Microwaves are a kitchen essential, but they don’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of great microwaves available for your budget.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best microwaves under $200. We’ll consider factors like wattage, features, and size to help you find the perfect microwave for your needs.
Key factors to consider when buying a microwave under $200
-
Capacity
How much food do you typically cook in the microwave? If you only cook for yourself or a small family, you can get away with a smaller microwave.
But if you cook for larger groups, you’ll need a larger capacity.
-
Wattage
The higher the wattage, the faster the microwave will cook food.
A good starting point is to look for a microwave with at least 1000 watts.
-
Features
What features are important to you? Some microwaves have features like convection cooking, defrosting, and sensor cooking.
If you want these features, be sure to factor them into your budget.
-
Ease of use
How easy is the microwave to use? Do the controls make sense? Is the display easy to read? If you’re not a tech-savvy person, you’ll want to choose a microwave that’s easy to use.
-
Brand
Some brands are more reliable than others. If you’re looking for a microwave that will last, do some research on different brands.
-
Read reviews online
This is a great way to get feedback from real people who have bought and used the microwave.
Top picks for the best microwaves under $200
1. Toshiba EM925A5A-SS Microwave Oven
The Toshiba EM925A5A-SS Microwave Oven is a fantastic choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful microwave that won’t break the bank.
With its sleek stainless steel design, this appliance effortlessly fits into small spaces, making it perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or even compact kitchens.
One of the standout features of this microwave is its impressive 900-watt power capacity, which ensures fast and efficient cooking.
Whether you’re reheating leftovers or preparing a quick meal, this microwave delivers consistent and even cooking results every time.
The 10 power levels allow you to customize your cooking experience, giving you full control over how your food is heated.
Additionally, the express cook buttons make it incredibly convenient to prepare common dishes at the touch of a button.
The easy-to-use control panel adds to the overall user-friendly experience of this microwave. With clear labels and intuitive buttons, adjusting settings and selecting functions becomes a breeze.
Another handy feature is the defrost function, which lets you thaw frozen food quickly and efficiently.
Whether you forgot to take out meat for dinner or need to defrost some veggies, this microwave ensures your food is ready to cook in no time.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Efficient cooking performance
- Versatile power settings
- Quick cooking options
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited cooking capacity
- No advanced features
- Short power cord
- Limited warranty coverage
2. Panasonic NN-SN65KW Microwave Oven
Panasonic NN-SN65KW is a fantastic kitchen appliance that offers a range of features at an affordable price.
With a 1.2 cu. ft. capacity, it provides ample space to cook meals for small to medium-sized families.
The inverter technology is a standout feature, ensuring even heating throughout the food, resulting in perfectly cooked dishes every time.
One of the highlights of this microwave is its 13.4-inch turntable, which accommodates large dishes with ease. Whether you’re heating up a casserole or defrosting a whole chicken, this spacious turntable allows for this.
Additionally, the sensor cooking feature takes the guesswork out of cooking times. It automatically adjusts the power levels and cooking time based on the food’s moisture content, delivering precise results consistently.
The easy-to-use control panel makes operating this microwave a breeze. With intuitive buttons and clearly labeled functions, even beginners can navigate through the various settings effortlessly.
The sleek white design adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen decor, blending seamlessly with other appliances.
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- Spacious interior for larger meals
- Consistent heating performance
- Intuitive cooking controls
- Attractive and modern appearance
Cons
- Limited color options.
- Relatively basic features.
- May not fit in smaller kitchens.
3. Galanz Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
Galanz Retro is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen.
With its retro design and chrome accents, it adds a touch of vintage charm to your countertop.
The compact size makes it perfect for small kitchens or limited counter space.
It contains multiple power levels. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking a quick meal, you can easily adjust the power to suit your needs.
The express cooking buttons are a convenient addition, allowing you to quickly start cooking with just a press of a button.
The LED display with a digital clock adds to the retro aesthetic and provides easy-to-read information at a glance. You can keep track of the cooking time and make sure your food is heated to perfection.
