Buyer Guide: Best Microwave Under $100 in 2023

Microwaves are an excellent technique to reduce cooking time. When you're on a tight budget, a student, or live alone, you don't want to spend a fortune on a high-powered, fancy microwave. Microwaves with more bells and whistles are more likely to be utilized.

After all, why do we need all the settings and sensors when all we need is a primary appliance to make our lives easier? You can still purchase a microwave that doesn't lose performance for less than $100.

Choosing amongst the many microwave oven alternatives, on the other hand, might be confusing. As a result of our exhaustive study and testing, we've come up with our top picks for the best microwave under $100.

#1. Black+Decker EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven - Best High-Quality

Important Specifications

• Installation Type: Countertop

• Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches

• Item Weight: 22.5 Pounds

• Lock Type: Child Lock Available

Product’s Highlights

If you're short on room and want a tiny microwave with plenty of power, the Black & Decker 700 watts microwave will suffice. However, don't be deceived into believing it'll be cramped on the inside. We observed that with a 0.7-foot inside size, it could comfortably handle large dinner plates and cutlery.

An additional benefit is that you won't find a microwave with this much power in this price range. Therefore, if you're on a budget, make the most of microwaving. It has dependable and quick heating features, and it defrosts uniformly without scorching edges.

Because the microwave door's start button is a little tight, the oven moves a bit when you try to open it. Non-skid pads can be used to prevent the device from moving about on the counter.

Increasing noise level is one of the issues while purchasing a microwave. Although the Black & Decker is a silent machine, some customers have reported that it makes a grunting noise when used repeatedly.

What We Like

• It doesn’t take much space

• Supports child lock system

• 10 adjustable power levels

• An easy-to-use microwave

Things to Consider

• Door clips are made of plastic

• Catches fingerprints which require frequent cleaning

#2. Amazon Basics Microwave - Best Overall

Important Specifications

• Size: 17.3 x 10.1 x 14.1 inch

• Weight: 21.9 lb (9.9 kg)

• Rated Power: 700W

• Power Levels: 10

Product’s Highlights

Amazon pioneered Alexa connectivity in microwaves, which other manufacturers and models are now adopting. Alexa has a lot of advantages for individuals who are blind or have impaired eyesight, for elderly adults, and for younger kids who get to use the microwave oven without parental guidance and whose mothers don't want them fiddling with digital buttons.

Another advantage of this Amazon Basics Microwaves is the affordable pricing, as there is no other gadget with Alexa functionality for less than $100.

Amazon Alexa is powered by 700 watts and has a storage capacity of 0.7 cubic feet. With a cooking timer, digital clock screen, and levels of power, the display unit is simple. Additional to the popcorn setting, there are no other pre-programmed buttons seen in other devices.

Given the microwave's modest power, you can't expect it to cook with the lightning speed of a super. However, this is to be expected in any low-powered cooking appliance. If you're willing to wait a few minutes longer for reheating and cooking, this Amazon Basic microwave might be the right choice.

What We Like

• Compact and cost-effective

• Microwave with Alexa capability

• Instant re-heating at a push of a button

• It is simple to clean and maintain

Things to Consider

• The Echo device is not included in the package

• Large plates are not recommended

#3. COMFEE' EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave - Best Quite Machine

Important Specifications

• Installation Type: Countertop

• Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.3 x 13 x 10.2 inches

• Item Weight: 20.3 Pounds

• Lock Type: Child Lock Available

Product’s Highlights

Next on our checklist is a microwave oven that can save you money by eliminating the need for expensive microwaves with a plethora of functions and sensors that you will never use. Comfee - the small microwave has a power output of 700 watts and can be used by 11 people at different power settings.

It's a power-saving microwave that preserves every dollar on power bills by reducing backup power by 50% by shutting off the screen when the ECO-mode is enabled.

This Comfee microwave is one of those kinds with a mute button to reduce the loud "beep beep" sound that we hear continuously until we open the microwave and remove the food, as well as when we touch the buttons. It won't fit large dinner plates because of the 10-inch turntable, but it will probably be sufficient for basic cooking in small batches.

Preset settings for heating, Express cook, child lock, storage, clock mode, kitchen timer, and other functions are also worth highlighting. Aside from being a little sluggish to cook, it performed admirably in all other aspects.

What We Like

• Eco mode for power saving

• 11 adjustable power levels

• Bright and beautiful digital display

Things to Consider

• Buttons are pretty hard to press

#4. Galanz GLCMKA07BKR-07 Microwave Oven - Best Easy to Use Microwave

Important Specifications

• Installation Type: Countertop

• Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

• Efficiency: DOE

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.9 x 13.8 x 10.3 inches

• Item Weight: 23.1 Pounds

Product’s Highlights

The Galanz vintage microwave is a stylish addition to any kitchen worktop. This black microwave can go on any countertop or shelf without taking up too much room.

It lacks the typical tech and geeky numbered controls, instead opting for a huge knob to determine the required cooking time. Let's discuss its usefulness once we've admired its praise-worthy appearance. It features 700 watts and 0.7 cubic feet and has all of the essential functions, including child lock, melts, and selectable power settings up to 700 watts.

