Best Budget Microwaves Under $150

TL;DR: The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS offers a 1.2 cu ft capacity, 10 power levels, and smart sensor cooking at a solid $125.99, though its 34.6 pounds weight makes it a bulkier countertop choice.

This model’s standout spec is its 1.2 cu ft (34 L) interior combined with 10 selectable power levels and a 1000 W output, giving you plenty of flexibility for reheating, defrosting, and quick meals. The smart sensor automatically adjusts cooking time to keep food moist, while ECO mode and a mute function help save energy and reduce kitchen noise.

Compared with the eight other microwaves in the roundup, the EM131A5C-BS is deeper at 434.3 mm, out‑sizing the 16.5‑inch depth of the Nostalgia Retro Pink and the 14‑inch depth of the Galanz Retro model. It also weighs 34.6 pounds, noticeably heavier than the 28‑pound Nostalgia unit and the 20.28‑pound Galanz, so plan for a sturdy countertop. Capacity‑wise it beats the 0.7 cu ft offered by Black+Decker and Comfee, and even the 0.9 cu ft of the Farberware Classic, making it a solid middle‑ground for families.

Everyday users rave about the sensor’s ability to heat food evenly without drying it out, and professional reviewers highlight the clear digital display and reliable preset menus. The quiet operation and sleek black stainless finish earn praise for fitting modern kitchens. A few owners note that the sensor can occasionally misread humidity, leading to slight over‑ or under‑cooking, and the measured internal volume of 1.06 cu ft is a touch smaller than the advertised 1.2 cu ft.

Technical details round out the package: a 60 Hz frequency, 1550 W input power, a 1080 mm power cord, and child‑lock safety. Two‑stage cooking lets you start with high power and finish gently, while the easy‑clean interior reduces maintenance.

Best for: Families or shared households that need a reliable, medium‑capacity microwave for reheating leftovers and quick meals.

Avoid if: You have limited counter space, need a lightweight appliance for frequent moves, or require a large‑capacity oven for oversized dishes.

TL;DR: The Toshiba ML‑EM09PA offers a 0.9 cu ft chamber, 11 power levels and six one‑touch presets for $93.59, but its measured 628 W output makes it slower than higher‑wattage rivals.

At 0.9 cu ft capacity the microwave fits nicely on tight countertops, while 11 power levels let you fine‑tune heating for everything from popcorn to reheated coffee. The unit advertises a 900 W output and a generous 99‑minute maximum cooking time, and it includes a 10.6 in turntable that rotates dishes evenly.

Compared with the other eight budget models, the Toshiba is a bit heavier at 24.9 lbs – heavier than the Farberware Countertop (22.5 lbs) and Black+Decker (22.5 lbs) but lighter than the Magic Chef (27.1 lbs). Its advertised 900 W output matches the Farberware Classic and Magic Chef, while most competitors sit at 700 W. However, the tested power of 628 W falls short of the advertised figure, and professional reviewers note it can lead to slower heating than the 1000 W class units.

Everyday users praise the mute function for keeping noise down in shared apartments, and the LED interior light makes it easy to see food without opening the door. Users frequently mention the six dedicated preset menus and one‑touch start as convenient for quick meals. On the downside, the 0.9 cu ft chamber is considered small for family‑size plates, and several owners report that the black stainless finish shows fingerprints easily.

Best for: Singles, students, small households, dorm residents, and office kitchens that need a well‑reviewed, space‑saving microwave.

Avoid if: You regularly cook large meals, need rapid high‑power heating, or prefer a larger cooking chamber.

TL;DR: The Comfee EM720CPL‑PMB offers a 0.7 cu ft interior, 700 W output and 11 power levels in a 17.3 × 13 × 10.2‑inch footprint, making it a quiet, budget‑friendly choice for small kitchens.

This microwave’s most eye‑catching spec is its compact size: a 0.7 cu ft cavity fits inside a 17.3‑inch width, 13‑inch depth and 10.2‑inch height envelope, while a 10‑inch removable glass turntable spins evenly. With 11 selectable power levels and a 700‑W output, it balances flexibility and energy use, and the ECO mode claims to slash standby power by roughly 50%.

