9 Best Countertop Microwaves Under $100 (November 2026)

The best countertop microwaves under 100 dollars include the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave for everyday family reheating, the Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave for shared studio kitchens, and the BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave for small lunch stations.

On this page (9 sections)

1. How we chose countertop microwaves under 100 dollars
2. What separates these budget countertop microwaves?
3. Which budget countertop microwave suits your routine?
4. How do you choose a countertop microwave under 100 dollars?
5. How should you set up a budget countertop microwave?
6. How can you reheat food more evenly?
7. How do you keep a budget microwave clean?
8. Which common buying mistakes should you avoid?
9. Which countertop microwave under 100 dollars should you choose?

The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave is our first choice for a countertop microwave under 100 dollars, provided its current cost meets your cap. Its middle-size interior offers a practical starting point for everyday meals without using as much counter space as the larger picks.

Choose around your dishes and available space first. A compact microwave that fits a lunch bowl can still be wrong for a wide dinner plate or a tall covered container.

For broader size and feature guidance, see our countertop microwave buying guide. Our best countertop microwaves roundup covers a wider range of models.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday family reheating

   BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave

   8.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for shared studio kitchens

   Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave

   8.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for small lunch stations

   BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave

   8.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave

   Best for larger dinner plates
   Check it
5. 5

   Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave

   Best for late family meals
   Check it
6. 6

   Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave

   Best for repeat meal routines
   Check it
7. 7

   BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Child Lock Microwave

   Best for tight counter corners
   Check it
8. 8

   Chefman Compact 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave

   Best for compact stainless kitchens
   Check it
9. 9

   Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave

   Best for planned freezer meals
   Check it

How we chose countertop microwaves under 100 dollars

We prioritized usable size, cooking output and daily controls, with counter space central to the ranking. A larger cavity earns its place only if you need the room and can accommodate the appliance safely.

The scores reflect those trade-offs, rather than preset count alone. A lower-ranked model can be the better choice for your kitchen if it solves a specific need, such as muting beeps or fitting a shallow counter.

Use this group as a shortlist, then confirm current cost before ordering. Finish, capacity and model number matter because similar-looking microwaves can have different controls and dimensions.

What separates these budget countertop microwaves?

The main choice is between compact single-portion models, middle-size everyday models and roomier meal reheaters. The comparison below puts their measurements together so you can eliminate poor fits before reading each recommendation.

The smallest models make sense when your routine centers on mugs, bowls and lunch containers. The middle-size choices leave more room for everyday dishes, while the largest options deserve attention if a compact turntable would limit you.

Controls separate otherwise similar picks. Decide whether you need food shortcuts, saved settings or muted beeps, then compare the models that already pass your space and dish checks.

Which budget countertop microwave suits your routine?

Start with the BLACK+DECKER middle-size model for general use, then move toward a smaller footprint or a specific control feature as needed. Each recommendation below explains both the buyer it suits and the reason to choose something else.

1

BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for everyday family reheating

8.6/10Our score

• 0.9 cu ft capacity
• 900 watts
• 6 one-touch presets
• Child safety lock
• 10.6 in removable glass turntable

A middle-size choice for households reheating individual meals throughout the day. The push-button door and food shortcuts suit a straightforward daily routine.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Six food shortcuts
• Push-button door release
• Clock and kitchen timer

Cons

• Takes more room than the compact picks
• Less dish space than the larger models

The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave suits households reheating separate meals throughout the day. Its 900 watts give it more output than the compact picks, while the 10.6 in removable glass turntable provides a useful dish-fit reference.

The push-button door is worth considering if you prefer pressing a release instead of pulling a handle. Check that you can reach the button comfortably from the position where the microwave will sit.

Its food shortcuts include dinner plate reheating, but portion size and starting temperature still affect the time needed. For a mixed meal, spread dense food toward the outside and check the center before serving.

