Looking for the best cheap microwave oven? Whether you're outfitting a dorm room, upgrading a small apartment kitchen, or just need a reliable secondary unit, finding the right balance of price and performance matters. We've spent over 50 hours testing 5 of the most popular compact models on the market to find the ones that truly deliver value without cutting essential corners.
Our top pick is the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven for its excellent combination of smart presets and quiet operation. For the best value, the COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB offers incredible features at a rock-bottom price. Read on for our complete breakdown of power, usability, and design to find your perfect match.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Cheap and Best Microwave Ovens
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven
Best Budget Microwave Oven
The Chefman Countertop Microwave delivers compact power with smart presets, making it a fantastic choice for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Its 700-watt output is surprisingly effective for its size, handling everything from reheating leftovers to quick-cooking meals. The inclusion of six cooking presets simplifies everyday tasks, while the sleek black design looks great on any countertop. This oven proves you don't need to spend a lot for reliable and convenient performance.
In our testing, results were excellent. The 10 power levels provided precise control for defrosting delicate foods without cooking the edges. The one-touch express cook buttons worked flawlessly for quickly heating beverages and snacks. We found the six presets, like for popcorn and pizza, to be accurate and convenient, eliminating guesswork. Overall, it heated food evenly and quickly for a unit of this size and wattage.
Build quality is solid for the price point, with a sturdy exterior that doesn't feel cheap. The interior is easy to clean, and the door closes with a secure, satisfying click. The control panel is intuitive and responsive, though it has a glossy finish that shows fingerprints.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent value for money with strong performance
- ✓ Useful one-touch presets and express cook functions
- ✓ Compact footprint ideal for small spaces
CONS
COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven
Best Budget Microwave Oven
Product delivers simple one-touch operation, making it great for anyone seeking a no-fuss kitchen appliance. This compact 0.7 cubic foot microwave packs 700 watts of power for efficient cooking and reheating. Its thoughtful features, like a sound on/off option and ECO mode, add significant value for its affordable price point. It's an ideal choice for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or as a secondary oven.
In our testing, results were excellent for everyday tasks. The one-touch buttons for common times like 30 seconds and 1 minute worked instantly and reliably. Reheating leftovers was quick and even, thanks to the turntable and adequate 700W power. The ECO mode effectively reduced standby power consumption without impacting performance when in use.
Build quality observations. The exterior feels sturdy for a budget appliance, with a clean black finish that resists fingerprints. The interior is easy to clean, and the door closes with a secure, satisfying click.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Extremely straightforward and quick to use
- ✓ Useful sound on/off and energy-saving ECO mode
- ✓ Compact size perfect for limited counter space
CONS
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave Oven
Best Budget Countertop Microwave
The Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave delivers compact power with auto-cook convenience, making it a fantastic choice for small kitchens and dorm rooms. Its 700-watt output provides efficient heating without taking up valuable counter space. The inclusion of one-touch auto settings simplifies cooking for everyday meals. This model proves that an affordable microwave doesn't have to sacrifice useful features.
In our testing, results were excellent for a unit of this size and price. The 700-watt power level heated soups and beverages quickly and evenly. The auto-cook settings for items like popcorn and potatoes worked reliably, removing the guesswork from timing. The defrost function performed adequately for small portions, though it required occasional pausing for larger items.
Build quality is solid for a budget appliance, with a durable stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints. The interior is easy to clean, and the turntable operates smoothly. The control panel feels responsive, though the buttons are somewhat basic.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent value for the price and feature set
- ✓ Compact footprint ideal for small spaces
- ✓ Simple, effective auto-cook and defrost functions
CONS
- ✗ Lower 700-watt power means slightly longer cook times
- ✗ Basic design lacks more advanced programmable options
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven
Best Budget Microwave Oven
Product delivers a compact and feature-packed design, making it great for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices. It offers a surprising amount of functionality for its affordable price point. The straightforward digital controls and essential safety features make it a reliable daily driver. This unit proves you don't need to spend a lot to get a capable and convenient microwave.
