10 Best Microwaves Under $100 in 2021 – Microwave Reviews
Our winners of the Best Microwaves Under 100 in 2021 are:
BEST OVERALL
Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven
- Pre-programmed menu for several foods
- A mute option which is extremely convenient
Table of Contents
Introduction
Microwave ovens are one of the most convenient and versatile appliances in the kitchen. They allow you to cook fancy dishes in a jiffy, and even amateur cooks can show off their culinary skills.
Another great advantage is that they prevent food from getting wasted. Leftover foods will never be tossed to the garbage as you can reheat them and have them as if they are freshly cooked.
Microwave ovens with a lot of features can be convenient. But the fancier the oven gets, the pricier it gets. However, as you will see throughout this review, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good microwave.
Today we review ten of the best microwaves under 100. These have the right combination of features and performance without an expensive price tag.
If you don’t have the time or the inclination to read through the whole review, take a look at our choice of the best overall selection, the premium choice, and the excellent value pick right below.
Top 10 Best Microwave Under 100 Reviews & Comparisons
1. Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven
Toshiba is known for innovative and reliable appliances, and the EM131A5C-SS is no different. It has a classic design and a sturdy body made out of stainless steel.
It is integrated with all the features which make it a great oven. You will love to have this timeless and efficient microwave in your kitchen.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
The oven is effortless to use. It comes with a gamut of features, including safety and power-saving options.
Features
- One-touch start for quick access which puts the oven in full cooking mode within a few minutes
- It has a pre-programmed menu for popular food items such as pizza, frozen vegetables, and popcorn
- Power saving ECO mode for energy optimization which also minimizes power consumption by almost 50% while on standby
- LED light display through which you can view the interiors of the oven while cooking
- Easy sound off button
- Control panel is easy to read
- The entire unit is shockproof and also comes with a child safety lock
Pros
- Easy operation
- Child safety lock
- Pre-programmed menu for multiple dishes
Cons
- Heating time is not very quick
Our Verdict
This microwave oven from Toshiba is an excellent choice if you have a small household or a small family. The mute option is a neat feature if you have to eat early in the morning or late at night without disturbing a roommate. Without doubt this is the best microwave under 100.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven
This stainless steel oven is of considerable size. It has a good number of power settings, which makes it fantastic to use whether you want to defrost or cook your food.
Another feature which you will love is the large LED display, which adds to its ease of use.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
Multiple power settings, as well as a large LED display. We also love the fact that the EM031MB11 comes in a variety of capacities ranging from 0.7 Cu. Ft to 1.4 Cu Ft.
Features
- Pre-programmed menu for several foods including a dinner plate, pizza, and beverage among others
- Up to ten power settings for easy customization
- Kitchen as well as a clock timer
- LED display for easy operation
- Child safety lock
- One-touch button for easy access and opening the door
Pros
- Multiple power settings
- Large LED display
- Child safety lock
- One year warranty
Cons
- The display buttons could have been clearer
Our Verdict
Despite the minor flaw with the buttons, this microwave oven is a great performer. It will also blend seamlessly into all types of interior décor.
3. Sharp ZSMC0710BB Microwave Oven
If you love sleek appliances in your kitchen, you will love the Sharp microwave oven. It has many features that you will find indispensable while cooking or defrosting yesterday’s lunch.
This microwave oven is also effortless to use and maintain, which adds to its advantages. All of this is topped by an unbeatable price, which makes it our choice for the best value microwave.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
Sleek design and excellent performance. We especially loved the clear labeling, which makes it effortless to use.
Features
- Very compact and can fit into the smallest of spaces including counters
- 11 power options so you can customize it for cooking a dish or defrosting one
- The large glass door is scratch resistant which adds to its durability
- One-touch controls for easy operation
Pros
- Has a small footprint
- Starts almost instantly
- Multiple power options
- Effortless to clean
Cons
- Not big enough for a large dinner plate
Our Verdict
This compact microwave oven takes up very little space, which is perfect if you are low on space in the kitchen. The carousel is not the biggest, but considering its price, it is quite negligible.
4. Emerson Radio MW1338SB Microwave Oven
This oven is as large as it is powerful. It is the perfect appliance that will complement your fancy kitchen.
The power output of this oven is 1100W and is packed with features that make cooking seamless and professional quality. To be fair, this oven has a price tag of more than $100, but it is always available in offers, which makes it a great deal.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
Great features that make it perfect for cooking or defrosting your meals. The weight and time for defrosting options are excellent – you simply have to input the weight of the food, and it automatically decides the optimal time for defrosting.
