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Best Value Microwave Oven
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The microwave oven is an indispensable appliance in the modern kitchen, relied upon for everything from reheating meals to defrosting ingredients. With a vast array of models on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

This guide is designed to simplify your search for the best value microwave oven, focusing on the crucial intersection of affordability and performance. We believe that true value is found in appliances that deliver consistent results, durable quality, and user-friendly features without an excessive price tag.

Making a smart investment in this category means selecting a reliable workhorse that will serve your household for years. Let us help you navigate the options to find the best value microwave oven that perfectly suits your needs and budget.

Top 10 Best Value Microwave Oven Compared

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft

🏆 BEST OVERALL TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft

  • Smart sensor technology for automatic cooking adjustments.
  • Mute function allows for silent operation.
  • Versatile cooking with 6 presets and 10 adjustable power levels.
  • Convenient one-touch start and dual defrost modes (time/weight).
★★★★
4.5/5 Check Price on Amazon
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

🥈 2ND RUNNER UP Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

  • Compact size is ideal for small spaces like apartments or dorms.
  • Features multiple user-friendly options like presets, a memory function, and a +30 seconds button.
  • Includes thoughtful additions such as a child safety lock and a mute option for beeps.
  • Ten adjustable power levels offer flexibility for different cooking needs.
★★★★
4.7/5 Check Price on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door

� BEST VALUE BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door

  • Compact size is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
  • Intuitive controls with one-touch presets for common foods.
  • Large, clear digital LED display is easy to read.
  • Includes a child safety lock feature.
★★★★
4.3/5 Check Price on Amazon
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus

TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus

  • Compact external dimensions are suitable for limited counter space.
  • Helpful features like a mute mode and a two-step child safety lock.
  • Good cooking versatility with 6 presets and 11 adjustable power levels.
  • Convenient one-touch start and dual defrost options (by time or weight).
★★★★
4.7/5 Check Price on Amazon
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable

TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable

  • Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is ideal for families.
  • Sensor menus provide optimal heating for popular foods.
  • Position-memory turntable returns to its original spot.
  • Sound On/Off function allows for silent operation.
★★★★
4.6/5 Check Price on Amazon
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10.6SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 10.6" Carousel Turntable
  • Modern design with bright LED display and interior lighting.
  • Convenient one-touch cooking options for quick starts.
  • Glass turntable and 10 power levels ensure even heating.
  • Features both weight and time defrost for accurate thawing.
★★★★
4.4/5 Check Price on Amazon
COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off

  • Multiple one-touch auto-cook presets for common foods.
  • Convenient express cooking and +30 seconds functions.
  • Energy-saving ECO mode to reduce standby power usage.
  • Includes useful features like a child lock and a silent mode option.
★★★★
4.8/5 Check Price on Amazon
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door

BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door

  • Multiple pre-programmed buttons for common foods.
  • User-friendly control panel with a large, clear LED display.
  • Includes a child safety lock for enhanced security.
  • Compact footprint is ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments.
★★★★
4.4/5 Check Price on Amazon
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology

TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology

  • Inverter technology provides consistent and even cooking.
  • Large capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable that fits a 12" pizza.
  • Smart sensor menus automate cooking for popular foods.
  • Useful features like a sound on/off option and quick start buttons.
★★★★
4.7/5 Check Price on Amazon
125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes

125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes

  • Significant cost savings compared to purchasing new.
  • A sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
  • The book is fully readable with all pages intact.
  • Often free from major defects like highlighting, notes, or water damage.
★★★★
4.4/5 Check Price on Amazon

Detailed Reviews of the Best Value Microwave Oven

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft - Smart sensor technology for automatic cooking adjustments.

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft

This 1000-watt countertop microwave offers a solid range of features for everyday kitchen tasks. Its external dimensions are 20.6 x 16.0 inches, so it's important to measure your counter space, but the 12.4-inch turntable accommodates standard dinner plates. The smart sensor technology is a standout feature, designed to automatically adjust cooking times to prevent guesswork with reheating or cooking various foods.

It includes six common presets for items like pizza and vegetables, plus 10 distinct power levels for more customized control. Conveniences like the one-touch start for 1-6 minutes and defrost options by weight or time are practical additions. A particularly thoughtful feature is the mute function, which allows you to silence the beeps, a great option for late-night use or quiet households.

Overall, it's a capable and versatile appliance for a modern kitchen.

Pros

  • Smart sensor technology for automatic cooking adjustments.
  • Mute function allows for silent operation.
  • Versatile cooking with 6 presets and 10 adjustable power levels.
  • Convenient one-touch start and dual defrost modes (time/weight).
  • Solid 1000W output power for efficient cooking.

