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A good, powerful microwave can make all the difference in how a kitchen works and usually high-end priced microwaves can offer a lot of functions for the modern day kitchen. If you can’t afford the more expensive models then there are still some sleek, practical, and affordable options available on the market.
Today we are going to walk you through some of our favorites which are reliable and under the $100 budget. We have come up with a list of the top microwave which come under this price range and our team tries to test the products out before we actually post our reviews so you can trust us if you are looking for an honest opinion.
How To Choose A Microwave?
If you already have budget in mind then there are still some things you need to think about when it comes to making your final choice. You need to think about the location, if you are looking for above the countertop or built in model then you will need to double your budget. For $100 consumers can find some compact microwaves which will fit onto the countertop. Think about the space you have left on your counters and where exactly you want to put. An inch or so can make a huge difference on space if you don’t have a lot of it.
Things to Consider Before Choosing – Buyers Guide:
Choosing a microwave is a hectic process because you have to check several factors to find the best one. Here are some key points to help you make a decision:
Type of Microwave:
There are different types of microwaves available in the market. These types include countertop microwaves, over-the-range microwaves, and built-in microwaves. Every type has a different handling procedure. So you have to find the one that suits your kitchen space and requirements.
Size and Capacity:
Size and capacity is one of the key factors to consider. The size of the microwave ensures that it fits well in your kitchen. The next thing is about the internal capacity. Must check how much is the required cubic feet capacity and what capacity the companies are offering. The size and capacity totally depend on the size of the family. So have thorough research while choosing the one.
Power and Wattage:
The power factor is the next big factor to check through. The higher the power and wattage of the microwave the more energy it will consume. So keep that in mind when choosing otherwise you will end up paying high bills. The microwaves normally range from 600 to 1,200 watts. One more thing to keep in mind the higher you go with the wattage, the faster cooking you will get. So choose wisely by keeping these factors and your requirements in mind.
Features and Functions:
Along with other factors features and function are also very important to consider. Find the one that can perfectly align with your needs. Pre-programmed settings, quick-start buttons, defrost options, sensor cooking, and timers are the Common features you will find in most of the microwaves. Find the one that offers extra features like convection cooking and grilling functions etc.
Control Panel:
Find the one with the control panel layout and offers ease of use. Check for the one that has the buttons or touchpad and clear display and is easy to read. Other than that you must search for the one with smart features and voice control options. It will make your life very easy.
Safety Features:
Safety should be the priority. Always check the safety features such as child lock, overheating protection, and automatic shut-off. These are must-have features that can prevent accidents and ensure the microwave is safe to use.
Reviews and Ratings:
For a better and easy decision always read the customer reviews and ratings for the model you are choosing. These reviews can provide you an insight into the microwave’s performance, durability, and overall user satisfaction.
Budget:
What is your budget? This is one of the biggest factors that can increase or decrease the range of your choice. You can these microwaves in a wide price range. So it is better to consider the features and quality that are important to you and that fits your budget.
Brand and Warranty:
Always check the brand quality and the warranty they are offering. Always go for a reputable brand that has a great reputation for producing reliable appliances. Must check the warranty of the one you are choosing to ensure you’re covered in case of any issues.
Energy Efficiency:
Pick the one with an Energy Star rating. Energy-efficient models can save you electricity which will ultimately reduce your energy costs over time.
By considering all these factors, you can easily make an informed decision and can easily pick the one that can match your need in the allocated budget, and kitchen space.
Check out our list of the best microwaves under $100!
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| Color | Black | Stainless | Black | Black | White |
| Features | 700 Watts Output: 10 Power Levels Glass Turntable | 700 watts of cooking power, 10 power levels, Simple one-touch cooking for 6 popular uses | 10 cooking power levels provide great cooking flexibility 6 convenient quick cook settings include popcorn, baked potato, pizza, beverage, reheat and frozen dinner | 10 power levels | 6 quick set menu buttons Child-safe lockout feature | Kitchen timer/clock | RCA 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave with Electronic Touchpad 700 Watts Output: 10 Power Levels |
| Shipping | Free Shipping | Free Shipping | Free Shipping | Free Shipping | Free Shipping |
You need to have a look at the different functions which microwaves offer. Even the most basic of options will have a time, a defrost mode, cooking time and various power levels. If you find one which has default settings then this could be better because it has settings programmed in such as pizza, popcorn and frozen dinner for example.
