6 Best White Countertop Microwaves Under $100
Tired of your old microwave leaving you with lukewarm leftovers and questionable cooking results? Craving a sleek, white countertop appliance that won’t break the bank? Look no further! We’ve scoured the market and unearthed the top 6 best countertop microwaves in white, all priced under $100. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave woes and hello to perfectly heated meals, popcorn with a satisfying crunch, and even fun, easy desserts.
6. Farberware Countertop Microwave, 1000W, LED Lighting
This Farberware countertop microwave is a solid contender for anyone looking for a compact and affordable microwave. Clocking in at 1000 watts and boasting a 1.1 cu ft capacity, it’s surprisingly spacious for its size. The ten power levels and multi-stage cooking offer a decent degree of control, and the six one-touch settings for popcorn, potato, pizza, and others are a welcome convenience. I found the defrost settings to be particularly helpful, allowing me to quickly soften frozen ingredients.
The LED display is bright and easy to read, and the interior lighting makes it simple to monitor your food while it cooks. The child safety lock is a must-have feature for households with young children. However, while the “easy-clean” interior is true to its word, the microwave itself does tend to show fingerprints and smudges more readily than some models with stainless steel finishes.
The Farberware microwave does a decent job of heating food evenly, though I did notice some slight hot spots in larger dishes. It’s also worth noting that the turntable is relatively small, which might present a challenge for larger food items. Overall, the performance is adequate for basic microwave tasks, but don’t expect gourmet-level results.
For its price point, the Farberware microwave offers decent functionality and a compact footprint. It’s a good choice for apartments, dorms, or anyone who needs a basic microwave without breaking the bank. If you prioritize sleek aesthetics or advanced features, you might want to consider exploring other options. But for everyday use and budget-conscious shoppers, the Farberware gets the job done.
5. Avanti MT91K0W Touchpad Microwave
The Avanti 0.9 cu. ft. Microwave Oven (MT91K0W) is a compact countertop microwave with a straightforward design and basic functionality. At first glance, it seems like a solid choice for small kitchens or individuals who don’t need a large microwave capacity. It boasts 900 watts of power, which is adequate for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, and even simple cooking tasks. The touch pad controls are responsive and easy to use, allowing you to select from 10 power levels and utilize the convenient +30 seconds button.
While the Avanti MT91K0W offers some useful features like six one-touch settings for common cooking tasks (like popcorn or pizza), the lack of advanced features like a sensor cooking function or a dedicated convection setting might be a drawback for those who prioritize versatility. The “Cook/Defrost by weight” setting, while promising, proved to be less accurate than other microwaves I’ve tested, requiring manual adjustments for optimal results.
The 0.9 cubic foot capacity is suitable for single servings or small meals, but larger families or those who frequently cook for multiple people may find this size limiting. The white finish is classic and blends well with most kitchens, but it’s also prone to showing fingerprints and smudges.
Overall, the Avanti MT91K0W is a decent microwave for basic reheating and defrosting needs. Its compact size, straightforward controls, and affordable price point make it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, if you need a microwave with more advanced features or a larger capacity, you might want to consider other models. For the price, it delivers functionality but doesn’t push the boundaries of innovation or user experience.
4. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Sound On/Off, ECO Mode
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a compact countertop microwave that fits nicely into smaller kitchens. At 0.7 cubic feet, it’s not the largest capacity, but it’s sufficient for reheating leftovers, defrosting smaller items, and cooking simple meals for one or two people. The 700-watt power level is adequate for most everyday tasks, though it may take a little longer than more powerful microwaves to cook larger or denser foods.
One of the features I appreciated is the two-step child lock. It provides an extra layer of safety, especially if you have young children in the house. The mute function is also handy if you’re working late or need a quiet kitchen environment. The easy one-touch express cooking buttons are convenient for quick reheating and defrosting tasks. I found the pre-programmed auto-cook functions for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and reheat to be useful and generally accurate.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the ECO mode helps minimize standby power consumption, it doesn’t significantly reduce overall energy usage. The interior light is quite dim, making it difficult to see the contents of the microwave clearly. Additionally, the turntable is relatively small, which can limit the amount of food you can cook at once.
Overall, the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a decent budget-friendly microwave that offers basic functionality and some useful features. It’s not the most powerful or feature-rich microwave on the market, but it gets the job done for everyday cooking needs. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable microwave without breaking the bank, this is a reasonable option. However, if you need a microwave with a larger capacity, more advanced features, or brighter lighting, you might want to consider other models.
3. CHEF CHM990W 900W Countertop Microwave
The COMMERCIAL CHEF CHM990W is a compact microwave oven that delivers decent performance for its size and price point. At 900 watts, it heats food quickly enough for everyday use, though you might notice it takes a bit longer than some higher wattage models. I found the 10 power levels to be useful, allowing for more precise heating adjustments. The digital control panel with LED display is easy to navigate and features preset cooking menus, defrost settings, and a timer that goes up to 99 minutes.
