Do you dream of quick meals but dread the high price tag of fancy kitchen gadgets? Many people need a reliable microwave but don’t want to spend a lot of money. Buying a budget-friendly microwave can feel like a gamble. You worry about getting something that breaks fast or doesn’t heat your food evenly. It’s frustrating when you try to save cash but end up with a poor-quality appliance.
Finding a cheap microwave that actually works well shouldn’t be a treasure hunt. We understand the struggle to balance cost and quality. This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most in an affordable microwave. You will learn how to spot the best deals without sacrificing performance.
Keep reading to discover our top tips for choosing a durable, inexpensive microwave. By the end of this article, you will feel confident picking the perfect budget-friendly machine for your kitchen. Let’s start exploring smart, simple ways to heat up your leftovers!
Top Inexpensive Microwave Recommendations
- Mute function, settings, clock, kitchen timer, child safety lock, easy auto-cook functions: Popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggie, beverage, reheat
- One touch express cooking function with 1-6 minutes and plus30 seconds functions, and two defrost settings (by weight or by time)
- Energy Saving Eco Mode: Minimizing 50% standby power by turning on ECO mode
- Bright digital display, easy-to-read control panel, interior light and 10 inch glass turntable
- One year limited warranty. Express cooking options & silent mode
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- DIGITAL PANEL: Our microwave features a Digital Control Panel that makes it really easy to use and provides choices for express cooking, altering the power level, postponing the start, setting the time, and stop/cancel features.
- CONVENIENT: Utilize the two different defrost timers to have full control over how you want your food to be warmed. Cook your personalized meals and snacks in stages.
- SAFE: Keep your little ones safe by using the Child Safety Lock that prevents inadvertent usage or access. The large display provides a clear viewing of your meals for you to keep an eye on them to make sure it cooks perfectly.
- DIFFERENT SETTINGS: Intuitive cooking settings remove the complexity from daily cooking. There are six different auto cooking settings to choose from (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen dinner, reheat, beverage).
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Precise cooking with 10 power levels: With 10 different power levels to choose from, you can fine-tune your cooking to achieve perfect results every time. Whether you need to gently cook delicate foods or quickly heat up leftovers, you'll find the right power level for your needs.
- Convenient defrost options: This microwave offers both time and weight defrost options, so you can quickly and easily thaw frozen foods without worrying about overcooking or undercooking them. Simply input the weight or time and the microwave will automatically defrost your food to perfection.
- Fast cooking with express cooking: The express cooking function allows you to quickly cook your favorite foods without having to adjust the power level or cooking time. Simply press the express button and the microwave will automatically cook your food for a predetermined amount of time.
- Large and easy-to-read digital timer: The 99-minute, 99-second digital timer is large and easy to read, making it simple to monitor your cooking progress. Whether you're cooking a big meal or just heating up a quick snack, you'll always be able to keep track of the time.
- Memory and kitchen timer function: The memory function allows you to store your favorite cooking settings for easy access later on. The kitchen timer function is also a handy feature that lets you set a timer for other kitchen tasks, such as boiling eggs or baking cookies.
- Countertop Microwave Oven: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave ovens. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed
- Powerful Microwave Oven: This black microwave has 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with 6 one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work
- Compact Microwave: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this small microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space
- Microwave Oven with All You Need: Features a LED display, timer/clock,that lets you easily keep track of time. Interior lighting, 9.6" glass turntable for clear dish monitoring, and a child safety lock for added security
- Convenient Microwave: Our countertop microwave ovens features an easy-to-clean interior. Perfect for busy nights and memorable family feasts, crafting meals that create lasting memories
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they'll never forget, Farberware helps today's families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Inexpensive Microwaves
Finding a great microwave that won’t empty your wallet is totally possible! These small appliances are kitchen workhorses, perfect for quick snacks or reheating leftovers. This guide will help you pick the best budget-friendly model for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an inexpensive microwave, you still need important features. Don’t just look at the price tag; check what you get for that money.
1. Power (Wattage)
- What it is: Wattage tells you how fast the microwave cooks.
