Comparison: Best Microwave Under $100 (Updated | Feb 3rd)
Let’s face it—microwaves are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. Whether you’re reheating last night’s pizza or popping popcorn for a movie marathon, a reliable microwave is a must-have. But you don’t need to break the bank to get a good one. We’ve scoured the market to find the best microwaves under $100 that combine performance, durability, and value. From compact models for dorms to family-friendly options, here’s our roundup of top picks that won’t disappoint.
Key Takeaways
- The Editor’s Choice offers high 900-watt power and versatile features.
- Look for compact designs with spacious interiors to fit your kitchen.
- Consider models with multiple power levels and preset menus for convenience.
- Ensure safety features like child locks are included for peace of mind.
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Best overall
- High 900-watt power
- Eleven power levels
- Six preset menus
- BEST FOR BEST OVERALL: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT BUDGET CHOICE: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. Read More ↓
- BEST FOR POWERFUL 1000W COOKER: Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT B&W CLASSIC: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ECO-FRIENDLY MUTE OPTION: COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off Read More ↓
- BEST FOR LARGE CAPACITY 1000W: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door Read More ↓
- BEST FOR STAINLESS STEEL MUTE: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SIMPLE COMPACT DESIGN: FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BALANCED POWER SIZE: BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PROGRAMMABLE 900W UNIT: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft. Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Under $100
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartment, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact yet powerful microwave oven designed for modern kitchens. With 900 watts of output power and 11 unique power levels, it offers precise cooking flexibility for everything from defrosting to boiling.
The 6 preset menus make preparing popular foods like popcorn and pizza effortless. Its interior light and LED display ensure easy operation, while the mute function adds convenience.
The two-step child lock enhances safety, making it ideal for families. Despite its small footprint, it accommodates a 10.6-inch turntable, balancing performance and space-saving design perfectly for budget-conscious buyers.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- High 900-watt power
- Eleven power levels
- Six preset menus
- Compact yet spacious
- Child lock included
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly bulky size
- No convection mode
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
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a budget-friendly 0.7 cu. ft.
appliance with 700 watts of power, perfect for small spaces. It features 10 power levels and 6 cooking presets, including options for popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
The digital controls are intuitive, with a +30 seconds button for quick adjustments. A memory function lets you program frequently used settings for one-touch operation.
Safety is prioritized with a child lock on the handle and control panel lock mode. While it lacks advanced features, its compact design and versatility make it a great choice for singles or small families.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Affordable price point
- Compact design
- Easy digital controls
- Memory function included
- Child safety lock
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Lower wattage output
- Smaller capacity
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Stainless
The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft.
Countertop Microwave Oven offers 1000 watts of power, making it a strong contender in the budget-friendly category. It features ten power levels and six one-touch options like popcorn, potato, and pizza, simplifying meal prep.
The multi-stage cooking allows for customized cooking sequences. Defrosting by weight or time adds versatility.
The compact design fits well in small spaces, and the LED display with a kitchen timer and clock enhances usability. A child safety lock ensures peace of mind.
Its easy-to-clean interior and exterior make maintenance a breeze, ideal for busy households.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- High power output
- Easy-to-clean design
- Child safety lock included
- Compact for small spaces
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Noisy during operation
- Short power cord length
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a reliable choice with 700 watts of power and ten power settings. Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, and more offer convenience.
The 30-second express cooking feature speeds up meal prep. Its large LED digital display and push-button door release make it user-friendly.
The removable 10-inch glass turntable ensures even heating. With a child safety lock and interior light, it’s safe and practical.
Measuring 17.3″ x 13.0″ x 10.2″, it fits well on countertops. Rated input power of 1050W ensures efficient performance for everyday cooking needs.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Pre-programmed buttons
- Easy-to-read display
- Push-button door release
- Compact footprint
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Lower wattage
- Short power cord length
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a budget-friendly countertop microwave that packs practical features for everyday use. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
Highlights include a mute function, ECO mode to save energy, and easy one-touch cooking for popcorn, pizza, and more. The bright digital display and 10-inch glass turntable add convenience, while the child safety lock ensures peace of mind.
With express cooking options and two defrost settings, it’s versatile yet simple to operate. The one-year warranty makes it a reliable choice under $100.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Mute function for silence
- Energy-saving ECO mode
- Easy one-touch cooking
- Child safety lock included
- Affordable price point
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Small capacity size
- Limited power settings
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 offers a powerful 1000-watt performance, perfect for quick and even cooking. Its pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, and pizza simplify meal prep.
The large LED display and removable 12.4-inch turntable make it user-friendly, while the child safety lock adds security. The push-button door release ensures easy access, and the 30-second express cooking feature is a time-saver.
