Microwaves once meant bulky boxes with a single dial and a very limited menu. Now, compact countertop ovens offer clearer controls, preset cooking, quieter operation, and useful power options at modest prices.
This roundup compares the best cheap Microwaves ovens across several sizes, wattages, finishes, and feature sets. Keep reading to see which specifications deserve your attention before you buy.
Key Takeaways
- Choose 700 watts for reheating and light cooking, while 900 to 1,000 watts speeds up larger portions and tougher foods.
- Check capacity in cubic feet, since 0.7 cu. ft. suits smaller dishes while 1.1 to 1.2 cu. ft. accommodates wider plates and bowls.
- Look for preset programs and one-touch express buttons if you want quicker results with less manual time and temperature adjustment.
- Prioritize a child safety lock and mute function for family kitchens, offices, bedrooms, or shared living spaces.
- Measure your counter and nearby clearance carefully, then compare door swing, turntable size, and exterior finish with the available space.
| Compact Kitchen Pick |  |
BLACK+DECKER Compact Microwave 700W | Compact countertop footprint | Stainless steel finish | Suitable for single portions | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Energy Saver |  |
COMFEE' Compact Microwave 700W | Compact 0.7-cubic-foot size | ECO Mode included | Straightforward everyday use | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family Meal Room |  |
TOSHIBA Large Microwave 1000W | Spacious 1.2-cubic-foot cavity | Powerful 1,000-watt output | Useful for family dishes | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Preset Specialist |  |
Chefman Compact Microwave 700W | Six cooking presets | Mute button included | Child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Daily Performer |  |
Chefman Mid-Size Microwave 900W | Useful mid-size capacity | 900-watt cooking power | Six cooking presets | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Family Favorite |  |
TOSHIBA Stainless Microwave 1000W | Large interior capacity | 1,000-watt output | Stainless steel exterior | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Simple Space Saver |  |
TOSHIBA Compact Microwave 700W | Compact countertop footprint | 700-watt cooking power | Simple black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Retro Control Charm |  |
Frigidaire Retro Microwave 700W | Distinctive retro styling | Eight auto-cook menus | Auto defrost included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Refined Mid-Size Choice |  |
TOSHIBA Black Stainless Microwave 900W | Practical mid-size capacity | 900-watt output | Black stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Feature-Rich Family Option |  |
Chefman Large Microwave 1000W | Large 1.1-cubic-foot capacity | 1,000-watt output | Six cooking presets | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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BLACK+DECKER Compact Microwave 700W
The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity makes this BLACK+DECKER a practical fit for dorm rooms, offices, apartments, and smaller countertops. Its 700-watt output suits everyday jobs such as reheating leftovers, warming drinks, and cooking single portions.
The stainless steel finish gives it a clean, broadly compatible look. The tradeoff is limited interior space and lower power than larger models, so family-size dishes and dense foods may require more time.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Compact cooking capacity
- Additional Feature:Everyday reheating capability
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COMFEE' Compact Microwave 700W
Choose this COMFEE' model if you need a small microwave with a simple, practical focus. The 0.7-cubic-foot interior works well for personal meals, snacks, and beverages, while 700 watts covers routine reheating and cooking.
Its ECO Mode can help reduce standby power use when the microwave is idle. The compact size is convenient, but it leaves less room for large plates and may take longer than a higher-wattage oven.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:ECO Mode
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
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TOSHIBA Large Microwave 1000W
For larger plates and shared kitchens, this TOSHIBA model offers a more useful 1.2-cubic-foot capacity than compact personal-size ovens. Its 1,000-watt output is suited to faster reheating and more demanding cooking tasks.
The black exterior keeps the design understated, while the larger cavity provides extra flexibility for casseroles and dinner plates. That added capacity also means a larger countertop footprint, so measure the available space first.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Large countertop capacity
- Additional Feature:High-power cooking
- Additional Feature:Room for larger dishes
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Chefman Compact Microwave 700W
This Chefman model fits buyers who want compact dimensions without giving up useful controls. It includes 10 power levels, six cooking presets, one-touch express cooking, and a mute button, giving you more control over both timing and sound.
The child safety lock adds a practical layer for homes with children, while ECO Mode addresses standby energy use. At 700 watts and 0.7 cubic feet, it remains best for smaller portions rather than oversized cookware.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:10 power levels
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:ECO Mode
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Chefman Mid-Size Microwave 900W
Step up to this Chefman when a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity feels more useful than a compact 0.7-cubic-foot model. The 900-watt output should handle everyday reheating and cooking with less waiting, while six presets simplify common tasks.
