10 Best Budget Microwave Oven 2025 in the United States

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a solid mix of power and convenience for anyone looking for a budget-friendly microwave. With 1000 watts of power, it cooks food efficiently and supports 10 different power levels, letting you easily adjust from gentle warming to rapid cooking. Its 1.1 cubic feet capacity and 14.5-inch turntable size provide enough space for most plates and bowls without taking up too much countertop room.

This model stands out with six preset cooking programs, including popcorn, pizza, and veggies, which simplifies everyday use—great if you want quick, reliable results without fiddling with settings. The digital touch controls are straightforward to use, featuring a handy +30 seconds button for quick additions of cooking time. The memory function lets you save your favorite settings, which helps speed up repeated tasks. Safety and convenience are well covered: there’s a child safety lock on the door handle to prevent accidental opening, plus a mute button to silence beeps—ideal for quiet environments. The eco mode helps reduce power use when the microwave is idle, and cleaning is easy thanks to a durable black exterior and a dishwasher-safe glass turntable.

On the downside, while the size fits most kitchens, its weight (about 31 pounds) means it’s not the easiest to move around frequently. Also, the sleek design is fairly standard and might not stand out if you want a more stylish or premium look. The preset options are useful but somewhat limited compared to some models with more cooking functions. This microwave is a dependable choice for anyone needing a straightforward, efficient countertop microwave with good power, useful presets, and safety features—ideal for everyday home use without breaking the bank.

The Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS)A is a versatile countertop microwave that combines multiple cooking methods in one compact appliance. With a 1000-watt microwave power and a 1 cubic foot capacity, it’s well-suited for everyday family meals, able to handle a whole roasted chicken or a 12-inch pizza thanks to its large 12.4-inch turntable. This size strikes a good balance for kitchens with limited counter space but needing a spacious interior.

Its standout feature is the 8-in-1 multifunction capability, including microwave, convection bake, broil, air fry, and even an odor removal mode. This makes it a handy choice for users wanting more than just basic reheating or defrosting. The control panel features easy-to-use knobs and one-touch presets like popcorn, which simplifies operation. Safety is also considered with a two-step child lock, a must-have for homes with children. The stainless steel exterior looks sleek and is easy to clean, while the interior also benefits from a stainless finish for durability.

Weighing 39.2 pounds, it is somewhat heavy for a countertop microwave, so moving it around isn’t very convenient. While the microwave wattage is standard for this price range, the input power of 1600 watts suggests it may use more electricity than some simpler models. Despite its many functions, beginners might need some time to get comfortable with the multiple cooking modes and settings. This Toshiba model suits those who want a budget-friendly microwave with large capacity and versatile cooking options, though it may be less ideal for users seeking ultra-simple operation or a very lightweight design.