5 Best Low Cost Microwave Ovens

Best Low Cost Microwave Ovens, Most households today consider a microwave oven indispensable, yet you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good one. Consumer Reports reveal that many high-performing microwaves are priced under $100, offering reliability and essential features. This is great news for budget-conscious buyers seeking quality kitchen appliances.

The evolution of microwave technology now ensures even the most affordable models come with impressive features. For instance, low-cost options often include pre-programmed settings, energy efficiency, and compact designs suitable for smaller kitchens. According to a recent survey, 68% of budget microwave owners expressed satisfaction with their purchase, finding these appliances both effective and economical.
The best low-cost microwave ovens combine affordability with essential features like pre-programmed settings, energy efficiency, and compact designs. Models like the Toshiba EM925A5A-SS and the Black+Decker EM720CB7 are highly recommended for their reliability and performance, offering excellent value without compromising on quality.

Best low cost microwave ovens – Comparison Review

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is an essential kitchen appliance that combines convenience and efficiency in a sleek, modern design. With a 1.1 cubic feet capacity, it provides ample space to cook a variety of meals, from quick snacks to full dinners. The stainless steel finish not only adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen but also ensures durability and easy cleaning. This microwave features 6 auto menus for popular food items like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, veggies, beverages, and leftovers, taking the guesswork out of cooking and delivering perfectly cooked food every time.

Equipped with 1000 watts of power and 10 power levels, the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers versatile cooking options, allowing you to heat, defrost, and cook a wide range of foods with precision. The multiphase cooking function is particularly useful for complex dishes that require different power levels and times in one cooking cycle. Additionally, the convenient memory function lets you save your preferred settings, making it easier to prepare your favorite meals quickly. The quick start +30 seconds button is a handy feature for when you need an extra burst of heat without having to reprogram the microwave.

This microwave is designed with user convenience and safety in mind. The mute function allows for quieter operation, making it ideal for shared living spaces like apartments or dorms. The eco mode helps reduce energy consumption by turning off the LED display when the microwave is not in use, contributing to a more energy-efficient home. For families with young children, the childproof safety lock provides peace of mind by preventing the microwave from being accidentally started. With UL approval and a 1-year assurance from Chefman, this microwave is built to last and offer reliable performance.

Specifications

• 1.1 cubic feet capacity
• 1000 watts power
• 6 cooking presets
• 10 power levels
• Glass turntable
• Memory function
• Multiphase cooking
• +30 seconds quick start button
• Mute option
• Eco mode
• Childproof safety lock

Bottom Line

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile and efficient appliance that offers a range of features to simplify cooking. Its high power, multiple presets, and customizable settings make it suitable for a variety of cooking needs. The sleek design and energy-saving features add to its appeal, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

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GE GCST10A1WSS 3-in-1 Microwave Oven, 1,050 Watts Air Fryer, Broiler & Convection Mode, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for The Countertop or Dorm Room, New 1.0 Cu. Ft, Stainless Steel

The GE GCST10A1WSS 3-in-1 Microwave Oven combines the functionality of an air fryer, broiler, and convection oven into one compact unit, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. This 1.0 Cu. Ft. microwave is designed to fit perfectly on countertops or in dorm rooms, providing both convenience and efficiency. With a power output of 1,050 watts, it ensures that your food is cooked quickly and evenly. Its stainless steel finish not only adds a touch of elegance but also makes it easy to clean, ensuring that it remains a stylish appliance in your kitchen.

One of the standout features of this microwave is its Air Fry mode, which allows you to prepare healthier, crispier versions of your favorite dishes in less time. The included stainless microwave crisper pan is specifically designed to enhance this mode, ensuring optimal results. Additionally, the Convection mode includes a special rack that promotes even air circulation around your food, achieving golden brown results every time. The Broil mode replicates the effects of grill racks, enabling you to sear or caramelize food to perfection, making it ideal for a variety of cooking needs.

Safety and ease of use are paramount with the GE GCST10A1WSS. The two-step child lock feature prevents unintended use by younger family members, adding an extra layer of security. Preset controls for common foods like Fries and Nuggets make operation straightforward, ensuring precise cooking results with minimal effort. The glass turntable rotates food throughout the cooking cycle, promoting even heat distribution. This microwave is not only compact and powerful but also designed with user-friendly features that make it an essential kitchen appliance.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1.0 Cu. Ft.
• Power: 1,050 Watts
• Modes: Air Fry, Convection, Broil
• Child Lock: Two-step child lock technology
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Glass Turntable: Yes
• Preset Controls: Fries, Nuggets

Bottom Line

The GE GCST10A1WSS 3-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile and compact appliance designed to meet various cooking needs. Its multifunctional capabilities, including Air Fry, Convection, and Broil modes, combined with safety features like the two-step child lock, make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Its stylish stainless steel finish and user-friendly controls ensure both ease of use and maintenance.

