Does your kitchen qualify to be called a virtual kitchen? Well, if not, here is a little secret for you. A virtuous kitchen is equipped with modern and essential appliances. One such appliance you’ll need is a microwave oven. The advancement in technology in recent decades has led to the development of modern microwaves capable of performing a variety of functions such as popping popcorns, warming food, poaching eggs and steaming veggies among others.
This makes them add a great deal of ease and convenience to the most kitchen. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to purchase these appliances. Therefore, if you are looking for a cheap microwave oven with essential features and can as well serve you for long, you shouldn’t look any further. Below is a compilation of 5 best microwave under $100 reviewed.
A Quick Look at the Top Rated Microwaves Under $100
| Rank | Photo | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  | Toshiba | |
| 2. |  | Farberware | |
| 3. |  | BLACK+DECKER | |
| 4. |  | Amazon | |
| 5. |  | Daewoo |
5 Best Microwave Under $100 Reviewed
1. Toshiba EM925A5A-BS
The Toshiba EM131A5C is priced close to the $100 mark. It’s more spacious and shares a cavity volume of 1.2 cu. One thing that makes this model so popular is its positive reputation. Generally, Toshiba is a widely known brand, and that’s why their products stand out from the rest.
Power output and efficiency – The microwave has a power output of about 1100 watts augmented with up to 10 power levels. This enables the user to cook his or her food much faster hence saves time. Besides, the power settings can be set or adjusted according to the user’s preference. Plus, this model comes with a unique sensor cooking functionality. These coking sensors respond to vapor and humidity inside the cooking cavity. This ensures your food is thoroughly and consistently cooked as per your recipe. Such features are very convenient as it guarantees your cooking.
Eco-friendly – The eco mode button also makes this microwave environmentally friendly. When pressed, the microwave turns into energy-saving mode by using optimal energy saving techniques. Additionally, the inner wall of the microwave is designed with anticorrosive materials to prevent rust from creeping in. Also, the inner wall is not only easy to clean but also durable.
Advantage- Comes with a large cooking capacity of 1.2 cu
- Has 10 power levels and 1100 watts output
- Easily readable LED display
- Durable
- Easy to clean/maintain
Disadvantage- Doesn’t come with a manufacturer’s warranty
- Beeps constantly until you open the door
Summary: Toshiba one of the most popular companies that is hard to beat especially when it comes to the manufacturing of appliances. That is why their Toshiba EM131A5C stands tall in the market. It comes with a variety of features and functionalities such as a readable LED display, 10 power levels as well as 1100 watts output. Therefore, if you want to heat up your food quickly, this microwave should be on your shopping list.
2. Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBSB
At a price closer to $100 mark, the Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBSB comes with lots of amazing features and quality performance. One thing that makes it popular is its sleek and elegant outlook design. For many, the outlook appearance is a true reflection of its superior performance.
Cooking capacity – The Farberware Classic is spacious and comes with a capacity of about 1.1 Cu. This provides you with enough space to cook/heat a considerably large amount of food at ago. Also, the inner walls are made of black stainless steel hence rustproof.
Versatility – The microwave is also versatile and can be used in several cooking programs including warming coffee, popping popcorns, cooking pizza, frozen veggies, potatoes, and the list is endless.
Clock timer – The microwave comes with a digital clock that helps in timing the cooking period. For instance, you can set your cup of coffee to be heated only for 30 seconds upon which the microwave turns off. Amazingly, the microwave will always remind you that your food is ready by beeping.
Energy efficiency – Unlike other microwaves, this model is energy efficient. It runs on the output power of 1000 watts at this power, you can always cook your full dinner in a matter of minutes. The open handle is also strong and super easy to use. Besides, the turntable spins steadily to ensure even cooking.
Advantage- The large cooking capacity of 1.1 Cu
- Energy efficient
- Comes with several cooking functions
- Digital clock to time your preparation period
- Easy to use/clean
- Inner walls are made with anticorrosive/antirust materials
Disadvantage- The sides of the microwave start to heat up after some time.
Summary: If at all you are looking for an affordable microwave oven with sleek and elegant design, the Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBSB should be your first priority. Its stylish appearance moves many. Also, it comes with a spacious cooking capacity to enable you to prepare a large amount of food at once.
The microwave operates on a 1000 watts power. This is enough to cook your meals in minutes hence saves time and energy. Lastly, its compact design size makes it a great unit for a kitchen countertop.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM925AB9
The Black Decker EM925AB9 Digital microwave is a compact size oven that is a perfect match for every kitchen. Its features are excellence and user-friendly as discussed below:
Preprogrammed features – First, the microwave comes with preprogrammed buttons for preparing various foods including popcorn, beverages, frozen vegetables, and dinner plate.
Spacious and noncorrosive cooking cavity – Also, this microwave comes with a 1.1 Cu stainless steel exterior. This not only prevents it from catching rust but also enables you to cook a large amount of food respectively. In addition, the cooking cavity is designed with an illuminating light system as well as a 12.4-inch removable glass turntable that spins steadily to ensure even heating of the food.
Energy efficiency – With a power output of 900 watts alongside 10 progressive power levels, this microwave enables you to cook food perfectly for a short time. This also makes it energy efficient.
Easy door opening: The Black Decker EM925AB9 doesn’t have a door handle. However, to compensate for this feature, the company included a push button at the bottom right corner of the microwave front panel which easily opens the door. What’s more, the microwave has a child lock feature on its door to prevent unsupervised access. Its LED display contains a readable key control as well as a countdown timer.
