Cheap and Cheerful:Best Budget Microwave Ovens
Looking for a budget microwave oven that won’t break the bank? Whether you’re living in a small apartment or just need a compact microwave for your kitchen, there are plenty of affordable options available. In this article, we have compiled a list of 5 best budget microwave ovens for small kitchens that offer great value for their price. These microwaves come with various features such as multiple power levels, defrost settings, and preset cooking options to make cooking and reheating food a breeze. So, whether you’re looking for a basic model or one with a few more bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the perfect microwave oven for your needs and budget!
1. Farberware 700 Watts – Our Top Pick for Best Cheap Countertop Microwave Oven
Why Do We Recommend This Product?
Shake up small-space cooking with the power-packed Farberware 700 Watt Countertop Microwave. This petite powerhouse packs big performance into a compact size, perfect for dorms, apartments, and spaces where counter real estate is at a premium. With 700 watts of reheat and cook power, this stainless steel beauty will awe you with its ability to deliver fast and delicious warm-ups and simple meals in an instant. The sleek brushed finish exterior wipes clean in a jiffy while the 0.7 cubic foot interior accommodates most dinner plates and personal-sized meals. LED lighting illuminates food neatly and the child lock prevents steamy surprises, so whip up late-night snacks and midnight bowls of popcorn with confidence.
Key Features:
700 Watts of powerful and efficient cooking
0.7 cubic foot compact size fits dorms and apartments
LED lighting for clear visibility
Safety child lock to prevent accidental activation
Easy clean brushed stainless steel exterior
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Compact and space-saving
Fast reheat and simple meal capabilities
Wipe clean brushed stainless steel exterior
Child safety lock feature
Bright LED lighting
Cons:
Limited capacity for large meals
2. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7- Best Under $100 Digital Microwave Oven
Why Do We Recommend This Product?
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a highly efficient and affordable digital microwave oven that is perfect for small kitchens. With a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet, this countertop microwave oven is compact and easy to use. Its push-button door and turntable make it easy to operate, while the child safety lock ensures that it is safe to use around children. The microwave oven also comes with two removable legs, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Additionally, this microwave oven is perfect for cooking vegetables, reheating leftovers, and defrosting frozen food. It has a wattage of 700 watts, which makes it a powerful and efficient appliance. The recirculating ventilation type ensures that the air inside the oven is clean and fresh, while the included components such as the magnetron and turntable make it easy to operate and maintain.
Key Features:
Safety lock for child safety
Two removable legs for easy cleaning
0.7 cubic feet capacity
700 watts of power
Push-button door and turntable for easy operation
Recirculating ventilation type
Recommended for cooking vegetables
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Affordable and budget-friendly
Compact and space-saving design
Easy to operate and maintain
Comes with a child safety lock for added safety
Cons:
Limited capacity may not be suitable for larger families
Some users may find the design too basic
3. COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM – Best Cheap Countertop Microwave Oven
Why Do We Recommend This Product?
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM is a highly efficient and affordable countertop microwave oven that is perfect for small kitchens. With a capacity of 0.7 cubic feet or 20.95 quarts, this microwave oven is compact, space-saving, and easy to use. It comes with easy one-touch buttons, an ECO mode, and a sound on/off feature that makes it easy to operate and customize to your needs. The safety lock ensures that it is safe to use around children.
Also, this microwave oven is perfect for cooking vegetables, reheating leftovers, and defrosting frozen food. It has a wattage of 700 watts, which makes it a powerful and efficient appliance. The recirculating ventilation type ensures that the air inside the oven is clean and fresh, while the stainless steel and plastic construction make it durable and easy to clean.
Key Features:
Easy one-touch buttons
ECO mode and sound on/off feature
0.7 cubic feet/20.95 quarts capacity
Safety lock for child safety
700 watts of power
Recirculating ventilation type
Recommended for cooking vegetables
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Affordable and budget-friendly
Compact and space-saving design
Easy to operate and customize
Comes with a safety lock for added safety
Cons:
Limited capacity may not be suitable for larger families
Some users may find the pearl white color too basic
4. TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS -Best High Quality Cheap Countertop Microwave Oven
Why Do We Recommend This Product?
The TOSHIBA EM925A5A-SS is a high-quality and affordable countertop microwave oven that is perfect for residential use. With a capacity of 0.9 cubic feet, this microwave oven comes with a 10.6-inch removable turntable that makes it easy to clean and maintain. It has a power output of 900 watts, making it a powerful and efficient appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks.
Moreover, the microwave oven comes with six auto menus that make cooking and reheating food a breeze. It also features a mute function and an ECO mode that makes it energy-efficient and reduces noise levels. The child lock ensures that it is safe to use around children, while the LED lighting makes it easy to see the cooking progress.
Key Features:
0.9 cubic feet capacity
900 watts of power
6 auto menus
Mute function and ECO mode
Child lock for added safety
LED lighting for easy viewing
Removable turntable for easy cleaning
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
High-quality construction and design
Powerful and efficient performance
Easy to operate and customize
Comes with a child lock for added safety
Cons:
Slightly more expensive than some other budget microwave ovens
Some users may find the control panel design too basic
5. Commercial Chef CHM660- Best Overall Cheap Countertop Microwave Oven
Why Do We Recommend This Product?
The Commercial Chef CHM660 is a top-performing and affordable countertop microwave oven that is perfect for small kitchens. With a capacity of 0.6 cubic feet, this microwave oven is compact and easy to use. It comes with a timer and turntable that make it easy to operate, while the recirculating ventilation type ensures that the air inside the oven is clean and fresh. The stainless steel construction makes it durable and easy to clean.
