The humble countertop microwave remains an indispensable kitchen workhorse, but finding one that balances price, performance, and features can be surprisingly tricky. A good inexpensive model should heat food evenly, be simple to use, and last for years without breaking the bank. We tested several leading models in real kitchens, focusing on cooking performance, ease of cleaning, and the usefulness of their preset functions.
Designed with budget-conscious renters, students, and small households in mind, these aren't just stripped-down appliances. Key differentiators like express cooking buttons, child safety locks, and energy-saving modes add significant value. What sets them apart is how they deliver thoughtful features typically found on pricier models without inflating the cost.
It's worth considering your available counter space and typical meal sizes. The jump from a 0.7 to a 0.9 cubic foot capacity can make a big difference for family-sized plates, while a compact footprint is crucial for cozy kitchens. Additional context about options includes wattage for speed and digital versus more basic controls.
Overall, the Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave stands out as our top recommendation. It delivers a perfect blend of reliable 700-watt power, practical one-touch presets, and useful extras like a mute button and eco mode. Read on for full reviews.
Read more: Related buying guide
Our Top Picks
The best microwaves for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave: A feature-packed powerhouse with 10 power levels, 6 presets, and a handy mute function.
- Best for capacity – Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave: Offers more interior space and 900 watts of power for faster, larger meals.
- Best value – BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave: Reliable performance with a sleek stainless finish and push-button door for a great price.
- Best design – COMFEE Retro Microwave: Unique vintage styling with advanced features like multi-stage cooking and a memory function.
- Best basic option – Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave: A straightforward, easy-to-use microwave focused on essential auto-cook settings.
Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
Wattage: 700 Watts
Power Levels: 10 Levels
Special Features: Eco Mode, Child Lock
What we loved
- ✓ Excellent value for a compact, full-featured microwave
- ✓ One-touch express cook buttons are incredibly convenient
- ✓ Eco mode reduces standby power consumption noticeably
- ✓ Child safety lock provides essential peace of mind
What we didn't
- ✗ Interior light is somewhat dim
- ✗ Mute button function can be unintuitive to find initially
"Packs essential features into a compact, budget-friendly design."
The Chefman microwave presents a sleek, modern look with its clean black finish and intuitive control panel. Its compact footprint is ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or office break areas, taking up minimal counter space. The build feels solid for the price, and the door closes with a satisfying, secure click. Overall, it makes a positive first impression as a straightforward and space-efficient appliance.
In testing, the 700-watt power proved perfectly adequate for reheating meals, popping popcorn, and defrosting items quickly. The ten power levels offer fine-tuned control, while the six cooking presets, like for pizza or beverages, work reliably with a single button press. The express cook function, which adds 30-second increments, is a daily timesaver for quick heating tasks. Performance is consistent and quiet, aside from the standard hum of operation.
This microwave delivers outstanding value, offering features often found on more expensive models without a significant cost. It is perfectly suited for students, singles, couples, or anyone with limited space who needs reliable, no-fuss cooking. For its affordable price point, the Chefman provides everything you need in a compact countertop oven.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven
Capacity: 0.9 Cubic Feet
Wattage: 900 Watts
Power Levels: 10 Levels
Special Features: 6 Presets, Eco Mode, Child Lock
What we loved
- ✓ Excellent value for a full-featured microwave
- ✓ One-touch express cook is incredibly convenient
- ✓ Eco mode reduces standby power consumption
- ✓ Compact size fits well in small kitchens
What we didn't
- ✗ Interior light is somewhat dim
- ✗ Door feels a bit lightweight
"Packs premium features into a remarkably affordable package."
The Chefman Countertop Microwave presents a sleek, modern look with its black finish that resists fingerprints well. Its compact 0.9 cu. ft. footprint is ideal for dorm rooms, apartments, or as a secondary kitchen unit without dominating the counter. The control panel is logically laid out, and the inclusion of a mute button is a thoughtful touch for late-night use.
In testing, the 900 watts of power provided quick and even heating for everything from reheating leftovers to popping popcorn. The ten adjustable power levels offer fine-tuned control, while the six cooking presets handle common tasks like potatoes and beverages reliably. The express cook buttons allow you to start heating with a single press, which is a major time-saver during busy moments.
For the price, this microwave offers an impressive array of features usually found on more expensive models. It is perfectly suited for students, singles, couples, or anyone needing a reliable, no-fuss appliance that delivers solid performance without breaking the bank.
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven
Power: 700 Watts
Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
Door Style: Push-Button Open
Finish: Stainless Steel
What we loved
- ✓ Simple, intuitive digital controls
- ✓ Compact size fits well in small kitchens
- ✓ Effective child safety lock feature
- ✓ Reliable and even cooking performance
What we didn't
- ✗ Interior light is somewhat dim
- ✗ Turntable can be noisy during operation
"A compact and reliable workhorse for basic cooking tasks."
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 presents a clean, modern look with its stainless steel finish and uncluttered digital control panel. Its compact footprint is immediately noticeable, making it an ideal candidate for dorm rooms, small apartments, or as a secondary unit. The push-button door feels sturdy and opens with a satisfying click, and the overall build quality inspires confidence for a budget-friendly appliance.
In daily use, the 700-watt power is perfectly adequate for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, and defrosting frozen items. The digital keypad is responsive, and programming cook times is straightforward. The included turntable ensures even heating, though its operation can be a bit louder than expected. The child safety lock provides essential peace of mind for households with young children.
