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10 Best Microwave Ovens Under $100 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection, and Bake Modes, 1.5 cu.ft., Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, EC942K6CE-SS

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,111
Capacity
Control Panel
Size and Design

Most important from
22322 reviews

Capacity
Its spacious interior comfortably fits large plates and containers, accommodating bigger meals without hassle.
Control Panel
The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, with useful presets that simplify common cooking tasks.
Size and Design
The stainless steel and black glass design looks sleek and modern, while also resisting fingerprints and cleaning easily.
Preset Cooking Functions
Preset buttons could be improved by adding direct temperature controls to enhance usability for baking and air frying.

The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is a versatile over-the-range microwave oven with a roomy 1.5 cubic feet capacity and a large 13.6-inch turntable, making it suitable for cooking larger dishes. It runs at 900 watts, which is modest but generally sufficient for everyday reheating and cooking tasks. What sets this model apart is its 6-in-1 functionality: besides microwaving, it offers air frying, convection baking, grilling, roasting, and a combo mode. This makes it a great choice for users wanting more cooking options without needing multiple appliances. The air fry mode is particularly handy for preparing healthier, crispier food with less oil. The touch control panel is modern and straightforward to use, although it may take a short adjustment period for those used to traditional buttons. The microwave also includes a sensor reheat feature that helps keep leftovers tasting fresh. Its stainless steel design fits well in most kitchens and includes a 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds plus a light, which efficiently handles cooking odors and adds useful illumination for stovetop cooking.

On the downside, the 900-watt power is on the lower side compared to some higher-end models, so cooking times might be a bit longer. This microwave is also not smart-enabled, which might limit remote control or automation for some users. Finally, while it offers many features, this complexity might be overwhelming if you only need a basic microwave. This product represents a solid choice for those who want an affordable, multi-functional microwave oven with air frying and convection capabilities, especially if you have space constraints and want to combine ventilation and cooking in one unit.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,111
Capacity
Control Panel
Size and Design

Most important from
22322 reviews

Capacity
Its spacious interior comfortably fits large plates and containers, accommodating bigger meals without hassle.
Control Panel
The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, with useful presets that simplify common cooking tasks.
Size and Design
The stainless steel and black glass design looks sleek and modern, while also resisting fingerprints and cleaning easily.
Preset Cooking Functions
Preset buttons could be improved by adding direct temperature controls to enhance usability for baking and air frying.
#2

TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6" Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Black Stainless Steel

Rating
9.1
Wattage
Capacity
Turntable

Most important from
3445 reviews

Wattage
The 1250-watt power heats water and food incredibly fast, making everyday use impressively efficient.
Capacity
The large 1.6 cubic feet interior easily fits big plates and bowls, perfect for family-sized meals.
Turntable
The microwave operates almost silently, with barely noticeable fan or turntable noise.
Preset Cooking Functions
Sensor-driven auto menus simplify cooking—just press a button and the microwave adjusts time and power automatically.
Control Panel
The ability to mute all beeps is a great feature for a quieter kitchen environment.
Size and Design
The real door handle is a welcome design choice, much preferred over push-button doors.

The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is a solid choice for anyone looking for a countertop microwave under $100 with a good balance of power and features. It offers a strong 1250-watt output, which means it can cook and defrost food efficiently. The 1.6 cubic feet capacity is quite spacious for this price range, making it suitable for families or anyone who often heats larger dishes. Its 13.6-inch glass turntable is removable, which helps with easy cleaning and fits most plates and bowls comfortably.

One of the standout features is its inverter technology that promotes more even cooking and defrosting, avoiding those cold spots you sometimes get with regular microwaves. The microwave includes 5 smart sensor auto menus, which automatically adjust cooking times for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, making it user-friendly especially if you prefer preset options to guesswork. The control panel uses a touch keypad with clearly labeled buttons, including a timer and a child lock for safety, which is great for households with kids. You can also mute the sound if you prefer a quieter kitchen experience.

The design in black stainless steel looks modern and should fit well in most kitchens, although the unit is a bit heavy at 29 pounds and reasonably large with dimensions around 22 x 19 x 13 inches, so it needs enough counter space. While the microwave offers convection heating, some users might find that it takes a bit of time to get used to the settings since it has multiple power levels and functions. It comes with a one-year warranty, which is fairly standard but worth noting if you want longer coverage. This Toshiba model is a practical and efficient microwave oven for everyday use, especially if you want reliable performance, easy-to-use presets, and a roomy interior without spending too much.

