Best Budget Microwave Ovens: Ten Countertop Models Sorted by Size and Wattage

The best budget microwave oven for most kitchens is a 0.9 to 1.1 cu. ft. countertop model with 900 to 1,000 watts, because it handles package directions and a standard dinner plate without much adjustment. If you only reheat a cup or a bowl, a 0.7 cu. ft., 700 watt unit costs less and saves counter space. This roundup covers ten countertop listings from Chefman, COMFEE’, BLACK+DECKER, TOSHIBA and Frigidaire. Titles list the seller’s own figures for size, wattage and features, so confirm them on the product page.

Top picks at a glance

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

Included for 'Best Budget Microwave Ovens: Ten Countertop Models Sorted by Size and Wattage' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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COMFEE' Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W,Pearl White, ECO Mode | Sound On/Off, One-Touch Buttons, Child Lock, for Apartment, Dorm & Office

Included for 'Best Budget Microwave Ovens: Ten Countertop Models Sorted by Size and Wattage' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Stainless Steel | Digital Controls, Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 10 Power Levels, Removable Turntable

Included for 'Best Budget Microwave Ovens: Ten Countertop Models Sorted by Size and Wattage' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Black | 12.4" Removable Turntable, Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus, Mute Function, ECO Mode, Easy Clean Interior

Included for 'Best Budget Microwave Ovens: Ten Countertop Models Sorted by Size and Wattage' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel | 10 Power Levels, Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Countertop, 6 Auto Cook Presets

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BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop, 1.1 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel | Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 6 Auto Cook Presets, 10 Power Levels

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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black

Included for 'Best Budget Microwave Ovens: Ten Countertop Models Sorted by Size and Wattage' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Frigidaire, 0.7 Cu. Ft. Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 700W Compact Microwave with 8 Auto Cook Menus, Auto Defrost, 5 Power Levels, LED Display, Glass Turntable, Azure-Argent

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Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black

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BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cu.Ft,1000W,Child Safety,Black | 6 One-Touch Presets, Express Cooking, 10 Power Levels, Child Safety Lock, for Apartments & Dorms

Included for 'Best Budget Microwave Ovens: Ten Countertop Models Sorted by Size and Wattage' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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What is changing in this category

A decade ago, a budget microwave meant a plain white box with a mechanical dial. Today even low-priced models usually offer digital controls, a handful of presets, a child lock and a mute option. Retro finishes and stainless looks have also become common at low prices, so appearance now varies more than basic function does.

Another shift is capacity creep. Many sellers now list 1.1 and 1.2 cu. ft. units at prices that used to buy only a 0.7 cu. ft. model. At the same time, small-space buyers, such as students and renters, keep the compact class busy. Features once seen only on pricier ovens, like humidity sensors, are starting to appear lower down, though the Toshiba here is the only listing in this set that mentions one.

One thing has not changed: wattage numbers and cubic-foot figures are the seller’s claims, and they are measured differently by different makers. Read them as a rough guide, not a precise comparison.

Space is another driver. Compact apartments, shared offices and dorm rooms push buyers toward small footprints, and sellers have responded with narrower designs and bold colors. Rather than chase every new finish, it helps to decide on three things first: the largest dish you need to fit, the counter depth you have, and whether a mute button matters where you live.

Types of microwave ovens

Countertop ovens, like every model here, sit on a surface and plug into a wall outlet, which makes them the simplest and cheapest to buy and the easiest to move. Over-the-range models combine a microwave with a vent fan and need installation; built-in and drawer styles are designed for cabinetry and cost more. Some larger models add convection or grill functions for browning, but none of the ten listings here mention them, so these are plain microwave ovens.

A few other terms come up in listings. Inverter designs aim to deliver steadier power at lower settings, and sensor cooking adjusts time based on steam, as the Toshiba title describes. Solo microwaves heat with microwave energy only. For a budget purchase, the practical question is whether you need anything beyond reheating, defrosting and the occasional frozen meal. If not, a compact solo oven is enough.

Are budget microwaves worth buying?

For most households, yes, because the tasks are simple and the heating principle is the same across price levels. The differences show up in build feel, the quality of the door and latch, how evenly food heats and how long the controls last. Cheaper units may be louder, lighter and less even, and replacement parts are rarely worth it once the oven fails. A sensible approach is to treat a budget microwave as a replaceable appliance, check the warranty terms on the listing, and read buyer reviews for patterns such as door or button problems rather than isolated complaints.

It is also worth being honest about what you need. If you only warm drinks and leftovers, paying extra for a large cavity is wasted money. If you cook frozen meals for several people, the extra wattage and room of a 1.1 cu. ft. model can save real time.

