Best Microwaves under $100 in 2023 (Budget Picks)

A best microwave can make your day in the kitchen easier.

But how easy is it to pick a QUALITY microwave? What features should you look for? Which factors should you consider before buying the product?

All these questions will sound more difficult when you’re on a budget. However, you just take a deep breath and keep consuming our words because we’ll manage the rest. This piece includes everything you should know about a great microwave.

We’ve gone through some tests and collected a lot of reviews from real-life users to get a crystal clear idea about the best microwaves under $100. So, just tell us you’re ready. We’ll start with a quick comparison (in case, you’re in a rush).

Let’s get started!

Quick Comparison Chart

Product Name	Power	Dimensions	Noise Level
Black+Decker EM720CB7	700 watts	17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”	Comparatively high
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB	700 watts	17.3” x 13” x 10.2”	Tolerable
Farberware Classic FMO07AHTBKJ	700 watts	12.99” x 17.3” x 10.14”	Low
Farberware Classic FMO07AHTBK	700 watts	17.75” x 12.91” x 10.1”	Tolerable
Commercial Chef CHM770B	900 watts	17.75” x 13.13” x 10.25”	Low
Danby DBMW0721BBS	700 watts	13” x 17.31” x 10.19”	Very low

6 Best Microwaves Under $100

Now, we are not going to make you wait anymore, I would like to request to check the Chart After 72 hours of researching and comparing all  best available models on the market, Jumtimes finds out the 5 Best Microwaves in 2023. Check our ranking below.

1. Black+Decker EM720CB7 Microwave

Let’s get introduced to one of the best stainless steel microwaves on the market!

Black & Decker is a small-sized microwave with great power so if space limitation is one of your concerns, feel free to get this one.

It offers 700 watts and 10 power settings which should be the right one for people without special requirements. As we used the term ‘small-sized’ before, you may think that there’s a lack of space in the microwave. But hey, it comes with 0.7 ft space inside so it can deal with your large dinner bowls or plates easily.

About usability, Black and Decker offers you a pretty user-friendly microwave that has a clock and kitchen timer.

It has a large LED digital display which can be great for some people but there are some complaints about this feature as well. Some users don’t like that they can’t read the function keys without a flashlight.

However, it still has some other great features that homeowners would love to get. For example, you’ll enjoy fast and reliable heating functions which let you defrost without burning edges.

Pros

• The compact size doesn’t require much space
• Easy to use the control systems
• Comes in a clean modern design and look
• 10 adjustable power settings
• Secured with child lock system

Cons

• Some users can’t tolerate the grunting noise of it
• Plastic-made door clips aren’t durable enough

2. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Microwave

Another quality option is Comfee’ EM720CPL which has earned over 4.5 ratings from most users. But let me save your time, if you’re looking for an option that comes with tons of sensors and features, then this one should not be your pick.

It’s a compact-sized microwave that offers 700 watts and 11 adjustable power settings. This range of power and settings should be enough for most users.

Another great point is, this is a power-efficient machine. It can turn off the display when you activate the ECO-mode and can reduce 50% of the stand by power. Eventually, your microwave will save energy and some penny of your electricity bills.

It also is equipped with a child safety lock which will keep your children and pets safe. The easy auto-cook functions help you reheat any food with less preparation.

And, if you hate the shrill ‘beep beep’ from microwaves, you can take advantage of the mute option that’ll quite down the sounds.

Since you’re getting such an efficient machine under $85, don’t expect it to suffice for your large dinner plates or bowls. Because it comes with only a 10-inches turntable that can fit only small quantities of your stuff.

Additional features that will be helpful for you are the preset buttons for cooking, kitchen timer, memory, express cook, and clock function.

