Imagine this: you’re hungry, you’ve got leftovers, and you just want a quick, hot meal. What’s the first appliance that comes to mind? For many of us, it’s the trusty microwave! But when your old one finally gives up the ghost, or you’re setting up a new kitchen on a budget, the thought of buying a “cheap microwave oven” can feel like navigating a maze.
It’s true, finding a good deal shouldn’t mean settling for something that barely heats your food or breaks after a few months. You want a microwave that’s reliable, easy to use, and actually gets the job done without costing a fortune. The problem is, with so many brands and models out there, how do you know which budget-friendly option is worth your hard-earned money? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by confusing features and promises that sound too good to be true.
That’s exactly why we’re here! In this post, we’re going to cut through the noise and show you how to find a fantastic cheap microwave oven that fits your needs and your wallet. We’ll explore what really matters when you’re shopping smart, so you can stop stressing and start enjoying perfectly heated meals. Get ready to discover your next kitchen workhorse!
Our Top 5 Cheap Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 9.3/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven in Pearl White is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed for your kitchen. It offers a 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of cooking power, making it ideal for small spaces and everyday reheating, defrosting, and cooking needs. This microwave is packed with features to make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- The two-step child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety, preventing accidental use.
- You can enjoy quieter cooking with the mute function, which turns off all beeps for 3 seconds.
- One-touch express cooking buttons for 1-6 minutes and +30 seconds make quick meals simple.
- It comes with easy auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen veggies, beverages, and reheating.
- The energy-saving ECO mode reduces standby power by 50%, helping you save energy.
- Two defrost settings, by weight or by time, provide flexibility for thawing frozen foods.
- The Pearl White finish adds a clean and modern look to any countertop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for larger dishes or family-sized meals.
- At 700 watts, it may take slightly longer to cook or reheat food compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
Overall, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a solid choice for anyone seeking a simple, safe, and energy-efficient microwave for basic kitchen tasks.
2. Countertop Microwave Ovens 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts Microwave Oven With LED Lighting
Rating: 9.0/10
This 0.7 cu. ft. 700-watt countertop microwave oven in sleek black is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a compact and powerful appliance. It’s designed to make meal prep quick and easy, fitting perfectly into small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms.
What We Like:
- It packs a punch with 700 watts of power for fast cooking.
- You can customize your cooking with 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking.
- Six one-touch options like popcorn, potato, and pizza make cooking simple.
- Defrosting is a breeze with weight or time settings.
- Its compact 0.7 cu. ft. size is ideal for small spaces.
- The LED display and timer/clock are easy to read.
- Interior LED lighting lets you see your food clearly.
- A 9.6″ glass turntable ensures even cooking.
- The child safety lock adds an extra layer of security.
- The easy-to-clean interior saves you time and effort.
What Could Be Improved:
- While perfect for small spaces, it might be too small for larger meals or families.
- The 700-watt power is good, but higher wattage microwaves cook even faster.
This microwave oven offers a great combination of features and convenience for everyday use. It’s a smart addition to any compact living situation.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.2/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact and powerful way to heat your food. It’s a great addition to any kitchen, especially for small spaces. This microwave heats food quickly and has many useful features.
What We Like:
- It cooks food really fast. You can choose from six special cooking presets like popcorn or pizza. Or, just type in the minutes you need to cook.
- It has 10 different power levels. This lets you melt butter gently or cook food super quickly.
- The digital controls are easy to use. You can set the time and power level with just a few buttons. The +30 seconds button is handy for a little extra heating time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings. This means you can start your go-to meals with just one touch.
- Safety is important with the child lock. It keeps the door from opening by accident. You can also lock the control panel.
- The mute button is a lifesaver. You can turn off the annoying beeps, so you don’t wake up kids or disturb others.
- It looks good in any kitchen. The black finish is sleek and modern. The Eco Mode helps save power and you can turn off the display.
- Cleaning is a breeze. The outside wipes clean easily. The glass turntable can go in the dishwasher.
- Chefman stands behind its product with a 1-year warranty and cETL approval.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be too small for larger dishes or multiple servings.
- With 700 watts, it’s not the most powerful microwave on the market, so some cooking tasks might take a little longer than with higher wattage models.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for its ease of use, helpful features, and compact design. It’s a reliable appliance for your everyday cooking needs.
4. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.9/10
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and convenient appliance for any kitchen. It offers a 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of power, making it ideal for heating up leftovers, popping popcorn, or quickly cooking small meals. This microwave is designed for ease of use with its simple controls and helpful features.
What We Like:
- The mute function lets you cook without annoying beeps.
- ECO Mode saves energy by reducing standby power.
- Easy one-touch buttons and auto-cook functions make cooking simple.
- Express cooking offers quick heating from 1 to 6 minutes, plus a 30-second option.
- Two defrost settings (by weight or time) provide flexibility.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The bright digital display and easy-to-read panel are user-friendly.