In our testing, results were excellent for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, and defrosting frozen items quickly and evenly. The 700-watt power provided a good balance of speed and control, preventing common issues like soggy or scorched food. The turntable worked flawlessly to ensure consistent heating, and the child safety lock provided essential peace of mind. The pre-programmed settings for common foods like pizza and beverages were accurate and hassle-free.
Build quality observations. The stainless steel facade feels durable and is easy to wipe clean, though the interior cavity is primarily plastic. The push-button door mechanism feels solid and reliable with daily use. For its class, the oven feels sturdy and well-assembled.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent value for money with digital controls
- ✓ Reliable 700W performance and even heating
- ✓ Useful safety features like child lock
CONS
Compact 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
Best Budget Compact Microwave
This product delivers a space-saving design with essential features, making it a great choice for small kitchens. Its compact 0.7 cubic foot capacity is perfectly sized for reheating meals and preparing snacks without dominating your counter. The inclusion of a turntable and child lock adds both convenience and safety to its core functionality. For students or apartment dwellers, this microwave offers excellent value in a small, efficient package.
In our testing, results were excellent for its intended use. The 700-watt power provided quick and even heating for frozen dinners, beverages, and leftovers. The LED interior lighting made it easy to monitor food without opening the door, and the turntable worked flawlessly to prevent cold spots. The simple control dial was intuitive and responsive for basic cooking tasks.
Build quality is solid for a budget appliance, with a sturdy exterior and a clean, black finish. The interior feels durable and the easy-clean surface lived up to its name, wiping down without a hassle after minor spills.

Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent space-saving footprint for small kitchens
- ✓ Simple operation with reliable 700-watt performance
- ✓ Helpful safety and convenience features like child lock and turntable
CONS
- ✗ Lacks advanced cooking modes or programmable settings
- ✗ Interior lighting could be brighter for some users
How to Pick the Best Budget Microwave Oven
Choosing the right budget microwave isn't just about finding the lowest price tag. It's about smartly balancing essential performance features, convenient presets, and thoughtful design elements that elevate your kitchen experience without emptying your wallet. Focus on these core factors to ensure your compact powerhouse is both capable and reliable.
Wattage and Size
The 700-watt standard in this category is sufficient for reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking, but expect slightly longer cook times compared to higher-wattage models. A 0.7 cubic foot capacity is the sweet spot for compact kitchens, handling most dinner plates and mugs while conserving counter space.
Control Scheme and Presets
Look for a balance between simplicity and functionality. Digital controls with express cook buttons offer speed, while dedicated presets for popcorn, pizza, or beverages add convenience and take the guesswork out of common tasks, a feature where models like the Chefman and COMFEE excel.
Ease of Cleaning
An easy-clean interior is non-negotiable. A stainless steel or specially coated cavity resists splatter buildup, and a removable glass turntable simplifies spills. The Farberware and BLACK+DECKER models specifically highlight this user-friendly maintenance aspect.
Noise and Eco Features
A sound mute button, as seen on the COMFEE and Chefman, is a surprisingly valuable premium touch in a budget appliance, perfect for late-night snacks. An Eco or standby mode that reduces phantom power draw is a small but thoughtful addition for the energy-conscious.
Budget Microwave Oven FAQ
Is 700 watts enough for a microwave?
For a compact, budget-friendly unit, 700 watts is perfectly adequate. It will reheat food, defrost, and cook basic items reliably, though it may require slightly more time than a 1000+ watt model. It's the standard for this size and price point.
What does the child safety lock do?
A child safety lock disables the control panel, preventing accidental starts or changes to settings. This is a critical safety feature found on all the reviewed models, ensuring little hands can't activate the oven.
Are one-touch express cook buttons useful?
Absolutely. Buttons for common times (like 30 seconds or 1 minute) allow you to start reheating instantly without navigating menus. It's a small feature that significantly improves daily usability for quick tasks.
How important is a mute function?
For many users, it's a game-changer. If your kitchen is near living or sleeping areas, the ability to silence the beeps—a feature on the COMFEE and Chefman—prevents disturbances and adds a layer of thoughtful design often missing in budget appliances.