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TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu Ft With 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & ECO Mode, Child Lock, LED Lighting, Stainless Steel

The TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven combines sleek design with top-notch functionality, making it an essential addition to modern kitchens. With a stainless steel door frame and a black enclosure, its aesthetic appeal complements a wide range of kitchen styles. The microwave operates at a rated voltage of 120V – 60Hz, with an input power of 1350W and an output power of 900W. Its 0.9 cu ft capacity is perfect for small to medium-sized meals, and the 10.6-inch removable turntable easily accommodates a 10-inch pizza, making it ideal for versatile cooking needs.

Equipped with six pre-programmed menus, this microwave simplifies cooking popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes. Additionally, it offers defrosting by weight and time, ensuring that your meals are prepared precisely and efficiently. The one-touch start feature allows for quick access, letting you start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes of cooking at full power with a single press. This model also includes 10 power settings, a clock, and a kitchen timer, making it a convenient and multifunctional appliance in any kitchen setting.

Designed with user safety and convenience in mind, the TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS includes a child safety lock and a mute function to disable the buzzer after a long press on the ‘8’ button. The eco mode feature helps save power, making it an environmentally friendly option. The bright LED digital display and easy-to-read control panel enhance the user experience, while the easy-to-grip door handle adds to its practicality. Its compact size makes it a perfect fit for apartments, vacation homes, offices, and dorm rooms. For detailed instructions, users can refer to the PDF manual provided below the product description section.

Specifications

• Rated Voltage: 120V – 60Hz
• Rated Input Power: 1350W
• Rated Output Power: 900W
• Capacity: 0.9 cu ft
• Turntable Diameter: 10.6 inches
• Eco Mode and Mute Function
• Child Safety Lock
• 10 Power Settings

Bottom Line

The TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile and stylish appliance designed to meet the needs of modern kitchen users. Its combination of functionality, safety features, and compact design makes it an excellent choice for various settings, from homes to offices. With pre-programmed menus and user-friendly features, it promises convenience and efficiency in meal preparation.

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TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Convection, Broil, Odor removal, Mute Function, 12.4″ Position Memory Turntable with 1.0 Cu.ft, Black stainless steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)

The TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to meet a wide range of culinary needs. This multifunctional microwave combines the functions of a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more into a single unit. With its 8-in-1 functionality, you can easily switch between cooking modes to prepare everything from crispy fried foods to perfectly baked goods. The air fryer function allows you to enjoy healthier versions of your favorite fried foods with significantly less fat.

One of the standout features of this microwave oven is its large capacity and compact footprint. The 12.4-inch removable turntable is capable of accommodating a whole roasted chicken, a 12-inch pizza, or an 8×4-inch casserole, making it a practical addition to any kitchen. Despite its spacious interior, the unit maintains a sleek and stylish appearance with its black stainless steel finish and easy-to-clean stainless steel interior. The bright, large LED digital display, easy-to-turn knobs, and touch control panel make it user-friendly and convenient to operate.

Additional convenience features include one-touch popcorn, position memory turntable, speedy cooking, multistage cooking, clock, kitchen timer, and a mute function. The microwave operates at 1000 watts with 10 power settings, ensuring efficient and effective cooking. The odor removal function helps keep the interior fresh, while the energy-saving eco mode and mute button enhance overall user experience. The unit’s internal dimensions are 13.07 x 13.7 x 9.53 inches, with a position memory turntable of 12.4 inches in diameter, providing ample space for various dishes.

Specifications

• Power: 1000 watts
• External Dimensions: 20.5 x 20.0 x 12.8 inches
• Internal Dimensions: 13.07 x 13.7 x 9.53 inches
• Turntable Diameter: 12.4 inches
• Voltage: 110V

Bottom Line

The TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a highly versatile and efficient kitchen appliance that combines multiple cooking functions into one compact unit. Its large capacity, easy operation, and stylish design make it an excellent choice for any kitchen. Whether you’re air frying, baking, or simply reheating leftovers, this microwave oven offers a convenient and healthy cooking solution.