How we picked these

We built this list from the product titles, published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews. Ten countertop models were grouped by size and wattage so comparisons stay fair. Nobody on the team used or measured these units, and we do not rank them by performance. Where a title says nothing, we write check the listing. Price tiers are relative within this set.

The ten listings, one by one

TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu.Ft. 1000W with Humidity Sensor

Because the title names 12 auto menus, expect a more crowded control panel than on the basic ovens. Read the manual to learn how the sensor menus work before you rely on them, and keep a short list of manual times for the foods you cook most.

The title lists 1.2 cu. ft., 1000W, black, a 12.4-inch removable turntable, a smart humidity sensor, 12 auto menus, mute, ECO mode and an easy-clean interior. It is the largest and priciest oven in the set, but still modest compared with built-in models. A humidity sensor generally estimates doneness by detecting steam, which can help with foods like rice or vegetables, though results vary by food.

Scenario: a family reheating plates of leftovers, then steaming a bag of vegetables, would use the big turntable and menus most.

Pros

• Largest capacity and wattage in the group.
• Sensor and 12 menus offer more automation.

Cons

• Costs noticeably more than the rest.
• Takes the most counter space.

Who should skip it: one-person households and anyone with a tight counter. Check the listing for outside dimensions, weight and the door type. Ask: will I really use the sensor menus, or just the timer?

BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu.Ft. 1000W Stainless Steel

A push-button door opens with a press instead of a pull handle, which some cooks find easier with full hands. It also means one more moving part to inspect, so check how the latch is described in the manual and how the door seals when closed.

The title names 1.1 cu. ft., 1000W, stainless steel, a push-button door, child safety lock, 6 auto cook presets and 10 power levels. The push-button door is a nice touch for people who find handles awkward. It suits a household that wants a mainstream capacity with a stainless look.

Scenario: a couple that cooks frozen dinners several nights a week, where package times assume roughly 1000W.

Pros

• 1000W matches many package directions.
• Stainless finish plus presets.

Cons

• No mute function is mentioned in the title.
• Fingerprints are common on stainless.

Who should skip it: dorm users with limited shelf space. Check the listing for turntable diameter. Ask: does my largest plate clear the turntable?

BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu.Ft. 1000W Black

The dorm and apartment wording signals the target buyer, but a 1.1 cu. ft. oven is not tiny. If you share a small kitchen, place it where the door can open fully and where the back vents are not pressed against a wall.

This listing, 1.1 cu. ft., 1000W, black, adds 6 one-touch presets, express cooking, 10 power levels, a child safety lock, and is written for apartments and dorms. It is close in size and power to the stainless sibling, so the choice is mostly finish and price. Nothing in the title mentions a turntable size or mute.

Pros

• Same 1.1 cu. ft. and 1000W as other mid-range models.
• Black finish hides fingerprints better than stainless.

Cons

• Near-duplicate of the stainless version in function.
• A 1.1 cu. ft. oven is large for many dorm shelves.

Who should skip it: people who want a mute button. Check the listing for depth and width. Ask: do I have ventilation clearance on all sides?

Chefman 1.1 Cu. Ft. 1000 Watts

Chefman sells the same feature set across three sizes, so the choice comes down to how much room you have and how large your dishes are. For a two-person home, the extra capacity helps with casserole dishes and taller mugs rather than with speed.

The title states 1.1 cu. ft., 1000 watts, 10 power levels, 6 presets with one-touch express cook, Eco mode, a child safety lock and a mute button, in black. That mute button and Eco mode make it the most feature-complete 1.1 cu. ft. listing here, aside from the Toshiba. It suits a shared home where late-night reheating should be quiet.

Pros

• Mute and Eco mode on a 1000W model.
• Mid-range price for the size.

Cons

• No sensor cooking is mentioned.
• Eco mode wording should be checked for what it actually does.

Who should skip it: shoppers who want a stainless exterior. Check the listing for dimensions and warranty. Ask: what does Eco mode change about power use?

BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu.Ft. 900W Stainless

If you reheat soup in a deep bowl, mid-size cavities can feel tight at the top, since stirring and covering need headroom. Compare the interior height in the listing against your tallest container.

Listed as 0.9 cu. ft., 900W, stainless, with 10 power levels, a push-button door, child lock and 6 presets. It sits in the middle, a fit for small families or couples who find 0.7 cu. ft. cramped but do not need 1.1. Package times for 1000W may run slightly long; the worked example below shows the arithmetic.

Pros

• Midsize footprint.
• Stainless look with push-button door.

Cons

• Capacity gain over 0.7 is modest.
• No mute mentioned.

Who should skip it: families that want a 12-inch plate to turn freely. Check the listing for turntable diameter. Ask: would a 1.1 cu. ft. oven at nearly the same price suit me better?

