Comparison: Best 800W Microwave Under 100 (Updated | May 13th)

There is something undeniably charming about the Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave in its vibrant red finish. It doesn’t just sit on your counter; it makes a statement. In real life, that chrome door handle and the circular window give off a mid-century diner vibe that is hard to find in modern, boxy appliances. I think it stands out because it turns a boring kitchen chore into a bit of a style moment, especially with that unique turn-and-push program dial that replaces the usual sea of membrane buttons.

This is the ideal choice for a college student in a dorm or someone living in a studio apartment where space is at a premium but personality is mandatory. At 0.9 Cu. Ft. and 800 watts, it’s built for the essentials like reheating leftovers or popping a bag of popcorn. It’s for the shopper who prioritizes aesthetics and simple functionality over high-tech complexity.

However, the trade-off for that cool retro design is that 800 watts isn’t going to break any speed records. You’ll definitely find yourself adding an extra thirty seconds to a minute compared to the heavy-duty 1200-watt beasts you might be used to. If you are frequently defrosting large frozen roasts or cooking for a big family, the smaller capacity and lower power might feel a bit sluggish.

The Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave in aqua is a total breath of fresh air for anyone tired of the “stainless steel or nothing” kitchen trend. What really catches the eye in a real-world setting is how the soft pastel color softens the look of the kitchen. It feels more like a piece of decor than a utility. The LED digital display is surprisingly bright and easy to read against the retro backdrop, which is a nice touch of modern convenience hidden in a vintage shell.

I would recommend this specifically for someone setting up a themed office breakroom or a cozy basement bar. It’s perfect for those who want their appliances to be a conversation starter. The 12 pre-programmed settings make it foolproof for the basics, and the child lock feature adds a layer of safety that’s always appreciated in a family environment.

The honest downside here is the interface. While the program dial looks fantastic, it can be a little less intuitive than a standard number pad if you are in a rush. You have to get used to the “turn and click” rhythm rather than just punching in “3-0-Start.” It’s a minor learning curve, but if you’re used to the old-school way of entering time, it might feel a little fiddly at first.

If you want the vintage look without the “loud” colors, the Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave in ivory is the sophisticated middle ground. It has a creamy, classic finish that blends beautifully with wooden cabinets or white countertops. What stands out to me is the sleek chrome accents; they don’t look cheap or flimsy, giving the whole unit a more premium feel than its price tag suggests. It’s a very clean, “shabby chic” aesthetic that feels timeless.

This is a great fit for someone who loves the 800-watt power level for gentle reheating—like melting butter or softening chocolate—without scorching the edges. It’s best for a small household or a vacation cottage where you want a reliable, attractive appliance that doesn’t dominate the entire counter. The 0.9 cu ft size is the “Goldilocks” zone: big enough for a standard dinner plate but small enough to leave room for your coffee maker.

One thing to keep in mind is that 800 watts is the definition of “medium” power. If you are following instructions on a frozen meal box that specifies a 1100-watt oven, you’ll need to do a little mental math to adjust your cook times. It’s an honest compromise for such a compact and stylish footprint.

The Cuisinart CMW-100 is a serious departure from the “fun” retro models, leaning hard into a professional, industrial look. What really sets this unit apart in a busy kitchen is the stainless steel interior. Most microwaves use a white coated metal that can stain or chip over time, but this one is built to be sanitized easily and won’t absorb the smell of yesterday’s fish dinner. It feels like a piece of high-end equipment that actually belongs on a chef’s counter.

This is the clear winner for the power user who needs a bit more “oomph.” With 1000 watts of power and a 1-cubic-foot capacity, it’s much more capable of handling family-sized portions. I’d suggest this for the home cook who relies on their microwave for actual food prep—like 2-stage cooking or defrosting by weight—rather than just reheating coffee.

The trade-off is the size and the price. This unit has a significantly larger footprint, measuring over 20 inches long, so it’s going to eat up a lot of real estate on your counter. It’s also a bit more utilitarian; it’s designed for performance rather than to be a “cute” addition to your decor. If you have a tiny kitchen, this might feel a bit like overkill.

The Emerson MWRG0901W is a fascinating hybrid that brings something totally unique to the table: a 1,000W Grill Function. While it functions as a standard 800W microwave for your daily needs, that built-in grill is the real standout. It allows you to actually brown the top of a mac-and-cheese or get a bit of crisp on a slice of leftover pizza, which is usually impossible in a standard microwave. It’s a clever way to bridge the gap between a microwave and a toaster oven.

I think this is the perfect “all-in-one” solution for someone living in a studio apartment or a tiny house where you don’t have room for multiple appliances. If you want the ability to “grill” a sandwich and reheat soup in the same machine, this is your best bet. The retro white design is also very sharp and clean, fitting into almost any color scheme.

The honest downside is that the 800W cooking power is separate from the grill wattage. When you are using it just as a microwave, it’s still on the slower side. Also, using the grill function means the interior gets quite hot, so you have to be more careful with handling the unit and cleaning it compared to a microwave that only uses radio waves.