Features
- Cooking presets for many foods including defrosting vegetables and cooking popcorn
- Weight and time settings for defrosting
- A large turntable which can also be removed for easy cleaning
- Child safety lock for added safety
- Multiple power levels for added convenience
- Digital timer for 99 seconds as well as 99 minutes
Pros
- Weight and time settings for defrosting
- Digital timer
- Multiple power levels
- One year warranty
Cons
- Some units can be loud – make sure that you purchase a genuine product
Our Verdict
This microwave oven is an excellent addition to a home or an office. It heats up pretty quickly, which is very convenient. It is also straightforward to use, and the power options are great.
5. Hamilton Beach Copper Finish Microwave
This oven is a sleek and great looking appliance. It will complement contemporary kitchens perfectly. The copper finish looks aesthetically elegant, but that is not all.
With pre-programmed menus and LED display as well as time and weight defrost, this oven will cook and defrost your food in no time. It has an output of 1000W and different power levels, which makes it a great purchase.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
It is equipped with several safety and cooking options, and it has a cool stylish design as well.
Features
- Time as well as a kitchen timer
- Ten power levels for cooking and defrosting easily
- Clear and large LED display for convenience
- Lockout feature which is excellent for child safety
- A convenient and easy touchpad to access the settings
- Preset cooking options for many dishes
Pros
- A large and clear LED display
- Child lock for added safety
- Multiple power options
- Easy touchpad for accessing the settings
Cons
- Some units can be noisy
Our Verdict
This oven combines excellent performance with great designs and will elevate the overall look of your kitchen. If you like copper finish, then this could be the best microwave under 100 for you.
6. HB-101 White Microwave
This oven is for those who like their appliances to be minimalistic and straightforward with no frills. It has a stark white design and compact but quite powerful.
With an output of 1000W as well as many other features, it will enhance your cooking skills in the kitchen.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
Compact and simple design but delivers quality performance quite effortlessly.
Features
- Ten power levels for customizing the perfect temperature
- Pre-programmed cooking menus for six food items
- Child lock for added safety
- Clear LED for displaying the timer
Pros
- Sleek and compact design
- Pre-programmed menus
- Multiple power settings
Cons
- The buttons are quite small
Our Verdict
This oven is small and efficient. It has a no-nonsense design that is perfect for homes, offices, and dorms as well.
7. Kenmore Elite Black 70719 Microwave Oven
Although this microwave oven is marketed as a countertop microwave model, it can easily complement any small kitchen quite seamlessly.
You can cook, heat, and defrost using this compact oven at home or in your dorm. With multiple power settings as well as preset menus for popular foods, you will have no problem using this oven.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
Very compact design with a smooth black finish as well as power settings for ease of use.
Features
- Preset menus for popular food items
- LED display for the timers
- Removable turntable made of glass
- Up to ten power settings for convenience
- Preset menus for six food items
- Easy and clear buttons
- Child lock button
Pros
- Clear buttons and LED display
- Preset menus
- Removable glass turntable
Cons
- The turntable could be bigger
Our Verdict
This oven is as straightforward as they come. It is not a fancy appliance by any means, but it works great, which is what matters.
8. Magic Chef Countertop Oven
This 900W countertop is made of stainless steel with a silver-colored cabinet. It is simple but has several features that make it a great performer. Let’s find out more.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
Straightforward design with bright and bold buttons. It also has an excellent power output despite its small size.
Features
- Ten power levels to choose for cooking or heating your meals
- 900W of power output
- Clear and large buttons as well as LED display
- Many auto cook menus
- Child safety lock as well as a timer for safe use
- Auto defrost for added convenience
Pros
- Multiple power settings
- Clear buttons for ease of access
- Good power output
Cons
- Not meant for use with dinner plates
Our Verdict
This countertop microwave can be the perfect solution if you are low in kitchen space. It has all the necessary features, and we honestly didn’t find any fault with it.
9. Nostalgia RMO7RR Retro Microwave
Are you looking for a retro countertop oven for your kitchen? Look no further than the RMO7RR Retro from Nostalgia. It is a metallic red oven with chrome accents, which makes a great statement.
It has the maximum settings among all the ovens on our list. It also comes with other features, including a digital clock. The buttons on this oven are too big in size, making them easy to use.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
A significant number of features that can rival a premium-priced oven. Also available in a wide range of colors and capacities.
Features
- 12 pre-programmed settings for cooking and reheating
- The LED display that doubles as a digital clock when the oven is not in use
- Rotating carousel that cooks the food very evenly
- Turn and push program dials for easy navigation and cooking
Pros
- Numerous settings for cooking
- Even cooking
- Easy to use buttons
- Colorful retro design
Cons
- The power output is not the greatest
Our Verdict
This compact counter oven will not only heat and cook your meals. It will make a statement appliance in your kitchen.