Choose it for a flexible daily routine; skip it for unusually wide plates or a counter that only accommodates the smallest models. Our small countertop microwave guide is a useful next step if this footprint takes too much room.

2

Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for shared studio kitchens

8.4/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• 6 cooking presets
• Mute button
• Child safety lock

A compact black option for single portions and shared living spaces. The mute control silences beeps, and the glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Mute option
• Six food presets
• Top-rack dishwasher-safe turntable

Cons

• Lower output than the middle-size picks
• Small interior limits larger dishes

The Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave fits a studio kitchen where counter space is shared with food preparation. Its mute option is especially useful when someone eats breakfast or reheats a snack while another person sleeps nearby.

Muting removes the control beeps, not the sound of the appliance running or the door opening. Choose it for fewer alerts rather than expecting silent operation.

The handle has a child safety lock that opens by pulling upward on its top edge. Every regular user should understand that motion before the microwave becomes part of a shared routine.

The glass turntable can go on the dishwasher's top rack, which helps when spills build up around lunch containers. Let it cool before removing it for cleaning.

Choose it for small portions and fewer beeps; skip it for frequent large meals. Its 700-watt output also calls for patience when meal instructions assume a more powerful microwave.

3

BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for small lunch stations

8.3/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• Six pre-programmed buttons
• 10 power settings
• Push-button door release

A compact pick for lunch containers, drinks and small portions. Its push-button door, clock and kitchen timer support a simple break-room routine.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Six food presets
• Push-button door release
• Removable glass turntable

Cons

• Small turntable limits wide dishes
• Lower output suits less hurried reheating

The BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave suits a small lunch station used for drinks, soup and individual meals. Its push-button door offers a different opening style from the compact Chefman models.

The removable 10 in glass turntable gives you a concrete starting point for checking plate fit. Measure the widest part of your usual dish, including handles, rather than assuming every dinner plate will work.

A clock and kitchen timer can help in a break room where several people use the same counter. The 30-second express function is also useful for adding a short burst after stirring a meal.

Choose it if familiar food buttons and a push-button release match your routine. Those controls are more useful than extra cavity space you rarely need.

Skip it if your main dish barely fits, since a cover or container handles may need additional room. Also consider a higher-output pick if several people will queue to heat substantial lunches.

4

BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for larger dinner plates

8.2/10Our score

• 1.1 cu ft capacity
• 1000 watts
• 12.4 in removable glass turntable
• Six pre-programmed buttons
• Child safety lock

A roomier choice when plate width rules out a compact microwave. It pairs a larger turntable with food presets and a push-button door.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 12.4 in turntable
• Six food presets
• Higher output than the compact picks

Cons

• Largest footprint here
• Needs a generous counter area

The BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft Microwave is the pick to examine when a compact turntable rules out your usual dinnerware. Its 12.4 in removable glass turntable is the clearest reason to move up from the smaller BLACK+DECKER options.

The extra room can help when heating food on a plate rather than transferring it into a smaller bowl. Still check that the plate and any cover clear the walls throughout a full rotation.

This model also provides 1000 watts of cooking output, making it a better starting point for people who regularly follow meal directions written for that power level. Always follow the food package's instructions.

Choose it for wider dishes and regular meal reheating; skip it for a cramped prep counter. It has the largest footprint here, so mark its outline on the counter and include the required ventilation space before committing.

5

Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for late family meals

8.0/10Our score

• 1.1 cu ft capacity
• 1000 watts
• Three presets
• Mute option
• Child safety lock

A larger stainless option for households that want to silence control beeps. Three presets cover popcorn, beverages and leftovers.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Mute option
• Roomier capacity
• Time and weight defrost

Cons

• Fewer food presets than several alternatives
• Large footprint

The Chefman 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave suits a household that needs more interior room but also wants to mute alerts. That combination is useful when family members eat on different schedules.

Its 3 food presets cover popcorn, beverages and leftovers. If you normally enter cooking time yourself, fewer presets needn't be a drawback.

