7 Best Microwaves Under $150 That Offer Great Performance and Value
Looking for a good microwave that costs less than $150? You don’t need to spend a lot to get a microwave that works well and looks nice.
There are many models that are easy to use, have useful features, and fit nicely on your counter. When choosing a microwave, it helps to know what features matter most and how they can help you in your daily life.
Keep reading to learn which microwaves are the best for your budget and why they are a good choice.
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate
- 1000 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 12.4” glass turntable
If you want a dependable microwave that doesn’t cost a lot, the BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable is a great pick. It’s perfect for small families or desks at work. It has 1.4 cubic feet of space, 1000 watts of power, and ten different settings. This makes it good for many tasks, like heating food or cooking simple meals. The microwave also has buttons just for popcorn, pizza, and drinks, so you can get things done quickly. Its LED display is clear and easy to read. The stainless steel look makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen. The glass turntable can be taken out for easy cleaning. It also has safety features like a child lock and a simple push-button door. All these features come at a price under $150, making it a good value.
Best For: Small homes or offices that want a compact, reliable microwave with useful features.
Pros:
- Fits easily on your counter with a sleek stainless steel look.
- Easy touch controls and buttons for popcorn, pizza, and drinks.
- The glass turntable lifts out for quick cleaning.
Cons:
- Some plastic parts might feel fragile over time.
- The door can make noise when opening or closing.
- A few users have noticed door issues or parts that don’t last long.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
- 【Sleek Design with Large Capacity】Stylish Stainless Steel (color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black) with timeless design, 13.6"...
- 【Origin Inverter Technology】Inverter technology provides even heating and defrosting, enables faster cooking and more satisfying user experience;...
- 【6 Smart Sensor Auto Menus】Pre-programmed sensor menus for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetables and more. Smart...
The TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology is a good choice if you want hot food quickly and evenly. It has a sleek stainless steel look and a 1.6 cubic-foot size, making it both stylish and useful. Thanks to Toshiba’s inverter technology, the microwave heats food evenly, cooks faster, and makes defrosting easier. It offers handy features like auto menus, sensor reheat, multiple power levels, and simple controls. Some people say the control panel is hard to see because it is dim. There have been reports of control panel and part durability issues. Still, for its price, it gives you great value and useful features.
Best for: People looking for a stylish, affordable microwave that heats food fast and has helpful auto functions.
Pros:
- Inverter technology heats food evenly and quickly.
- Stylish stainless steel design with useful auto menus and easy controls.
- Bright interior light and quiet operation make it nice to use.
Cons:
- The control panel can be hard to see.
- Some users experience issues with the control panel and internal parts breaking.
- There are reports of quality problems and inconsistent warranty help.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven (0.7 Cu Ft, 700W)
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or...
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt...
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and...
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a good pick for busy homes. It has 0.7 cubic feet of space and uses 700 watts of power. This means it can handle everyday tasks quickly. It comes with six quick buttons for popcorn, pizza, drinks, veggies, potatoes, and leftovers. You can also press one button to start cooking right away. The digital controls make it easy to set times and save your favorite settings.
Safety is important. The microwave has a child lock, a control lock, and a mute button. These features help keep your family safe and make operation quiet. Its sleek black design looks nice in most kitchens. Plus, Eco Mode helps save energy when you are not using it.
This microwave is a simple, affordable choice if you want reliable features. It is easy to use and safe for everyone. It is a good fit for homes that need a small, dependable microwave that doesn’t cost much.
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven (EM720CB7)
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated Input...
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
Looking for a cheap microwave that works well and is easy to use? The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is small with a 0.7 cubic foot space and has 700W power. It heats food quickly and is perfect for reheating leftovers or making simple meals. The controls are simple, with buttons for popcorn, pizza, and other foods. The digital LED display is clear and easy to read. It has a stainless steel finish that looks nice, and the glass turntable can be removed to clean easily.
Some users say the inside coating can peel or rust after about a year. The small print on the buttons can be hard to see, especially if you don’t wear glasses. Also, it doesn’t have anti-slip feet, so it might slide on smooth countertops.
Overall, this microwave is good for basic tasks and easy to use. But think about how durable it is and if it stays steady on your counter before buying.
Best For: People who want an affordable, small microwave for reheating and simple cooking with easy controls.
Pros:
- Clear digital display with helpful buttons for common foods
- Stylish stainless steel look
- Removable glass turntable for even heating
Cons:
- Inside coating may peel or rust over time
- Small labels on buttons are hard to read
- No anti-slip feet, so it might slide on smooth surfaces
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven (1.2 Cu Ft, 1000W)
- 【Pre-programmed sensor menu】 for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies and more; Power Wattage (Microwave): 1100W; Rated...