Always look into the design and the controls. Choosing something that is practical and easy to clean is always a better option and will cause a lot less stress. Look for something that doesn’t have small knobs as grease and dirt can get trapped and then they won’t function as properly over time. Here is what we have come up with, our teams top choice for microwaves under $100.
Kenmore Countertop Microwave 73092 Review
Voted as number one on our list we chose the Kenmore countertop version. Although this is a low-priced model it has been made with durable and high quality materials. This is average in size and will fit onto any kitchen top with ease. This has actually been designed by the company Sears but is powerful with a 900 watt motor and will even defrost large amounts of frozen meals.
In white, black or stainless steel this offers a different design for any kitchen decor. This model has ten different power levels which you can cook and heat various types of food in. The door can be opened with the traditional simple push-button and there is even a top rated feature, multi stage cooking. We fell in love with this model by Kenmore because they offer a modern design, easy to clean buttons and controls and have all the functions one looks for in a microwave and all around the $80 price range.
Danby Countertop Microwave Review
Coming up second on our list is the Danby countertop model. This is great because it is compact in size but not too small to get everything done that you need doing. Although less in power, only 700 watts it still offers enough heating power to heat your meals so you won’t be waiting too long. They have colored versions and a stainless steel model. The only difference is when you purchase the stainless steel model it comes with a door handle rather than a push button. The glass turnable inside is really easy to clean and dishwasher safe and it is fool proof with the easy controls. If you don’t want the smallest model at just $40 dollars then you can choose from four different sizes all under the price range of $100.
This microwave has the one touch cooking option and again ten different power levels which make it even more popular. Danby make affordable equipment and appliances for the kitchen and we can’t find fault with the simple, stylish and affordable microwave.
Panasonic NN-SN651B Black 1.2 Cu. Ft Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
We chose this model as third on our list of runners-up because it comes only $5 above the $100 price range. Saying that Panasonic is a reliable and high quality company who have happy customers all around the world. This sleek microwave comes in black or white and is superb for the money. It will fit into any kitchen with ease and has a powerful wattage to get the heavy duty tasks done with 1200 watts. The inverter technology keeps the flavor in the food, doesn’t dry it out and has a turbo defrost option. The controls are set on a flat panel so you don’t have to worry about dirt and it comes with all the modern settings and power control options that one needs in a microwave. Panasonic offer affordable quality for the whole family and have designed extra features like a child safety lock, a keep warm feature and even a delay start feature. We have talked about this model in one of our previous posts, we really can’t get enough of it and the constant repetition is a hint at our boss to buy us one for the workplace!
Westinghouse WCM660W 600 Watt Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.6 Cubic Feet, White
If you are looking for something simpler, even more affordable and somewhat traditional then go with the Westinghouse model. You can buy this in either white or black but is a lot more reliable than the computer programmed microwaves. The only thing we don’t like are the knobs but they can be taken off to clean. This model has six convenient cooking levels and a simple 30 minute timer. The grip handle makes it easy to open and close the door with ease and it offers still enough power for your needs at 600 watts. This straightforward version of the microwave is incredibly easy to maintain and keep clean which is why it is such a popular option. This is our top pick for no fuss microwaves.
Finally Making The Choice…
We chose these four microwaves out of about twenty because of a number of reasons and we based our choice on design, function, power and other customer reviews. We try to offer equality when it comes to reviewing products and we also try to not listen to the negative reviews. We go into the process open minded so we can offer our readers an honest opinion. If you are now finally making the choice then trust our picks which will give you the best value for money but still offer you a modern design to your kitchen. A lot of hotels and bed and breakfasts like these more affordable versions and next time you drop into a hotel then check out to see if the room has a microwave. More often than not you will find one of these models there – this is a great way to try before you buy! We do think that if you increase your budget to $200 then you will probably get an even more modern, reliable model microwave and sometimes the thing to do is pay more to save more in the future. Many people like to buy the cheapest appliances they can find but end up disappointed. Don’t forget that the more you pay, the more you get. A microwave needs to be durable because of the heating process, it needs to be made of high quality materials so it doesn’t warp or even explode. Be assured though that all electrical appliances have to be certified before being set on the market so you know you and your family will be safe with whatever choice you make. We hope our article today has been of use and don’t forget to come back because our next posts are even more interesting!