“where cheap is chic” — wisebread
Also see our full Microwaves review:
  1. Cheap Microwave Ovens
  2. Microwave Ovens Size
  3. Countertop Microwaves
  4. Best Microwaves
  5. Microwave Reviews
  6. Discount Microwaves Features Comparison Table

Whether you want to make popcorn, reheat leftovers, melt butter, defrost tonight's dinner, or bake a casserole, a budget microwave makes life easier. A family needs a mid-sized or large microwave because it can hold multiple portions. Microwave power is measured in watts, and the higher the wattage, the faster food heats and cooks. Budget microwaves take up lots of countertop real estate, so pay attention to the dimensions and remember to factor in required clearances. Preset and auto-cook functions are handy on a budget microwave if you cook the same foods repeatedly and want to eliminate much of the guesswork for time and power levels. Extra features on budget microwaves include sensor cooking, which lets you key in the weight of the food and lets the sensor determine the necessary cook time based on the amount of humidity in the oven. Other frills up the convenience ante.

Watts Cubic Feet (interior space) Exterior Size (W x D x H in inches) Auto Cook and/or Preset Buttons Special Features
Panasonic NN-H765 Microwave estimated price $141
1250 1.6 22 x 19.5 x 12 Yes Sensor cooking, turbo inverter defrost, keep warm, large turntable
Oster OGG61403 Microwave estimated price $100
1200 1.4 22 x 19.5 x 12 Yes Door handle
Kenmore TrueCookPlus 6633 estimated price $140
1200 1.2 22 x 17 x 12.5 Yes TrueCookPlus, sensor cooking, rounded internal edges
GE JES1142SJ Microwave estimated price $99
1100 1.1 22 x 17 x 12.5 Yes Program two cook times for one cycle
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