What is a good cheap microwave?

When looking for an affordable microwave, there are a few key factors to consider: price, wattage, size, features and ease of use. Finding the right balance between these can help you get a quality microwave on a budget.

What price range is considered cheap for a microwave?

Microwaves can range greatly in price from $40 on the very low end to $500+ for high-end models. However, spending $100 or less is generally considered cheap for a basic microwave.

Here are some typical price ranges:

• $40 – $60 – Very basic, low wattage models
• $60 – $80 – Basic 700-900 watt microwaves
• $80 – $100 – Mid-range microwaves with more power and some extra features

You can often find decent microwaves in the $70 to $90 range if you look for sales or refurbished models. Spending under $50 comes with more quality concerns.

What wattage is best for an inexpensive microwave?

Higher wattage equals faster cooking times, so you generally want the highest wattage you can get in your price range.

Here are some common microwave wattages:

• 500-700W – Lower power, best for reheating and defrosting
• 700-900W – Medium power, can cook small portions
• 1000-1200W – Higher power, good for cooking meals

For a cheap microwave, 700-900 watts offers a decent compromise between price and power. Anything below 650W can be frustratingly slow.

What size microwave is best for small spaces?

If you have limited counter space, look for compact microwaves with less than 1 cubic foot (0.7-0.9 cu. ft) capacity:

• 0.5 cu. ft – Very small, best for dorms or office
• 0.7 cu. ft – Good personal size for snug kitchens
• 0.9 cu. ft – Larger plates may not fit

Measure the space where your microwave will go. Standard microwaves are about 19-20 inches wide. Make sure to check the turntable size too.

What features are essential in an inexpensive microwave?

Here are some useful microwave features to look for on a budget:

• Wattage output – As mentioned, 700+ watts is ideal
• Turntable – Allows even cooking
• Cooking presets – For popcorn, pizza, potatoes etc.
• Defrost setting – Helps defrost meat and other frozen foods
• Power levels – Offers flexibility for reheating different foods
• Timer – Important for accurately setting cook times
• Interior light – Illuminates food through the door

You may need to compromise on extras like convection, sensors, inverter technology or smart features to get these essentials.

What makes for an easy to use, inexpensive microwave?

Here are some things to look for in terms of ease of use:

• Simple interface – Straightforward dials and buttons, not complex digital programming
• Good door handle – Should be easy to open with a handle or button release
• Interior size – Should fit standard dinner plates
• Visibility – A light and window make it easy to view food
• Audible alerts – End of cook alerts are helpful
• Clear power levels – Self-explanatory names (low, medium, high etc.)

Avoid microwaves with many complex features if ease of use is most important.

What are the top microwave brands on a budget?

Some reputable microwave brands to consider for under $100 include:

Brand	Notable Models Under $100
GE	JES1097SMSS, JES745SMSS, JNM3163RJSS
Toshiba	EM925A5A-BS, EM131A5C-BS
Panasonic	NN-SN67HS, NN-SN766S, NN-SD372S
Cuisinart	CMM-70, CMW-200, CMW-300
Farberware	FMO10AHDBKC, FMO12AHDSKC

Check reviews and shop around for sales on specific models within your budget from these reliable brands.

What are the pros and cons of used/refurbished microwaves?

Potential pros:

• Significant cost savings vs. new
• Often act like new when professionally refurbished
• May come from a reputable brand
• More features for your money

Potential cons:

• No warranty or short warranty periods
• May have cosmetic flaws
• Unknown history of issues
• Risk of breakdowns and repairs needed

If going used/refurbished from a microwave from a reputable source, test it thoroughly after purchase and be prepared for potential issues down the line.

What should you look out for when buying a cheap microwave?

When bargain shopping for microwaves, be cautious of:

• No-name brands with no reviews or reputation
• Very low wattages (under 650W) that won’t heat well
• Turntables that seem flimsy or too small
• Poor visibility inside with dim lighting
• Microwaves sold through third parties on marketplaces
• Used microwaves with significant rust or wear and tear

It’s smart to spend a few extra dollars for quality construction and essential features from a brand you can trust.

What are the best cheap microwave deals and where to find them?

Here are some tips for finding good microwave sales and deals:

• Check appliance and department stores for sales – Best Buy, Lowes, Target, Walmart etc.
• Watch for holiday weekend sales around Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day etc.
• Look for refurbished and open box deals on retailer websites
• Search eBay for discounted new units
• Use cashback sites like Rakuten for additional savings
• Follow deal websites like Slickdeals for microwave sale alerts

With some persistence, you can often save $20-50 on a given model by shopping sales and hunting for deals online or in stores.

Conclusion

Finding a quality microwave for under $100 comes down to setting priorities and hunting for deals. Aim for known brands with essential features, sufficient wattage and reasonable size. While used microwaves can offer big savings, they also involve more risk. With smart shopping, you can get a dependable microwave on a tight budget. Just be wary of models that seem too cheaply made or skimp on key elements.

With this buyer’s guide, you now have a better understanding of what to look for and what to avoid when searching for an affordable microwave. Considering price, power, size, features and ease of use will help you identify the best options to suit your space and cooking needs. A little research goes a long way in getting the best bang for your buck.