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Cheap Microwave Ovens: Best Microwave Reviews
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Cheap Microwave Ovens Buying Guide
Microwave oven technology has improved significantly over the last decade and current models do a fine job of cooking a variety of foods evenly and quickly. If you are a light user, your microwave is primarily helpful for melting and reheating -- or perhaps making popcorn –- and you don't need an abundance of fancy features. A cheap countertop microwave oven is sufficient for most families. In fact, according to expert microwave reviews, the less expensive brands of kitchen appliances with fewer frills often accomplish the main goal more effectively. Sharp and GE dominate the cheap microwave market, although other brands also spark the interest of value-minded consumers.
There are several things to look for to ensure that your inexpensive microwave serves you well for many years. The basic things to consider are size, capacity, noise level, and functions. All of the models discussed below are white countertop microwave ovens with removable glass turntables and push button features, both highly valued by users.
Back to top »What To Look For: Cheap Microwaves Features
Inexpensive Microwaves Capacity.
The standard capacity of a cheap countertop microwave is approximately 1.1 cubic feet, although larger models are available, such as the LG GMA1180 (starting at $198) with an interior of 1.2 cubic feet. You can expect to cook most foods, including small casserole-sized dishes, even in a unit as small as the Sharp R-308KW (starting at $89, Amazon
), whose interior is just 1.0 cubic feet. One microwave review on Amazon.com about the Sharp says the interior seems spacious despite its small dimensions.
Cheap Microwave Ovens Size.
Standard dimensions of lower-priced countertop microwaves are approximately 20” wide by 11” high. The depth varies greatly, but usually ranges from 15” to 17”. The Kenmore 52378411 (starting at $70, Amazon
) is much smaller, measuring 14-1/16x8-7/8x14-7/8. At the other extreme, the LG GMA1180 boasts dimensions of 21x17-1/2x26. Microwave reviews on Buzzillions.com note these dimensions are suitable for the amount of counter space in a typical kitchen.
Low-cost Microwaves Cooking Power.
Microwaves are all about quick food preparation, and the ability to adjust cooking power is a desirable feature. Microwaves generally include a minimum of 10 cooking power levels; the Sharp R-308KW offers 11. According to one user post on BestBuy.com, the GE JES1139WL (starting at $81, Amazon
) heats food quite well and is quiet, to boot.
Bargain Microwaves One-Touch Cooking Buttons.
One convenient technological advance in the history of microwaves is the move from a turn dial to pre-programmed push buttons, which quickly adjust to the cooking requirements of the food. Some models have 18 or more auto settings for foods such as oatmeal, pasta, and stew. This feature eliminates the guesswork about time and power settings: just press the appropriate button, and presto! The drink warmer on the GE JES1139WL (starting at $81, Amazon), for example, provided one satisfied user posting on Viewpoints.com a quick pick-me-up while waiting for a fresh cup to finish brewing . Added bonuses for consumers include the ease of a “30-second” button, found on the Magic Chef MCM1110W (starting at $90) and the GE WES1130DMWW (starting at $64), an “add-a-minute” button, found on the Sharp R-308KW, and an instant-on for one to six minutes of express cooking, available on the GE JES1139WL.
Budget Microwave Ovens Energy Efficiency.
All of the low-cost microwaves we researched need an AC 120V/60 power source and are rated as energy efficient. Most units operate with 1100 watts, except for two on our list—the Magic Chef MCM1110W, which uses 1000 watts, and the larger LG GMA1180, which uses 1200 watts.Value Microwaves Indicators.
Many cheap microwave models include a “food complete” indicator. Most also display time and often have timer-set functionality.Low-priced Microwave Ovens Lights.
Most inexpensive countertop microwave ovens have an interior light that turns on automatically when the door is opened and turns off when the door is closed. On a few models the light stays on while food is cooking; being able to watch the action is important to some consumers. A posting on Buzzillions.com notes the user’s extreme disappointment that the Panasonic NNSD667S (starting at $110, Amazon
) he bought was not equipped with this feature.
Economical Microwaves Maintenance.
An easy-wipe exterior is essential for keeping your budget microwave looking clean and attractive. Although white has a tendency to look dirty all the time, says one user review on Epinions.com, the white Westinghouse WST3504 (starting at $65, Amazon
) is an exception and is also a breeze to clean.
Thrifty Microwave Ovens Carousel.
The glass shelf in a microwave rests on a turntable that rotates while the food cooks, allowing for more even heat distribution and better results. The turntable itself is easy to remove and wash. Some pricey models, like the GE Spacemaker II JEM25GY (starting at $154, Amazon
), have a turntable on/off switch that one appreciative consumer posting on Epinions.com says is useful for cooking larger dishes that otherwise might prevent the carousel from rotating properly.
Cheap Microwave Ovens Safety.
