Top 5 Best Budget Microwaves for 2026
Finding a reliable microwave on a tight budget can feel like hunting for a needle in a steel‑cooking‑tray. Luckily, the market is packed with affordable models that deliver surprising power, smart features, and sleek designs—all without draining your wallet. In this roundup, we’ve tested dozens of contenders and distilled the results into the Top 5 Best Budget Microwaves of 2024. Whether you need a compact countertop companion for a dorm room, a family‑friendly workhorse, or a stylish add‑on for a tiny
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C Countertop Microwave
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C‑SS is a sleek, silver countertop microwave that packs a powerful 1000 W of cooking output into a compact 1.2 cu ft interior. Its 12.4‑inch removable glass turntable rotates food evenly, while the spacious cavity (13.1 × 12.4 × 8.3 in) comfortably fits plates, bowls, and even a small pizza. Smart Sensor Technology reads the humidity of your food and automatically tweaks time and power, so you get perfectly cooked results without guesswork. Choose from six preset menus—pizza, veggle, sensor reheat, and more—or fine‑tune any dish with ten power‑level options, a built‑in clock, and a kitchen timer. Defrosting is a breeze: simply select weight or time, and the microwave does the rest. The mute function lets you cook silently, while ECO mode reduces energy use when the unit is idle. An easy‑clean interior and a one‑touch start for 1‑6 minute bursts make everyday cooking fast and hassle‑free.
Pros
- Smart Sensor automatically adjusts cooking for consistent, restaurant‑quality results.
- Versatile control with 10 power levels, 6 preset menus, and a built‑in timer/clock.
- Energy‑saving ECO mode and mute function for quieter, greener operation.
Cons
- The external dimensions (20.6 × 16.0 × 11.8 in) may be large for very tight counter spaces.
- No convection feature, so it’s limited to microwave and sensor cooking only.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven blends sleek stainless‑steel styling with practical features that make everyday cooking faster and safer. Its 0.7 cu.ft interior is perfect for reheating leftovers, preparing quick meals, or defrosting frozen foods, while the 700 W output (with 10 power levels) delivers consistent heating. The large LED digital display is easy to read, and the intuitive push‑button door release lets you access the cavity without fumbling for a handle. Pre‑programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages, and a dinner plate take the guesswork out of cooking, and the 30‑second express cook button is a lifesaver for busy kitchens. A built‑in child safety lock, interior light, and removable 10‑inch glass turntable round out the thoughtful design. With a UL approval and a one‑year limited warranty, this compact microwave (17.3” × 13.0” × 10.2”) fits neatly on countertops or in tight spaces.
Pros
- One‑Touch Cooking: Dedicated buttons for common foods simplify timing and power settings.
- Versatile Power Control: Ten power levels plus a 30‑second express cook let you fine‑tune heating for any dish.
- Safety Features: Child lock and push‑button door release keep accidental operation at bay.
Cons
- Modest Capacity: The 0.7 cu.ft cavity may be small for larger family‑size meals.
- Limited Power: At 700 W, it’s slower than higher‑wattage models for heavy‑duty cooking.
3. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB is a compact 0.7 cu ft countertop microwave that packs 700 W of cooking power into a sleek black design. Its bright digital display and intuitive control panel let you set the clock, kitchen timer, or mute the audible alerts with a single tap. The one‑touch express cooking buttons cover 1‑6 minutes plus 30‑second increments, while dedicated auto‑cook programs—Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Frozen Veggie, Beverage, and Reheat—take the guesswork out of everyday meals. Defrost is equally simple, offering both weight‑based and time‑based options. An interior light and a 10‑inch glass turntable ensure even heating, and the Eco Mode cuts standby power by up to 50 % for energy‑savvy kitchens. Child safety lock adds peace of mind, and a one‑year limited warranty backs the appliance.
Pros
- Convenient one‑touch cooking – auto‑cook and express buttons streamline meal prep.
- Energy‑saving Eco Mode – reduces standby consumption by roughly half.
- Quiet operation – mute function and silent mode keep the kitchen calm.
Cons
- Limited capacity – 0.7 cu ft may be too small for larger dishes or families.
