Finding the Best Cheap Microwave: Your Ultimate Guide to Inexpensive Kitchen Power

We’ve all been there: standing in the appliance aisle, staring at sleek, stainless steel behemoths with price tags that make our wallets weep. While high-end microwaves boast air frying capabilities and complicated sensor cooking, sometimes, all we really need is something reliable, functional, and, most importantly, affordable.

If you’re hunting for the best cheap microwave, I want you to know that you absolutely do not have to settle for subpar quality or frustrating performance. My goal today is to be your personal guide through the budget appliance landscape. We’re going to demystify specifications, highlight the true value picks, and ensure you walk away with one of the best rated microwaves available, all while keeping your bank account happy.

Finding an inexpensive microwave is less about settling for the cheapest microwave you can find and more about strategic shopping—identifying the sweet spot where low cost meets high utility. Let’s dive into how you can achieve heating perfection without breaking the bank.

Why Budget Matters: Understanding the Cheap Microwave Market

When we talk about budget appliances, it’s easy to assume that lower prices automatically mean lower quality. However, in the world of microwave ovens, the price often reflects features you might not even need, like convection cooking, elaborate pre-programmed menus, or premium design materials. For the average user—the person reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or quickly defrosting chicken—a basic, well-engineered model is often more than sufficient.

Our mission is to filter out the unnecessary fluff and focus purely on performance, durability, and safety, ensuring the unit we choose is truly the best low cost microwave on the market.

Defining “Cheap”: What Price Point Are We Targeting?

Before we start shopping, we need a clear definition of what “cheap” means in this context. Microwave prices vary wildly, but generally, we can categorize the market like this:

1. Ultra-Budget (Under $70): This is where you find the smallest, most basic models, typically 700–900 watts. They are perfect for dorm rooms, very small apartments, or offices. These are often the cheapest microwave options available, but you must read reviews carefully to ensure reliability.
2. Mid-Budget Sweet Spot ($70 – $120): This is the prime hunting ground for the best cheap microwave. In this range, you start seeing 1000–1100 watts of power and mid-size capacities (1.0 to 1.3 cubic feet). These models usually offer better sensor cooking and more durable builds, providing the best bang for your buck.
3. Upper-Budget ($120 – $200): While still relatively inexpensive compared to high-end models, this range introduces features like inverter technology, larger capacities (1.5+ cubic feet), and specialized cooking modes.

For the purposes of this guide, we are primarily focusing on the $70 to $120 range, as this is where the best rated microwave ovens consistently land without requiring significant financial outlay.

The Hidden Costs of Going Too Cheap

I know the temptation to grab the absolute cheapest microwave on the shelf is strong, but sometimes, a rock-bottom price can lead to frustration and higher long-term costs.

When a microwave is excessively cheap (think $40 or less), you often encounter several common problems:

• Low Wattage and Inconsistent Heating: Microwaves under 700 watts can take an agonizingly long time to heat food, often resulting in cold spots and frustrating uneven cooking. You end up running the microwave longer, wasting time and energy.
• Poor Build Quality: Doors might stick, buttons might fail quickly, and the internal components might be less durable, leading to a much shorter lifespan. If you have to replace a $40 microwave every year, it’s not truly inexpensive.
• Excessive Noise: Ultra-budget models often use cheaper fans and motors, making them significantly louder than their slightly more expensive counterparts. Trust me, nobody wants a jet engine noise every time they reheat soup.

Our strategy, therefore, is to spend just enough to avoid these pitfalls, securing an inexpensive microwave that provides reliable performance for years.

Essential Features to Look for in the Best Low Cost Microwave

When money is tight, every feature needs to earn its place. We need to look past the fancy marketing and focus on the core components that dictate performance and ease of use.

Power and Wattage: The 700W vs. 1000W Debate

Wattage is arguably the single most important specification when evaluating a microwave. It measures the cooking power—the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook.

• 700–900 Watts: This power level is standard for small, compact models (0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet). While these models are great space savers and often the cheapest microwave models, they require you to extend cooking times. If a recipe calls for 2 minutes in a standard microwave, you might need 3 or 4 minutes in a 700W unit.
• 1000–1200 Watts: This is the ideal target for the best cheap microwave. At 1000 watts, you get standard, reliable cooking speeds. Most recipes and frozen food instructions are based on this wattage. Targeting a 1000W unit in the $80–$120 range ensures you have a machine that behaves like a standard, high-performance appliance.