Pros

• Has a sound-off button to mute the beep sound
• 11 adjustable power settings
• Comes with the Eco mode to save power
• And ideal option for kitchens with small space

Cons

• Takes quite more time to warm up the food
• Comes with quite hard-to-press buttons

3. Farberware 1.1-Cu. Ft. 1000-Watt Microwave Oven

The third one of our choicelist is a very stylish, stainless steel microwave that would be the best compact microwave to fit in your apartment. This under Your budget one gained lots of positive reviews from users.

Farberware comes in three available sizes and we’re talking about the 1.1 cubic ft variant today. It heats up fast with 1000 watts (not the highest heating intensity out there but an average cooking power). So, if you don’t need something for heavy cooking, it’s great for reheating and defrosting.

Other than these, it offers some additional features like 10 power levels, express cooking, kitchen timer, memory functions, digital display, and 30 seconds time-addition option.

Worth mentioning that it tends to steam up when you set the time a bit excessive. This can be an issue for some users, you’re requested to read the user manual before dealing with the machine.

About the ease of using and cleaning, well, it gets 5 out of 5. Also, it operates quietly so don’t worry if you hate the little noise of microwaves. Overall, the Farberware microwave will add a sleek style to your apartment with so many great features.

Pros

• Defrosts and reheats quickly
• Noise level is close to zero
• Easy to operate and clean
• Comes with memory setting
• Fits greatly in a small space

Cons

• Some parts may not sit perfectly inside when you’re in a rush
• No brackets for under counter mounting

4. Farberware Classic FMO07AHTBK Microwave

So, what’s another Farbwrware version here? Well, because of its high quality and great functionality. It’s one of the best microwaves out there when your budget is tight.

The internal capacity is 0.7 cubic ft so you can expect it to accommodate larger plates without worrying for any damage to the plates. It has a digital timer and clock which will keep track of your cooking time.

But here’s what a common complaint is noticed from most users- the buttons start peeling off soon. Still, the peel-off stuff doesn’t harm the functionality of the controls. The 10 power levels allow you to control the power.

The pre-programmed buttons automate not only the basic cooking but also the express cooking options. Each time you operate the machine, the memory button will preserve the cooking settings you prefer, isn’t it great?

Whenever the machine is in action, you’ll notice a soft musical humming which may not be an annoying noise for you. Also, you can see the cooking process from outside because of the internal lighting of the microwave.

The pull handle of this microwave will not move or jerk when you open the door.

And, you’ll see the turntable spin at a consistent speed. Overall, it’s a complete package within your comfortable expenditure.

Pros

• Efficiently heats up the food
• Has a child safety lock
• Six single-touch cooking programs
• Requires less space

Cons

• The turntable isn’t that stable
• Power cord is uncomfortably short

5. Commercial Chef CHM770B Countertop Microwave

If you need a microwave that reheats and defrost without drying or overcooking the food, get this one by spending under $75. This one consumes 900 watts when running so get this thing as soon as possible if you don’t want a 700-watt version with your budget.

The power intensity will help your food to get heated evenly and quickly. But this would be the best only for small apartments because of its small size.

It’s dead simple to use, no complications will bother you. But if you feel disturbed by noise easily, this one will not help you in this case. The light weight of the machine makes it easy to carry. The controls come with six quick settings and 10 cooking power levels. One thing that most microwaves in this price range have but this one doesn’t have is the 30 seconds button.

Other than that, it’s low maintenance, safe to use, and space saver. Overall, it will make you feel like a professional chef with the options of weight and speed defrost and multi-stage cooking.

Pros

• Heats up foods evenly and quickly
• Comes in a solid, stainless steel body
• Offers six pre-programmed recipes
• The beeps are not loud
• Requires less space to accommodate

Cons

• Slightly slides around when you open or close the door

6. Danby DBMW0721BBS Microwave

And, we saved something very special for the last! Danby DBMW0721BBS has all the necessary functions you may look for in a microwave. And, if you have a smaller microwave shell or need something for your dorm room in college, this is going to be a great fit.