- 【Stylish Appearance with Large Interior, fitting a 12inch Pizza】Black exterior, 20.51 x 17.14 x 12.83 inch (w x d x h); large 1. 2 cubic feet...
- 【Other Functions】1100 watts with 10 power settings, defrost by time&weight, clock, and kitchen timer, One touch start for multiple food presets
If you need a microwave that works well and is affordable, check out the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS. It has a big 1.2 cubic feet space, so you can fit a 12-inch pizza easily. The 1100 watts of power heat food quickly. You can choose from 10 different power levels to match what you’re cooking.
This microwave has a smart sensor that checks the humidity inside, so your food heats just right. It also has pre-set menus for common foods like pizza, potatoes, and vegetables. The big digital display is easy to see, and the control panel is simple to use. Plus, it has an eco mode to save energy. Its sleek black look makes it fit nicely in most kitchens.
Best For: busy families and small kitchens that want a reliable, easy-to-use microwave with lots of power and smart features.
Pros:
- Large enough to hold big items like 12-inch pizzas
- Strong 1100W for fast heating
- Smart sensor and pre-set menus for easy cooking
Cons:
- Might be too big for small spaces or single servings
- Remember to remove the plastic film on the keypad before first use
- It doesn’t have extra features like convection or grilling; it only heats food
This microwave is a good pick if you want a simple, powerful, and affordable unit to make cooking easier.
GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- AIR FRY MODE: Cook healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods in less time, thanks to an air fryer built into your microwave.
- CONVECTION MODE: Achieve crisp, golden brown results in this microwave oven with convection, which includes a special rack that allows air to...
The GE GCST10A1WSS is a small and versatile microwave oven. It has four main functions: microwave, air fryer, convection, and broiler. This makes it good for small homes, dorm rooms, or offices where space and money matter. The oven is compact, measuring about 16.6 inches wide, 20.6 inches deep, and 11.88 inches tall. Its stainless steel look makes it stylish and easy to wipe clean. With 1,050 watts of power, it heats food fast and cooks evenly. It also has preset buttons for fries, nuggets, and melting, plus a child-safe lock for safety. People like how it combines different cooking modes, its sleek look, and how well it works. Some find the control labels a little hard to read, so they need to look carefully. Cleaning the inside can be tricky after using some features. Also, the manual doesn’t come inside the box, so you will need to download it online if you want detailed instructions.
Best for: small households, students in dorms, or offices who want a compact microwave that can do many jobs.
Pros:
- Combines microwave, air fryer, convection, and broiler functions.
- Small enough to fit on most countertops.
- Looks nice with a stainless steel finish.
- Heats food fast and cooks evenly, making crispy and tender dishes.
Cons:
- The labels for controls can be hard to read.
- It can be difficult to clean inside after cooking.
- No manual included; you need to find it online.
This microwave gives you many cooking options in a small space. It’s easy to use once you get familiar with the controls. If you want a reliable and stylish kitchen helper that takes up little room, this one might be a good choice.
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Air Fryer Function
- Ultimate Versatility: This multi-microwave with 10 power levels is your ultimate kitchen helper. The versatility as a microwave, air fryer, convection...
- Inverter Microwave with Smart Sensor: Built-in humidity sensor intelligently adjusts power and cooking time, make sure your food is never undercooked...
- Less Fat and Crispier: With 360° rapid heat circulation technology, TOSHIBA Multi-Microwave with air fryer cuts down on calories by using no added...
The TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Air Fryer Function is a great choice for busy kitchens. It combines several cooking tools in one small unit. You get a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler all in one. This makes it easy to prepare different types of meals without needing extra appliances.
With 10 power levels and inverter technology, it cooks food evenly. You get crispy results with less oil. The smart humidity sensor helps the oven know when food is done, so you don’t have to guess. Its 1800W convection and 1000W grill heat food faster. Plus, it comes with a recipe book, auto menus, and presets. These features make cooking simple, even for beginners.
The inside space is 1.0 cubic foot, which is good for most daily needs. You can cook large dishes or multiple servings at once. Its size fits well on most countertops, but it might be a little big for very small kitchens.
This microwave with air fryer is perfect for anyone who wants a multi-use kitchen tool. It saves space and time, and it makes cooking easy and fun. Just keep in mind, it may take a little time to learn all the features. Overall, it is a convenient and versatile appliance for busy homes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Microwaves Under $150
When choosing a microwave under $150, think about the power levels. More power cooks food faster. Check how much space is inside. A bigger size lets you heat larger dishes. Make sure it is easy to use. Simple buttons and a clear display help a lot. The look and material should match your kitchen. Good materials last longer. Also, look for extra features like timers or quick-start buttons. These can make using the microwave more convenient. Just pick what fits your needs and budget.