- Basic power level – 700 W is adequate for most tasks but slower than higher‑wattage models for heavy‑duty cooking.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C Countertop Microwave Oven
The Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS delivers powerful, reliable performance in a sleek, space‑saving design. With 1000 W of microwave output (1600 W input) it cooks quickly while the 12.4‑inch glass turntable ensures even heating. Its Smart Humidity Sensor reads the moisture level of your food and automatically fine‑tunes time and power, so pizzas stay crisp, veggies stay tender, and reheated leftovers never turn rubbery. The interior is coated with an Easy‑Clean finish that resists splatters, and the mute function lets you silence the buzzer with a simple long‑press of the “8” key—perfect for open‑plan living.
Convenient preset menus (6 total) cover everyday favorites such as pizza, veggle, sensor reheat, and more, while 10 distinct power levels give you granular control for everything from gentle defrosting to rapid boiling. The intuitive one‑touch start lets you launch a 1‑6 minute cook at full power in an instant, and the built‑in clock and kitchen timer keep you on schedule.
Pros
- Smart Sensor Technology automatically prevents over‑ or under‑cooking.
- High‑power 1000 W output with 10 power levels offers versatile cooking options.
- Easy‑Clean interior & mute mode add convenience for busy households.
Cons
- The 12.4‑inch turntable may be large for very small countertop spaces.
- No convection or grill function, limiting it to standard microwave tasks.
1. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 700W
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven packs a full‑size cooking experience into a sleek 0.7 cu ft. black cabinet. Its 700 W digital magnetron delivers rapid heat, while the compact footprint fits snugly on any counter. With six one‑touch cooking presets—popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, and leftovers—you can start a meal with a single press, or simply dial in minutes using the numeric keypad. The +30‑second button and 10 adjustable power levels let you fine‑tune everything from melting butter to blasting a frozen dinner. A built‑in memory function stores your favorite settings for instant recall, and the intuitive digital display makes setting time and power a breeze.
Safety isn’t an afterthought: the child‑safety lock on the handle prevents accidental door openings, and a lock mode disables the control panel when needed. The mute button silences beeps for quiet evenings, while Eco Mode powers down the display to save energy. Cleaning is effortless—wipe the durable black exterior with a damp cloth and pop the glass turntable into the top‑rack dishwasher. Certified cETL and backed by a 1‑year Chefman warranty, this microwave blends modern design with reliable performance.
Pros
- Quick, one‑touch cooking with six presets and memory function
- Versatile power control (10 levels + +30 sec button) for precise results
- Safety & convenience: child lock, lock mode, mute button, Eco Mode
Cons
- Small 0.7 cu ft. cavity may limit larger dishes
- No convection or grilling functions, limiting advanced cooking options
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a budget microwave?
- Wattage: 700‑900 W is sufficient for most reheating and cooking tasks.
- Capacity: 0.7‑1.0 cu ft fits a typical plate or small casserole.
- Pre‑set cooking buttons: Defrost, popcorn, and reheating shortcuts add convenience.
- Turntable vs. flatbed: A turntable ensures even heating; flatbed models are easier to clean.
- Ease of use: Simple control panel, clear display, and a removable turntable for quick cleaning.
Which microwave offers the best value under $100?
The Toshiba EM925A5‑BS (0.9 cu ft, 900 W) consistently ranks high for its combination of power, a spacious interior, pre‑programmed sensor cooking, and a durable stainless‑steel finish—all for around $90. It also includes a child lock and a quick‑cook menu, making it a solid all‑rounder for budget shoppers.
How can I improve cooking performance on a low‑cost microwave?
- Use microwave‑safe containers that are round or square rather than tall, narrow dishes.
- Stir or rotate food halfway through cooking to avoid cold spots.
- Cover food with a microwave‑safe lid or vented paper towel to retain moisture.
- Adjust power level (e.g., 70 % power) for delicate items like fish or eggs to prevent over‑cooking.
- Allow a short “stand‑by” time after the timer ends; the residual heat finishes the cooking evenly.
Conclusion
Choosing a budget microwave doesn’t mean sacrificing performance, durability, or convenience. The best value models strike a balance between essential features—such as adequate wattage, intuitive controls, and versatile cooking presets—and reliable build quality that stands up to daily use. Look for units that offer space‑saving designs, easy‑to‑clean interiors, and safety features like child locks, while staying within your price range. By focusing on these core criteria, you can confidently select a microwave that meets your cooking needs, fits your kitchen, and delivers consistent results without breaking the bank.