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Comfee EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7 Cu Ft, Black

The Comfee EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact yet powerful appliance that fits easily into small spaces. This 0.7 cubic foot microwave oven operates at 700 watts and offers 11 power levels, making it highly versatile for various cooking tasks. The one-touch cooking functions include options for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen veggies, beverage, and reheat, ensuring that your favorite foods can be prepared with ease. Additionally, the large LED digital display not only provides a clock function but also a kitchen timer and the remaining cooking time, making it convenient for multitasking in the kitchen.

One of the standout features of this microwave oven is its energy-saving ECO mode, which helps minimize 50% of standby power by turning off the LED display when not in use. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who are environmentally conscious and looking to reduce their energy consumption. Furthermore, the microwave comes equipped with a mute button that disables the beeps, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices, dorms, or homes with light sleepers. The child safety lock adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that young children cannot operate the microwave unsupervised.

The oven’s design includes a bright digital display, an easy-to-read control panel, an interior light, and a 10-inch glass turntable for even cooking. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for apartment kitchens, vacation homes, and office pantries. The one-touch express cooking function allows for quick and easy meal preparation, while the two defrost settings (by weight or by time) offer flexibility for different types of frozen foods. The one-year limited warranty further adds to the product’s appeal, giving users peace of mind regarding its durability and performance.

Specifications

• 0.7 cubic feet capacity
• 700 watts power
• 11 power levels
• Energy-saving ECO mode
• One-touch cooking functions
• Mute button for silent operation
• Child safety lock
• 10-inch glass turntable
• Bright LED digital display
• 1-year limited warranty

Bottom Line

The Comfee EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, energy-efficient, and quiet microwave with versatile cooking options. Its combination of one-touch cooking functions, ECO mode, and user-friendly design makes it a practical addition to any small kitchen, office, or dorm room.

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Best Low Cost Microwave Ovens: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Affordable microwave ovens deliver essential functions with modern features without breaking the bank. This guide provides detailed insights to help you choose the best low-cost microwave ovens available.

Key Features To Consider

When shopping for a microwave oven, several key features should top your checklist. First is wattage, influencing cooking time and power. Aim for at least 700 watts for efficient cooking and reheating. Second, consider programmable settings that make operations easier, such as pre-programmed buttons for popcorn or pizza. Finally, a turntable is essential for ensuring even cooking.

Durability is another crucial feature. Check the build quality, focusing on sturdy materials. Read user reviews to understand how the microwave withstands daily use over time. A stainless steel exterior can provide longer durability and easier cleaning compared to plastic.

Safety features shouldn’t be overlooked either. Child safety locks are a vital feature, especially in homes with young children. Overheating protection is another safeguard that ensures the appliance doesn’t become a fire hazard. Verify that the microwave meets safety standards and certifications.

Top Brands For Low Cost Microwave Ovens

Several reputable brands offer quality microwave ovens at affordable prices. Toshiba is well-known for its dependable models that balance functionality and cost. Their units often include handy features like One-Touch controls and IOT technology integration for smart homes.

Black+Decker offers a range of budget-friendly options too. Known for durability and simple operation, their models are typically compact and suitable for small spaces. Don’t underestimate the value of user-friendly features on these affordable solutions.

Hamilton Beach also stands out for its balance of affordability and feature-rich designs. Their microwaves often come with a variety of power levels and intuitive controls, making them versatile for different cooking needs. It’s a good idea to compare these brands based on your specific needs.

Energy Efficiency

In today’s eco-conscious world, energy efficiency is paramount. Many low-cost microwave ovens now come with energy-saving modes. These modes help conserve power when the unit is not in active use. Look for models with an Energy Star rating, which signifies superior efficiency.

A microwave’s power consumption is tied to its wattage. High-wattage units cook faster but may consume more power. However, energy-efficient designs ensure no excess electricity is wasted, making these devices economical in the long run.

Using energy-efficient cookware can also enhance your microwave’s energy-saving capabilities. Heat-resistant glass and microwave-safe ceramics conduct heat more efficiently than plastic. These materials not only save energy but also improve cooking outcomes.

Design And Aesthetics

While functionality is crucial, the design of a microwave should also match your kitchen aesthetics. Sleek, modern designs are available even in budget-friendly models. Choices range from classic white and black to stainless steel finishes that offer a high-end look.

The size and build of the microwave are other design considerations. Compact models fit well in kitchens with limited counter space. However, ensure the interior is spacious enough to accommodate your usual cooking vessels.

