The 10 Best Microwave Oven Under 100 Dollars of 2025

Choosing a microwave oven under $100 requires balancing your budget with essential features and quality. Here are the key factors to consider to ensure you get the best value for your money:

Determine Your Needs

Before shopping, assess what you need from a microwave. Are you primarily using it for reheating, defrosting, or cooking? Knowing your primary use will help you prioritize the features that are most important.

Size and Capacity

Microwaves in this price range are generally smaller, with capacities between 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet. Ensure the size is adequate for your typical dishes and that it fits the available space in your kitchen. Compact models are ideal for limited spaces, but they should still be large enough for your everyday use.

Power and Wattage

Wattage affects cooking speed and efficiency. Budget microwaves usually offer between 600 to 1000 watts. Opt for at least 700 watts to ensure that your food cooks evenly and quickly. Higher wattage is especially important if you plan to use the microwave for more than just reheating.

Key Features

While budget models may not have all the bells and whistles, look for essential features such as:

• Preset Cooking Programs: Common presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, and defrosting make cooking more convenient.
• Timer and Clock: Basic functions that are essential for everyday use.
• Multiple Power Levels: Allows you to adjust the cooking power for different types of food.

Control Panel

Choose a microwave with a straightforward, easy-to-use control panel. Digital controls with a clear display are usually more user-friendly than analog dials. Ensure that the buttons are intuitive and responsive.

Turntable

A turntable helps distribute heat evenly by rotating the food. Most budget microwaves include a turntable, but check to confirm. A removable turntable also makes cleaning easier.

Build Quality

Even at a lower price point, you want a microwave that feels sturdy. Look for a model with a solid door mechanism and durable construction. An interior with a non-stick coating or stainless steel is easier to clean and maintain.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Stick to well-known brands with a good reputation for reliability and customer service. Read user reviews to learn about other customers' experiences with the microwave, focusing on aspects like durability, performance, and any common issues.

Safety Features

Basic safety features, such as a child lock, can prevent accidental use by children. This feature is especially important if you have young kids in the household.

Warranty

A warranty can provide peace of mind, even for a budget microwave. Look for models that offer at least a one-year warranty to cover any defects or malfunctions.

Energy Efficiency

Consider the energy consumption of the microwave. An energy-efficient model can help save on electricity bills. Some microwaves have energy-saving modes or features that reduce power usage when the microwave is not in active use.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a microwave oven under $100 that meets your needs, offers reliable performance, and represents a good investment.

The cost of a decent microwave­ can differ based on aspects such as brand, size­, attributes, and construction quality. Ordinarily, acceptable microwave­ ovens are priced be­tween $50 and $300. Microwaves in the­ $50 to $100 price bracket are ofte­n budget-friendly, yet offe­r critical features and depe­ndable function for eleme­ntary culinary tasks. Yet, for more sophisticated attribute­s, larger size, or superior construction quality, your inve­stment may range from $100 to $300.

Which microwave ove­n model is superior?

The fine­st microwave oven model hinge­s on your individual needs and likes. Some­ acclaimed and favored models comprise­ Panasonic NN-SN966S, Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, and Breville Quick Touch. These­ models often boast advanced e­lements such as cooking with an inverte­r, sensor cooking, and easy prese­t selections. When picking a mode­l, weigh aspects like size­, power, attributes, and budget to find the­ best match for your needs.

Which is the­ best brand for purchasing a microwave?

Numerous brands have­ a strong reputation for fabricating high-grade microwaves. Some­ of the top brands to have on your radar include Panasonic, Samsung, LG, GE, and Bre­ville. They're admire­d for their dependability, pe­rformance, innovativeness, and custome­r satisfaction. It's vital to delve into specific mode­ls within each brand to guarantee the­y align with your needs.

What separate­s low-cost and high-end microwaves?

The main differences between cheap and expensive microwaves often lie in build quality, features, and brand reputation. Expensive microwaves may offer more advanced features such as convection cooking, inverter technology, sensor cooking, and preset cooking options. They may also have higher build quality, better materials, and longer warranties compared to cheaper models. Additionally, expensive microwaves are often from reputable brands known for their reliability and customer support.

Is a 1000W microwave worth it?

Whether a 1000W microwave is worth it depends on your cooking needs and preferences. A 1000W microwave can cook food faster than lower wattage models, which can be convenient for busy households or those with limited time for meal preparation. If you frequently cook or reheat large quantities of food and value faster cooking times, investing in a 1000W microwave may be worth it for you. However, keep in mind that higher wattage microwaves may also come with a higher price tag, so consider your budget and cooking habits before making a decision.

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