You also get 10 power levels, one-touch express cooking, ECO Mode, a child safety lock, and a mute button. It still may not accommodate the largest casserole dishes, but it offers a practical middle ground for apartments and small households.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:10 power levels
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:ECO Mode
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TOSHIBA Stainless Microwave 1000W
This stainless steel TOSHIBA pairs a spacious 1.2-cubic-foot interior with 1,000 watts of power, making it a strong match for family kitchens and larger servings. The extra room is helpful for dinner plates, bowls, and cookware that feels cramped in compact ovens.
Its stainless steel finish gives the countertop a coordinated appliance look and is easy to pair with other kitchen finishes. The main limitation is size, since the larger cavity needs more counter space than a personal microwave.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Large countertop cavity
- Additional Feature:High-power cooking
- Additional Feature:Family-size interior
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TOSHIBA Compact Microwave 700W
For a straightforward small-appliance setup, this TOSHIBA delivers a compact 0.7-cubic-foot size and 700 watts of power. It is well suited to offices, dorms, studio apartments, and kitchens where counter space is at a premium.
The black finish keeps the appearance low-key and easy to coordinate. Its smaller cavity is the clear compromise, limiting large dishes and making it less suitable for frequent family-size cooking.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Small-space friendly format
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Frigidaire Retro Microwave 700W
This Frigidaire suits you if appearance matters alongside everyday function. Its retro black-and-gold design adds visual character, while eight auto-cook menus, auto defrost, and five power levels cover common kitchen routines.
The 0.7-cubic-foot capacity keeps the unit compact, and the LED display with glass turntable supports basic operation. That small interior is convenient for tight spaces, but it is less flexible for large plates and cookware.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black gold
- Color:Black gold
- Additional Feature:Eight auto-cook menus
- Additional Feature:Auto defrost
- Additional Feature:Five power levels
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TOSHIBA Black Stainless Microwave 900W
This TOSHIBA offers a useful 0.9-cubic-foot capacity for buyers who want more room than a compact microwave without moving to a full-size model. Its 900-watt output supports regular reheating and cooking, including larger personal meals.
The black stainless steel finish gives it a polished, modern appearance that works well in contemporary kitchens. It may still feel restrictive for family-size cookware, but the mid-size format keeps the footprint more manageable.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Mid-size countertop design
- Additional Feature:Modern dark finish
- Additional Feature:Everyday cooking capacity
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Chefman Large Microwave 1000W
This is the largest Chefman option in the group, with a 1.1-cubic-foot interior and 1,000 watts of power for larger servings and quicker everyday cooking. Six cooking presets and one-touch express controls help keep routine meals simple.
You also get 10 power levels, ECO Mode, a child safety lock, and a mute button, so the feature set is unusually complete for a countertop model. Its larger size requires more room, and the black finish may show dust more readily than lighter colors.
- Brand:Chefman
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:10 power levels
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:ECO Mode
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts should a budget microwave have?
Choose at least 700 watts for routine reheating and defrosting. A 900 to 1,200-watt model will usually heat food faster, but cooking times still depend on portion size, food density, and whether the food starts cold or frozen. If you replace a higher-wattage oven with a lower-wattage model, increase the cooking time gradually and stir food partway through. Always follow the microwave’s manual and the package directions.
What size microwave fits a dinner plate?
A microwave with about 1.1 cubic feet of interior space commonly fits a standard dinner plate, though the turntable diameter matters more than the advertised capacity. Measure your largest plate, including its handles or rim. For small kitchens, a 0.7 to 0.9 cubic foot model can save counter space, but it may only fit smaller plates and bowls. If you regularly use rectangular containers, bring their measurements when comparing models.
Are inexpensive microwaves safe to use?
Budget microwaves can be safe if they have proper electrical certification, an intact door, and clear operating instructions. Use only microwave-safe cookware, keep ventilation openings unobstructed, and never run the oven empty. Do not use an oven with a damaged door seal or latch. Avoid heating sealed containers, whole eggs in their shells, or foods that can build pressure unless the instructions explain how to vent them safely.
Do cheap microwaves cook food evenly?
Many budget models heat unevenly, especially at lower wattages, but good habits help. Use the turntable, spread food in an even layer, cover it loosely, and stir or rotate it halfway through cooking. Let food rest for one to two minutes after heating so the temperature can distribute. For dense meals, a microwave with sensor cooking or inverter power may provide more consistent results, although those features often cost extra.
Is sensor cooking worth paying more for?
Sensor cooking measures steam released by food and adjusts the cooking time automatically. It can be useful for reheating leftovers, vegetables, and prepared meals, particularly if you often guess at cooking times. For occasional popcorn, drinks, or leftovers, basic timed cooking may be enough. Spend more on sensor controls only if convenience, larger capacity, or more even heating matters to your routine.