Additionally, the defrost function is a lifesaver when it comes to thawing frozen food quickly and efficiently.
Galanz Retro offers excellent value for its affordable price tag. It combines style, functionality, and convenience in one package.
Whether you’re a retro enthusiast or simply in need of a reliable microwave oven, this product is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Stylish and unique appearance
- Suitable for limited space
- Easy-to-use controls
- Quick cooking options
Cons
- Limited capacity for larger dishes
- Lack of advanced features
- Durability concerns
- May not fit all kitchen aesthetics
4. Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBKN Microwave Oven
Farberware Classic FMO11AHTBKN is a fantastic kitchen appliance that offers convenience, efficiency, and versatility, all at an affordable price.
With its 1.1 cubic foot capacity, this microwave provides ample space to accommodate a wide range of dishes, making it suitable for both small and large households.
One standout feature of this microwave is its powerful 1000 watts of power, which ensures quick and efficient cooking.
Whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen food, or cooking a meal from scratch, the Farberware Classic delivers consistent and even results every time.
The multiple cooking presets are a game-changer, allowing you to effortlessly cook popular dishes with just the touch of a button.
The 10 power levels also enable you to customize the cooking process to suit your specific needs.
The easy-to-use control panel is intuitive and user-friendly, making it a breeze to navigate through the various functions and settings.
The compact design of the Farberware Classic ensures it won’t take up excessive counter space, making it ideal for kitchens with limited room.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Versatile cooking options
- Compact size fits in smaller kitchens
- Efficient and powerful performance
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited interior capacity
- Lacks advanced features
5. Whirlpool® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
I recently purchased the Whirlpool® 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave and I must say it has exceeded my expectations.
This microwave boasts a 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, providing ample space to heat up my meals without taking up too much counter space.
Its compact and sleek countertop design fits perfectly in my kitchen, adding a touch of modernity to the overall decor.
Priced under $200, it offers great value for money without compromising on quality.
The multiple power levels allow me to adjust the cooking intensity according to my needs, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time.
The easy-to-use controls make operating this microwave an easy task.
The intuitive interface and clearly labeled buttons make it simple to navigate through the settings and select the desired cooking options.
Whether I’m defrosting, reheating, or cooking from scratch, this microwave simplifies the process.
Moreover, its compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens or limited counter space. It efficiently utilizes the available space while still providing a generous capacity for cooking.
Pros
- Cost-effective option
- Versatile cooking capabilities
- Fits well in small kitchens
- Convenient for reheating
- User-friendly operation
Cons
- Limited capacity for larger dishes
- Not suitable for heavy-duty use
- May lack advanced features
What are some of the benefits of buying a microwave under $200?
- Affordability. Purchasing a microwave under $200 allows you to stay within a budget without compromising on functionality.
- Space-saving. Compact microwave models under $200 are ideal for smaller kitchens or limited counter space.
- Versatility. Many microwaves in this price range come with a variety of preset cooking options, allowing you to easily prepare different types of dishes.
- User-friendly features. Despite the lower price, microwaves under $200 often include intuitive controls, timers, and defrosting functions for user convenience.
- Energy efficiency. Modern microwave models under $200 often have energy-saving features, helping you reduce your electricity consumption.
- Aesthetics. There are various stylish microwave designs available under $200, allowing you to choose a model that complements your kitchen décor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are microwaves under $200 of good quality and durable?
Yes, microwaves under $200 can be of good quality and durable.
There are many reputable brands that offer affordable microwaves with features that meet the needs of most consumers.
Are there microwaves under $200 that offer convection or grill functions?
Yes, there are microwaves under $200 that offer convection or grill functions.
These microwaves offer a variety of features, including convection cooking, grilling, and baking.
They are a great option for people who want a versatile microwave that can do more than just reheat food.
Are microwaves under $200 energy-efficient?
Yes, microwaves under $200 can be energy-efficient. Look for an Energy Star-rated microwave with a wattage of 700 to 1000 watts.