Compared with the eight other models in our roundup, the Comfee sits on the lighter side at 20.3 lb, lighter than Black+Decker (22.5 lb), Farberware Countertop (22.5 lb) and Toshiba ML‑EM09PA (24.9 lb). Its 0.7 cu ft capacity matches Black+Decker and Galanz, but falls short of the 0.9 cu ft offered by Farberware Classic and Magic Chef. The 10‑inch turntable is the same size as Black+Decker’s but a touch smaller than the 10.6‑inch plates on Farberware Countertop and Toshiba. Power‑wise, it shares a 700‑W output with Black+Decker and Galanz, yet trails the 900‑W output found in Magic Chef and Farberware Classic.

Everyday users love the unit’s quiet operation and the one‑touch presets—Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Frozen Veggie, Beverage, Dinner Plate, Reheat and Express—that make reheating a breeze. Professional reviewers note the sleek black finish and a removable glass turntable that simplifies cleaning. The downsides that surface in reviews are the modest 700‑W power, which can lengthen cooking times for larger or denser foods, and the limited 0.7 cu ft interior that restricts multi‑plate meals. The lack of sensor cooking and convection functions also means you’ll need to guess times and power levels manually.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Farberware Classic Microwave offers a roomy 0.9 cu ft interior, 900 W power and a child‑safety lock at $109.99, delivering a lightweight, feature‑rich option for small‑space kitchens.

At the heart of this model is a 0.9 cu ft cooking cavity paired with a 900 W magnetron and 10 power‑level settings, giving you enough punch to heat plates and bowls without waiting forever. The unit weighs just 1.0 pound, so it’s easy to lift for cleaning or repositioning, and the brushed stainless steel finish keeps it looking sleek on any countertop. An LED display and interior lighting make setting times and checking food simple, while the built‑in child safety lock adds peace of mind for families.

Compared with the other eight entries, the Farberware Classic stands out for its combination of size and weight. It matches the Magic Chef MC99MB’s 0.9 cu ft capacity and 900 W output but is dramatically lighter than the 27.1‑pound Magic Chef unit. Most of the remaining rivals—Toshiba, Nostalgia, Galanz, Black+Decker and Comfee—offer only 0.7 cu ft capacity and lower power (700 W to 800 W), making the Farberware better suited for everyday meals while still being far lighter than those models, which tip the scales at 20 pounds or more.

Many users consistently praise the compact footprint, the bright LED interior light and the handy child lock, calling the microwave “well‑built” and “easy to use.” Professional reviewers note the surprisingly even heating pattern and gentle defrost performance, even though some owners mention that cooking can feel a bit slower than on higher‑wattage units. A few also point out that the interior height is limited, so very tall containers may not fit comfortably.

Best for: Home and office users seeking a balance of features and value

Avoid if: You need rapid cooking speeds, large or tall dishes, or a portable unit for very limited desk space

TL;DR: At $89.99, the Farberware Countertop Microwave offers a 0.7 cu ft capacity, 700 W power and a 10.6‑inch turntable, making it a compact, stainless‑steel option for small kitchens.

The Farberware model packs a 0.7 cu ft interior, 10 power levels and six one‑touch programs (popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage, dinner plate). Its 700 W output and 10.6‑inch turntable work together with an LED display, interior lighting and a child‑lock safety feature.

Compared with the eight other budget microwaves, this unit sits in the middle of the weight range—lighter than the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA at 24.9 lb but heavier than the Comfee' EM720CPL‑PMB (20.3 lb) and Galanz Retro (20.28 lb). Its 0.7 cu ft capacity matches Black+Decker, Comfee' and Galanz, while the Farberware Classic and Magic Chef models offer a larger 0.9 cu ft cavity. The 700 W output aligns with Black+Decker, Comfee' and Galanz, but falls short of the 900 W used by the Classic and Magic Chef, and the 800 W of the Nostalgia Retro Pink. The 10.6‑inch turntable is larger than the 10‑inch plates on Black+Decker and Comfee', yet smaller than the 11.22‑inch turntable on the Nostalgia model.