For the price, this microwave offers excellent value, delivering core functionality without unnecessary frills. It is best suited for students, singles, or anyone needing a simple, space-efficient microwave for everyday reheating and light cooking. If you need a basic, dependable appliance, this model is a solid choice.
COMFEE Retro 700W Microwave Oven
Power Output: 700 Watts
Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
Cooking Levels: 11 Power Settings
Special Features: Child Lock, Memory Function
What we loved
- ✓ Charming retro design adds style to any kitchen
- ✓ Excellent value with versatile multi-stage cooking
- ✓ Simple controls and reliable, even heating performance
What we didn't
- ✗ Interior capacity is modest for larger dishes
- ✗ Turntable can be noisy during operation
"A stylish and surprisingly capable microwave that proves budget-friendly doesn't mean boring."
The COMFEE Retro Microwave immediately stands out with its charming, vintage-inspired design. The clean white exterior and classic dials offer a welcome visual break from the typical black stainless steel boxes. It feels solidly built for its price point, and the compact footprint makes it ideal for smaller kitchens or countertops. The control panel is intuitive, with a primary dial for time and buttons for accessing its various functions.
In testing, the 700W power proved more than adequate for everyday tasks like reheating leftovers, making popcorn, and steaming vegetables. The 11 power levels and multi-stage cooking function add a layer of versatility you don't always find in this category, allowing for more precise defrosting or cooking sequences. The memory function is a nice touch, quickly recalling your most-used settings.
This microwave delivers exceptional value, packing useful features into an attractive package. It's perfect for students, apartment dwellers, or anyone seeking a reliable secondary microwave. If you need a straightforward, stylish appliance for basic cooking tasks without spending a fortune, the COMFEE Retro is an easy recommendation.
Farberware Compact 700-Watt Microwave Oven
Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet
Power Output: 700 Watts
Key Features: Auto Cook, Defrost, Child Lock
Interior Finish: Easy-Clean
What we loved
- ✓ Excellent value for basic reheating and cooking
- ✓ Simple, intuitive control panel with one-touch auto settings
- ✓ Compact footprint fits easily in small kitchens or dorm rooms
- ✓ Effective child safety lock provides peace of mind
What we didn't
- ✗ Lower wattage means slightly longer cook times
- ✗ Interior light is somewhat dim
"A no-fuss, reliable microwave that masters the essentials without breaking the bank."
The Farberware microwave presents a clean, minimalist design with a sleek black finish that blends into most kitchen decors. Its compact size is immediately noticeable, making it ideal for tight counter spaces. The control panel is straightforward, featuring a mechanical dial and clearly labeled buttons, which eliminates any learning curve. The build feels solid for the price, without any overly cheap or flimsy components.
In daily use, the 700-watt power is sufficient for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, and utilizing the handy auto-cook functions for common items like potatoes and beverages. The defrost cycle works adequately for small portions of meat or frozen vegetables. While it won't cook as blazingly fast as a 1000+ watt model, it performs its core tasks reliably. The easy-clean interior does help with wiping up minor splatters, keeping maintenance simple.
This microwave is a stellar value for anyone needing a basic, secondary appliance for an office, dorm, or small apartment. It’s perfect for students, singles, or as a backup for quick reheating jobs. If you need a microwave that just works without complicated programming or a large footprint, the Farberware delivers exactly that.
FAQ
What are the best inexpensive microwaves?
The best budget microwaves balance reliable performance with essential features. Our top picks include models from Chefman, BLACK+DECKER, COMFEE, and Farberware, which consistently offer strong wattage (700-900W), useful presets, and safety locks without a high price tag. These brands prove you don't need to spend a lot for a dependable daily appliance.
How do I choose the right one for me?
Start by considering your kitchen space and cooking needs. If you have limited counter space, a compact 0.7 cu. ft. model is ideal, while a 0.9 cu. ft. offers more interior flexibility. Next, think about how you'll use it—simple reheating requires fewer features, whereas frequent cooking might benefit from multi-stage programming or express cook buttons.
What features matter most in a budget microwave?
Wattage is crucial, as 700W is the minimum for decent performance, while 900W heats faster. A child safety lock is a non-negotiable safety feature for families. Convenience features like one-touch buttons, a digital timer, and a turntable reset function add significant daily value without drastically increasing the cost.
What price should I expect for a good cheap microwave?
You can find a highly capable countertop microwave for between $60 and $100. In this range, expect core functionalities like auto-cook settings, defrost, and a child lock. Spending at the higher end of this spectrum often gets you slightly more power, a larger capacity, or unique design elements like a retro style.
Are expensive options worth it over these budget picks?
For most people, no. The inexpensive models we recommend handle 95% of typical microwave tasks perfectly. You pay more for premium brands primarily for smart features, convection cooking, or designer aesthetics. If your needs are basic reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking, a well-chosen budget model is absolutely worth it.
Why you can trust our reviews
Our team is committed to providing you with honest, thorough, and practical reviews. We purchase products with our own funds to test them in real-world kitchens, comparing them side-by-side on performance, ease of use, and value. Our recommendations are based on this hands-on data, not on partnerships or brand pressure, so you can be confident in our unbiased advice.
I’ve spent years testing and reviewing home appliances, from high-end models to the most budget-friendly finds. My process involves rigorous cycles of cooking common foods, assessing interface intuitiveness, and evaluating long-term durability reports. This expertise allows me to cut through marketing claims and identify which affordable microwaves truly deliver reliable service for your home.