Number-key express cooking and the +30-second button support that manual approach. Start conservatively with an unfamiliar portion, stir where appropriate, then add time instead of overheating the edges.

The child safety lock is built into the handle, so make sure everyone who uses it understands the opening motion. This matters when visitors or relatives share the kitchen.

Choose it for larger meals and control over beeps; skip it if you want dedicated shortcuts for more foods. It also needs a substantial counter area, so muting alone isn't a reason to buy this size for mug-sized portions.

6

Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave: Best for repeat meal routines

7.9/10Our score

• 0.9 cu ft capacity
• 900 watts
• Six presets
• Mute and Eco modes
• Memory function

A memory function suits people who use the same cooking settings often. Mute and Eco modes add control over beeps and the idle display.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Memory function
• Mute option
• Eco Mode disables the idle display

Cons

• Taller than the other middle-size pick
• Saved settings still need food checks

The Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave suits people who repeat a cooking routine, such as warming the same breakfast portion each morning. Its memory function lets you save frequently used settings instead of entering them each time.

Saved settings work best when the food amount, container and starting temperature stay similar. A refrigerated bowl and a frozen portion need different treatment even when they contain the same meal.

Mute mode controls beeps, while Eco Mode switches off the display when the microwave isn't in use. The separate control-panel Lock Mode is another feature to learn during setup.

This is the more feature-focused middle-size choice, especially if memory will replace repeated button presses. Its taller body needs particular attention under low cabinets.

Choose it for repeat settings; skip it if you mainly use one quick-start button. The extra functions offer little benefit when you won't use them, and the shorter BLACK+DECKER alternative may fit your space better.

7

BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Child Lock Microwave: Best for tight counter corners

7.6/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• Six preset menus
• 10 power levels
• Child safety lock

The smallest width and depth in this group suit counters where every inch matters. Multi-stage cooking can run programmed steps in sequence.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Smallest footprint here
• Multi-stage cooking
• Six food presets

Cons

• Limited room for large dishes
• Lower output than the larger picks

The BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Child Lock Microwave deserves attention when counter depth is the main limit. It has the smallest width and depth in this group, leaving more scope to preserve nearby preparation space.

That smaller body still needs ventilation clearance and room for the door to open. Don't plan to wedge it tightly between a wall and another appliance just because its dimensions fit the gap.

Its multi-stage cooking can run programmed steps in sequence, such as moving from defrosting to reheating. Use the manual to set those stages, and pause when the food instructions call for stirring or turning.

This is a sensible choice for a small apartment kitchen where bowls and individual portions make up most microwave use. BLACK+DECKER also describes the black exterior as fingerprint-resistant.

Skip it if you need generous dish space or often heat several portions together. The small footprint is its strongest reason to buy, rather than a substitute for the larger models' capacity.

8

Chefman Compact 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for compact stainless kitchens

7.5/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• Three presets
• Mute option
• Child safety lock

A compact stainless choice for basic reheating with fewer food shortcuts. The mute option and time and weight defrost controls add useful flexibility.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Mute option
• Stainless finish
• Time and weight defrost

Cons

• Only three food presets
• Compact interior limits dish choices

The Chefman Compact 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave is for buyers who want a small stainless model with muted alerts. It shares its exterior dimensions with the black compact Chefman, so choosing the finish doesn't require moving to a larger body.

The main functional distinction is its 3 food presets, compared with 6 on the black model. If beverages, leftovers and popcorn cover your shortcut needs, the smaller selection keeps those choices focused.

Time and weight defrost offer separate ways to approach frozen portions. Remove packaging that isn't microwave-safe, and follow food instructions for turning, separating and cooking after defrosting.

Choose it when stainless styling fits the kitchen and you usually enter time manually. A muted alert setting adds convenience in a combined kitchen and living area.