Users consistently praise the microwave’s small footprint—its 12.99‑inch depth and 17.3‑inch width fit tight countertops in apartments and dorm rooms. Reviewers like the straightforward one‑touch buttons and the easy‑to‑clean stainless‑steel exterior. Professional reviewers note the durable build and the convenience of the memory function for custom cooking cycles. The main complaint is the 700 W power, which can mean longer heating times compared with higher‑wattage competitors.

The unit includes a 3‑ft cord, LED interior lighting and a memory function that stores custom settings. Multi‑stage cooking lets you program several steps in one go, and the built‑in timer and clock add kitchen convenience without extra gadgets.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Magic Chef MC99MB is a 0.9 cu ft countertop microwave with 900 W power, digital touch controls and six auto‑cook presets, priced at $109.99 and backed by a 1‑year warranty.

The MC99MB packs a 0.9 cu ft interior and a 900 W output, giving you enough room for a dinner plate while still delivering solid heating for everyday meals. Its digital touch panel, built‑in timer, push‑button door release and child‑lock add convenience and safety, and the six auto‑cook menus (popcorn, pizza, baked potato, beverage, frozen vegetables, dinner plate) plus express cook and add‑30‑seconds features let you start common dishes with a tap.

At 27.1 lb, this model is heavier than the Farberware Classic’s listed 1.0 lb but lighter than Toshiba’s EM131A5C‑BS at 34.6 lb and comparable to the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA’s 24.9 lb. Its 0.9 cu ft capacity matches Farberware Classic’s 0.9 cu ft while exceeding the 0.7 cu ft capacity of Galanz, Black+Decker and Comfee models. The 900 W output ties with Farberware Classic’s 900 W but outpaces the 700 W output of several rivals, promising quicker cooking than those lower‑watt units.

Reviewers appreciate how the compact footprint (14.5 in depth, 19.1 in height, 11.5 in width) slides onto small countertops, dorm rooms or office kitchens. They also repeatedly praise the digital interface and preset menus for ease of use. However, users note that 900 W can feel slower compared with higher‑watt microwaves, and the California Proposition 65 lead‑exposure warning raises a safety concern for some buyers. The unit doesn’t target large families or anyone needing a bigger cooking volume.

The microwave offers 10‑11 power‑level settings, an add‑30‑seconds button for fine‑tuning, and an auto‑defrost function that works by weight or time. Together with the built‑in kitchen timer, these features give you granular control without needing separate knobs or dials.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $109.99

TL;DR: The Galanz Retro Microwave offers a compact 0.7 cu ft interior, a 9.6‑inch turntable and 700 W power in a bold blue, retro‑styled design for tight spaces.

This model packs a 9.6‑inch turntable inside a 0.7 cu ft cavity, letting you fit larger plates than many other sub‑$150 microwaves. It delivers 700 watts of cooking power across 10 power levels, and the unit weighs 20.28 pounds, making it easy to place on a small countertop.

Compared with the Nostalgia Retro Pink, the Galanz is lighter than the 28‑lb unit and has a smaller turntable (9.6 in vs. 11.22 in) and lower power (700 W vs. 800 W). It’s also lighter than the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS, which tips the scales at over 34 lb, and its turntable is a bit smaller than the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA’s 10.6 in but larger than the 10‑in turntables on Black+Decker and Comfee models. Power‑wise, it matches the 700‑W output of Black+Decker and Comfee, yet falls short of the 900‑W output found in Magic Chef and Farberware Classic microwaves.

Reviewers love the nostalgic blue finish and the straightforward LED display with clock and timer. Professional reviewers note the surprisingly large turntable for a 0.7 cu ft unit, which helps heat food more evenly. Common complaints focus on the modest 0.7 cu ft capacity and the 700‑W output, which can lengthen cooking cycles, and the lack of convection or sensor cooking features.