My recommendation? If space allows, prioritize 1000 watts. The slight increase in initial cost pays dividends in speed and consistency every single time you use it.

Capacity and Size: Choosing the Right Fit (Compact vs. Mid-size)

Capacity is measured in cubic feet (cu. ft.) and dictates how much food the microwave can handle. Since capacity directly affects the overall size and price, choosing the right size is critical for securing an inexpensive microwave.

1. Compact (0.7–0.9 cu. ft.):
   • Best for: Singles, dorms, small apartments, heating small items (mugs, small plates).
   • Pros: Takes up minimal counter space, often the cheapest microwave option.
   • Cons: Cannot fit large dinner plates or casserole dishes.
2. Mid-size (1.0–1.3 cu. ft.):
   • Best for: Couples, small families, standard kitchen use.
   • Pros: Fits full-size dinner plates (10-inch), offers higher wattage (usually 1000W+).
   • Cons: Requires more counter space. This range generally delivers the best rated microwaves for the price.

If you regularly use large dinnerware, make sure to check the interior dimensions, not just the cubic feet. A 1.1 cu. ft. model that fits a 10-inch plate is a fantastic target for the best cheap microwave that can handle daily family life.

Control Panels: Analog vs. Digital (And Why It Matters for Price)

Control panels are where you often see significant cost differences.

• Analog (Dial Control): These are the simplest controls—usually just two dials for power level and time. They are incredibly durable, less prone to electronic failure, and significantly cheaper to manufacture. You often find these on the cheapest microwave models.
  • Pro Tip: Analog controls are perfect if you only ever use the microwave for 30-second increments or basic reheating.
• Digital (Touchpad Control): These offer precise timing (e.g., 1 minute and 15 seconds) and access to preset functions (Popcorn, Potato, Defrost). While they cost slightly more than analog models, the convenience and precision often make them worth the small price bump.

When searching for the best low cost microwave, prioritize a digital touchpad if you need precision. If your budget is absolutely rigid, an analog model is a perfectly functional choice, provided the wattage is decent.

Reviews and Recommendations: The Best Cheap Microwave Options for 2025

Now that we understand the technical specifications, let’s talk about specific models and features that consistently earn top marks in the budget category. When reviewing the best rated microwave ovens below the $120 mark, we focus on reliability reports and user satisfaction regarding even heating and longevity.

Top Pick for Compact Spaces: The Dorm Room Dynamo (0.7 cu. ft., 700W)

For those who prioritize saving space and minimizing cost, the compact category shines. While these models are lower wattage, the top-rated models compensate with excellent turntable design and robust construction.

• Why it rates highly: The ideal compact unit offers simple operation, a small footprint, and a reliable door mechanism. Look for models from brands known for durability, like Black+Decker or certain Amazon Basics models. These are often the cheapest microwave options, but they are built to survive rough handling.
• Key Feature to Demand: You must ensure the compact model has a spinning turntable. Without it, the lower wattage will result in disastrously uneven heating.

Best Value Mid-Size: The Family Workhorse (1.1 cu. ft., 1000W)

This is the sweet spot. A mid-size, 1000W microwave offers the closest performance parity to expensive models. This category consistently delivers the best cheap microwave experience for families.

• Target Specs: Look for 1000W of power, a 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, and a clear, easy-to-read digital display. Models from Panasonic (using basic inverter tech), Toshiba, or Farberware frequently excel here.
• Performance Insight: What sets the top performers apart in this category is the noise level and the reliability of the defrost setting. The best rated microwaves in this price tier manage to defrost meat without cooking the edges—a surprisingly difficult task for budget machines.

Cheapest Microwave Option (Under $50): Pure Functionality

If your absolute maximum budget is $50, you are strictly looking at small, low-wattage, often analog units. While these serve a purpose, expectations must be managed.

• When to buy this: If you only need to heat water for tea, make instant oatmeal, or warm up small snacks.
• The Caveat: These machines are typically 700W or less. If you try to cook a large, dense item (like a baked potato), you will be waiting a very long time. However, for sheer affordability, they are unparalleled. Focus on finding models with strong user ratings regarding door seal and button responsiveness, as these tend to fail first on the ultra-low-cost units.

