In the modern kitchen, the microwave oven is an undisputed workhorse, saving precious time and effort daily. However, finding an affordable model that doesn't compromise on performance can be a daunting task.
The market is saturated with options, making it difficult to separate genuine value from a potential disappointment. This guide is designed to simplify your decision-making process, focusing on the crucial balance between price and reliability.
We delve into what truly matters in a budget-friendly unit, helping you identify the features that offer the most impact. Our goal is to help you confidently select the best cheap and microwave oven for your home, ensuring you find a dependable appliance.
Let's explore how to find the best cheap and microwave oven without sacrificing quality.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Best Cheap And Microwave Oven Compared

🏆 BEST OVERALL TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Combines eight cooking functions, saving counter space.
- Healthy air fry feature allows for cooking with less oil.
- Spacious interior fits a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza.
- Powerful 1000W output for effective cooking.

🥈 2ND RUNNER UP Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Compact design is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
- Includes many useful features like presets, a memory function, and a mute option.
- Child safety locks on both the door and control panel.
- Easy-to-use digital controls with 10 adjustable power levels.

� BEST VALUE TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Mute function to silence beeps is a great feature for quiet environments.
- Helpful one-touch start for 1-6 minutes at full power.
- Two-step child lock provides an important safety measure for families.
- 11 distinct power levels offer good flexibility for various cooking needs.

- Modern design with stainless steel finish and LED lighting.
- User-friendly one-touch options like 'Express Cook' and '+30 seconds'.
- Compact 0.9 cu. ft. size is ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments.
- Effective and accurate defrosting options by weight or time.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or offices.
- Easy-to-use controls with a clear LED display and one-touch presets.
- Convenient 30-second express cooking button for fast reheating.
- Includes a child safety lock for households with young children.

BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Convenient one-touch presets for common foods.
- Large, easy-to-read LED display and control panel.
- 10 adjustable power levels provide cooking versatility.
- Includes a child safety lock for added security.

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
- Mute function is great for silencing beeps and alerts.
- Energy-saving ECO mode helps reduce standby power usage.
- Simple one-touch express cooking and useful auto-cook presets.
- Easy-to-read digital display and intuitive control panel.

TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
- Powerful 1200-watt output for fast cooking.
- Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is suitable for families.
- Position-memory turntable makes retrieving items easier.
- Ability to mute the buzzer for quiet operation.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft.
- Multiple presets and quick-start options for easy operation.
- Convenient features like a mute function, memory setting, and child lock.
- Compact, modern design is suitable for smaller kitchens or dorms.
- Ten adjustable power levels offer cooking versatility.

Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Versatile 4-in-1 functionality saves counter space.
- Large capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable fits family-sized meals.
- Combination cooking mode speeds up roasting and baking.
- Helpful pre-programmed sensor menus for popular foods.
Detailed Reviews of the Best Cheap And Microwave Oven
TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven - Combines eight cooking functions, saving counter space.

This 8-in-1 appliance is a versatile addition to the kitchen, effectively combining a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven into a single, compact unit. With 1000 watts of power, it handles standard reheating and defrosting tasks efficiently. The standout features are the air fry and bake functions, which provide a great way to cook a variety of meals, from healthier fried foods to roasted chicken.
Despite its moderate external footprint, the interior is surprisingly spacious, accommodating a 12-inch pizza on its 12.4-inch turntable. User-friendly additions like the simple control knobs, one-touch settings, and a mute function add to its convenience. The stainless steel interior is easy to clean, and the mandatory two-step child lock is a practical safety measure for households with young children.
Overall, it's a solid, multi-purpose machine that performs its various functions well.
Pros
- Combines eight cooking functions, saving counter space.
- Healthy air fry feature allows for cooking with less oil.
- Spacious interior fits a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza.
- Powerful 1000W output for effective cooking.
- User-friendly controls with both knobs and one-touch buttons.
- Includes a two-step child lock for added safety.
Cons
- As a multi-function unit, performance may not match dedicated, single-purpose appliances.
- The two-step child lock, while useful for safety, might be slightly inconvenient for daily adult use.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Compact design is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.

