Microwave is an excellent appliance to shortcut meal prep. From affordable to expensive and high-end, the price point can range widely.
In addition, the features, size, and capacity can play significant role when it comes to determining the right microwave for your lifestyle.
Lower cost microwaves tend to range between 700 to 1000 watts, which may slow cooking time depending on the model. However, such appliances perform basic tasks including reheating, defrosting, and cooking.
In this article, we are sharing extensive research and testing done on the best microwave under $100. Our goal is to help you make a smart decision for best performing unit within a lower price point.
Best Pick
Best Pick: Microwave under $100
Reasonable price with Alexa integrated to make cooking and meal prepping easy and quick. It has a 700 watts with 0.7 cubic foot internal capacity, therefore the push button timer helps to reheat instantly even with low wattage.
Budget Pick
Budget Pick: Microwave under $100
Durable and sturdy made, this Commercial Chef microwave gets basic jobs done with perfection. Even though it is 900 watts, it heats food quickly and evenly.
Including leftovers, defrosting and cooking meals, the microwave has single serving interior capacity that is perfect for all tasks.
Quick Comparison: Top 4 Best Microwave under $100
Finding the right microwave oven for under $100 is not that easy, especially if you are looking one that has multiple features and settings. From auto defrost to quick start, and energy saving options to voice integrated smart technology, here are our detailed reviews and guide to make the right decision.
Here are the best microwaves that cost less than $100:
Best Microwave under $100
Best microwave under $100 to reheat, defrost, and cook food evenly and efficiently. Here are options that include countertop, digital, 700 and 900 watts top-rated performing microwaves on a budget.
Under $100 with compact size microwave, this unit performs at 700 watts and uses 11 power levels to select from. The additional features include presets, express cook, child safety lock, timer with bright and beautifully designed digital display.
Pros:Mute sounds
Eco mode to save power
Adjustable power levels
Cons:Inconveniently designed buttons
Small turntable that does not fit large dinner plate
The best stainless steel microwave with 700 watts for small space with a retro vibe. Even though it has 0.7 foot interior capacity, the microwave accommodates large dinner plate and bowls.
Great powerful microwave in the right price range.
Pros:Adjustable power levels
Defrost evenly
Express cooking
Cons:Hard to open the door
High noise level
From 0.7 to 1.2 cubic feet, this microwave offers three different interior capacities to choose from. With 10 power levels, you can fully customize with pre-programmed programs to get quick cooking task done.
In addition, the stainless steel design and style upgrades your kitchen with a modern and elegant look.
Pros:Defrost by weight or time
Speed cooking option from 1 to 6 minutes
900 watts power for cooking
1 year warranty
Memory function
Cons:Not bright enough interior LED light
This countertop microwave oven from Sharp is affordable and offers basic microwave features. The carousel turntable is only 10” for even cooking and reheating, however it may be challenging to fit large dinner size plate and bowl.
Single serving or quick defrosting for meal prep, this appliance is doable.
Pros:Auto defrost setting
Kitchen timer
6 express cook options
Instant start button with “+30 seconds”
Cons:No door handle
Things to Know Before Buying the Microwave under $100
A cheaper price point doesn’t always equal the best quality microwave. Understanding what you need and how the microwave is mostly used will be the determining factor to find the right one.
Before buying a cheap microwave, consider these things including power, functions and features, noise level, and reliability.
- Power: The higher power a microwave has, the faster the food cooks, but the price range tends to be higher as well. Stay within range of 700 to 1000 wattage for powerful cooking experience on a budget.
- Functions and features: Any additional pre-programmed setting, adjustable power levels, inverter technology, and express cooking are great functions and features that make microwaving even easier.
- Noise level: Some appliances offer mute settings to easily turn on and off the sound. So, if you like quiet while operating a microwave, select a unit that does have low noise level while turntable is spinning.
- Reliability: To determine if the microwave is reliable or not, look for brand name, warranty, and available customer service.
Cheap Microwaves: Conclusion
Microwave under $100 that performs best is like very challenging. Most of the times, cheap appliances tend to have low wattage, less powerful, and are noisy.
As a matter of fact, there are few options that fit all your needs in one unit. Hope this list and guide helps you find the best microwave under $100 to fit your budget and personal preference.