Rating
9.1
Wattage
Capacity
Turntable

Most important from
3445 reviews

Wattage
The 1250-watt power heats water and food incredibly fast, making everyday use impressively efficient.
Capacity
The large 1.6 cubic feet interior easily fits big plates and bowls, perfect for family-sized meals.
Turntable
The microwave operates almost silently, with barely noticeable fan or turntable noise.
Preset Cooking Functions
Sensor-driven auto menus simplify cooking—just press a button and the microwave adjusts time and power automatically.
Control Panel
The ability to mute all beeps is a great feature for a quieter kitchen environment.
Size and Design
The real door handle is a welcome design choice, much preferred over push-button doors.
#3

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black

Rating
9.1
Wattage
Size and Design
Control Panel

Most important from
4105 reviews

Wattage
This microwave outperforms other 700-watt models in cooking power, delivering thorough and consistent heating.
Size and Design
Its sleek, compact design fits perfectly on countertops and maintains a quiet noise level that’s easy on the ears.
Control Panel
The keypad requires significant force to register presses, making it necessary to brace the microwave against a wall and apply strong pressure to operate.
Turntable
The microwave is easy to clean thanks to its dishwasher-safe glass turntable and straightforward controls.

The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven offers a compact 0.7 cubic feet capacity powered by 700 watts, which is typical for small microwaves under $100. This wattage is sufficient for quick reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking, but it might not be ideal for larger or more complex meals. It includes 10 power levels, giving good flexibility for gentle warming or faster cooking. The six preset cooking functions, such as popcorn and pizza, simplify everyday use, especially if you prefer one-touch options.

Its digital control panel is straightforward, featuring buttons and a handy +30 seconds quick start, making it easy even for those less familiar with microwaves. The turntable is glass and dishwasher-safe, which helps keep cleaning hassle-free. The microwave’s design is compact and sleek in black, fitting neatly on most countertops without taking much space. Safety features like a child lock and a mute button to silence beeps are thoughtful touches for families or quiet environments.

With a 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, this microwave is best suited for single users, small households, or limited kitchen spaces rather than large families or heavy cooking needs. It does not include smart home compatibility or advanced cooking modes, but for its price range, it offers reliable quality and essential functions with a one-year warranty. For those seeking a simple, efficient, and space-saving microwave for basic daily use, this Chefman model is a solid choice.

Rating
9.1
Wattage
Size and Design
Control Panel

Most important from
4105 reviews

Wattage
This microwave outperforms other 700-watt models in cooking power, delivering thorough and consistent heating.
Size and Design
Its sleek, compact design fits perfectly on countertops and maintains a quiet noise level that’s easy on the ears.
Control Panel
The keypad requires significant force to register presses, making it necessary to brace the microwave against a wall and apply strong pressure to operate.
Turntable
The microwave is easy to clean thanks to its dishwasher-safe glass turntable and straightforward controls.

Buying Guide for the Best Microwave Ovens Under $100

Choosing the right microwave oven can make a big difference in your kitchen experience. Whether you need it for reheating leftovers, cooking meals, or defrosting food, it's important to understand the key features and specifications to find the best fit for your needs. Here are some important specs to consider when shopping for a microwave oven under $100.
WattageWattage indicates the power of the microwave. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and more even heating. Microwaves typically range from 600 to 1200 watts. For basic tasks like reheating and defrosting, a microwave with 700-900 watts should suffice. If you plan to cook more complex meals, consider a higher wattage. Your cooking needs and how often you use the microwave can guide you in choosing the right wattage.
CapacityCapacity is measured in cubic feet and determines how much food you can fit inside the microwave. Smaller microwaves have a capacity of around 0.5 to 0.8 cubic feet, which is suitable for small dishes and limited counter space. Medium-sized microwaves range from 0.9 to 1.2 cubic feet and are versatile for most households. Larger microwaves, over 1.2 cubic feet, are ideal for bigger families or if you often cook large dishes. Consider your kitchen space and the size of the dishes you typically use.
TurntableA turntable rotates the food to ensure even cooking. Most microwaves come with a turntable, but the size and material can vary. A larger turntable can accommodate bigger dishes, while a removable one makes cleaning easier. If you frequently use large or oddly shaped dishes, ensure the turntable is spacious enough. For easy maintenance, look for a microwave with a turntable that can be removed and cleaned separately.
Preset Cooking FunctionsPreset cooking functions are pre-programmed settings for common tasks like popcorn, pizza, or defrosting. These functions simplify cooking by automatically setting the time and power level. If you prefer convenience and ease of use, look for a microwave with multiple preset functions. However, if you like to manually control the cooking process, this feature may be less important.
Control PanelThe control panel can be digital or mechanical. Digital panels offer more precise control and additional features like timers and preset functions. Mechanical panels are simpler and more durable, with basic dials for time and power settings. Choose a control panel based on your preference for ease of use and the level of control you want over your cooking.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the microwave should fit your kitchen space and aesthetic. Measure the available space to ensure the microwave will fit, including any ventilation requirements. Consider the design elements like color, finish, and overall look to match your kitchen decor. A compact and stylish microwave can enhance the functionality and appearance of your kitchen.

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