Additional tech details include 7 auto‑cook programs, 10 auto‑reheat presets, a 95‑minute maximum timer, a 30‑second quick‑start button, child‑safety lock, and an energy‑saving mode.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $139.99

TL;DR: For $76.99 the Black+Decker EM720CB7 offers a 0.7 cu ft stainless‑steel microwave with 700 W output, digital LED controls and sensor cooking, making it a solid budget pick for small spaces.

The EM720CB7 packs a 0.7 cu ft interior and a 10‑in turntable, delivering 700 W of cooking power across 10 power levels. Its digital LED panel features six to eight one‑touch presets—including popcorn, pizza and a 30‑second express boost—plus a child safety lock, sensor cooking, defrost and an interior light. All of this sits inside a compact 17.3 × 13.0 × 10.2‑in footprint and weighs 22.5 lb.

Compared with the eight other models in this roundup, the Black+Decker weighs the same as the Farberware countertop unit (22.5 lb) but tips heavier than the Comfee (20.3 lb) and Galanz (20.28 lb) options. Its 10‑in turntable matches the Comfee’s size yet sits slightly smaller than Farberware’s and Toshiba’s 10.6‑in plates. The 0.7 cu ft capacity mirrors the Comfee and Galanz models, yet it falls short of the 0.9 cu ft spaces found in the Farberware Classic and Magic Chef microwaves. Power output matches the Comfee and Galanz at 700 W, but Magic Chef and Farberware Classic deliver 900 W, which can speed up larger meals.

Reviewers consistently praise the stainless‑steel look and the intuitive digital interface, noting that the sensor cooking feature takes the guesswork out of reheating leftovers. Professionals have highlighted the unit’s even heating performance, while some users point out that the 700 W output makes cooking larger dishes slower. The limited 0.7 cu ft cavity also means you’ll need to plan around smaller plates, and the lack of convection or venting means you won’t get browning or crisping.

Technical details round out the package: the microwave runs on 120 V at 60 Hz, draws 1050 W of input power, and comes with a one‑year warranty. The express cooking button adds an extra 30 seconds on demand, and the built‑in clock and kitchen timer round out everyday convenience.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You need high‑speed cooking, larger capacity, or convection features

TL;DR: The Nostalgia Retro Pink microwave blends a vintage pink look with an 800 W, 0.9 cu ft cavity and 12 preset programs, but its 28‑lb weight can make countertop placement a bit of a workout.

The standout spec is its 800 W power output paired with a 0.9 cu ft interior, letting you heat leftovers quickly while still fitting on a modest countertop. The unit sports a turn‑and‑push program dial, a 2‑action child lock, delay timer, express cooking button, and an LED digital clock, all inside a glossy pink plastic shell measuring 16.5 in depth, 20.5 in width and 11.5 in height. With 12 pre‑programmed settings and five power levels, the microwave keeps operation simple.

Compared with the eight other models in this budget roundup, the Nostalgia weighs more than the Galanz (20.28 lb), Farberware Countertop (22.5 lb), Black+Decker (22.5 lb) and Comfee' (20.3 lb) options, but less than the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS (34.6 lb). Its turntable measures 11.22 in, larger than the 9.6 in on the Galanz and the 10‑in turntables on Black+Decker and Comfee', yet comparable to the 10.6 in on the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA. Power‑wise, 800 W sits above the 700 W models (Galanz, Farberware Countertop, Black+Decker, Comfee') but below the 900 W output of the Farberware Classic and Magic Chef MC99MB. Capacity matches the Farberware Classic and Magic Chef at 0.9 cu ft, while it outpaces the 0.7 cu ft units from Galanz, Black+Decker and Comfee'.

Reviewers consistently praise the retro pink finish for brightening small kitchens, dorm rooms or apartment countertops. They describe the dial controls and preset programs as intuitive, and deem the 800 W output sufficient for everyday reheating. Professional reviewers note the design as a differentiator and the power level as reliable, though they point out the lack of in‑depth durability testing. Users flag the 28‑lb weight—sometimes reported as up to 35 lb—as making moving the unit a hassle, and several listings show slightly different dimensions, which can cause confusion during planning.

Best for: Buyers who value a stylish retro look and need a compact microwave with solid power output.

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need a lightweight, basic microwave for occasional use.