- What to aim for: Most budget models offer between 700 and 1000 watts. Lower wattage (around 700W) works fine for basic heating but takes longer. Higher wattage (900W+) heats food faster and more evenly.
2. Size and Capacity
- Small (0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet): Great for dorm rooms, small apartments, or single people. They take up less counter space.
- Medium (1.0 to 1.2 cubic feet): The standard size. It fits most dinner plates and is good for small families.
3. Controls: Dial vs. Digital
- Mechanical Dials: These are usually found on the cheapest models. They are simple to use—just turn a knob for time. They are very durable.
- Digital Keypads: These offer preset buttons (like “Popcorn” or “Defrost”). They look modern and are easier to set for exact times.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your microwave lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Lining
- Painted Metal: Most budget microwaves have this. It is easy to wipe down, but deep scratches can lead to rust over time.
- Ceramic or Enamel: These surfaces are tougher. They resist stains better and clean up with just a damp cloth. This is a bonus feature, even on cheaper models.
Turntable
Make sure the glass turntable tray fits securely. A sturdy glass tray ensures even heating because it spins the food correctly. Plastic trays are rare but break much easier.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some small differences make a big impact on your daily use.
Noise Level
Cheaper microwaves often sound louder when running or when the door closes. If you live in a small space, check reviews to see if people mention excessive noise.
Pre-set Cooking Options
While basic models skip these, having one-touch buttons (like “Reheat Soup”) saves time. They simplify cooking tasks greatly.
Door Latch Durability
The door latch is used every time you open the microwave. Flimsy plastic latches break quickly. Always test the door if you can in the store, or read reviews focusing on door reliability.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you will use the microwave most.
- Dorm Room/Office Breakroom: Focus on compact size (under 1.0 cu. ft.) and simplicity (dials work well). You only need to heat coffee or instant noodles.
- Small Apartment Kitchen: Aim for 900W power and a 1.0 cu. ft. size. You need enough power to cook small meals like frozen dinners.
- Occasional Use/Guest Room: The absolute cheapest, smallest model will suffice. It handles basic defrosting and warming popcorn.
Remember, an inexpensive microwave should still perform its main job well: heating food safely and quickly. Don’t sacrifice basic functionality for a few dollars saved.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Inexpensive Microwaves
Q: What is the minimum wattage I should accept in a budget microwave?
A: You should look for at least 700 watts. Anything less cooks very slowly and might not heat food safely to the center.
Q: Do cheap microwaves last a long time?
A: They can, but generally, their lifespan is shorter than premium models. Expect a good budget microwave to last between 5 to 8 years with regular use.
Q: Are mechanical dials better than digital keypads on cheap models?
A: For pure durability, mechanical dials often win. They have fewer electronic parts that can fail. Digital keypads offer more precise control, though.
Q: Can I fit a large dinner plate in a small microwave?
A: Small microwaves (under 0.9 cu. ft.) often cannot fit standard 10-inch dinner plates. Measure your plate before buying a compact model.
Q: What is the difference between “Defrost” and “Low Power” settings?
A: The “Defrost” setting uses very low, pulsed power specifically designed to thaw frozen food without cooking the edges. “Low Power” reduces the overall cooking strength for gentle heating.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a budget microwave easily?
A: Place a bowl of water mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar inside. Heat it on high for 3-5 minutes until the window steams up. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then the stuck-on food will wipe away easily.
Q: Should I worry about the color of the microwave?
A: No. The color (white, black, stainless look) is purely cosmetic. It does not affect performance or quality.
Q: What safety features must all microwaves have?
A: All microwaves must have a door that seals tightly and automatically stops the magnetron (the part that makes the waves) as soon as the door opens.
Q: Are inexpensive microwaves safe to use in a pantry or cabinet?
A: No. Microwaves need space around them—usually a few inches on the top and sides—for ventilation. Blocking airflow causes overheating and potential damage.
Q: What is the purpose of the “Add 30 Seconds” button?
A: This button is a quick-start for 100% power for 30 seconds. It is incredibly useful for quickly finishing off heating something that is almost done.