Advantage- Has a microwave cavity lighting system
- Removable glass turntable
- Digital timer
- 1.1 cu cooking cavity
- Child lock capability
- One year limited warranty
Disadvantage- Some find the being sound too loud
Summary: The Black Decker EM925AB9 Digital Microwave Oven is an ideal option for people looking for an affordable microwave with efficient cooking power, a readable LED display and has a lighting system in the cooking cavity. One unique thing with this microwave is that it comes 6 common options as pre-set buttons which include popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, dinner plate, and frozen veggies.
4. AmazonBasics Microwave
The AmazonBasics microwave is one of the top-selling microwaves in the online market. Despite its state of the art features, this quality microwave is cheap and affordable and is priced just under $100. It’s most ideal for homeowners who are looking for a compact microwave to fit their limited counter space. The following are some of its features.
Size – First and foremost, the AmazonBasics Microwave comes with external dimensions of 17.3 by 10.1 by 14.1 inches for its width, height, and depth respectively. This makes it consume less space as possible. On top of that, the microwave also comes with a 10-inch turntable.
Alexa voice controls – One thing I must mention about this appliance is its enabled pair of Amazon Echo, also known as Alexa. With this smart feature, you can always control this device using the command of your voice. Besides, Alexa also comes with other new presets to improve the efficiency and convenience of use. For instance, if you want the microwave to start heating, you can simply say “Start!” and the process will begin instantly.
Child lock & timer – The appliance comes with safety measures such as child lock. Children sometimes get a little bit inquisitive. Therefore, to protect them from electric shock or any other harm, this feature will get you covered. Also, the microwave is designed with an LED self-timer. This makes it easy to heat your food for a specific time after which it will turn off by itself.
Advantage- Has a bright microwave cavity light
- Cooking time can be adjusted at 30 seconds interval
- Have an LED display
- 10-inch turntable
- Comes with child lock feature as a safety measure
- One year manufacturer’s warranty
Disadvantage- Alexa doesn’t pick up certain commands unless rephrased
Summary: Generally, the AmazonBascs microwave is an appliance that performs wonders in your kitchen. It has efficient food warming capabilities that most microwaves lack. Besides, it comes with high tech features such as alexia as well as child lock measures. Therefore, even if you aren’t around, you won’t have to worry about the safety of your young one.
5. Daewoo KOR07R3ZEM
It at all you are looking for a retro-looking microwave, it’s time that you stop your search. The Daewoo KORO7R3ZEM Microwave will suit your preference just fine. It’s designed with a pretty look that may interest some.
Capacity – The microwave comes with a 0.7 cu cooking cavity as well as a 10 inch recessed glass turntable that spins progressively to ensure even cooking. The recessed design ensures that the inner cavity isn’t eaten away.
Maintenance – One thing I must mention about this model is its ease of maintenance. For instance, the inner walls of this model are usually easy to clean.
Efficiency – The 5 power levels enable the user to cook his or her meal by setting cooking instructions. Also, the microwave comes with 5 auto menu buttons to ease your cooking procedure, especially for the common food items.
Advantage- 5 auto cook menus
- Easy to clean and maintain
- 5 power levels
- Quick control buttons
- Efficient defrost capability
- Highly durable
Disadvantage- Sides of the oven heat up after some time.
Summary: This microwave comes with lots of interesting features such as auto cook menus, 5 power levels and quick control systems. Therefore, if you are looking for a microwave suitable for defrosting food, this product will never disappoint.
Things to Consider when Buying a Microwave Oven
There are so many microwave models in the present market. Therefore, selecting the best one that matches your preference and desire can be daunting. However, there are things that if you consider will make you land a model that you will enjoy using for years to come. These include:
Size – The first thing you should consider when buying a microwave oven should be the size. Ensure that the microwave you are about to buy will fit the available space in our kitchen. Therefore, be ready to carry your tape measure with you to ensure you have the right size microwave.
Energy consumption – With the advancement in technology, there have emerged different microwaves with different energy consumption rates. Other microwaves can heat your food with as little as 1000 watts of energy, while some will require more or less that amount. Therefore, go for that model that you can manage their consumption without strain.
Usability – Another thing to consider is the microwaves’ usability. Always go or one which is user-friendly. There are some microwaves with sophisticated control systems. Therefore, save yourself the headache of operating the highly advanced microwaves.
Programmed functions – For ease and convenience, always go for microwaves with common programmed functions, for instance, one with a one-touch feature for bread warming. Therefore, look for a microwave with programmed functionalities you may need such as poaching, defrosting, popping to mention a few.
Material: The budget-friendly microwaves usually have an acrylic interior lining. If that’s okay with you, then go ahead and get one of those. But if you’re looking for something a little better, I would recommend getting a microwave with a stainless steel interior instead. They might be more expensive, but they are definitely worth it because they are easy to clean and more durable.
Price – Price is another significant factor to consider when buying a microwave. While others go for skyrocket prices, others are cheap and affordable yet still perform basic functions effectively. Therefore, go for a microwave you will comfortably pay for without breaking the bank.
The Final Words (Summary)
Microwaves have greatly transformed our kitchens. Besides saving time, they do facilitate a better quality of life. While some models are expensive to acquire, others go at pocket-friendly prices hence affordable to many. In as much as some are cheap, they still offer essential features you would require for your microwaving. As such, the above list summarizes the top list for the best microwaves under 100 dollars. Besides, wave provided you with things you need to look for when shopping for the microwave to enable you to have an ideal model that will suit your needs.
