Best Microwaves For Under $100: Top Picks and Reviews

These budget microwaves deliver solid power, presets, and reliability under $100.

You want a simple microwave that heats fast, fits your counter, and won’t drain your wallet. I’ve been there—late night leftovers, a soup to reheat, or a quick mug cake to save the day. The best part? You don’t need to spend hundreds to get a reliable unit.

In this guide, I highlight the Best Microwaves for Under $100 that balance wattage, size, and smart features like child lock, eco mode, and one-touch presets. If you’re outfitting a dorm, a first apartment, or a small office, these models will make daily cooking easier without the price sting.

Chefman 0.7 cu ft Microwave, 700W (Black)

This Chefman packs 700 watts into a compact 0.7 cu ft body. I like the clean look and clear buttons that make quick work of snacks and sides. Ten power levels let you tune heat for butter, veggies, and leftovers. The eco mode and mute button are handy when you need quiet or want to save a bit of energy.

Six one-touch presets cover common foods, so you won’t need to guess times. The child safety lock adds peace of mind in homes with kids. It is small, but it handles bowls, mugs, and small plates well. For tight spaces, it earns a spot among the Best Microwaves for Under $100.

Pros:

• Compact size fits dorms, studios, and break rooms
• Eco mode and mute button for quiet, efficient use
• Ten power levels for better control of delicate foods
• Six presets make quick meals simple
• Child lock adds safety for families

Cons:

• 700W means slower heating than larger units
• Small interior is tight for large dinner plates
• No sensor cooking features

My Recommendation

If you need a no-fuss, space-saving microwave for light daily use, this is a great pick. It shines for oatmeal, soup, frozen snacks, and quick drinks. I also like it for offices where the mute button helps keep the peace. It is one of the Best Microwaves for Under $100 when space and price both matter.

Best for	Why
Dorm rooms	Small footprint and easy presets for quick snacks
Office break rooms	Mute button reduces noise during work hours
Budget kitchens	Affordable, simple, and reliable daily heating

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 0.7 cu ft, 700W

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 blends a sleek look with friendly controls. It delivers 700W of steady heating and a 0.7 cu ft cavity that suits small plates, mugs, and bowls. The push-button door is smooth and easy to use. I like the simple display, which keeps time and power levels clear.

It includes common presets and a child safety lock. The stainless finish pairs well with modern kitchens. It’s not a powerhouse, but it does daily jobs well. For anyone hunting the Best Microwaves for Under $100, this model checks the right boxes for value and brand trust.

Pros:

• Trusted brand with good basic build quality
• Clean stainless look suits most kitchens
• Clear display and easy push-button door
• Presets help with quick snacks and sides
• Child lock for safety in family homes

Cons:

• 700W can require longer cook times
• Limited interior space for large containers
• No advanced sensor features

My Recommendation

Pick this if you want a known brand and a clean look at a low price. It fits tiny kitchens, guest suites, and rental units very well. It offers consistent heating for daily needs without fluff. In the Best Microwaves for Under $100 space, it’s a safe, simple bet.

Best for	Why
Small apartments	Compact body and clean style that blends in
Guest suites	Easy controls for short-term stays and rentals
First-time buyers	Low cost with brand-backed reliability

COMFEE 0.7 cu ft Microwave, 700W (Black)

COMFEE’s 0.7 cu ft unit is a smart pick for small homes and dorms. It brings 700W power, a simple keypad, and one-touch buttons. The sound on/off setting is a standout in shared spaces. I also like eco mode to save power when it sits idle.

The interior suits small reheats and quick steam jobs. Frozen veggies, oatmeal, and ramen are easy wins here. It keeps controls basic and avoids clutter. As a budget choice, it sits firmly in the Best Microwaves for Under $100 category for quiet and convenience.

Pros:

• Sound on/off for silent operation
• Eco mode saves standby energy
• Simple one-touch buttons for common tasks
• Compact size fits snug counters and shelves
• Good value for light daily use

Cons:

• Not ideal for big casseroles or family meals
• 700W can run longer cook cycles
• Basic feature set with no sensors

My Recommendation

Go with COMFEE if you want a quiet, basic unit that does the job. The mute and eco features punch above the price. It’s ideal for late-night reheats and quick snacks. For the Best Microwaves for Under $100, this one balances peace, price, and ease of use.

Best for	Why
Shared apartments	Mute mode keeps noise low day or night
Dorm rooms	Small footprint and quick one-touch cook
Budget buyers	Low price with handy eco feature

Chefman 1.1 cu ft Microwave, 1000W

This Chefman steps up to 1.1 cu ft and 1000W, which means faster results. That extra power helps with denser foods and larger plates. It includes ten power levels, six presets, eco mode, and a mute function. The child lock is here too for safety.

The added space fits larger bowls and meal-prep containers. If you cook more than you snack, you’ll feel the upgrade. Prices can vary, but it often falls under $100 during deals. That makes it a rare bigger option among the Best Microwaves for Under $100.