Decoding Specifications: What Do Those Numbers Really Mean?

Beyond wattage and size, there are a few technical terms that often confuse shoppers but are crucial for determining if an appliance qualifies as the best low cost microwave. Understanding these helps us differentiate a genuine value pick from a poorly designed unit.

Turntable Technology and Even Heating

A turntable is non-negotiable for even heating. It ensures the food passes through the standing waves of microwave energy consistently. But not all turntables are created equal.

• Standard Glass Turntable: Found in most inexpensive microwave units. They work well, but the roller ring beneath them can sometimes jump its track, especially if the microwave is placed unevenly.
• Inverter Technology (Sometimes available in the budget range): While traditionally a premium feature, some budget brands now offer models with basic inverter technology (or variations thereof). Standard microwaves cycle the power on and off to maintain a lower power setting (e.g., 50% power means 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off). Inverter technology provides continuous, low-level power, resulting in far more even heating and defrosting. If you can find a sub-$120 model with inverter technology, grab it—it’s a massive upgrade in performance and makes it one of the best rated microwave ovens by default.

Preset Functions: Necessary Convenience or Budget Bloat?

Touchpads are often covered in buttons: “Popcorn,” “Pizza,” “Beverage,” “Reheat,” “Melt,” etc. Do these matter?

For the best cheap microwave, most users rely on only three settings:

1. Time Cook: Manually entering the cook time.
2. Defrost: Usually based on weight or time. This is the most crucial preset; test its performance via reviews.
3. +30 Seconds/Express Cook: The single most used button on any microwave.

Avoid paying extra for dozens of specialized presets unless you specifically need them (e.g., a “Kids’ Meal” preset). Oftentimes, sensor cooking (a system that detects steam to adjust cooking time) is available only on mid-to-high-tier models. If you see it on a low-cost model, be skeptical of its accuracy. Stick to manual time-cooking for the most reliable results on an inexpensive microwave.

Energy Efficiency: Saving Money in the Long Run

While microwaves are not major energy hogs, efficiency still matters, especially if you use it frequently. Look for models with an “Energy Saver” mode.

This mode is crucial because it turns off the digital clock display when the microwave is not in use. While the clock seems innocent, it draws power 24/7. Over the course of a year, eliminating this phantom drain can save you a few dollars, which is a significant percentage return on a sub-$100 appliance. Securing an energy-efficient model ensures your best low cost microwave stays low cost over its entire lifespan.

Where to Buy: Maximizing Savings on Your Inexpensive Microwave Purchase

Finding the best cheap microwave isn’t just about the model; it’s about the timing and location of your purchase. Smart shopping can shave 20–30% off the retail price, turning a good deal into an incredible one.

Timing Your Purchase: When Do Prices Drop?

Appliances follow predictable sales cycles. If you can wait a few weeks, you might save significantly:

• Major Holidays: Black Friday (November) and Cyber Monday are obvious appliance sales periods, but don’t overlook President’s Day (February) and Memorial Day (May). Retailers often bundle small appliance sales during these long weekend events.
• Back-to-School Season (July/August): Since microwaves are staple dorm room items, retailers heavily discount compact and mid-size models starting mid-summer. This is the absolute prime time to snag the cheapest microwave deals on 700W–900W units.
• New Model Releases (Spring): Manufacturers often release minor updates to their core models in the spring. When the new model lands, the previous year’s version (which is often functionally identical) is heavily discounted to clear inventory. This is the perfect opportunity to grab a proven model that qualifies as one of the best rated microwaves at a deeply discounted price.

Refurbished and Open-Box Deals: Smart Budget Shopping

Don’t be afraid of the “open box” section! Retailers often sell floor models, customer returns (often due to buyer’s remorse, not defects), or cosmetically damaged boxes at a steep discount.

• Refurbished: These units have been inspected, repaired if necessary, and certified by the manufacturer or a third-party seller. They often come with a limited warranty (usually 90 days). You can often find a 1000W model that was originally $150 sold as refurbished for under $90, making it an undeniable contender for the best low cost microwave.
• Open Box: These are often customer returns where the box was simply opened but the unit was never used. Always check the retailer’s return policy on open-box items. If they offer a standard 30-day return window, you have nothing to lose!