Skip it if you want dedicated vegetable, potato and pizza buttons, or if wide plates are central to your routine. Matching the finish is worthwhile only after the dishes and available space check out.

9

Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave: Best for planned freezer meals

7.0/10Our score

• 0.7 cu ft capacity
• 700 watts
• 10 power levels
• Six one-touch options
• Defrost by weight or time

A compact option for people who want to program cooking stages and choose defrost settings by time or weight. An easy-grip door handle offers another opening style to consider.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Multi-stage cooking
• Defrost by weight or time
• Easy-grip door handle

Cons

• Wider than several compact alternatives
• Small capacity suits individual portions

The Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave suits someone who wants compact size with programmable cooking stages. Defrost by time or weight gives you options for freezer portions, while the memory function can save favorite settings.

Its easy-grip door handle is worth comparing with the push-button BLACK+DECKER designs. Choose the opening style that feels easiest to reach and operate in your planned position.

Multi-stage cooking is useful when a recipe calls for a change in power, but it doesn't remove food checks. A dense frozen center can need more attention than the warm edges suggest.

This model fits a small-meal routine better than a large shared dinner routine. It is also wider than several other compact picks, so compare measurements instead of treating every small microwave as interchangeable.

Choose it for programmable steps and a handle; skip it when minimum width is the priority. The countertop microwave buying guide explains how to weigh those controls against capacity and placement.

How do you choose a countertop microwave under 100 dollars?

Choose by dish fit, safe counter placement and meal size, then use controls to break a tie. A microwave that saves space but forces you to change containers for every meal is a poor match.

Which countertop microwave under 100 dollars fits your dishes?

Measure the dishes you actually use, including the handles on bowls and the height of microwave-safe covers. Interior volume is only a broad guide because cavity shape and turntable size also affect fit.

A round plate that rotates freely is easier to accommodate than a rectangular container of similar width. The corners of that container need room throughout the rotation, not just when you first place it inside.

For leftovers, leave space to stir without spilling and to lift the container out safely. If several regular dishes are borderline, move up a size rather than planning around an awkward fit every day.

How much counter space should you reserve?

Reserve the appliance's full footprint plus the manual's required clearance. Check nearby cabinet doors, the microwave door swing and where you'll put a hot bowl after removing it.

A usable setup needs a landing area close by. Avoid a position that requires carrying a hot dish across the kitchen before you can set it down.

Our small countertop microwave guide helps narrow compact choices. For layout ideas, see where to put a countertop microwave in a small kitchen.

Is lower output a problem for everyday meals?

Lower output is manageable for drinks and single portions when you allow more time. Higher output becomes more useful when you heat substantial meals often or share the appliance with several people.

Check the wattage assumed by packaged meal instructions. Use any alternative directions given, and follow stirring and standing steps rather than adding a large block of time at once.

For thick food, lower power with more time can help reduce overheated edges. Our countertop microwave wattage guide explains output power in more detail.

Which controls are worth choosing?

Choose mute for fewer alerts, memory for repeated settings and express cook for quick manual starts. Presets help most when their food categories match what you eat regularly.

Don't treat a preset as a guarantee that every portion will finish correctly. Food amount, shape and starting temperature still matter.

Learn whether the child lock controls the door, the keypad or both. Follow the manual for activation and release, and keep adult supervision part of the routine.

How should you set up a budget countertop microwave?

Place it on a stable, level surface with clear vents and access to a suitable outlet. Read the installation instructions before plugging it in, since the appliance dimensions don't include its ventilation needs.

Remove packing materials and install the turntable support and glass tray correctly. Keep any interior cover that the manual identifies as a permanent part of the microwave.

Follow the manufacturer's electrical instructions and keep the cord away from water and hot surfaces. Cooking output isn't the same as electrical input, so don't use the headline wattage to judge circuit requirements.

Don't enclose a countertop model simply because it fits under a shelf. Our guide to putting a countertop microwave in a cabinet explains the placement checks involved.