Pros:

• 1000W power cooks faster and more evenly
• 1.1 cu ft space fits larger dishes
• Eco mode and mute add everyday comfort
• Six presets and 10 power levels for control
• Child safety lock for families

Cons:

• Takes more counter space than 0.7 cu ft units
• May be louder at full power
• Price can sit above $100 when not on sale

My Recommendation

Choose this Chefman if you want real cooking power on a budget. It’s great for meal prep bowls, frozen meals, and bigger plates. If you spot it on sale, it is one of the Best Microwaves for Under $100 for families or heavy users. It gives you room to grow without stretching your budget.

Best for	Why
Family kitchens	Bigger space handles plates and meal-prep containers
Busy cooks	1000W cooks faster, saves time daily
Value hunters	Often dips under $100 during sales

Farberware 0.7 cu ft Microwave, 700W

Farberware’s 0.7 cu ft model brings a sturdy feel with a stainless look. It offers 700W of power for basic reheats and quick snacks. Auto cook settings make popcorn, pizza, and drinks simple. The control panel is easy to read and quick to learn.

Defrost modes help with meats and frozen meals. The interior wipes clean without fuss. The child safety lock is a strong addition at this price. It earns a spot in the Best Microwaves for Under $100 for its balance of style and function.

Pros:

• Stainless finish looks premium on a budget
• Auto cook settings for everyday foods
• Defrost modes useful for frozen meats
• Easy to clean interior
• Child lock for home safety

Cons:

• Small cavity limits larger plates
• 700W is slower for dense foods
• Basic features without sensors

My Recommendation

Go for Farberware if you want a budget-friendly stainless look. It handles common tasks with ease and keeps clean-up light. I like it for small kitchens where style still matters. In the Best Microwaves for Under $100 lineup, it offers both form and function.

Best for	Why
Style-focused spaces	Stainless finish at a budget price
Small households	Preset buttons speed up daily reheats
Meal thawing	Reliable defrost modes for frozen foods

TOSHIBA 0.9 cu ft Microwave, 900W (Black SS)

This Toshiba is the sweet spot for many homes. At 0.9 cu ft and 900W, it offers more room and speed than tiny units. Six auto menus cover popular items, while the mute function keeps it quiet. The LED lighting and clear display make it easy to use day or night.

The 10.6-inch turntable size helps with larger bowls and plates. If you cook for two or want faster heat, this fits well. It’s often priced right for budget buyers. For the Best Microwaves for Under $100, this is one of the most balanced picks.

Pros:

• 900W power heats faster than 700W units
• 0.9 cu ft fits larger plates and bowls
• Mute function for quiet kitchens
• Six auto menus for easy cooking
• Bright LED lighting and clear display

Cons:

• Larger footprint than 0.7 cu ft models
• No advanced sensor reheat
• Exterior can show smudges on black stainless

My Recommendation

I recommend this if you want speed and size without breaking the bank. It is ideal for couples, small families, and frequent home cooks. The controls are simple, and the power is a real upgrade. In the Best Microwaves for Under $100 group, it offers a strong mix of space and speed.

Best for	Why
Couples	More space for shared meals and leftovers
Frequent reheaters	900W cuts wait time on daily tasks
Small families	Balanced size fits larger dishes without huge space needs

BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu ft Microwave

This BLACK+DECKER steps up in size to 0.9 cu ft, which helps with larger bowls and plates. The digital controls are easy to learn and use. The push-button door adds a touch of modern ease. And the child lock helps keep curious hands out.

I like this size for small families or serious snackers. It gives you room without going overboard on space or cash. It often sits in the Best Microwaves for Under $100 when on promotion. If you like the brand and need more room, this is a solid bet.

Pros:

• Roomier 0.9 cu ft interior
• Trusted brand with a clean digital interface
• Push-button door is smooth and easy
• Child safety lock for peace of mind
• Good value for households that reheat often

Cons:

• Bigger body needs more counter space
• Not as feature-rich as premium models
• Finish may show fingerprints

My Recommendation

Pick this if you want a bit more space, simple controls, and a trusted name. It suits couples, small families, and office kitchens. It’s an easy choice in the Best Microwaves for Under $100 if you need size over extras. It just works without fuss.

Best for	Why
Small families	Extra space supports bigger plates and bowls
Office kitchens	Simple controls for many users
Brand-loyal buyers	BLACK+DECKER reliability at a budget price

FAQs Of Best Microwaves for Under $100

Are 700W microwaves powerful enough for daily use?

Yes, for small meals and reheats. Expect longer times for dense foods. For faster results, a 900W or 1000W unit helps.

What size fits a standard dinner plate?

Most 0.9 cu ft units fit larger plates better than 0.7 cu ft models. Check interior width and turntable size for your dishes.

Do budget microwaves have child safety locks?

Many do. The models listed here include child locks, which is key for families.

How do I reduce noise from alerts and beeps?

Look for a mute or sound on/off feature. Several of the Best Microwaves for Under $100 include this setting.

Will these models last if I use them daily?

Yes, if you follow care tips. Keep vents clear, use microwave-safe containers, and wipe spills quickly.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want speed and space, pick the Toshiba 0.9 cu ft or the Chefman 1.1 cu ft when on sale. They heat faster and fit bigger plates, yet still rank among the Best Microwaves for Under $100.

On a tight space or budget, go with the Chefman 0.7 cu ft, COMFEE 0.7 cu ft, or BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7. For a stainless look, the Farberware 0.7 cu ft stands out among the Best Microwaves for Under $100.