Power Levels Variety
Having more power levels on a microwave helps you control how your food cooks, heats, or defrosts. When your microwave has many settings, you can stop food from overcooking and make sure tougher items heat evenly. Microwaves with at least 10 different power options give you more ways to adjust the heat for different dishes. Cheaper models might have only 5 to 7 levels, which makes it harder to get the right cook time. More power levels are especially helpful when you need gentle heat, like for defrosting or slow warming. If you want to cook with more accuracy and avoid guessing, choose a microwave that offers a wide range of power levels.
Interior Capacity Size
Interior capacity tells you how much space is inside a microwave. This helps you pick a model that fits your cooking needs and your counter space. Microwaves under $150 usually have a capacity from 0.7 to 1.6 cubic feet. Larger sizes let you cook or reheat bigger items, like a 12-inch pizza or full dinner plates. For most small or medium families, models with about 1.0 to 1.2 cubic feet are a good choice. They give you enough space without taking up too much room on the counter. Compact microwaves under 0.8 cubic feet are better if you have limited space. But, check the interior height, width, and depth too. Make sure your favorite dishes and containers will fit inside comfortably.
Ease of Operation
Are you looking for a microwave that is easy to use? Choose models with simple control panels and big digital displays. Clear button labels help you see what each button does. These features make the microwave simple for anyone to use, no matter how much experience you have. Some microwaves have preset buttons for common tasks, which can make cooking faster. One-touch buttons help you start your meal quickly. Pick a microwave with a simple layout that needs fewer steps to operate. This makes it easier to learn how to use it. Even basic models with push-buttons or dials can be easy if you have visual impairments or don’t like complicated controls. Look for safety features like child locks and mute buttons. These keep the microwave safe and quiet to use.
Design and Materials
When you pick a microwave under $150, how it looks and what it’s made of matters a lot. Some models have stainless steel, plastic, or composite shells. Each material affects how the microwave resists scratches, stains, and heat over time. Check what the microwave is made of to find one that lasts longer and looks good. Many affordable microwaves have removable glass or ceramic turntables. These make cleaning easier and help food cook evenly. The door, handle, and control panel also matter. They need to be sturdy and comfortable to use. At this price, microwaves are usually smaller and lighter. This makes them easier to move around but might mean they aren’t as heavy-duty. Choosing the right materials helps your microwave stay working well and look nice for a long time.
Special Features Included
Affordable microwaves under $150 have useful features that make cooking easier. Many have preset buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and drinks. These buttons let you start cooking quickly with just one press. Some models include digital displays and timers, so you can see how long your food will take and keep track easily. Child safety locks help keep kids safe and prevent accidental use.
Some microwaves can defrost food by weight or time, which helps you cook more evenly and accurately. Even at this low price, you might find models with extra functions like convection cooking, air frying, or grilling. These add more ways to cook your food with one appliance. Basic features like turntables help make sure your food heats evenly. Also, mute controls reduce noise, so your microwave runs quietly.
All these features give you good value for your money. They add useful options and convenience without going over $150. This way, you get the essential features you need for daily use at a good price.
Durability and Warranty
When choosing a microwave, it’s important to think about how long it will last. A microwave that breaks easily can be frustrating. Look for a brand that offers at least one year of warranty. This helps cover any problems like broken parts or malfunctions.
Check what other customers say about the microwave’s durability. See if they mention issues like peeling inside or control stops working. A brand with a good reputation usually makes reliable appliances. Also, find out if the company offers good support if you need repairs. Make sure help is available in your area.
Cheaper microwaves often have plastic parts that break more easily. Spending a little more can give you a microwave that lasts longer. Good warranty coverage and a sturdy design help protect your investment. This way, your microwave will work well for a long time, and you won’t worry about fixing it soon.
Price and Value
Microwaves that cost less than $150 usually give you the basic features you need and are easy on your budget. They handle simple cooking tasks but may not have fancy options like inverter cooking or multiple modes. These ovens often have smaller sizes and fewer preset buttons, which means less variety in how you can use them. The lower price usually means the parts and design are simpler and the microwave may not last as long. To get the best deal, compare features carefully and read what other people say about them. Pick a microwave that matches your cooking needs without spending too much. Even if they lack high-end features, many affordable microwaves work well for everyday use. They are a good choice if you want something reliable that doesn’t cost a lot.
DK Jacks is a passionate food enthusiast, recipe developer, and culinary explorer. With a love for both traditional and innovative flavors, DK brings a fresh perspective to the kitchen. When not experimenting with new ingredients, you’ll find DK capturing food moments through the lens or sharing cooking tips with fellow foodies.🍽️📸✨
Last update on 2025-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