Also, consider the user interface, as a well-designed control panel can enhance usability. Clear digital displays and easily accessible buttons make operating the microwave simpler. Aesthetic buttons or dial controls can also contribute to the overall kitchen ambiance.

User Reviews And Ratings

Checking user reviews and ratings can provide real-world insights into a microwave’s performance and reliability. Verified customer reviews often highlight both pros and cons. Look for patterns in reviews to gauge common issues or particularly praised features.

Online platforms like Amazon and Best Buy are good sources for detailed user feedback. Many reviews also include user-uploaded photos and videos, offering a closer look at what to expect. This feedback can be invaluable in making an informed decision.

Expert reviews and ratings from trusted sites like Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping can provide additional perspectives. These sources often perform in-depth testing and provide comparisons, which can be helpful if you’re making a final decision between a few models.

Price And Warranty

Budget doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Many low-cost microwave ovens cost between $50 to $150, providing excellent value for money. Compare prices across different retailers, including online marketplaces, to find the best deals.

Warranty is another critical factor to consider. Most budget microwaves come with at least a one-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. Some brands offer extended warranties or additional coverage options at a nominal fee.

Having a good warranty means added peace of mind. It ensures that you won’t end up paying out of pocket for any unexpected repairs or replacements. Understanding the warranty terms fully before making a purchase is essential.

Maintenance And Care

Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of your microwave oven. Regular cleaning prevents food particles and grease build-up, which can affect performance. Use a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent to clean the interior and exterior surfaces.

Periodic maintenance checks can also keep your appliance in top condition. Inspect the door seal for any damage and ensure it’s closing properly. Clean the vents to prevent overheating and inefficiency.

For longevity, avoid using metal utensils or containers, as they can cause sparks and damage the appliance. Using microwave-safe dishes helps maintain optimal functioning and safety. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for best results.

Top 5 BEST Microwave Ovens in [2024]

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying a low-cost microwave oven can be daunting with the various options available. Here, we answer some common questions to help you make an informed decision.

1. What Features Should I Look For In A Low-Cost Microwave?

When shopping for an affordable microwave, prioritize essential features like wattage, pre-programmed settings, and a turntable. At least 700 watts is ideal for effective cooking and reheating, while pre-programmed settings can simplify common tasks.

Look for additional features like defrost functions and easy-to-read digital displays. Child safety locks and energy-saving modes are also beneficial, ensuring safety and efficiency.

2. Are Low-Cost Microwaves Durable?

Many budget-friendly microwaves offer good durability, especially from reputable brands like Toshiba and Black+Decker. These models often include sturdy materials and good workmanship, extending their lifespan.

Reading user reviews can provide insight into a microwave’s long-term reliability. Often, these reviews point out potential issues and advantages based on real-world usage.

3. How Energy-Efficient Are Budget Microwaves?

Affordable microwaves today often include energy-saving features to reduce power consumption. Look for Energy Star-rated models which guarantee higher energy efficiency.

Energy-efficient microwaves use less electricity and can help lower your utility bills. Using microwave-safe, energy-efficient cookware can also enhance performance and conserve power.

4. Can I Find Stylish Designs In Low-Cost Microwaves?

Yes, many low-cost microwaves come with sleek and modern designs. Stainless steel finishes, digital touch panels, and compact sizes are commonly available, suiting various kitchen aesthetics.

Even at a lower price point, you can find models that match your kitchen decor. A thoughtfully designed control panel can also enhance the overall user experience.

5. What Brands Offer The Best Low-Cost Microwaves?

Brands like Toshiba, Black+Decker, and Hamilton Beach are known for their reliable and affordable microwave ovens. These brands balance cost with quality, offering features that enhance usability.

Look into their various models to find one that suits your needs. Comparing products from these reputable brands can help you make a well-informed decision.
Finding the best low cost microwave oven doesn’t have to be challenging. Whether you’re looking for a compact design to fit a small kitchen or advanced features like pre-programmed settings and energy efficiency, affordable models are available from reputable brands like Toshiba, Black+Decker, and Hamilton Beach. These options ensure reliable performance without overspending, making them ideal for budget-conscious buyers.

User reviews and expert ratings further simplify your decision-making process, offering real-world insights and comprehensive comparisons. By prioritizing key features such as wattage, durability, and safety, you can select a microwave that meets your needs efficiently. Modern low-cost models succeed in balancing functionality with affordability, proving that quality doesn’t always come with a high price tag.

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