Above all, this microwave oven is perfect for cooking vegetables, reheating leftovers, and defrosting frozen food. It has a wattage of 600 watts, which makes it a powerful and efficient appliance. The compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens or offices where space is at a premium.
Key Features:
Compact size
Timer and turntable for easy operation
0.6 cubic feet capacity
600 watts of power
Recirculating ventilation type
Recommended for cooking vegetables
Stainless steel construction for durability and easy cleaning
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
Affordable and budget-friendly
Compact and space-saving design
Easy to operate and maintain
Durable stainless steel construction
Cons:
Limited capacity may not be suitable for larger families
Some users may find the design too basic
Buyer Guide: What to Look for When Buying the Best Budget Microwave Oven for Small Kitchen?
When shopping for a budget microwave oven for your small kitchen, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you make the right purchase. Here are some key features to look for when buying the best budget microwave oven for your small kitchen:
Size and Capacity:
Consider the size of your kitchen and the amount of counter space you have available. Look for a microwave oven that is compact and has a small footprint. The capacity of the microwave oven should also be suitable for your needs.
Key Features:
Compact size
Timer and turntable for easy operation
0.6 cubic feet capacity
600 watts of power
Recirculating ventilation type
Recommended for cooking vegetables
Stainless steel construction for durability and easy cleaning
Features:
Look for a microwave oven that comes with important features such as multiple power levels, defrost settings, and preset cooking options. These features make cooking and reheating food easier and more convenient.
Ventilation Type:
The ventilation type of the microwave oven determines how the air inside the oven is circulated. Look for a microwave oven with a recirculating ventilation type to ensure that the air inside the oven is clean and fresh.
Safety Features:
Look for a microwave oven with safety features such as a child lock and automatic shut-off. These features ensure that the microwave oven is safe to use around children and prevents overcooking or overheating.
Construction and Design:
Look for a microwave oven with a durable and easy-to-clean construction such as stainless steel. The design should also be easy to operate and maintain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Budget Microwave Oven for Small Kitchen
What is the best size for a budget microwave oven in a small kitchen?
The best size for a budget microwave oven in a small kitchen is usually between 0.6 and 0.9 cubic feet. This size is compact enough to fit on a small countertop, yet still large enough to accommodate most food items.
Can a budget microwave oven cook food efficiently?
Yes, a budget microwave oven can cook food efficiently if it has a wattage of at least 600 watts. This ensures that the microwave oven is powerful enough to cook food quickly and efficiently.
What features should I look for in a budget microwave oven for my small kitchen?
Look for a budget microwave oven that comes with multiple power levels, defrost settings, and preset cooking options. Other important features include a recirculating ventilation type, safety features such as a child lock and automatic shut-off, and durable and easy-to-clean construction.
Are budget microwave ovens safe to use?
Yes, budget microwave ovens are safe to use if they come with safety features such as a child lock and automatic shut-off. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for safe use.
How much should I expect to spend on a budget microwave oven for my small kitchen?
The price of a budget microwave oven for a small kitchen can vary, but typically ranges between $50 and $100. The price depends on the size, features, and brand of the microwave oven.
How to Use Your Budget Microwave Oven for Small Kitchens Effectively?
A budget microwave oven can be a lifesaver, especially in small kitchens. Here, we will go through some of the ways to use your budget microwave oven for small kitchens effectively.
Choose the Right Microwave Oven
There is no denying it; budget microwave ovens are a lifesaver in small kitchens. However, you still need to find the right one. Not all budget microwave ovens offer you the same features or are the same size. Always choose a microwave that is designed specifically for small spaces. Look for a model with a small footprint, one that has a compact design, and is lightweight. The microwave should also have a power output of 600 watts or above so that it can effectively reheat leftovers or cook small meals quickly.
Only Cook Small Portions of Food
One of the advantages of a budget microwave oven is its efficiency in cooking small portions of food. That said, it’s important only to cook small portions of food in the microwave oven to ensure that the food is evenly cooked. A microwaved dish should be at most 12 inches wide. If the dish you are microwaving is too large, the food in the center will cook slower than the food on the outer sides of the dish.
Take Advantage of the Defrost Function
Most budget microwaves come equipped with a defrost function that allows users to defrost frozen foods quickly. If you have leftovers or frozen meals that need to be reheated, use the defrost function before cooking. The defrost function will prevent uneven heating and ensure that the food is fully cooked. Be sure to check the food periodically to ensure that it is not overcooked.
Avoid Using Metal
Avoid using metal items in your microwave oven. Microwaving metal objects can cause electric arcs that can damage the microwave or cause a fire. Instead, use microwave-safe containers made of glass or plastic. When using plastic containers, make sure the plastic is BPA-free.
Clean Your Microwave Regularly
Cleaning your microwave regularly is essential for its longevity and effective functioning. After each use, it is important to wipe down the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth. If there are any food spills or splatters, use mild soap and water to clean the interior. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasives that can damage the surface of the microwave.
Conclusion
Finding the best budget microwave oven for your small kitchen doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By considering the factors we discussed and reviewing the top 5 cheapest options in the market, you can make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for a basic model or one with advanced features, there’s a microwave oven out there that can meet your requirements without breaking the bank. We hope this article has been helpful in your search for the perfect budget microwave oven for your small kitchen.
