Comparison: Best Price 800W Microwave (Updated | May 15th)

If you are hunting for the best price 800w microwave that doesn’t look like a boring metal box, this Nostalgia Retro model in black is a serious contender. What really pops in a real kitchen setting is that sleek, mid-century aesthetic. The chrome accents and the circular window give it a personality that most modern appliances lack. It is surprisingly functional too, featuring a turn-and-push program dial that feels much more tactile and intuitive than those cheap membrane touchpads that eventually wear out.

I would recommend this for anyone living in a smaller apartment or a dorm who wants their space to feel curated rather than just utilitarian. It’s perfect for the “reheat and eat” lifestyle, handling pizza and leftovers with its 12 pre-programmed settings. However, the trade-off here is the power level. At 800 Watts, it isn’t a powerhouse. If you are used to a high-end 1200W unit, you will definitely notice that your frozen burritos or large bowls of soup take an extra minute or two to reach the right temperature.

This ivory version of the Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave is a total mood for a farmhouse or vintage-inspired kitchen. In real life, the ivory finish is much softer and more inviting than a stark, clinical white. It manages to feel like a high-end decorative piece while still providing 0.9 cu ft of usable space, which is plenty for a standard dinner plate. The LED display is bright and easy to read from across the room, ensuring you aren’t squinting at the clock while making your morning coffee.

This is the ideal choice for someone who prioritizes kitchen “vibes” but still needs a reliable daily driver for popcorn and quick snacks. It fits beautifully in compact corners without feeling flimsy. The catch you should be aware of is the dial-based navigation. While it looks fantastic and adds to the retro charm, it can be a bit finicky if you just want to punch in a very specific time like 17 seconds. You have to get used to the “turn and click” rhythm, which might annoy people who prefer a standard number pad.

White appliances can sometimes look cheap, but the Nostalgia Retro 800-Watt Microwave in white actually pulls off a very clean, “shabby chic” look thanks to those chrome accents. What stands out most in a busy household is the Child Lock feature, which isn’t always a given in compact, stylish units. It provides that extra layer of safety if you have curious toddlers running around. The interior is also remarkably easy to clean, which is a lifesaver when that occasional bowl of oatmeal decides to explode.

This is a great fit for a small family or a secondary kitchen area, like a finished basement or a guest suite. It does the basics well and looks great doing them. However, keep in mind that the 0.9 cubic foot interior is strictly for standard plates and bowls. If you have oversized square dinnerware or large casserole dishes, you might find the fit a bit tight. It’s a compact machine designed for compact tasks, so don’t expect to fit a whole Thanksgiving bird in there.

The Emerson MWRG0901W is a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. While it shares that trendy retro white exterior, it hides a 1,000W Grill Function inside. This is a game-changer for a small appliance; you can actually get a bit of a crisp on a slice of pizza or brown the top of a small mac-and-cheese, which a standard microwave just can’t do. It bridges the gap between a toaster oven and a microwave, making it a standout for efficiency-minded cooks.

I’d point students or studio-dwellers toward this model because the integrated grill mode saves you from needing two separate appliances on your counter. It’s the ultimate “everything” machine for a tiny kitchen. The honest downside, though, is the learning curve. With 8 auto menus and a dual-function heating system, the interface is a bit more complex than a basic “heat” button. You’ll probably need to keep the manual handy for the first week until you master how to toggle between the 800W cooking power and the grill settings.

If you want your kitchen to have a focal point, the Nostalgia RMO4RR in Metallic Red is basically impossible to miss. The finish is vibrant and deep, giving it a much more premium feel than a flat plastic red. In a real-world setting, it adds a massive burst of energy to the room. Beyond the looks, the rotating glass carousel is well-calibrated, ensuring you don’t end up with those annoying frozen centers in your leftovers. It’s a solid, dependable 800-watt performer.

This is the best pick for a game room, a “man cave,” or a bold, modern kitchen that needs a splash of color. It’s built for the person who wants their appliances to be a conversation starter. The trade-off is that the metallic finish can be a magnet for fingerprints and smudges. If you’re someone who hates seeing streaks on your chrome or shiny surfaces, you’ll find yourself wiping this down more often than a standard matte black or white unit to keep it looking sharp.