The Nostalgia RMO4BK in Jet Black is the “stealth” version of the retro line. While the red and aqua versions scream for attention, this black model is sleek, moody, and surprisingly modern despite its 1950s silhouette. What makes it stand out is how the chrome accents pop against the dark finish. It looks expensive. The rotating glass carousel inside is sturdy and ensures that even at 800 watts, you aren’t getting those annoying cold spots in the middle of your food.

This is a great choice for a modern apartment or a “man cave” where you want that vintage flair without the bright “candy” colors. It’s a workhorse for the 0.9 Cubic Foot category, offering 12 pre-programmed settings that actually cover things people eat, like potatoes and veggies. It’s simple, effective, and looks great next to a black coffee maker.

One trade-off is that the black finish and chrome handle are absolute magnets for fingerprints. If you’re a bit obsessive about a clean kitchen, you’ll find yourself wiping down the chrome door handle and the glossy front panel quite often. It’s a small price to pay for the style, but it’s something to consider if you have kids with sticky fingers.

The Nostalgia RMO4RR stands out because of its Metallic Red finish, which has a deeper, more lustrous quality than the flat red of other models. It has a certain “hot rod” energy that really brightens up a kitchen. Functionally, it’s a very reliable 800-watt machine that focuses on the essentials. The easy-clean interior is a legitimate highlight; it’s smooth and doesn’t have a lot of weird nooks and crannies where food splatters can hide, making it a breeze to maintain.

I’d recommend this for someone who wants a dependable, mid-sized microwave that is incredibly easy to operate. The turn-and-push program dial is actually very senior-friendly because it doesn’t require pressing hard on a plastic membrane. It’s a great gift for someone moving into a new place who wants an appliance that feels “special” rather than just a utility box.

The downside is that because it’s a 0.9 cu ft unit, larger dinner plates or oversized popcorn bowls might struggle to rotate freely. You’ll want to measure your favorite plates before buying. If they’re over 10 or 11 inches, they might hit the sides, which defeats the purpose of the rotating glass carousel. It’s definitely designed with compact living in mind.

The Emerson MWRG0901RD is a bold, glossy red powerhouse that manages to pack a 1,000W grill into a 0.9 Cu. Ft. frame. In real life, the combination of the retro aesthetic and the modern grilling capability makes it feel much more versatile than a standard microwave. You can actually get a “crunch” on your food, which is a game-changer for leftovers. The 8 auto menus are well-calibrated, taking the guesswork out of common tasks like thawing frozen meat by weight.

This is the best option for the “foodie” on a budget or someone with limited kitchen space who still cares about food texture. If you hate soggy microwave pizza, the grill function is your new best friend. It’s also built with a child safe lock, which is a must-have if you have curious toddlers around who might be attracted to the bright red color and shiny chrome handle.

The trade-off here is complexity. Because it has both microwave and grill modes, the user-friendly controls still require you to pay a bit more attention to which mode you are selecting. It isn’t a “set it and forget it” machine for every task, and you’ll need to make sure you’re using grill-safe cookware when you transition away from standard microwave mode.

The Emerson MWRG0901BK offers a very cool, sophisticated take on the retro trend. In black, the chromed accents and handle look especially sharp, giving it a high-end “tuxedo” look. What really makes this stand out is the sheer value of having an 800W microwave and a 1,000W grill in one compact unit. It’s surprisingly heavy and feels more substantial than many other plastic-heavy microwaves in this price range, which gives me more confidence in its long-term durability.

I would suggest this for a professional’s office or a high-end dorm room. It’s for someone who wants the convenience of a microwave but occasionally wants to toast a bagel or melt cheese on a sandwich properly. The 5 adjustable power levels give you enough control to handle delicate tasks like defrosting without “cooking” the edges of the meat.

An honest downside is the interior light; it’s a bit dim compared to some other models. When the dark tinted glass window is closed, it can be a little tough to see exactly how much your cheese has melted or if your soup is starting to bubble over. You might find yourself pausing the cycle just to peak inside and check on things.

This Nostalgia Retro Microwave bundle is a bit of a “kitchen-in-a-box” solution because it comes paired with a Hamilton Beach Electric Can Opener. The microwave itself is the classic 800-Watt retro unit that people love for its 0.9 cu ft capacity and 12 pre-programmed settings. What stands out here is the sheer convenience of getting two essential, stylistically compatible appliances in one go. It’s a cohesive look for someone starting from scratch.

This bundle is the ultimate “first apartment” or “wedding registry” pick. It solves two problems at once. The can opener even features SureCut technology, which is a nice “pro” touch for a basic appliance. If you’re looking to kit out a rental property or a guest suite, this provides a lot of utility without requiring you to shop around for separate pieces.

The trade-off is that you are locked into this specific pairing. If you already have a can opener you love, or if you were hoping for a higher-wattage microwave, this bundle might feel a bit restrictive. Also, the 800-watt power level remains the standard here, so you’re still looking at slightly longer cook times in exchange for that iconic vintage style and the added bonus of the extra appliance.