Comparison: Best Budget 800W Microwave (Updated | Jun 30th)

If you are looking to inject some personality into your kitchen without spending a fortune, the Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave in Red is a striking choice. It really stands out because of its vibrant, cherry-red finish and those sleek chrome accents that feel like they belong in a 1950s diner. In a sea of boring stainless steel, this unit is a conversation piece that actually looks high-end on a budget.

This is the perfect match for college students or apartment dwellers who want a 0.9 Cu. Ft. footprint that doesn’t sacrifice style. It’s ideal for the “heat and eat” lifestyle, handling popcorn and leftovers with its 12 pre-programmed settings easily. The 800-watt power is sufficient for most daily tasks, though it won’t be breaking any speed records for boiling water.

The main trade-off here is the control scheme. Instead of a traditional number pad, you use a turn-and-push program dial. While it looks cool and fits the retro aesthetic, it can be a bit fiddly if you are used to just hitting “3-0-Start.” If you prefer tactile buttons for precise timing, the learning curve on this dial might test your patience initially.

The Aqua version of the Nostalgia Retro Microwave is arguably the most iconic color in the lineup. It has this soft, seafoam glow that brightens up a dark kitchen corner instantly. Beyond the looks, the LED Digital Display is surprisingly crisp, making the clock easy to read from across the room, which is a nice touch for a compact appliance.

I would recommend this specifically for someone decorating a boutique office space or a guest suite where the “vibe” matters as much as the function. It provides 800 watts of cooking power, which is the sweet spot for a budget 800w microwave—strong enough to cook through a frozen burrito without being an energy hog. The Child Lock feature is a great safety addition for families with curious toddlers.

However, keep in mind that the 0.9 Cu. Ft. interior is strictly for standard plates. If you have oversized dinnerware or very large square containers, you might find the fit a bit snug. It’s built for efficiency and aesthetics, not for roasting large holiday sides, so measure your favorite plates before committing to this retro beauty.

There is something sophisticated about the Ivory finish on this Nostalgia 800-Watt Microwave. It offers a more muted, “shabby chic” alternative to the loud reds and teals, making it a better fit for a farmhouse-style kitchen. The chrome door handle feels sturdy in the hand, and the overall build quality feels more substantial than the price tag suggests.

This unit is best for the shopper who wants a compact microwave that blends into a neutral decor while still offering 12 pre-programmed settings. It’s great for seniors or anyone who prefers a simplified interface; once you get the hang of the dial, it’s actually quite intuitive. The 800-watt output is consistent, providing even heating for most standard meals.

The downside is the noise level. Like many budget-friendly microwaves, the fan and the “end of cycle” beeps are quite noticeable. If you are trying to sneak a midnight snack in a quiet house, this machine is going to let everyone know you’re in the kitchen. It’s a small price to pay for the style, but worth noting for light sleepers.

The Emerson MWRG0901W is a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. While it looks like a standard white retro microwave, it hides a 1,000W Grill Function inside. This is a massive standout feature because it allows you to actually brown and crisp your food—something a standard 800W microwave simply cannot do. Getting that “grilled” texture on a slice of pizza or a casserole topping is a game changer.

This is the ultimate choice for a studio apartment dweller who doesn’t have a full oven or a toaster oven. Since it combines 800W cooking power with a dedicated grill mode, it’s a multi-functional powerhouse that saves counter space. The 8 auto menus and 5 power levels give you plenty of control over different types of food.

The trade-off is the interior height. Because the grill element is positioned at the top of the 0.9 Cu. Ft. cavity, you lose a little bit of vertical clearance compared to a non-grill model. You’ll need to be careful with taller mugs or high-domed covers to ensure they don’t bump into the heating element while the glass turntable is spinning.

The Nostalgia RMO4RR in Metallic Red takes the retro look and gives it a slightly more modern, shimmering twist. It’s a 0.9 cubic foot unit that manages to feel “large” enough for most standard tasks while maintaining a small footprint. The 800-watt cooking power is reliable, and the rotating glass carousel does a solid job of eliminating cold spots in your food.

I’d suggest this for anyone who wants a reliable budget 800w microwave but is tired of the matte plastics found on most entry-level models. It’s a great fit for a basement bar or a “man cave” where the Metallic Red finish can really pop. The delay timer is also a handy feature that you don’t always see at this price point.

One thing to watch out for is the easy clean interior. While it is easy to wipe down, the dark finish inside makes it a bit harder to see splatters than it would be in a traditional white interior. You might need to use a flashlight or get right in there to make sure you’ve actually cleaned up that exploded bowl of oatmeal.

