Best Countertop Microwaves for $150 or Less
Low-cost, high-performing models you can rely on
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Some of the best countertop microwaves that Consumer Reports tests cost less than $150—many perform nearly as well as models that cost much more. They offer all the essential core functions you need, plus a little more than you might bargain for (like temperature sensors).
When you’re upgrading your kitchen, you might want to invest in a high-end countertop microwave to blend in with your other appliances. But in other situations—say, when you’re shopping for a microwave for a student’s first apartment or for guest use in a vacation rental—you can spend a lot less and still get one that’s capable of serving up hot food in a timely fashion. (See CR’s Back-to-School Guide for more recommendations on campus essentials.)
Here, listed in alphabetical order by size, are the best countertop microwaves for $150 or less that impressed in CR’s tests. Note that prices may differ from retailer to retailer, and availability may vary. For more guidance as you shop, see our microwave buying guide. And dive into our complete microwave oven ratings for even more options.
Best Small Countertop Microwaves
Smaller microwaves (offering just 0.7 cubic feet of internal space) tend to be more affordable, so inherently this category offers the most options among microwaves costing $150 or less.
CR’s take: Like most small microwaves, the Commercial Chef CHM770B is underpowered. But it may be all you need for a college dorm or home office. This model is a champ at heating evenness, acing our mashed potato test, but it’s a slowpoke at heating a simple bowl of water. It’s average at defrosting and is pretty quiet. And for the price, it’s worth a look.
CR’s take: The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 stands out with its retro flair. It won’t appeal to everyone, but if it does to you, you’ll be happy to know that it’s the best small microwave in our tests, underpowered and all. The Galanz lags at heating speed compared with bigger models and may try your patience, but once it gets going it heats evenly and operates quietly. And it earns a strong rating for defrosting. Plus, it looks good and the price is right.
CR’s take: The Insignia NS-MW07BK0 upholds small microwaves’ reputation for below-average heating speed, but it performs better than most small models. In our tests, this model’s heating evenness and defrosting earn favorable ratings. And it’s very quiet. But if you’re in a hurry for your food, you’ll have to wait because its score for speed of heating is disappointing. Insignia countertop models receive a very good rating for predicted reliability but a bottom rating for owner satisfaction in CR’s member surveys.
Best Midsized Countertop Microwaves
Midsized countertop microwaves under $150 offer anywhere between 1 and 1.4 cubic feet of internal space, and offer better heating performance than smaller models for the money. You also get decent finish and features, like temperature sensors.
CR’s take: The midsized Galanz GSWWD11S1S10 doesn’t check all the boxes, but it’s reasonably priced and earns strong ratings for both heating evenness and ease of use, meaning you don’t have to consult the owner’s manual to figure out how long to reheat a bowl of pasta. It also runs quietly, which is a plus for those midnight snacks. However, its heating speed and defrosting evenness are only so-so, according to CR’s lab tests.
CR’s take: The midsized Galanz GSWWD12S1SA10A boasts a stellar rating for heating evenness. Our testers find the machine’s controls easy to use and understand. Plus, this model is quieter than most countertop microwaves, garnering the second-highest mark on our noise test. On the downside, this model’s speed of heating is middle of the road.
Best Large Countertop Microwaves
A bigger microwave doesn’t always translate to a larger price tag. These large countertop microwaves (with a roomy internal capacity ranging from 1.4 to 2.2 cubic feet) performed well enough in our tests considering their sub-$150 prices, and this list includes one CR Recommended model.
CR’s take: Though it isn’t the speediest microwave, the large Galanz GSWWD14S2S11 gets the job done if you exercise a little patience. It heats evenly, earning a near-top-level score on that test, and is pretty quiet. It’s easy to figure out the controls right out of the box, so if you fail to read the owner’s manual, no problem. Like many of the best microwaves, it has a sensor that detects when your food is done so that it doesn’t become dry and unappetizing.
CR’s take: When you run the numbers on the large Hamilton Beach P11043ALH-WTB, they add up nicely. The price is low and it scores high on most of our performance tests (garnering a CR Recommended Smart Buy label), including a superb rating for heating evenness, meaning your food heats thoroughly. It’s not the speediest model in our ratings, but it runs quietly and easily defrosted a pound of ground beef in our tests. Based on CR member surveys, the brand scores a top-notch rating for predicted reliability but a less-than-satisfactory rating for owner satisfaction.
How We Test Countertop Microwaves
CR testers use real-world heating scenarios to determine the efficiency of microwaves. In our labs, we test their heating evenness by reheating cold mashed potatoes and checking the temperature in several areas of the dish.
To get a reading on their ability to heat food quickly, we measure how long it takes to heat water. We also use the defrosting feature to see how well they can thaw 1 pound of frozen ground beef. Our testers also judge the microwaves’ noise levels on high and how easy it is to use their various functions without having to dig up the manual.
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