10. Magic Chef MCD770CW Microwave Oven
This retro-looking countertop oven has several features that you will love. It is very compact and takes up minimal space in the kitchen. Different power settings allow you to optimize cooking while the two rotary dials give it an old-world look.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
Charming designs combined with the necessary features, which makes it an excellent buy for homes, offices, or a dorm.
Features
- Compact and small design
- The handle is a towel bar design
- Up to seven different power settings
- Two rotary dials for ease of access and operation
Pros
- Very quiet operation
- Basic functions and easy to operate
- Retro design
Cons
- Setting the timer for short periods is tricky
Our Verdict
If you are someone who loves the retro-looking appliances, you should consider this microwave. It is stylish, compact, and does the job of cooking and heating perfectly.
Best Microwave Under 100 Buying Guide
In this section, we will discuss what features you should look in a microwave oven. Since this review is about microwave ovens below $100, this section will also cover the countertop ovens.
Wattage
This is one of the most essential features that you should consider before buying a microwave oven. The more the wattage the oven has, the faster it will cook the food.
Generally, countertop ovens with wattage of 1000W are an ideal choice. These ovens will not only cook your meals faster, but they will cook more evenly. Those models which have wattage of 700 and below will be slower to cook your food, and it will not cook evenly.
Preset menus
They are also called pre-programmed or auto set menus. Using this feature, you will be able to cook several dishes on the go.
Of course, you can also use other settings for cooking the food of your choice, but preset menus make cooking a lot easier and efficient.
Safety features
If you have children in the family, you cannot buy an oven without a child lockout feature. Children are insanely curious and will not refrain from touching everything, so this feature can be a lifesaver.
Power settings
Apart from preset menus, different foods need to be cooked at different temperatures. A microwave oven with multiple power settings will allow you to prepare your meals at the right temperature.
Some of the best inexpensive microwaves have eight to ten power settings for the best cooking experience, so look out for those models.
Turntable
Another feature that you need to consider while buying a microwave is the turntable. The best microwave ovens have a turntable that is made of glass and revolves. This will cook the food more evenly and also eliminates the need to take out the food from time to time while cooking.
The turntable should also be removable so that cleaning it is effortless.
Best Microwave Under 100 FAQs
Choosing a microwave oven comes down to your requirements and, of course, your budget. After you take careful consideration of what you need, there are three types of microwave ovens that you can choose from. They are: (a) Countertop microwave ovens – These are compact, portable, and affordable. They also do not need any installation and can be used straight out of the box. (b) Builtin microwave ovens – As the name suggests, they require an expert to install it. They have a lot of features, but they are more expensive and are also hard to transport. (c) Over the range, microwave ovens – These types of microwaves are also more efficient, have more features but are also more expensive, and not carry friendly. Another aspect is the baking capability of a microwave. If you are into baking, convection microwave is what you should get.
The smallest microwave that is compact yet practical is about 0.5 cubic feet. Its small size will not take up a lot of counter space, but you can also fit a 10-inch dinner plate comfortably. You will also be able to heat many foods, defrost, and cook some food items. If you plan to buy the smallest microwave, it should be compact with a sleek design. However, it should not be too small that you cannot cook in it as it defeats the purpose of the appliance.
The wattage of the microwave tends to vary depending on the type of the microwave and its size. Ideally, the best wattage for a compact countertop microwave oven is from 900W to 1000W. This will not only cook your meals a lot faster but more evenly as well.
Most microwaves have a lifespan from five to eight years. Some will last longer, but you probably need to replace a microwave every ten years or so. However, this duration will depend on how often you use the appliance and how you use it. If you use the oven daily and subject it to rough handling and also do not maintain it regularly, don’t be surprised if the unit goes out of order within a couple of years. It also goes without saying that the microwave oven must be operated using a proper electrical outlet. Microwaves are heavy-duty appliances and can cause a fire hazard when used on extension cords.
The answer is, it depends. Some microwaves are designed with built-in ventilation so that it gets rid of the cooking smells and also cools the device. This is particularly true if you have smaller microwave units. However, if you have a large-sized oven in the kitchen and cook a lot of food regularly, then it is a good idea to install a separate vent for the oven. This is essential so that your home does not get clogged with the smell of food, which can be quite uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Microwave ovens are incredibly convenient, easy to use, and are very versatile. They make your life so much easier and also prevent wastage of food. You can cook your food, heat, and defrost yesterday’s lunch and have it fresh.
As you might have concluded by now, it is quite possible to have an efficient and useful cheap quality microwave oven without breaking the bank.
We hope this review gives you the inspiration to find the best microwave under 100 and enjoy good food every time.
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Last update on 2021-03-22 at 19:14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I have the Sharp ZSMC0710BB microwave oven – which is pretty good I think. I am now looking to upgrade since I am moving to my own house. I want to get an over the range microwave this time. Any recommendations?
Michelle, we have another buying guide that focuses on over the range microwaves.