Chefman 0.9 Cu. Ft. 900 Watts

It is easy to treat this as a middle step between two sizes, but the right question is practical: does the 0.9 cu. ft. cavity hold the dishes you own with room to spare? If yes, you save counter space compared with the 1.1.

The title lists 0.9 cu. ft., 900 watts, 10 power levels, 6 cooking presets with one-touch express cook, Eco mode, child lock and mute, in black. It is a good example of the feature set Chefman bundles at each size, so you can compare across the brand’s 0.7, 0.9 and 1.1 models.

Pros

• Mute and Eco mode at a mid-range price.
• Easy comparison with other Chefman sizes.

Cons

• Only a small step up from the 0.7.
• Little to separate it from the 1.1 except size.

Who should skip it: anyone who needs sensor cooking. Check the listing for the cavity dimensions. Ask: do I want black, or does my kitchen need stainless?

BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu.Ft. 700W Stainless

A removable turntable makes cleanup easier, since you can wash it in the sink if the manual allows. Spills that bake onto a fixed surface are harder to clear, so this small feature can matter over years of use.

The title says 0.7 cu. ft., 700W, stainless steel, digital controls, push-button door, child lock, 10 power levels and a removable turntable. It is more expensive than the other 0.7 cu. ft. models here, so the extra cost goes toward the stainless look and the push-button door.

Pros

• Stainless finish in a compact size.
• Removable turntable aids cleaning.

Cons

• Higher price than other compact models.
• 700W means longer cook times.

Who should skip it: budget-first shoppers and big-plate users. Check the listing for turntable size. Ask: is stainless worth the extra spend over a Chefman or COMFEE’?

Chefman 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700 Watts

A one-touch express cook preset typically starts a short run at full power with a single press, which suits quick tasks like warming a mug. Longer jobs still need manual time and power settings.

This listing includes 0.7 cu. ft., 700 watts, 10 power levels, 6 presets with one-touch express cook, a child safety lock and mute, in black. It is one of the cheapest in the group while still offering a mute button, which is uncommon at this price in this set. It fits an office kitchenette or a first apartment.

Pros

• Low price with mute included.
• Compact footprint.

Cons

• 700W stretches package times.
• Small cavity limits dish size.

Who should skip it: families. Check the listing for the plate diameter the oven accepts. Ask: do I mostly reheat single servings?

COMFEE’ 0.7 Cu.Ft. 700W Pearl White

The ECO mode in the title is designed to reduce standby power in some models, but the wording is vague, so read the manual. A sound on/off option helps in dorms and offices where beeps carry.

The title says 0.7 cu. ft., 700W, pearl white, ECO mode, sound on/off, one-touch buttons, child lock, aimed at an apartment, dorm or office. It is the lowest-priced microwave here. White is a less common color in this set, which may matter if your kitchen is white.

Pros

• Lowest price in the set.
• Sound on/off and child lock listed.

Cons

• No preset count appears in the title.
• Basic spec line, so details come from the product page.

Who should skip it: anyone who wants lots of presets. Check the listing for the number of power levels. Ask: will a basic panel do?

Frigidaire 0.7 Cu. Ft. Retro, Azure-Argent

Eight auto cook menus and an auto defrost setting add convenience, but with only five power levels the finer control that helps with melting chocolate or softening butter is limited. Treat it as a design-led small oven.

The title lists 0.7 cu. ft., 700W, retro design, 8 auto cook menus, auto defrost, only 5 power levels, an LED display, a glass turntable and an Azure-Argent finish. Five power levels is fewer than the 10 on the rivals, so fine control is limited. It appeals to people who want a style statement as much as a utility.

Pros

• Distinct retro look.
• Auto defrost and 8 menus listed.

Cons

• Half as many power levels as some competitors.
• Title does not mention a child lock.

Who should skip it: households with small children and those who want a lock. Check the listing for lock features. Ask: do I care about looks enough to give up power levels?

Buying guide

Size and fit

Capacity is listed in cubic feet, but what matters day to day is the turntable diameter and the interior height. Only the Toshiba here states a turntable size (12.4 inches). For the others, measure the biggest plate or bowl you use and compare with the listing’s dimensions. Also measure the counter, plus the ventilation gap the manual specifies, since many ovens need space around the back, sides and top.

Wattage and cook time

Wattage is power available for cooking. Higher wattage cooks faster and more evenly for the same time setting. Food package directions often assume around 1,000 watts, so a 700 watt oven needs more time. Our worked example below shows how to convert.

Controls and extras

Ten power levels let you defrost gently and simmer; five levels give fewer steps. Presets save a few button presses but should not replace judgment. A mute button helps in shared spaces. Eco mode wording varies, so read the manual. Child locks help prevent accidental starts but do not make the oven childproof.