This Chefman 700W microwave is a solid option for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices where space is at a premium. Its compact frame doesn't skimp on features, offering ten power levels and six useful presets for common items like popcorn and beverages. The digital controls are straightforward, and the +30 seconds button is a welcome convenience.
Thoughtful additions like the mute function to silence beeps and the child safety locks add significant value, especially for families or shared spaces. While 700 watts is on the lower end of the power spectrum, it handles reheating, defrosting, and cooking smaller portions effectively, though it might take a bit longer than higher-powered models. The memory function is a nice touch for saving your go-to settings.
Cleaning is simple, with a wipe-clean exterior and a dishwasher-safe turntable, making it a well-designed appliance that packs a lot of functionality into a small package.
Pros
- Compact design is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
- Includes many useful features like presets, a memory function, and a mute option.
- Child safety locks on both the door and control panel.
- Easy-to-use digital controls with 10 adjustable power levels.
- Simple to clean with a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
Cons
- At 700W, cooking and reheating times may be longer than higher-wattage models.
- The smaller interior capacity might not accommodate large dinner plates or cookware.
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off - Mute function is great for silencing beeps and alerts.

This microwave is a solid, everyday appliance that handles basic heating and cooking tasks effectively. The control panel is straightforward and easy to read thanks to the bright digital display. The one-touch express cooking options for 1-6 minutes are particularly convenient for quick jobs, and the +30 seconds button is a useful feature.
The pre-programmed settings for items like popcorn, potatoes, and frozen vegetables work as expected, taking the guesswork out of cook times. Two standout features are the ECO mode, which helps reduce standby power consumption, and the mute function that silences the beeps – a great option for late-night use or quiet households. The child safety lock also provides peace of mind.
While it’s a fairly standard unit in terms of power and size, with a 10-inch turntable, its thoughtful extra features make it a very practical choice for daily use.
Pros
- Mute function is great for silencing beeps and alerts.
- Energy-saving ECO mode helps reduce standby power usage.
- Simple one-touch express cooking and useful auto-cook presets.
- Easy-to-read digital display and intuitive control panel.
- Includes a child safety lock for added security.
Cons
- The 10-inch turntable may be too small for larger dinner plates or cookware.
- As a basic model, it may lack the power for more demanding cooking tasks.
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable - Powerful 1200-watt output for fast cooking.

This 1.6 cu. ft. microwave offers a solid combination of power and family-friendly capacity.
With 1200 watts, it heats food quickly, and the sensor menus for common items like potatoes and pizza help take the guesswork out of cooking. The standout convenience features are genuinely useful, particularly the position-memory turntable that returns to its starting point, making it easier to grab mug handles. Another excellent feature is the ability to turn off the beeping sounds, which is great for quiet households.
The black stainless-steel finish gives it a modern look that fits well in most kitchens. It handles all the standard tasks like defrosting and one-touch popcorn with ease. While it has many functions, the control panel is straightforward enough for daily use without much of a learning curve.
It's a well-rounded and thoughtfully designed appliance for everyday needs.
Pros
- Powerful 1200-watt output for fast cooking.
- Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is suitable for families.
- Position-memory turntable makes retrieving items easier.
- Ability to mute the buzzer for quiet operation.
- Helpful sensor menus for popular food items.
- Sleek black stainless steel design.
Cons
- The large external dimensions may not fit on smaller kitchen countertops.
- With numerous features, it may take a moment to learn all advanced functions.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft. - Multiple presets and quick-start options for easy operation.

This Chefman 900W microwave is a solid, compact option for everyday use. The digital controls are straightforward, offering six presets for common items like popcorn and potatoes, along with a quick-start function. With ten adjustable power levels, it provides good flexibility, from gently melting butter to cooking more rapidly.
The convenience features are a highlight, including a memory function to program frequent tasks, a mute button to silence the beeps, and a child safety lock for peace of mind. Its sleek, black design is modern and doesn't take up excessive counter space. Cleaning is also simple, thanks to the wipe-clean exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.
While it may not be the most powerful unit available, its combination of features and compact size makes it a very capable appliance for smaller households or office breakrooms.
Pros
- Multiple presets and quick-start options for easy operation.
- Convenient features like a mute function, memory setting, and child lock.
- Compact, modern design is suitable for smaller kitchens or dorms.
- Ten adjustable power levels offer cooking versatility.
- Easy to clean with a wipeable exterior and dishwasher-safe turntable.
Cons
- At 900W, it may take longer to cook food compared to higher-wattage models.
- The compact internal capacity might not accommodate very large dishes or cookware.
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven - Versatile 4-in-1 functionality saves counter space.

