The 4 Best Cheap And Budget Microwaves - Spring 2025

If you want a good, cheap microwave, get the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS. This small, 900-watt microwave is available for just under $100. While it doesn't have as much power and isn't as fast as some pricier models, it still heats food quickly. Its compact design means it may not fit bigger items like a mixing bowl or casserole dish, but it'll easily fit mugs, bowls, and plates. Both its 'Stainless Steel' and 'Black Stainless Steel' color variants are budget-friendly. It has all the basic functions you'd expect, like defrosting and a 'Popcorn' button. You can also save your own custom programs. It doesn't have a steam sensor, so you must manually enter a cook time or food weight. However, unlike some microwaves, you do have the option of muting the controls.

If you're willing to spend a bit more, you can get more features with a slightly more expensive model like the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS. This microwave is our best-value model overall, and with 1100 watts of power, it heats food much faster than the previous pick. Its roomier cooking chamber can easily accommodate dishes like dinner plates or mixing bowls. This budget-friendly option also features a steam sensor for a more automatic microwave experience and a programmable 'Favorite' button. Otherwise, it has the usual programs, like defrost and reheat, plus the option to mute the controls.

If space is at a premium in your living space and you're looking for something small, the GE JES1072SHSS is a good option. This very compact microwave has a smaller footprint than the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS or Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, so it's a good choice for tight spaces like RVs, dorm rooms, or studio apartments. It doesn't heat food as quickly, but that's not a huge issue if you're only planning on zapping bowls of instant noodles. Its controls include options like 'Defrost,' 'Popcorn,' and 'Potato' modes. There's a dedicated 'Mute' button, so muting and unmuting button chimes is particularly easy. However, it doesn't have a steam sensor, so you must input a cook time or food weight. The light inside the cooking chamber isn't very bright, and you can't see into it very well when the door is closed.

One important note on availability: this model has been discontinued, so it's getting hard to find. GE has a new model, the GCST07N1WBB. While we haven't tested it, the specifications, features, and dimensions are identical, except for the weight, which is slightly lower on the new model. Alternatively, you can check out the Cuisinart CMW-70, which we have tested. Despite its advertised 1000-watt power, it's slower than the GE, but it's still a decent choice. This model can also be a bit tricky to find from major online marketplaces, but you can pick it up on Home Depot's website.

If you want to save counter space with a microwave installed over your stove, the best over-the-range microwave we've tested is the GE JVM3160RFSS. This simple microwave is available in several colors, including Black, Stainless Steel, and White, which is nice if you want to save money without sacrificing aesthetics. This microwave isn't as fast as the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS but still heats food quickly. It also boasts a wider cooking chamber for heating bigger dishes like lasagnas and casseroles.

However, it lacks a steam sensor and a way to mute its controls, so it's light on extra features. That said, its cooktop fan and light can each be set to two different levels. The light inside makes it easy to see into the cooking chamber while it's running, and you can switch off the turntable when heating food in bigger dishes that might interfere with its rotation.