Finding good microwave deals that will save oodles of cash on this unsung kitchen hero can sometimes be overwhelming, but we've rounded up the best Cyber Monday microwave deals around in the run-up to the year's biggest shopping event. Capable of doing anything from reheating that coffee you forgot on the kitchen counter to preparing a full meal in mere minutes, it's hard to remember how we ever functioned without microwaves.
From the best compact microwaves that take up minimal counter space to the best over-the-range microwaves that cleverly double up as an extractor fan, there are a variety of different microwave deals to consider. Luckily, we've rounded up the best bargains currently around and then explored some cheap microwaves that are always a good deal, no matter whether they're officially on sale or not.
However, there are a few features to consider before you plunge into the latest microwave deals on offer. From countertop space to capacity to power, we've examined all the necessary considerations here.
Alternatively, if you know exactly what you want, discover the best Cyber Monday microwave deals around below.
Cyber Monday microwave deals
• Amazon: Save up to 20% on Farberware microwaves on Amazon
• Walmart: Take up to $100 off select microwaves at Walmart
• Target: Score a microwave for under $100 at Target
• Best Buy: Make a $170 saving on select microwaves at Best Buy
• Lowe's: Save up to $750 when you buy 6 or more appliances at Lowe's
Microwave deals
We've scoured the web to find you the best microwave deals currently available. Whether you want to find a cheap and cheerful option, or you're looking for a great price on something a little fancier, check out the discounts we've discovered below. In the run-up to the Black Friday microwave deals on the horizon, we'll be adding to this page regularly, so make sure to check back if you're keen on bagging a good deal.
Cheap microwaves
Want to know how to get a microwave for cheap without having to sacrifice quality? We've rounded up some of our favorite products on the market – these are known for being a great deal for the amount of money you pay. Check out these microwaves, their specs and our summary of their features below.
If you would have told us that you could find a microwave that features a power output of 1,000 watts for just $70, we would have been skeptical at best. However, the Hamilton Beach Digital Microwave Oven certainly delivers. While 1,000 watts is a power output figure usually found in more expensive microwave models, it's certainly a useful feature to have when you want to create speedy meals.
However, its power output isn't the only exciting feature. The Hamilton Beach microwave also features a plus-30-seconds button (perfect for quickly reheating a forgotten cup of coffee), a child safety lock, one-touch express buttons that go up to one minute and more. Another useful feature is a kitchen timer that doesn't affect the use of the microwave, enabling you to heat some food while timing something else entirely). Those who are short on kitchen countertop space will also love the option to mount this microwave on the wall instead.
If you're looking for a countertop microwave that will deliver power for a fantastically affordable price, look no further than the Toshiba EM925A5A. Delivering useful pre-programmed settings, a 10.6-inch diameter glass turntable that's designed to cook food evenly and the One Touch Start function for even speedier meals, this is a fantastic purchase for anyone looking for a decent microwave at a decent price.
With a premium-looking black stainless steel finish, this microwave will slot seamlessly into even the most stylish kitchen. Meanwhile, the LED interior lighting and digital display make using the microwave easy and convenient. You can even turn off the sound of the timer – perfect for those who have to eat breakfast at an early time without disturbing anyone else. if you're concerned about energy efficiency, this model also offers a power saving mode.
It's hard to match the combination of power and affordability offered by the Hamilton Beach microwave, but this Farberware microwave does its best. Offering the same size and wattage as Hamilton Beach, the Farberware Classic 1000W Microwave also offers 10 different power levels, 1-6 minute Express Cooking quick start controls, Add 30-Seconds control and a Memory Function to store and call up previous cooking settings.
Some users on Walmart have noted that this microwave can be 'louder than expected', so this might be one to avoid if quietness is a priority for you. However, if you don't mind some noise, then you might be tempted by the larger 12.4 inch removable turntable and the ability to defrost by time or weight. This microwave also features a KeyPad Lock to prevent unsupervised use.
The Black+Decker Compact Countertop 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt is a great cheap microwave, as it’s available for under $100. Offering 1 cubic feet of internal space, this microwave isn’t the largest, but it is stunningly affordable. For the money you get 10 power levels with multi-stage cooking, customizable cooking with six one-touch cooking programs and a clear LED display.
Lightweight and compact, this cheap microwave features a digital control panel so that you can easily select which setting you need (from popcorn to potato to pizza). You can also defrost by weight or by time settings, making this a great option for anyone who regularly plunders one of the best freezers for dinner. While this is a great compact microwave, it's worth noting that the minimal 700 watts of power will make an impact on your cooking times, so you might want to invest in a microwave with a little more juice if that's important to you.