- A 10-inch glass turntable ensures even cooking and is easy to clean.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a bit slow for larger items compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- While compact, the 0.7 cubic foot capacity might be too small for very large dishes.
Overall, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a solid choice for those needing a basic, user-friendly microwave with some handy features like the silent mode and energy-saving option.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking for a simple and effective microwave? The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice for your kitchen. Its stainless steel finish looks good on any counter. This microwave is compact, making it perfect for small spaces. It’s easy to use for quick snacks or reheating meals.
What We Like:
- It has handy pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super fast for when you’re in a hurry.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see and use the controls.
- A child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- The removable glass turntable is 10 inches wide and cleans up easily.
- The push-button door opens smoothly for easy access.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity is on the smaller side, so it might not fit very large dishes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers convenience and essential features for everyday use. It’s a solid option for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly microwave.
Finding Your Budget-Friendly Kitchen Buddy: A Cheap Microwave Oven Buying Guide
Microwave ovens are super handy. They heat up food fast. Sometimes, you just need a simple way to warm leftovers or make popcorn. You don’t always need all the fancy buttons. That’s where cheap microwave ovens come in! This guide helps you pick a good one without spending a lot of money.
What to Look for in a Cheap Microwave Oven
1. Size Matters: Capacity is Key
Microwaves come in different sizes. The size is measured in cubic feet. A small microwave might be around 0.7 cubic feet. This is good for small kitchens or if you only heat up single servings. A medium-sized one, like 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet, is more common. It fits bigger plates and more food. Think about what you usually heat. Do you warm up a whole pizza or just a mug of soup? Choose a size that fits your needs.
2. Power Up: Wattage is Important
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most cheap microwaves are between 700 and 1000 watts. 700 watts is okay for simple tasks. 900 or 1000 watts will heat your food more quickly. It’s a good balance for a budget microwave.
3. Easy Controls: Simple is Best
You don’t need a microwave with a million buttons when you’re on a budget. Look for simple dial controls or easy-to-understand digital buttons. A few preset buttons for popcorn or reheating are nice. The simpler the controls, the easier it is to use and the less likely something is to break.
4. Turntable or Not?
Most microwaves have a turntable. This is a glass plate that spins. It helps your food cook evenly. Some very cheap microwaves might not have one. If your food doesn’t cook evenly, you might have to stop and stir it more. A turntable is a useful feature to have.
Important Materials and What They Mean
Microwaves are mostly made of metal and plastic. The inside is usually metal. The outside casing is often painted metal. The door has a glass window. Cheaper models might use thinner metal. This can make them feel less sturdy. The plastic parts should feel strong. Avoid microwaves with flimsy plastic.
Factors That Affect Quality
What Makes a Cheap Microwave Good?
- Solid Build: Even cheap microwaves should feel well-made.
- Reliable Heating: It should heat your food consistently.
- Easy to Clean: A smooth interior makes cleaning simple.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are very noisy. A quieter one is better.
What Can Make a Cheap Microwave Less Good?
- Thin Metal: This can dent easily.
- Flimsy Door: A door that doesn’t close tightly can be a problem.
- Uneven Cooking: If it doesn’t heat food evenly, it’s frustrating.
- Short Lifespan: Some very cheap microwaves don’t last very long.
User Experience and Use Cases
A cheap microwave oven is perfect for many situations.
- Dorm Rooms: Students need a quick way to heat meals.
- Small Apartments: Space is often limited.
- Office Break Rooms: A simple microwave for lunch is great.
- Second Microwave: Maybe you want one in the garage for snacks.
- First-Time Buyers: If you’re just starting out and need something basic.
You can use it to reheat leftovers, make popcorn, heat up frozen meals, or melt butter. It’s a workhorse for everyday tasks. If you just need to heat things up, a cheap microwave does the job well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cheap Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the minimum wattage I should look for in a cheap microwave?
A: You should aim for at least 700 watts. 900 or 1000 watts will heat your food faster.
Q: Do I really need a turntable?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly. It’s a good feature to have, even in a cheap microwave.
Q: How do I clean a cheap microwave?
A: You can clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Wipe down the inside and the turntable.
Q: Are cheap microwaves safe?
A: Yes, as long as they are certified by safety organizations. Look for labels like UL or ETL.
Q: How long do cheap microwaves usually last?
A: They can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. It depends on how often you use it and how well you take care of it.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a cheap microwave?
A: It’s not recommended. Cheap microwaves are best for reheating and quick cooking, not for large roasts.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for microwave size?
A: It’s the inside space of the microwave. A larger cubic feet number means you can fit more or bigger items inside.
Q: Should I worry about the material of a cheap microwave?
A: Focus on a solid build. The metal should feel sturdy, and the plastic parts shouldn’t be too flimsy.
Q: Can I use my own dishes in a cheap microwave?
A: Yes, you can use microwave-safe dishes like glass or ceramic. Avoid metal.
Q: What’s the best way to use a cheap microwave for popcorn?
A: Use the popcorn button if it has one, or set it for a few minutes and listen for the popping to slow down.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.