The Nostalgia RMO4BK in Jet Black is the “little black dress” of microwaves. It’s sophisticated, sleek, and fits into almost any decor without clashing. What makes it stand out is the 5 power levels combined with 12 cook settings, giving you a surprising amount of control for a budget-friendly 800W unit. It doesn’t just blast everything at 100% heat; you can actually soften butter or defrost delicate items without cooking the edges, which is a common frustration with cheaper models.

This is perfect for the professional who wants a sharp-looking office microwave or someone who wants the retro look without the “loud” colors. It’s a workhorse for reheating coffee and midday meals. One thing to watch out for is the overall footprint. While it is marketed as compact, the retro design with the protruding chrome handle adds a bit of depth. Make sure you measure your counter space carefully, especially if you have deep cabinets that might interfere with the door swing.

The Emerson MWRG0901RD takes the classic retro red look and levels it up with serious versatility. The standout feature is definitely the 1,000W Grill Function. It’s rare to find a microwave in this price bracket that actually attempts to give you “grilled textures” and golden-brown finishes. In a real kitchen, this means your leftover grilled cheese doesn’t have to be a soggy mess. It’s a clever hybrid that handles 800W microwave tasks and light browning with equal ease.

This is a fantastic choice for a single person who loves to cook but has zero counter space. It’s essentially a space-saving powerhouse. The glossy red finish is also quite durable and easy to wipe down after a messy session. The trade-off is the internal capacity. Because of the grill element, the vertical space inside can feel a little more cramped than a standard 0.9 cu. ft. microwave. You’ll want to be careful with tall coffee mugs or high-domed microwave covers to ensure they don’t hit the heating element.

The Emerson MWRG0901BK is the stealthiest of the bunch. It combines a glossy black retro shell with a high-tech grill mode and a Child Safe Lock. What I like about this model in real life is how the black finish hides the internal components through the door better than the lighter colors do, keeping your kitchen looking tidy even if the microwave interior isn’t spotless. The 8 auto menus are actually useful, covering the basics like popcorn and potatoes without much fuss.

This is best for the “power user” in a small apartment—someone who wants the best price 800w microwave but also wants the luxury of a 1,000W grill for more complex reheating. It’s a smart, multi-functional tool. However, the chromed buttons and handle, while stylish, can feel a bit “plasticky” compared to the heavy metal feel of actual 1950s appliances. It’s a modern machine wearing a vintage suit, so don’t expect heavy-duty industrial construction; it’s designed for light to medium home use.

This Nostalgia bundle is a bit of an “instant kitchen” solution, pairing the popular 800-Watt Retro Microwave with a Hamilton Beach Electric Can Opener. The microwave itself is the same reliable 0.9 cu ft unit with 12 presets that people love for its vintage charm. But the real-life win here is the convenience of getting two essential tools at once. The can opener features SureCut technology, which actually solves that annoying problem of having to run the blade around a can three times just to get it open.

This bundle is a “no-brainer” for someone moving into their first apartment or a college student setting up a dorm. It covers two major bases in one go. The microwave’s easy-to-read LED and the can opener’s removable cutting unit make for a very low-maintenance duo. The downside is simply that you’re committed to the brand pairing. If you already have a preferred can opener or very limited counter space, the extra appliance might just feel like clutter. It’s only a “best price” win if you actually need both items.

This is one of the more unique pairings you’ll find: a Nostalgia 800-Watt Microwave bundled with a BISSELL CleanView Compact Vacuum. In a real-world apartment setting, these are the two things you use most—one to make the mess and one to clean it up. The microwave is a standout for its simple program dial and retro accents, while the BISSELL is surprisingly effective for its size, featuring Scatter-Free Technology that actually works on hard kitchen floors.

I would recommend this specifically for the “dorm life” or a tiny studio apartment move-in. It’s a “starter kit” for adulthood. You get a reliable way to heat your ramen and a way to keep your small floor space clean. The microwave’s 0.9 cu ft size is the perfect middle ground for these environments. The trade-off here is the niche combination. Most people looking for a microwave aren’t necessarily looking for a vacuum at the exact same moment. If you only need the microwave, you’re better off buying a single unit to save money and avoid storing a vacuum you might not need.