Warranty and Customer Service: Protecting Your Investment

Even the best cheap microwave can fail. When you are operating on a tight budget, the warranty is your safety net.

• Standard Warranty: Most budget microwaves come with a one-year limited warranty covering parts and labor. Ensure you register your product immediately.
• Extended Warranties: Retailers will always push extended warranty plans. On a $90 microwave, spending an extra $20–$30 on a warranty might seem like a waste, but it provides peace of mind. However, carefully read the terms—if the warranty simply replaces the unit, and the unit is easily replaceable, it might not be necessary. I generally advise budgeting for a good, reliable model over buying the absolute cheapest microwave and then having to pay extra for an extended warranty.

Maintenance and Longevity: Making Your Budget Microwave Last

One of the biggest differences between a $300 microwave and a best cheap microwave is material quality. Budget models are generally less forgiving of neglect. By spending a little time on maintenance, you can dramatically extend the life of your inexpensive microwave.

Simple Cleaning Tips for Optimal Performance

A dirty microwave is an inefficient microwave. Dried food splatters absorb microwave energy, leading to slower cooking times and potential hotspots that can damage the interior lining.

• The Steam Method: This is the easiest cleaning trick. Place a bowl of water mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar (or lemon slices) inside the microwave. Run it on high for 3–5 minutes until the windows are steamy. The steam loosens all the dried grime.
• Wipe Down Immediately: Once the steam cycle is complete, carefully remove the hot bowl and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth or sponge. The dirt should come right off.
• Turntable Care: Always remove the turntable and the roller ring beneath it and wash them in the sink. The tiny wheels on the roller ring often collect grime and food debris, which can cause the turntable to stop spinning—a major performance killer for any budget unit.

Maintaining a clean interior ensures that the magnetron (the component that generates the microwave energy) works efficiently, preventing overheating and premature failure. This simple step ensures your best low cost microwave keeps performing like new.

Troubleshooting Common Issues (The Failsafe Guide)

When your best cheap microwave starts acting up, don’t immediately assume it’s broken. Many common issues are easily fixed:

Problem	Possible Cause (and Solution)	Why It Matters for Cheap Microwaves
Microwave is running, but food isn’t heating.	The door latch isn’t fully engaging, or the safety interlock switch is faulty. (Solution: Power cycle the unit. Gently but firmly close the door until you hear two distinct clicks. If this fails, the door switch needs professional repair.)	Budget models often use less robust door mechanisms.
Turntable isn’t spinning.	The roller ring is dirty, or the turntable isn’t seated correctly. (Solution: Remove the glass tray and roller ring, clean them thoroughly, and ensure the roller ring is seated on its track.)	This is the #1 complaint for cheapest microwave models and is usually user-fixable.
Sparks/Arcing inside the oven.	There is metal inside, or there are exposed paint chips (especially near the magnetron cover). (Solution: Immediately turn off the unit. Check for metal. If there are chipped paint areas, stop using the microwave and contact the manufacturer—this is a serious issue.)	Budget interiors can chip more easily, creating arcing hazards.
Loud buzzing/grinding noise.	Often the fan or the cooling system. (Solution: Ensure the vents on the back and sides are not blocked. Give the unit adequate space for airflow.)	Poor cooling is a common cause of early magnetron failure in inexpensive microwave units.

By addressing these issues quickly, you prevent minor annoyances from becoming costly repairs or replacements, securing the long-term value of your purchase.

Final Verdict: Securing the Best Rated Microwave Ovens on a Budget

The quest for the best cheap microwave is a fantastic example of smart consumerism. It proves that you don’t need to splurge on complicated, feature-rich appliances when simple functionality is all that’s required.

Our ultimate takeaway is this: target the $80–$120 price bracket and prioritize 1000 watts of power and a 1.1 cu. ft. capacity. This combination provides the highest performance value, ensuring your low cost microwave heats food quickly and evenly, mimicking the results of much more expensive models.

By focusing on reliable brands, checking user reviews for consistency in heating (the mark of the best rated microwaves), and timing your purchase strategically during sales periods, you can confidently bring home an appliance that serves your kitchen needs perfectly without leaving your budget feeling depleted.

Remember, a microwave is a workhorse, not a status symbol. Find a machine that excels at its core job—heating food reliably—and you will have found the true best cheap microwave for your home. Happy cooking (and reheating)!