The sleek-looking microwave cooks evenly as well. Although 700-watt isn’t a huge powerhouse, it will get the reheating and defrosting perfectly done. The 10 power levels will let you set the cooking instructions and power as you want. One important thing that this boxy-looking microwave doesn’t come with is a swift handle. However, you’ll get a push button in order to open your microwave door.

It offers 6 auto-cook options so you can cook meals with just a single press on the button which helps to provide a great cooking consistency. Moreover, there are extended cooking time options, auto defrost, express cooking, and other essential functions to get your job done.

Most reviewers threw positive statements regarding its reheating and defrosting capability. But you may make some adjustments to the 10-inch turntable as sometimes the turntable just doesn’t fit properly.

Overall, it’s a quiet microwave with so many useful features anyone with a budget limitation must love it.

Pros

• Noise level is near zero
• The glass turntable heats food evenly
• Easy to use
• Single touch popcorn maker
• Auto defrosting by weight and time

Cons

• Can’t accommodate large dinner plates

Buying Guide for Microwaves

Knowing the best brands wouldn’t be enough to make the final decision. You should get to know some crucial factors that you must consider before making the purchase.

Types of Microwaves

You don’t want to say after buying a microwave that ‘well, there were different types which I was ignorant of and I straight bought one.’ You’ll find three types of microwaves on the basis of their function. Such as…

• Convection microwave
• Grill
• Solo

Since the piece is about budget-friendly options, we’ve discussed solo microwaves here. These machines are mostly used for basic defrosting and reheating and you need to spend the least to get one.

If you want some other special features from your microwave that can grill the food like an outdoor grills, then go get a grill microwave.

And, the most expensive option is a convection microwave that can reheat, defrost, grill, bake, and whatnot.

Power to Consider

Power is something that most users consider first. It’s because the higher the power is, the quicker it’ll cook your food. But when you’re taking care of your wallet, affording too much power would be tough.

700-watt is a good range when it comes to the power of a microwave for everyday necessities like reheating and defrosting your food. Other than that, you need to go for at least 1000 watts if you want  to operate your microwave faster.

Microwave Sizes

Size will be a consideration because you need to think about where you’re going to put your microwave. If space is your concern, then pick a compact-sized microwave that won’t eat that much space.

But you must think about how much space is inside. Under $100, most microwaves will come around 0.7-1 cubic fts which should be enough for families of 1-3 people.

Controls and Designs

Another can’t-miss consideration is the functions or controls & designs. Usually, in this price range, you get a good number of power levels, sensors, child lock system, pre-programmed buttons, express cooking, kitchen timer, mute function, automatic turn-off, etc.

And, if you think you need more features to enjoy, you might need to extend the budget limit.

Noise Level

Initially, noise level might sound trivial but you must be sure whether you can tolerate the level or not. However, if you’re sure that the grunting motor sound can’t bother you, that’s great.

Otherwise, consider the hum and know how loud it can be before you hit the buy button.

Reliability and Longevity

With a budget limitation, we can’t promise that the microwaves will last for decades, sorry. However, each option of the list will work greatly for a handful of years. You won’t experience the machines breaking any part or being unusable in a short time. Take note: You might need a good quality blender for your family, but do you have it or planning to buy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cheap microwaves ensure safety?

No matter what the price range, if your microwave passes safety standards by FDA, it’s safe to use. Moreover, almost all microwaves on the market are safe from radiation hazards.

How powerful a microwave should I go for?

It depends on what you do with your microwave. Usually, 700 watts to 1000 watts is perfect for most cases.

What foods should I avoid in the microwave?

Try to avoid putting eggs, plain water, pasta sauce, grapes, and processed meat in your microwave because of their individual limitations. For example, microwaving eggs increases the chance of explosion, pasta sauce may splatter, and so on.

What may damage a microwave?

Paper bags, hot peppers, plastic bags, travel mugs, and plastic containers can damage a microwave.

Why are stainless stainless microwaves better?

Compared to ceramic enamel microwaves, stainless steel microwaves are able to cook faster.