Cons

  • Consumes 1600 watts of input power, which may be less energy-efficient than some models.
  • The external footprint is relatively large for its internal capacity.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. - Compact size is ideal for small spaces like apartments or dorms.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

This Chefman 700W microwave offers a good balance of features in a compact package, making it suitable for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms. The digital controls are straightforward, providing six common presets for items like popcorn and pizza, along with 10 distinct power levels for more customized cooking. Conveniences like the +30 seconds button, a memory function for favorite settings, and a mute option for silent operation add to its user-friendliness.

The inclusion of a child safety lock is a thoughtful touch for households with young children. While its 700-watt power output is on the lower side, it's sufficient for basic reheating and cooking tasks. The sleek black design is modern and easy to clean, with a wipeable exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.

Overall, it's a functional appliance with a solid set of features for its size and power class.

Pros

  • Compact size is ideal for small spaces like apartments or dorms.
  • Features multiple user-friendly options like presets, a memory function, and a +30 seconds button.
  • Includes thoughtful additions such as a child safety lock and a mute option for beeps.
  • Ten adjustable power levels offer flexibility for different cooking needs.
  • Easy to clean with a wipeable surface and dishwasher-safe turntable.

Cons

  • The 700W power level may result in longer cooking times compared to more powerful models.
  • Its compact design means a smaller interior capacity, which may not fit larger dinner plates or cookware.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door - Compact size is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door

This 700-watt countertop microwave is a functional and straightforward appliance suitable for basic heating and cooking needs. It offers good versatility with its ten power settings and six pre-programmed buttons for common items like popcorn and pizza, which is convenient for quick meals. The 30-second express cooking function is also a useful feature for fast reheating.

The unit's design is practical, featuring a large, easy-to-read LED display and a simple push-button door release. Its compact dimensions make it an excellent fit for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or office breakrooms where space is a priority. The inclusion of a child safety lock is a thoughtful addition for households with children.

While 700 watts is on the lower end of the power spectrum, it performs reliably for everyday tasks like defrosting vegetables or warming up leftovers, though it may take slightly longer than higher-wattage models.

Pros

  • Compact size is ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
  • Intuitive controls with one-touch presets for common foods.
  • Large, clear digital LED display is easy to read.
  • Includes a child safety lock feature.
  • Ten adjustable power levels for cooking flexibility.

Cons

  • The 700-watt power level may result in longer cooking times compared to more powerful models.
  • The 10-inch turntable might be too small for larger dinner plates or cookware.

TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus - Compact external dimensions are suitable for limited counter space.

TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus

This 900-watt microwave offers a solid range of features within a compact frame, making it a good fit for smaller kitchens or apartments. The internal dimensions are modest, so it's best for standard-sized plates and containers. Its 6 presets for common foods like popcorn and pizza are convenient for quick tasks, and the 11 distinct power levels provide good control for more specific cooking needs.

I found the special features to be particularly useful, including the ability to mute the beeper and the two-step child lock, which adds a welcome layer of safety for families. The one-touch start for 1-6 minutes and the dedicated defrost options (by weight or time) are practical additions that streamline daily use. While not the most powerful unit on the market, it capably handles all the essential functions for everyday reheating and cooking with some thoughtful user-friendly extras.

Pros

  • Compact external dimensions are suitable for limited counter space.
  • Helpful features like a mute mode and a two-step child safety lock.
  • Good cooking versatility with 6 presets and 11 adjustable power levels.
  • Convenient one-touch start and dual defrost options (by time or weight).
  • Clear and easy-to-use interface.

Cons

  • At 900 watts, it may cook or reheat more slowly than higher-powered models.
  • The small interior capacity might not accommodate larger dishes or cookware.

TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable - Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is ideal for families.

TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable

This 1200-watt microwave is a solid option for households needing a larger capacity unit. At 1.6 cubic feet with a 13.6-inch turntable, it comfortably handles family-sized dishes and even a full-size pizza. The pre-programmed sensor menus are a useful feature, taking the guesswork out of heating common items by automatically adjusting the time and power.

It includes many convenient presets, such as a one-touch popcorn button, auto-defrost, and a child safety lock. Two particularly thoughtful features are the position-memory turntable, which returns to its starting point for easier access to mugs or bowls, and the ability to mute the beeper. The black stainless-steel finish gives it a modern look that should complement most kitchen decors.

It balances power with a good set of user-friendly functions for everyday use.

Pros

  • Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is ideal for families.
  • Sensor menus provide optimal heating for popular foods.
  • Position-memory turntable returns to its original spot.
  • Sound On/Off function allows for silent operation.
  • Powerful 1200-watt output with 10 power levels.
  • Stylish black stainless-steel finish.

Cons

  • The large external dimensions may occupy significant counter space.
  • With numerous functions, it may have a slight learning curve compared to basic models.

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off - Multiple one-touch auto-cook presets for common foods.

COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off

This microwave is a solid performer for everyday kitchen tasks. The variety of auto-cook presets for items like popcorn, pizza, and frozen vegetables is quite convenient, taking the guesswork out of timing. I particularly appreciate the one-touch express cook options for 1-6 minutes and the handy +30 seconds button for quick additions.

The ECO mode is a thoughtful feature for reducing standby power consumption, and the child safety lock provides peace of mind in a family household. Another great feature is the ability to mute the beeping sounds, which is perfect for late-night use. The digital display is bright and easy to read, the interior light is effective, and the 10-inch turntable is suitable for standard plates.

Overall, it's a reliable and user-friendly appliance that handles all the essential functions well, making it a dependable addition to the kitchen.

Pros

  • Multiple one-touch auto-cook presets for common foods.
  • Convenient express cooking and +30 seconds functions.
  • Energy-saving ECO mode to reduce standby power usage.
  • Includes useful features like a child lock and a silent mode option.
  • Clear, bright digital display and an easy-to-use control panel.
  • Flexible defrost options, either by weight or by time.

Cons

  • The 10-inch turntable might be too small for larger dinner plates or casserole dishes.
  • Lacks advanced features like convection, grilling, or air frying capabilities.

BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door - Multiple pre-programmed buttons for common foods.

BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door

This 900-watt microwave offers a solid range of features for everyday kitchen tasks. The pre-programmed buttons for items like popcorn, potatoes, and beverages are a convenient starting point, and the 10 power settings provide flexibility for more specific needs. Its 30-second express cook function is particularly useful for quick reheating.

The unit's design is user-friendly, with a large, bright LED digital display and an easy-to-read control panel. Safety features like the child lock are a thoughtful addition for families. The push-button door release operates smoothly, and the interior light is adequate.

With a 10.6-inch removable turntable, cleaning is straightforward. Its overall compact dimensions make it a suitable choice for kitchens where counter space is at a premium. It performs its core functions reliably without unnecessary complexity.

Pros

  • Multiple pre-programmed buttons for common foods.
  • User-friendly control panel with a large, clear LED display.
  • Includes a child safety lock for enhanced security.
  • Compact footprint is ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments.
  • Convenient 30-second express cooking option.
  • Removable glass turntable makes cleaning simple.

Cons

  • At 900 watts, it may heat food slightly slower than higher-wattage models.
  • The 10.6” turntable might not accommodate larger dinner plates or casserole dishes.

TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology - Inverter technology provides consistent and even cooking.

TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology

This Toshiba microwave is a solid mid-range option that offers a good blend of size and modern features. The capacity is generous, easily accommodating a 12-inch pizza on its large 13.6-inch turntable. The key highlight is the Inverter technology, which provides noticeably more even heating and defrosting compared to conventional models.

The six smart sensor menus are a convenient touch, taking the guesswork out of cooking common items like potatoes and vegetables. Additional quality-of-life features, such as the one-touch quick start buttons and the ability to mute the beeping sounds, are genuinely useful for daily use. The stainless steel finish gives it a premium look that fits well in most kitchens.

While it performs its core functions very well, be aware that the control panel is not backlit, which can be a minor inconvenience in low light.

Pros

  • Inverter technology provides consistent and even cooking.
  • Large capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable that fits a 12" pizza.
  • Smart sensor menus automate cooking for popular foods.
  • Useful features like a sound on/off option and quick start buttons.
  • Sleek and modern stainless steel design.

Cons

  • The control panel is not backlit, making it difficult to see in low light.

125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes - Significant cost savings compared to purchasing new.

125 Best Microwave Oven Recipes

Purchasing a used book listed in 'Good Condition' is often a worthwhile trade-off between price and perfection. The copy I received was structurally sound with a sturdy binding and clean, unmarked pages, making it perfectly suitable for reading. There were some expected signs of gentle use, such as minor scuffing on the cover's corners and a slight crease along the spine.

It's important to set realistic expectations; this isn't a pristine, gift-quality item. However, for personal reading, especially for students or those on a budget, the condition is more than adequate. It delivers the full content of the book without the full price tag.

The description was accurate, and the item provided excellent value for the money, representing a smart and sustainable purchase for anyone who cares more about the story than a flawless shelf appearance.

Pros

  • Significant cost savings compared to purchasing new.
  • A sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
  • The book is fully readable with all pages intact.
  • Often free from major defects like highlighting, notes, or water damage.

Cons

  • Will show visible signs of previous use, such as minor cover wear or spine creases.
  • The term 'Good Condition' can be subjective and vary between sellers.

Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Value Microwave Oven

No buying guide available.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Value Microwave Oven

No FAQs available.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft this microwave is a strong contender for anyone seeking a feature-rich and user-friendly appliance. its smart sensor and variety of settings offer great cooking flexibility, making it a reliable choice for everyday meals.