A good affordable microwave is one that meets your needs, fits your budget, and has reliable performance and features. There are many factors to consider when choosing a microwave, such as size, power, design, functions, and warranty. In this article, we will help you find the best microwave for your home by comparing some of the top-rated models in 2024.
The size of the microwave is important because it determines how much food you can cook at once and how much space it takes up on your countertop or in your cabinet. You should measure the available space in your kitchen and the dimensions of the dishes you usually use before buying a microwave. The capacity of microwaves is measured in cubic feet, and the average size is around 1.2 to 1.8 cubic feet. However, you can also find smaller or larger models depending on your needs.
Power
The power of the microwave is measured in watts, and it affects how fast and evenly it heats up food. The higher the wattage, the faster the cooking time and the better the results. However, higher wattage also means higher energy consumption and higher price. The average power of microwaves is around 900 to 1100 watts, but you can also find models with lower or higher wattage depending on your preferences.
Design
The design of the microwave is a matter of personal taste and style, but it also affects the ease of use and cleaning. Some of the features to look for in a microwave design are:
A door handle or a push-button release. A handle is easier to clean and less likely to break than a button, but harder for some people to use.
A turntable or a flatbed. A turntable rotates the food for even heating, but it can be noisy and hard to clean. A flatbed does not have a rotating plate, but it can fit larger dishes and is easier to wipe down.
A digital or a dial control panel. A digital panel offers more options and settings, but it can be confusing and hard to see. A dial panel is simpler and more intuitive, but it can be less precise and less versatile.
The functions of the microwave are the features that make it more convenient and versatile for different cooking tasks. Some of the common functions of microwaves are:
Preset programs or auto-cook modes. These are pre-programmed settings that automatically adjust the time and power for specific foods, such as popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. They can save you time and guesswork, but they may not work well for all types of food or personal preferences.
Sensor cooking or smart sensor. This is a feature that automatically detects the humidity level of the food and adjusts the time and power accordingly. It can prevent overcooking or undercooking, and ensure optimal results. However, it may not work well for some foods, such as frozen or packaged items.
Inverter technology or power level. This is a feature that allows the microwave to vary the power output during the cooking cycle, rather than cycling on and off. It can provide more even and consistent heating, and preserve the texture and flavor of the food. However, it may not work well for some foods, such as popcorn or bacon.
Convection or air frying. This is a feature that combines microwave and fan-forced hot air to cook food faster and crispier. It can also bake, roast, and grill food, making the microwave more versatile and multifunctional. However, it can also make the microwave more expensive and bulky, and require more cleaning and maintenance.
Warranty
The warranty of the microwave is the guarantee that the manufacturer provides for the quality and performance of the product. It can cover the parts, labor, and service for a certain period of time, usually from one to five years. The warranty can give you peace of mind and protection in case of any defects or malfunctions. However, you should also check the terms and conditions of the warranty, such as the exclusions, limitations, and requirements.
Comparison of the best affordable microwaves in 2024
Based on our research and analysis, we have selected the following four models as the best affordable microwaves in 2024. We have compared them based on their size, power, design, functions, and warranty, as well as their price, ratings, and reviews.
Table
Model
Size
Power
Design
Functions
Warranty
Price
Rating
Toshiba EM131A5C
1.2 cu. ft.
1100 W
Stainless steel, handle, turntable, digital panel
Preset programs, sensor cooking, power level, mute option
1 year
$130
4.6/5
Panasonic NN-SN67HS
1.2 cu. ft.
1200 W
Stainless steel, button, turntable, digital panel
Preset programs, sensor cooking, inverter technology, keep warm function
1 year
$165
4.5/5
Sage Quick Touch Crisp
0.9 cu. ft.
900 W
Stainless steel, handle, flatbed, digital panel
Preset programs, sensor cooking, power level, convection, air frying
2 years
$350
4.4/5
Russell Hobbs Scandi
0.8 cu. ft.
800 W
Black, handle, turntable, dial panel
Preset programs, power level, defrost function
2 years
$85
4.3/5
Conclusion
A good affordable microwave is one that meets your needs, fits your budget, and has reliable performance and features. There are many factors to consider when choosing a microwave, such as size, power, design, functions, and warranty. In this article, we have helped you find the best microwave for your home by comparing some of the top-rated models in 2024. We hope that this article has been informative and helpful for you. Thank you for reading!