With 10 power settings and a sleek stainless steel and black design, this microwave combines style and functionality. It’s a great value for those needing a reliable, higher-wattage option under $100.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Powerful 1000-watt output
- Large turntable size
- Pre-programmed cooking buttons
- Push-button door release
- Bright digital display
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Bulky dimensions
- Noisy operation
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartments & Dorms, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Stainless Steel
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) is a compact yet powerful microwave, perfect for small kitchens. With 900 watts of output power, it heats food evenly and quickly.
It features 6 preset menus for popular items like popcorn and pizza, along with 11 power levels for versatile cooking. The mute function is a thoughtful addition for quiet environments, while the child lock ensures safety.
Its easy defrost options and one-touch start make it user-friendly. The 10.6-inch turntable accommodates most dishes, though it’s slightly bulkier than some models.
Overall, it’s a reliable choice for everyday use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Powerful 900-watt output
- Intuitive preset menus
- Helpful mute function
- Multiple power levels
- Safety child lock
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly heavy
- Bulkier than expected
FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
The FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ is a budget-friendly microwave with a sleek black design. Its 0.7 cu.
ft. capacity is ideal for small spaces like dorms or apartments.
The digital control panel is easy to navigate, offering express cooking and power adjustments. With six auto-cooking settings, it simplifies daily tasks like reheating beverages or popping popcorn.
The two defrost timers add convenience, while the child lock ensures safety. However, its smaller size limits the dishes it can accommodate.
The display is clear and easy to read, making it a practical choice for basic microwave needs.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy-to-use digital panel
- Multiple auto-cooking settings
- Affordable price
- Clear display
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited cooking capacity
- Fewer advanced features
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Stainless Steel, 0.9 Cu Ft
The BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven is a reliable and affordable choice for small kitchens. With 900 watts of power and 10 settings, it handles everything from reheating leftovers to cooking frozen meals.
The pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, pizza, and more make it incredibly easy to use. Its push-button door release and large LED display add convenience, while the child safety lock ensures peace of mind.
The stainless steel door frame gives it a sleek look, and the removable 10.6″ turntable makes cleaning simple. Perfect for those seeking functionality without breaking the bank.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Affordable price point
- Easy-to-read display
- Multiple power settings
- Pre-programmed cooking buttons
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Door feels slightly flimsy
- Noisy operation
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven packs a punch with its 900-watt power and compact design. It offers 10 power levels and six presets, including popcorn and pizza, for versatile cooking.
The digital controls are intuitive, and the memory function lets you save favorite settings for quick access. Its small footprint fits perfectly in tight spaces, making it ideal for dorms or apartments.
The child safety lock adds an extra layer of security. While it’s not the most feature-rich option, it delivers solid performance for everyday tasks at a budget-friendly price.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact and space-saving
- Quick cooking presets
- Memory function for favorites
- Easy-to-use controls
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited interior capacity
- Short power cord
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a microwave under $100?
Focus on wattage (ideally 700-900W for even cooking), capacity (0.7-1.2 cubic feet), and essential features like multiple power levels. Ensure it has a user-friendly control panel and a turntable for consistent results. Avoid overly complex models that may compromise durability.
How do budget microwaves compare to pricier models?
Budget microwaves often lack advanced features like convection cooking or smart technology but perform basic tasks well. They may have smaller capacities and less sturdy builds. Pricier models usually offer better design, higher wattage, and more presets.
Are there specific brands known for affordable microwaves?
Brands like Black+Decker, Hamilton Beach, and Magic Chef offer reliable options under $100. These brands prioritize functionality and affordability over fancy extras. Check customer reviews to confirm consistency and longevity.
What features are worth prioritizing in this price range?
Look for pre-set cooking modes (like popcorn or defrost) for convenience, a digital timer, and a child lock. A turntable ensures even heating, while a removable interior simplifies cleaning. Avoid paying extra for rarely used settings like sensor cooking.
How can I ensure good value for money?
Compare wattage and capacity across models to find the best balance for your needs. Check warranties and return policies to safeguard against defects. Read user feedback to gauge real-world performance and durability.
Are there any drawbacks to cheap microwaves?
Cheaper models may have louder operation, slower cooking times, or flimsier buttons. They might also lack sleek designs or advanced safety features. However, for basic reheating and simple meals, they’re often sufficient.
Should I choose a compact or mid-size microwave?
Compact models (0.7-0.9 cubic feet) are ideal for small spaces but may not fit larger dishes. Mid-size models (1.0-1.2 cubic feet) offer more versatility but require counter space. Assess your kitchen layout and typical cooking needs before deciding.