annoying beeps with the Mute Button.
- The sleek black design looks modern and fits well in any kitchen.
- Eco Mode helps save power by disabling the display when not in use.
- Cleaning is a breeze; the exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be small for very large dishes or families.
- While powerful for its size, some users might prefer a higher wattage for faster cooking.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly countertop appliance. It offers a good balance of features and convenience for everyday use.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice for any kitchen. It’s compact, at just 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for small spaces. The stainless steel finish looks nice on your countertop. This microwave has a user-friendly design with a clear LED display and simple controls. It’s also built with safety in mind, featuring a child safety lock.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking quick and easy.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for reheating leftovers or warming up a drink.
- The interior light lets you see your food as it cooks.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave simple.
- It comes with a child safety lock to keep little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid, reliable appliance. It’s a good option for everyday heating and cooking needs.
3. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a microwave that’s both helpful and quiet? The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven in sleek black is a great choice. It’s a compact 0.7 cubic feet, fitting nicely on your counter. This microwave makes cooking and reheating super easy with its one-touch buttons and smart features.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeps, which is perfect for early mornings or late nights.
- ECO Mode saves energy by cutting down standby power, which is good for your wallet and the planet.
- It has easy one-touch buttons for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- Express cooking lets you heat food quickly with 1-6 minute settings and a 30-second boost.
- Two defrost options, by weight or time, make preparing frozen foods simple.
- The bright digital display and clear control panel are easy to read and use.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- The 10-inch glass turntable rotates food evenly.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be a bit small for larger families or bigger meal prep.
- While it has many features, some users might want more advanced cooking presets.
This COMFEE microwave offers convenient features and a user-friendly design. It’s a solid option for anyone wanting a reliable and quiet kitchen helper.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
This Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a generous 1.1 cubic feet of space and a powerful 1000 watts for quick and efficient cooking. It features 10 power levels and 6 handy cooking presets, making it super easy to heat up your favorite meals or snacks. Plus, it has smart features like an Eco Mode and a Mute Button for added convenience.
What We Like:
- It cooks food very fast thanks to its 1000 watts of power.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels for precise cooking.
- The 6 one-touch cooking presets for things like popcorn and pizza are very convenient.
- The Memory Function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch use.
- A child safety lock is included for extra peace of mind.
- The Mute Button is great for quiet operation, so you won’t disturb others.
- Its modern black design looks good in any kitchen.
- Cleaning is a breeze, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers a 1-year assurance and the microwave is cETL approved.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might find the initial setup of the Memory Function a bit tricky.
Overall, this Chefman microwave is a powerful and user-friendly addition to any kitchen, offering a great blend of performance and smart features.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for apartment dwellers. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great, and its compact size means it won’t take up too much counter space. This microwave packs a punch with its 900 watts of power, making quick work of reheating leftovers or cooking your favorite meals. The 0.9 cubic feet capacity is just right for most everyday needs, and the 10.6-inch removable turntable fits a good-sized plate.
What We Like:
- 6 Preset Menus: Easily cook popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes with just a few button presses.
- Mute Mode: Silence the annoying beeping sounds with a simple long press on the “8” button, perfect for late-night snacks or quiet mornings.
- Two-Step Child Lock: This safety feature keeps little hands from accidentally turning on the microwave.
- 11 Power Levels: Gives you great control over your cooking, from gentle defrosting to powerful boiling.
- Easy Defrost & One-Touch Start: Defrost food by weight or time, or quickly start cooking for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- LED Lighting: See your food clearly as it cooks inside the microwave.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions, while compact, might still be a bit large for very tiny kitchens.
- While it has many features, the internal dimensions are not the largest, so very large dishes might not fit.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a great balance of features and convenience for its size. It’s a reliable and user-friendly appliance that makes everyday cooking a breeze.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Microwave Under $100
Looking for a microwave that won’t break the bank? You’ve come to the right place! Finding a great microwave for under $100 is totally achievable. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a microwave under $100, focus on these important features:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. More wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 700 watts.
- Capacity: This is the size of the inside. It’s measured in cubic feet. A smaller apartment might only need 0.7 cubic feet, while a family might want 1.0 cubic feet or more.
- Turntable: This is a glass plate that spins your food. It helps food cook evenly. Most microwaves have this.
- Preset Cooking Options: These are buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. They make cooking super easy.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear screen and easy-to-use buttons make operating the microwave simple.
- Child Lock: This is a great safety feature if you have little ones around.
2. Important Materials
Microwaves are usually made with a few key materials:
- Exterior: Most exteriors are made of painted steel. This makes them durable and easy to clean.
- Interior: The inside is often coated with a material that is easy to wipe down, like enamel or a special paint. This coating needs to be tough to handle heat and food splatters.
- Door: The door usually has a glass window so you can see your food. The glass is typically tempered for safety.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one microwave better than another? Here are some things to consider:
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. You can often tell this from reviews. A good turntable helps a lot with this.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for comments on this.
- Durability: A good microwave should last for several years. Cheaper materials or poor construction can lead to it breaking down sooner.
- Ease of Cleaning: A smooth interior that wipes clean easily is a big plus. Avoid microwaves with lots of nooks and crannies.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will help you choose the right one. Think about:
- Simple Reheating: If you just need to warm up leftovers or make a cup of tea, a basic model with just a few buttons will work perfectly.
- Snack Making: If you love popcorn or frozen snacks, look for presets that match what you eat most often.
- Small Kitchens: Compact microwaves are great for apartments, dorm rooms, or small offices. They take up less counter space.
- Family Use: If you have a family, you’ll likely need a larger capacity microwave with more power to handle bigger meals and cook them faster.
By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently choose a microwave under $100 that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the minimum wattage I should look for in a microwave under $100?
A: You should aim for at least 700 watts. This ensures your food cooks at a decent speed.
Q: How important is the turntable in a microwave?
A: The turntable is very important. It spins your food to help it cook evenly on all sides.
Q: Can I find microwaves with preset cooking options for under $100?
A: Yes, many microwaves under $100 come with preset options for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
Q: What does “capacity” mean for a microwave?
A: Capacity refers to the size of the inside of the microwave, measured in cubic feet. It tells you how much food you can fit inside.
Q: Are microwaves under $100 usually durable?
A: Durability can vary. Look for good build quality and check reviews to see how long they tend to last.
Q: Is a digital display better than analog knobs?
A: A digital display often makes it easier to set cooking times and choose options accurately. It can also look more modern.
Q: What should I do if my microwave doesn’t cook evenly?
A: Make sure the turntable is spinning correctly. You can also try rearranging the food halfway through cooking.
Q: Is a child lock feature common in microwaves under $100?
A: While not every model has it, some microwaves under $100 do include a child lock feature for safety.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, microwave a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes to loosen the grime.
Q: Where are the best places to buy microwaves under $100?
A: You can find great deals at large retail stores, online marketplaces, and discount appliance stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.