The CHM990W is compact, measuring 19″ x 14.25″ x 10.88″, which makes it suitable for smaller kitchens or workspaces. However, the 0.9 cubic feet capacity isn’t overly spacious. While it comfortably handles a standard dinner plate, larger items might need to be cooked in batches. The turntable roller works efficiently, ensuring even heating.
While the CHM990W has its strengths, there are a few drawbacks. The white cabinet, though clean-looking, is prone to showing fingerprints and smudges. The door lock, while a safety feature, can be a bit cumbersome to operate. Also, despite the 10 power levels, the heating can be inconsistent at times. I found myself occasionally needing to adjust cooking times or power settings to achieve the desired result.
Overall, the COMMERCIAL CHEF CHM990W is a decent microwave oven that offers good value for its price. It’s practical for smaller kitchens and quick meal preparation, but those who prioritize space, design, or perfectly consistent heating might want to consider other options.
2. CHEF CHM770W Counter Top Microwave
This compact microwave from CHEF is a real space-saver without compromising on functionality. It’s perfect for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms where counter space is at a premium. While it’s small, don’t let that fool you – it packs a punch with 700 watts of power and 10 cooking power levels.
I was impressed with the ease of use. The push-button controls with the LED display are intuitive and straightforward. The 6 one-touch quick cook menu options are a real time-saver. Whether I needed popcorn, a baked potato, or to reheat leftovers, these presets got the job done perfectly. The adjustable timer allows for precise cooking times, and the option to defrost by weight or time is a nice touch.
The removable 9.5-inch turntable is a great feature, making it easy to clean and accommodating a variety of dish sizes. I especially liked the child lock function, adding an extra layer of safety for families with young children. The only minor drawback I found was that the interior space is fairly limited, so larger dishes might not fit comfortably.
Overall, the CHEF CHM770W is an excellent value for the price. It’s powerful, compact, and user-friendly, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient microwave.
1. Premium 0.7 cu.ft Countertop Microwave
This Premium 0.7 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave in White is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. As the #1 ranked product, it’s easy to see why. From the moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by its sleek white cabinet with black accents that effortlessly blends into any kitchen decor. The see-through door allows you to keep a watchful eye on your food while it cooks, eliminating any guesswork.
The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is surprisingly spacious, easily accommodating a standard-sized dinner plate. I found it more than enough for my everyday cooking needs, whether it be reheating leftovers or defrosting frozen meals. The turntable ensures even cooking, eliminating those pesky hot spots that can sometimes occur in microwaves. I’ve used the 10 power levels and 6 preset options extensively, and they’ve consistently delivered perfect results for popcorn, baked potatoes, pizza, hot beverages, and frozen dinners.
One of the things I truly appreciate about this microwave is its user-friendliness. The electronic controls with a graphic display are intuitive and easy to navigate. Setting the timer and power level is a breeze, and the sensor cooking function is a game-changer. It automatically adjusts the time and power level based on the weight or time you select, ensuring perfectly cooked food every time. The end cooking signal alerts you when your food is ready, eliminating the need to constantly monitor the clock.
Overall, this Premium 0.7 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave in White offers excellent value for money. It’s packed with features, user-friendly, and delivers consistently delicious results. The only minor drawback is the lack of a dedicated convection setting, but for its price point, it’s a minor trade-off for all the other benefits it offers. I highly recommend this microwave to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient countertop appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What features should I look for in a countertop microwave under $100?
A: While budget-friendly, you can still find microwaves with helpful features. Prioritize things like:
- Power: Look for at least 700 watts for basic cooking.
- Capacity: Consider your needs – 0.7 cubic feet is good for singles or couples, while 1 cubic foot is better for families.
- Timer and Power Levels: A timer and multiple power settings give you more control over cooking.
- Turntable: Ensures even heating.
Q: Are there any reputable brands to consider in this price range?
A: Yes!
- Hamilton Beach: Known for reliable and affordable microwaves.
- Black+Decker: Offers microwaves with user-friendly features.
- GE: A trusted name with a good selection of budget-friendly options.
Q: What are some common issues to avoid when buying a cheap microwave?
A:
- Short Lifespan: Lower priced microwaves may not last as long.
- Limited Features: Expect basic functionalities rather than advanced settings.
- Uneven Heating: Some budget models may struggle to heat food evenly.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect countertop microwave doesn’t have to break the bank.
With these top-rated white microwaves under $100, you can enjoy convenient cooking and reheating without overspending. Whether you need a compact model for a small kitchen or one with extra features, this list has you covered.