You'll have to wait a few mins longer, but that's to be expected considering its overall performance and elegant appearance. The platter revolves ideally to ensure that your food is evenly cooked.

Rather than a push-open button, this microwave uses a tried-and-true pull-open door, which many users prefer for its convenience of use.

What We Like

• The design is in a vintage style

• Make the most of your kitchen counter space

• Control system that is simple to use

• The use of a child lock ensures the safety of children

Things to Consider

• Plastic door hooks are brittle and easily shatter

• The microwave is turned on with the tiniest touch

#5. Commercial Chef CHM660 - Best Compact Design

Important Specifications

• Installation Type: Countertop

• Capacity: 0.6 Cubic Feet

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.75 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches

• Item Weight: 23.1 Pounds

• Number of Power Levels: 6

Product’s Highlights

This white Commercial Chef microwave is a charming addition to any kitchen, and its classic beauty is sure to turn attention. It features a simple appearance with rotary controls in a classic manner.

You can nearly conceal it in any kitchen area because it has such a compact size. However, its elegance and simplicity demand to be displayed.

It is one of the greatest microwaves under $100 for a small house where the occupants do not want to prepare multi-step complicated recipes since it checks all of the boxes with just a little additional time.

Surprisingly, 600-watt ovens aren't recommended for popping corn, but many users have found that popping popcorn in the little microwave makes their cinema evening more enjoyable.

The manual dials are self-explanatory, allowing you to choose a cook period of up to 30 minutes and select from six different voltages running from low to high. It is a popular choice for elderly individuals who don't mind waiting a few moments while their food is warmed or served due to the lack of techy controls and the display unit.

What We Like

• The design is lovely, and it has a small footprint

• There are six different cooking levels to choose from

• There is no annoying buzzer sound

• The best microwave for older citizens

Things to Consider

• Cooking with poor vision

• There is no digital display

#6. Farberware Classic FMO07ABTBKA - Best Powerful Microwave

Important Specifications

• Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.75 x 12.91 x 10.1 inches

• Lock Type: Child Lock Available

• Number of Power Levels: 10

• Energy Consumption: 700 Watts

Product’s Highlights

This sleek black design from Farberware adds a touch of refinement and is the perfect size for a worktop - neither too big nor too little. It is one of the most dependable and cost-effective alternatives on our list, with perfect characteristics and a pretty large inside area, combining design and utility.

It can accommodate bigger plates with an internal capacity of 0.7 cubic feet without forcing us to tilt dishes. The wattage of 200 watts sets it apart from the last one on our shortlist. The above-mentioned device has 900 watts of power; however, this variant can only produce 700 watts.

This product also has pre-programmed buttons for basic cooking automation as well as quick-cooking choices. We enjoy the memory option, which allows you to save your favorite cooking settings for later use.

You'll hear a soothing melodic humming when the microwave is turned on. Despite the fact that inside illumination allows you to monitor the cooking process, the black inside absorbs the energy and makes it appear dull.

What We Like

• Compact design occupies less space

• Six one-touch cooking programs

• Child safety lock

Things to Consider

• Power cord is very short

#7. Danby DBMW0721BBS Countertop Microwave - Best For Small Office

Important Specifications

• Installation Type: Freestanding

• Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 13 x 17.31 x 10.19 inches

• Item Weight: 21.16 Pounds

Product’s Highlights

Small kitchens and limited space necessitate the use of a compact microwave oven. Because of its modest footprint, this version can fit on even the tiniest of shelves. Mixing 700 watts of power with the ability to regulate 10 power levels, you have complete control over the energy and heating directions.

The Danby microwave lacks a quick-release handle and instead uses a push button to open the front door. Danby provides six convenient auto-cook choices for making dinner with a single touch of a button in terms of cooking uniformity.

It also has express heating, auto freezing, and prolonged cooking time settings, indicating a high-powered oven. It becomes more appealing to additional customers with nearly no complaints about its ability to reheat and defrost uniformly.

What We Like

• Glass turntable heats food evenly

• Auto defrosting by time and weight

• One-touch popcorn maker

• Very quiet microwave

Things to Consider

• Not suitable for large dinner plates

#8. Emerson 1.2 CU. FT. 1100W - Best Touch Control

Important Specifications

• Human Interface Input: Touchscreen

• Installation Type: Countertop

• Capacity: 1.2 Cubic Feet

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 20.6 x 17.3 x 12.8 inches

• Item Weight: 36 Pounds

• Number of Power Levels: 11

Product’s Highlights

Emerson has a stunning tabletop microwave oven that will complement your modern kitchen well. The device has a gorgeous black hue with a stainless-steel chassis and touchscreen user experience.

It has a 1.2 cubic foot size and a steel front with a black cabinet, allowing for plenty of cooking area. When you input the weight of your food into the freeze by weight feature, the machine will automatically adjust the time and energy level.

The grill has one pure power level out of 11 total power levels. You'll get nine settings for rapid cooking, including popcorn, pizza, frozen veggies, meat, beverages, and more. It can be readily operated with a single button press.

What We Like

• 1100 watts with 11 power levels

• Lightweight glass turntable

• Griller power level separate

• Quick and fast heating

• Hassle-free cleaning and even cooking

Things to Consider

• The microwave oven makes a loud buzzing sound when running