If you're looking for an over-the-range microwave that won't break the bank, the GE JVM3160RFSS is a great option. Usually available for less than $300, this is a robust microwave that will survive all the wear and tear of daily kitchen life. Plus, its 1.6 cubic feet capacity will enable you to heat up larger dishes.
While this microwave doesn't feature sensor cooking, there is a warm power setting that's designed to keep your food warm when it's finished cooking but you aren't ready to eat yet. You'll also find the ordinary presets for foods such as popcorn, potatoes and more as well.
The GE JVM3160RFSS also features two different fan speeds and two different light settings as well, giving you a little more flexibility for how your microwave looks, sounds and performs. You'll also be pleased to note that the entire microwave is under a one-year warranty, while the magnetron features an impressive 10-year warranty too.
Coming in at under $100, this red microwave from Insignia is a fast and affordable way to achieve a vintage look. Antique-style appliances are popular choices as they offer a colorful and playful design. Featuring 0.7 cubic feet of capacity, this machine doesn't boast a huge size, but it will be ideal for small kitchens or those lacking countertop space.
Despite the analog controls, it has nine preset cooking functions, ten power levels and a defrost setting, giving you plenty of choice for heating different dishes. It's worth noting, however, that the standard 700 watts of power may impact your cooking times, so this option may be best for someone using a microwave for occasional preheats, or those looking primarily for style.
With 1,000 watts of power and a 1.6 cubic feet capacity, this Samsung microwave will easily stand up to everyday cooking, even for large families. It's available for just over $200, making it a great offering for the relatively low cost. With a stainless steel design, it'll also be a versatile addition to any kitchen whether modern or traditional.
The auto-cook setting is this machine's selling point. Simply enter the food and weight and the pre-programmed setting will cook it perfectly. taking the guesswork out of cooking and making your quick dinners that little bit easier. It also has a powerful 300 CFM ventilation fan which quietly reduces unwanted steam, fumes and cooking odors so you can avoid that dreaded pre-heated food smell around the home.
- Read our GE JVM3160RFSS review
What to look for in a microwave
When Top Ten Reviews tests microwaves for our best compact microwaves and best over-the-range microwaves buying guides, there are a few key aspects that we think are vitally important to consider. One somewhat–obvious feature is how well a microwave cooks food – does it leave behind cold spots? Or burned spots? Does it evenly cook the food?
There are two things to look out for to help ensure your shiny new microwave cooks your food correctly: a turntable (which is fairly standard) and sensor cooking. The latter feature involves the microwave using sensors to measure the amount of steam coming from your food. It then uses this information to determine when it's finished cooking. This technology can even be used to automatically set the power levels and adjust the cooking or defrosting time – a super useful feature that's great for taking the guesswork out of cooking.
It's also important to consider how much power and space you want and need from your microwave. The two key specs to look at are the cubic foot capacity and the wattage. If the appliance you're looking at is under 1 cubic foot capacity, then it would be considered on the smaller side and you would struggle to cook anything larger than a dinner plate. However, a 1.4 cubic foot capacity would likely enable you to heat up large casserole dishes, so if you have a large family to cook for then you might want to consider sizing up.
Meanwhile, the wattage of microwaves can vary wildly, but most seem to sit around the 800-1,000W mark (although the upper range of wattage can actually hit 1,950W!). A wattage of 1,000W will be perfectly serviceable for most users (and many microwaves with wattages as low as 700W or 800W are absolutely fine, so don't discount a microwave with a lower wattage if it ticks all of your other boxes).
Another aspect to consider when looking for a good microwave deal is what type of warranty you're going to get. It's worth looking out for a separate, longer warranty for the microwave's magnetron. This isn't overly common and not every microwave manufacturer will offer it, but it's a useful thing to have (some of these magnetron-specific warranties will often last as long as ten years). However, you're more likely to see an all-encompassing warranty that usually lasts for one year.
Once you've ticked off the essentials, you'll want to consider features that simply make your microwave easier to use. We love the Plus-30-Second button on our own microwave and couldn't imagine having a microwave without one now, so we'd whole-heartedly look out for a microwave with this feature (this shouldn't be too hard, as it's pretty common now). It's also useful to have One Touch Quick Cook buttons to set the microwave cooking – these usually go up to six minutes. Most microwaves will also feature preset buttons for food items such as popcorn, pizza and potatoes. You'll also usually see Defrost functionality in most appliances too.
