Best microwave ovens to buy under $100: Top picks

A microwave oven can make everyday cooking much easier, whether you need to reheat your dinner, prepare a quick breakfast, or defrost ingredients before cooking. 

The challenge is finding the right balance between cooking power, interior capacity, convenience, and counter space. A 900-watt microwave may be better suited to quicker reheating, while a 700-watt model can be a practical choice for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and occasional use.

Gadinsider has rounded up five countertop microwave ovens from TOSHIBA, Chefman, BLACK+DECKER, COMFEE', and Farberware.

Best microwave ovens under $100

• TOSHIBA Microwave Oven: Best overall
• Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave: Best budget
• BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best 900W alternative
• COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for small kitchens
• Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for everyday cooking

1. TOSHIBA Microwave Oven

The TOSHIBA Microwave Oven is a well-rounded choice for shoppers who want more cooking power and flexibility without moving beyond the budget category. 

With 900 watts of microwave output, 11 power levels, and six preset menus, it offers a useful combination of everyday convenience and adjustable cooking settings. 

Specs

• Product type: Countertop microwave oven
• Microwave output power: 900W
• Input power: 1,400W
• Power levels: 11
• Preset menus: Six
• Turntable: 10.6-inch glass
• Controls: Touch panel and buttons
• Defrosting: By weight or time
• Voltage: 120V

Performance

The Toshiba's 900W output makes it a good candidate for routine reheating, warming beverages, preparing microwave popcorn, and cooking other everyday foods. Compared with a 700W microwave, its higher output can help reduce cooking times for some tasks, although actual results depend on portion size, food density, and the cooking settings selected.

Pros

1. 900W output power for everyday heating and cooking
2. 11 power levels for greater control
3. Six preset menus for common foods
4. Defrosting by weight or time

Cons

1. Compact interior may not accommodate larger dishes
2. Presets may still require adjustment for different portion sizes

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TOSHIBA 900W Microwave Oven — View at Amazon

2. Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave

The Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave is designed for people who need a simple, space-conscious appliance for everyday tasks. 

Its 700W output is suitable for reheating leftovers, warming drinks, preparing microwave popcorn, and handling other basic cooking needs.

Specs

• Product type: Compact countertop microwave
• Microwave output power: 700W
• Power levels: 10
• Preset options: Three
• Controls: Digital touch controls and numeric keypad
• Quick-start feature: +30-second button and number-key cooking shortcuts
• Defrosting: Automatic defrost
• Safety: Child safety lock
• Additional feature: Mute option
• Voltage: 120V

Performance

The Chefman is best suited to straightforward microwave tasks rather than demanding cooking jobs. Its 700W output can handle routine reheating and warming, although it may take longer than a 900W model to heat the same quantity of food.

Pros

1. 700W output for routine reheating and warming
2. Ten adjustable power levels
3. +30-second shortcut for quick time adjustments

Cons

1. Lower output power than the 900W options
2. Only three dedicated presets

Today's best deals

Chefman Compact Countertop Microwave — View at Amazon

3. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven

The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven is another option for shoppers who want 900W of cooking power in a compact appliance. 

It combines a familiar countertop design with 10 power settings, six preset food buttons, and a large LED digital display. Its control panel is designed to make everyday operation straightforward without requiring users to navigate complicated menus.

Specs

• Product type: Countertop microwave oven
• Microwave output power: 900W
• Power levels: 10
• Preset buttons: Six
• Turntable: Removable 10.6-inch glass
• Display: LED digital display
• Quick cooking: 30-second express cooking
• Additional features: Clock, kitchen timer, interior light
• Voltage: 120V

Performance

The BLACK+DECKER model offers a practical balance of cooking power and ease of use. Its 900W output is well suited to common reheating and cooking tasks, while the 10 power settings allow users to adjust the intensity depending on the food.

Pros

1. 900W output power
2. Six preset buttons for common foods
3. Ten power settings
4. Large LED display and interior light

Cons

1. Compact size may limit the dishes it can accommodate
2. No mute option

Today's best deals

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven — View at Amazon

4. COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven

The COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven is designed for users who need a compact appliance with useful cooking functions and straightforward controls. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity and 700W output make it suitable for small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, and households that primarily use a microwave for reheating, snacks, and simple meals.

Specs

• Product type: Compact countertop microwave
• Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
• Microwave output power: 700W
• Input power: 1,050W
• Power levels: 11
• Automatic cooking options: Six
• Turntable: 10-inch glass
• Display: Digital
• Additional features: Clock, kitchen timer and interior light
• Safety: Two-step child lock

Performance

The COMFEE' is a useful option for people who want a compact microwave without giving up the settings needed for everyday cooking. Its 0.7-cubic-foot capacity works well for smaller portions and standard microwave tasks, while the 11 power levels offer flexibility for reheating, defrosting, and gentler heating.

Pros

1. Compact 0.7-cubic-foot capacity
2. Eleven power levels
3. Six automatic cooking options
4. Defrosting by weight or time

Cons

1. 700W output may take longer to heat some foods
2. Smaller interior is less suited to large plates and dishes

Today's best deals

COMFEE' 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave — View at Amazon

5. Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven

The Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact model aimed at users who want a dependable set of everyday cooking functions in a small footprint. 

With 700W of output power and a 0.7-cubic-foot capacity, it is designed for reheating leftovers, warming beverages, preparing snacks, and handling basic meal preparation at home or in an office.

Specs

• Product type: Countertop microwave oven
• Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
• Microwave output power: 700W
• Power levels: 10
• One-touch options: Six
• Controls: Digital touch controls and buttons
• Display: LED
• Additional features: Clock, kitchen timer and interior light
• Voltage: 120V
• Frequency: 60Hz

Performance

The Farberware's main strength is its focus on common cooking and reheating tasks. Its 700W output is appropriate for many everyday uses, while the adjustable power levels give users more control over how food is heated.

Pros

1. Compact 0.7-cubic-foot capacity
2. Ten power levels
3. Six one-touch cooking options
4. Defrosting by weight or time

Cons

1. Output lower than the 900W alternatives
2. Compact capacity may not accommodate larger dishes

Today's best deals

Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven — View at Amazon