With children in the home you’ll want to be sure to choose a cheap microwave with a child safety lock. Safety locks are usually built in and often hidden, as in the GE JES1139WL. A consumer commenting on PriceGrabber.com says she likes the child lock-out button on the GE JES1142SJ because it prevents her kids from accidentally starting the oven.Bargain Microwaves Frills and Thrills.
What consumer doesn’t enjoy a few frills, especially when purchasing discount products? Choosing a cheap microwave doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all the fun. The Kenmore 52378411 and Sharp R-308KW both offer a melting feature for chocolate, butter, and other heat-sensitive foods. Although one Walmart shopper complains on the store’s website about the noisy operation of the Haier MWM11100TW (starting at $69, Amazon
), she admits that the attraction of added features like the weight and time defrost compensate for the noise level. Another popular feature is “delay start,” which greatly simplifies meal timing. This feature is found on all the inexpensive models appearing on our “best buy” or “good buy” list. Consumers desiring additional extravagances who are willing to spend more might consider one of the pricey top-end microwave models; for more than $400, you’ll get features such as browning, convection, and multiple cooking levels.
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What To Expect: Cheap Microwaves Performance
Now that you’re acquainted with the features available on budget microwaves, you likely want to know how well they perform. Users tend to agree with the experts that only the very cheapest microwaves fail to do an adequate job of heating food to consumer satisfaction, although reports of the occasional lemon do crop up for most models.
Inexpensive Microwave Ovens Cooking Performance.
Low-cost microwaves provide the basics: food warming and heating, with speedy execution the primary expectation of less expensive microwaves. This essential function requires that doors close properly and buttons be self-explanatory. The LG GMA1180 is applauded for large, clearly marked buttons; user reviews on BestBuy.com report that food is consistently cooked thoroughly and quickly, which may be a benefit of the model’s higher wattage. But the LG model does not stand alone. Consumers posting on Abt.com about the GE JES1139WL likewise praise this inexpensive microwave’s cooking power, particularly for heating leftovers and steaming vegetables, although several find the buttons require serious effort to push. The Sharp R-308KW earns high marks from user reviewers on Amazon.com for its power and roominess. And yet, consumer posts on Amazon, as well as on a blog dedicated to Sharp microwaves, complain about having to push a complicated sequence of buttons to get the power level set just so. The GE WES1130DMWW gets mixed reviews from users posting on Bestbuy.com and Walmart.com , many of whom appreciate the value (decent product for a budget price) but some who report the oven didn’t work from the get go, quits after a few months, or develops odd quirks that affect performance.
Low-priced Microwaves Noise Level.
Noise is a common complaint about value-priced microwave ovens. Although difficult to describe, define, and quantify, thrifty consumers should expect to trade silent operation for lower price. One consumer who purchased the GE WES1130DMWW writes on Buzzillions.com of hearing “popping noises.” The Kenmore 52378411 also earns complaints on Sears.com about noise along with reports of some sliding while in operation. The LG GMA1180 is also perceived as a bit noisy and at least one consumer says on BestBuy.com that the door makes a loud “bang” when closing. Still, the general consensus is that a tolerable level of noise is worth a cheaper price.Budget Microwave Ovens Warranty.
All the models we researched carry a one-year warranty except for the Danby DMW1153W (starting at $89, Amazon
), which offers an 18-month warranty. Remember to check the warranty specifics and choose a company that has a reputation for customer service. One consumer who purchased the Kenmore 52378411 reports on Sears.com that the first unit s/he purchased did not operate properly but was easily exchanged by the retailer for one that did. Although the Danby DMW1153W is still widely available, Danby’s website indicates the product has been retired and the company declines to offer consumer information. Additionally, Magic Chef is currently referring consumers to another company for product inquiries. One final note: The average lifespan of a countertop microwave is 10 years.
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Best Cheap Microwaves
Sharp R-308K
This moderately-priced Sharp has loads of options, including 11 cooking power levels, 4 defrost settings, 12 pre-programmed buttons, and 23 automatic settings; users like the melting, simple clock set, self-cleaning features, and the downloadable manual from the Sharp website.
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Inexpensive foods
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Mission impossible: organic produce that doesn't break your budget. Never fear, the mission can be accomplished. Consumer Reports Health tells you how.
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Don't Bother Cheap Microwaves
Magic Chef MCM1110W
Alarmingly, many reviews complain that this budget model turns on by itself when kept plugged in.
Danby DMW1153W
This basic unit is equipped with the standard features but lacks the child lock; although still available at discount stores, Danby has retired this product and declines to offer consumer information.
Products Mentioned in This Review
Magic Chef MCM1110WDanby DMW1153W
Kenmore 52378411
GE WES1130DMWW
LG GMA1180
Sharp R-308K
GE JES1139WL