For those who love the vintage aesthetic but want something that looks a bit more “executive,” the Nostalgia RMO4BK in Jet Black is the way to go. The contrast between the deep black finish and the chrome accents is incredibly sharp. It’s a 0.9 Cubic Foot unit that manages to look professional and playful at the same time, making it a standout for modern kitchens with black appliances.

This is the best use case for a home office or a professional breakroom. It has 5 power levels and 12 cook settings, offering enough versatility to handle everything from delicate defrosting to high-heat reheating. The simple program dial is a nice break from the cluttered buttons found on most modern appliances, keeping the look clean and minimalist.

The honest downside is that the 800-watt power level means you’ll often have to add 30 to 60 seconds to the cooking times listed on frozen food boxes, which are usually calibrated for 1,100-watt ovens. It’s a minor inconvenience, but if you are always in a rush, those extra seconds might start to add up over time.

The Emerson MWRG0901RD stands out because it marries a high-gloss Retro Red Design with serious utility. Most “style” microwaves are just basic heaters, but this one includes a 1,000W Grill Function. Being able to crisp up the top of a mac-and-cheese bowl while using only 800W of microwave power for the core is a fantastic luxury at this price point.

This is a great buy for someone who values “crunch” and texture but doesn’t have the space for multiple appliances. If you find yourself reheating a lot of leftovers that usually go soggy—like fries or pizza—this 0.9 Cu. Ft. unit will be your new best friend. The chrome handle and labeled buttons provide a very tactile, user-friendly experience.

One trade-off is the complexity. Because it has both microwave and grill modes, the control panel is a bit busier than the one-dial Nostalgia models. It takes a few reads of the manual to master the 8 auto menus and the “Smart Defrost” settings. It’s not a “plug and play” machine if you want to use its best features to their full potential.

If you want the functionality of a toaster oven and a microwave in one sleek, Retro Black Design, the Emerson MWRG0901BK is a top contender. The 1,000W Grill Function is the clear winner here, giving you the ability to brown food in a 0.9 Cu. Ft. space. It looks sophisticated with its chromed accents, and the 800W cooking power is perfectly adequate for a budget 800w microwave.

This is ideal for anyone in a dorm or a small apartment who needs a versatile “everything” machine. The Child Safe Lock adds a layer of security, and the 5 power levels allow for surprisingly nuanced cooking. It’s a great choice for those who want the retro look but prefer the functionality of labeled buttons over a mystery dial.

The trade-off here is the cleaning requirement. Because it has an integrated grill element, grease and food splatters can potentially bake onto the heating coils if you aren’t careful. You’ll need to be more diligent about wiping down the ceiling of the microwave than you would with a standard model to keep it smelling fresh and working efficiently.

The Nostalgia Retro Microwave bundled with a Hamilton Beach Electric Can Opener is a “kitchen-in-a-box” solution that stands out for sheer convenience. You get the 800-watt, 0.9 cu ft microwave with all its 12 pre-programmed settings, plus a high-quality can opener. It’s a smart way to coordinate your countertop appliances in one go.

This bundle is the perfect “housewarming” gift or a starter kit for someone moving into their first apartment. The Hamilton Beach can opener features SureCut technology, which solves the annoying problem of cans not opening on the first try. Paired with the microwave’s express cooking options, it makes getting a quick meal on the table significantly less stressful.

The downside is that you are locked into a specific brand and style for two different tools. If you decide later that you wanted a different style of can opener—perhaps a manual one to save counter space—you’ve already paid for the electric one in the bundle. Also, the ivory/retro aesthetic of the microwave may not perfectly match the more utilitarian look of the can opener, depending on your eye for design.

This unique pairing of a Nostalgia Retro Microwave and a BISSELL CleanView Upright Vacuum is the ultimate “dorm life” starter pack. The microwave provides the 800-watt power and 0.9 cu ft capacity needed for late-night snacks, while the vacuum features Scatter-Free Technology to keep small living spaces tidy. It’s a practical, high-value combo for a busy lifestyle.

I would recommend this specifically for parents sending a kid off to college or for someone moving into a tiny studio apartment. You’re checking off two of the biggest “must-have” items on the list in one purchase. The microwave’s chrome accents and LED display bring a bit of homey charm to a sterile dorm room, and the vacuum is compact enough to fit in a small closet.

The obvious trade-off is the lack of a cohesive theme. While both items are highly functional, a retro microwave and a modern BISSELL vacuum don’t exactly share a design language. You are prioritizing utility and budget over a curated “look.” Additionally, shipping two large, heavy items together can sometimes lead to more wear and tear on the packaging before it reaches your door.