Safety and care

Use only microwave-safe cookware, keep metal out unless the manual allows it, and never run the oven empty. Plug it directly into a grounded outlet rather than an extension cord, and keep vents clear. Reheat leftovers until steaming hot throughout, stir halfway, and let the food stand. Clean spills promptly, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the turntable and interior. If you work in an office with no microwave at all, see our roundup of plug-in lunch box warmers.

Cleaning and everyday care

Wipe the interior after messy jobs, because dried splatter absorbs energy and can smell. A bowl of water with a slice of lemon, heated briefly and left to stand with the door closed, is a common way to loosen stuck-on residue, but check the manual for guidance and let the water cool before you touch it. Wash the turntable and ring by hand if the manual allows, make sure the ring sits back correctly, and keep the door seal clean so it closes fully. A damaged door, hinge or seal is a reason to stop using the oven and contact the maker.

Which features are worth paying for

For a budget purchase, the useful extras are usually a mute option, a child lock, a removable turntable and an interior that wipes clean. Presets are nice, but most cooks end up using the timer and the power level. A humidity sensor adds value only if you like hands-off cooking of vegetables or rice and are willing to learn how it behaves. Retro styling and colors are purely cosmetic, so decide how much that is worth to you before paying a premium for it.

Worked example: converting a package time

Assumptions: a frozen entree label says 4 minutes on high at 1000W. Cook time scales roughly with the inverse of wattage (an estimate, since ovens differ).

Always check that the center is hot and cooked through, because uneven heating can leave cold spots in dense food. If you also want smaller, space-saving options, our guide to the best microwave ovens for compact kitchens and dorms goes deeper on small footprints, and for busier cooks the microwaves for quick weeknight cooking list leans toward presets and power.

Mistakes buyers make

• Buying by cubic feet alone. A 1.1 cu. ft. oven still needs a turntable that fits your plates.
• Ignoring wattage. A 700W model works, but plan for longer times.
• Skipping the measuring tape. Counter space and ventilation clearance decide whether it fits.
• Trusting presets blindly. They are starting points; check the food.
• Counting near-duplicates as choice. The two 1.1 cu. ft. BLACK+DECKER models are close cousins.
• Assuming a child lock means safe for kids. It does not replace supervision.
• Using the wrong containers. Thin takeout tubs, metal trim and sealed lids can warp, spark or build pressure. Choose dishes labeled microwave safe and vent covers so steam can escape.
• Forgetting standing time. Heat keeps spreading after the timer ends, so stir dense food, let it rest for a minute and check that it is hot throughout before eating.

Verdict by use case

• Best overall for most homes: the Chefman 1.1 cu. ft. offers 1000W, mute and Eco mode at a mid-range price.
• Most features: the TOSHIBA 1.2 cu. ft., if you will use the humidity sensor and menus.
• Stainless look: the BLACK+DECKER 1.1 or 0.9 cu. ft., depending on household size.
• Cheapest compact: the COMFEE’ 0.7 cu. ft. or the Chefman 0.7 cu. ft. with mute.
• For style: the Frigidaire Retro, with its fewer power levels in mind.

Frequently asked questions

How many watts do I need in a budget microwave?

For reheating, defrosting and quick snacks, 700 watts is workable, but cook times will be longer than most package directions assume. Packages are commonly written for around 1,000 watts, so a 900 to 1,000 watt oven is simpler if you cook from frozen meals. Check the wattage in the listing and adjust times when it differs from the label.

Is a bigger cubic-foot size always better?

Not always. Larger interiors fit wider plates and bigger dishes, but they take more counter space and weigh more. A 0.7 cu. ft. model is usually enough for one or two people and small plates, while 1.1 cu. ft. and above suits families and larger bowls. Measure your biggest dish, your counter and the clearance the manufacturer requires.

Do child safety locks make a microwave childproof?

No. A lock on the control panel makes accidental starts less likely, but it is not a substitute for supervision. Keep the oven out of reach where possible, never let children heat food alone, and remember that steam, hot containers and superheated liquids can all cause burns. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

What should I not put in a microwave?

Never run the oven empty, and avoid metal containers, foil unless the manual specifically allows it, sealed jars and thin plastic tubs that are not labeled microwave safe. Eggs in the shell and some whole foods can burst. Use microwave-safe dishes, vent covers, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your model.

Do auto-cook presets work well?

They are convenient for common items like popcorn or beverages, but results depend on the food amount, starting temperature and the oven’s wattage. Treat presets as a starting point, check the food, and add time in short steps. Reheated food should be hot all the way through, so stir and let it stand before eating.

Can I put a microwave inside a cabinet or shelf?

Only if the manual says the model is designed for it. Countertop microwaves usually need open space around them for airflow, and blocking the vents can cause overheating. Check the clearance figures in the manufacturer’s documentation, and never use an extension cord to power the oven.