This 4-in-1 countertop appliance is a very capable machine that effectively consolidates several kitchen gadgets. The primary functions—microwave, air fry, and convection oven—all perform as described. The combination cooking mode, which blends microwave and convection heat, is particularly useful for roasting, resulting in food that is cooked through quickly but still nicely browned.
At 1000 watts, the microwave is powerful enough for all standard tasks, and the pre-programmed sensor menus are genuinely helpful for getting optimal results on items like pizza and vegetables. The large capacity is a significant advantage; the 13.6-inch turntable easily accommodates family-sized dishes. The stainless steel finish looks clean and modern, and the interior is simple to wipe down.
Thoughtful additions like the mute function and one-touch popcorn button are practical conveniences for daily use, making it a solid and versatile unit overall.
Pros
- Versatile 4-in-1 functionality saves counter space.
- Large capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable fits family-sized meals.
- Combination cooking mode speeds up roasting and baking.
- Helpful pre-programmed sensor menus for popular foods.
- Convenient features like a mute function and memory settings.
- Includes useful accessories like a grill rack and tray.
Cons
- The numerous functions and settings may have a slight learning curve.
- Its large external footprint requires significant countertop space.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Cheap And Microwave Oven
Size and Capacity
When selecting the best cheap and microwave oven, first consider its physical size and internal capacity. Compact models, ranging from 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet, are perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices where counter space is limited. For families or those who cook larger items, look for models with capacities around 1.6 cubic feet or more. These larger ovens can easily fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, offering greater versatility for your cooking needs.
Power and Performance
The wattage of a microwave directly impacts its cooking speed and efficiency. Power outputs in affordable models typically range from 900W to 1200W. A 900W oven is sufficient for everyday tasks like reheating and defrosting. However, a 1000W or 1200W model will cook food faster and more evenly. Many units also offer multiple power levels, giving you precise control to avoid overcooking delicate foods or to gently soften butter, adding flexibility to your cooking.
Key Features and Functions
Modern budget-friendly microwaves offer more than just basic reheating. Look for multi-functional units, like the Toshiba 8-in-1 Combo, which includes features like air frying and convection cooking to save counter space. Other valuable features include one-touch presets for common foods, a "+30 seconds" button for quick time additions, and a mute function to silence beeps. Some models even have sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking time based on food moisture.
Ease of Use and Safety
A user-friendly interface is crucial for a pleasant experience. Look for microwaves with clear LED displays, intuitive controls that combine knobs and one-touch buttons, and pre-programmed menus. For households with children, a child safety lock is an essential feature. Many models listed, such as those from TOSHIBA and Chefman, include a two-step child lock on the control panel and door, providing peace of mind and preventing accidental operation.
Cleaning and Design
Keeping your appliance clean should be simple. Features like a removable, dishwasher-safe glass turntable, as seen in the Chefman models, make maintenance much easier. A sleek exterior, such as a black stainless steel finish, not only looks modern but is also typically easy to wipe down. Considering these small details will ensure your chosen best cheap and microwave oven remains a convenient and attractive part of your kitchen for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Cheap And Microwave Oven
What size microwave is best for a small apartment?
For a small apartment or dorm, a compact microwave with a capacity between 0.7 and 0.9 cubic feet is ideal. These models, like the Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. or the SHARP 0.9 Cu. Ft., are designed to save precious counter space while still being large enough for daily reheating and cooking tasks. They can typically fit a standard dinner plate or small casserole dish, making them a practical choice when you're looking for the best cheap and microwave oven.
How important is wattage in a microwave?
Wattage is a key indicator of a microwave's cooking power and speed. While a 900W model is adequate for basic reheating and defrosting, a higher wattage of 1000W or 1200W will cook food more quickly and evenly. Ovens with adjustable power levels provide greater versatility, allowing you to use lower power for delicate tasks like melting chocolate. For faster and more effective cooking, a higher wattage is generally better and worth considering.
Are multi-function microwaves a good value?
Yes, multi-function microwaves like the Toshiba 8-in-1 Combo offer excellent value by combining several appliances into one, saving both money and counter space. These
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven this is an excellent all-in-one appliance for those looking to maximize functionality in a limited space. its combination of microwave, air fryer, and convection capabilities makes it a highly practical choice for small kitchens or anyone wanting to declutter their countertops.