Before regular use, learn stop, power adjustment and the lock release. If muting alerts, plan another reminder so finished food doesn't sit forgotten inside.

How can you reheat food more evenly?

Use a shallow, even layer, cover food with a vented microwave-safe cover when appropriate, and stir partway through. These habits matter more than choosing a preset with the right food name.

Break up dense portions and spread them across the dish. For a plated meal, arrange thicker pieces toward the outside rather than piling everything in the center.

Leave the standing time required by the recipe or package. Heat continues to spread through food after the microwave stops, so serving immediately can leave uneven temperatures.

Use short additions of time after checking the center. A food thermometer helps check reheated meals that may feel hot at the edges while remaining cooler inside.

Keep containers vented as directed, and open covers away from your face. Avoid overheating liquids, which can cause burns even when bubbling isn't obvious.

How do you keep a budget microwave clean?

Wipe up splashes after the interior cools, and clean the turntable and its support regularly. Dried food is harder to remove and can interfere with smooth tray rotation.

Use a soft damp cloth and follow the manual's cleaning guidance. Avoid abrasive pads, and don't spray cleaner directly into vents or the control panel.

Let a hot glass tray cool before washing it. Check each model's instructions before using a dishwasher rather than assuming every removable turntable is dishwasher-safe.

Keep the door edges and contact surfaces free of food debris. If the door, hinge or latch becomes damaged, stop using the microwave and arrange service.

Which common buying mistakes should you avoid?

Avoid buying by capacity or preset count alone. The best choice is the model that handles your regular dishes in a safe, convenient position.

• Measuring only width: Depth, overhead clearance and door swing can rule out a model that looks narrow enough.
• Choosing extra room without a use for it: A larger body permanently takes counter space, even when you only heat drinks.
• Expecting mute mode to silence everything: It controls alerts, while the fan, turntable and door still make sound.
• Confusing presets with food checks: Stirring, turning and standing instructions still apply.
• Ignoring shared use: Everyone should be able to reach the controls and understand the lock before heating a hot meal.

Which countertop microwave under 100 dollars should you choose?

Choose the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave for everyday flexibility, or the compact black Chefman when single portions and muted alerts matter more. If plate width rules out both, compare the larger BLACK+DECKER with the larger Chefman, choosing the latter when muting is essential.

For the smallest footprint, focus on the BLACK+DECKER Child Lock model. Choose the middle-size Chefman instead when saved settings are likely to become part of your daily routine.

Before ordering a countertop microwave under 100 dollars, confirm that current cost meets your cap and that your dishes fit. Use our countertop microwave sizes and dimensions guide to make the final space check, including clearance and door access.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday family reheating

   BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave

   8.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for shared studio kitchens

   Chefman 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave

   8.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for small lunch stations

   BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft Microwave

   8.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Can you find a budget countertop microwave with 1000 watts?

Yes, both 1.1 cu ft models here provide 1000 watts of cooking output, though current cost determines whether either fits your budget. Choose between them by dish fit, available counter space and controls: BLACK+DECKER has more food presets, while Chefman adds a mute option.

Is a 0.7 cu ft microwave large enough for everyday use?

A 0.7 cu ft microwave suits everyday use when you mainly heat single portions, drinks and small bowls; your actual dishes matter more than the capacity label. Check plate width, bowl height and room for a cover, and make sure a rectangular container can rotate without touching the walls.

What features matter most in a budget countertop microwave?

Dish fit, safe placement and cooking output matter most, followed by controls you'll use regularly; a mute button helps with beeps, memory suits repeated settings, and express cooking reduces button presses. Food presets are useful shortcuts, but they don't remove the need to stir and check meals.

How do I know if a microwave will fit my counter?

Measure usable counter width, depth and overhead space, then allow the clearance required in the microwave's manual; check door swing and access to the outlet as well as the appliance's dimensions. Our countertop microwave sizes and dimensions guide explains which measurements to take before choosing a model.