7 Best Microwaves Under $150 in 2026
Seven countertop microwaves under $150, from 0.6 cu ft dorm models to 1.1 cu ft 1000W units, compared on output watts, size, controls and child lock.
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At a Glance
A microwave under $150 can be either a compact 700 watt box for a dorm shelf or a full 1.1 cubic foot, 1000 watt countertop unit. The number that changes your daily experience most is not the price or the cubic feet, but the output wattage, because package directions assume roughly 1000 watts.
We compared seven picks on listed output power, interior size, turntable details, controls and safety features. Dorm rules often cap microwaves between 900 and 1200 watts, and a survey of 101 universities found that 47 allow microwaves while 25 ban them, so verify your housing rules first. Prices change often.
6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Microwaves Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Output watts versus input watts
Output watts is the power that cooks the food, while input watts is what the outlet draws and is higher. Package directions usually assume about 1000 watts, so a 700 watt microwave needs longer times. Look for output watts in the title or specs, and confirm which number a dorm cap refers to.
Cooking time at lower power
Retailer examples show soup taking 3:35 in a 1000 watt microwave and 5:10 in a 700 watt one. That matters for a student making quick lunches. Add time and stir for compact units.
Turntable diameter
Cubic feet does not say if a dinner plate fits. A standard plate is about 10 to 11 inches, and many compact models have a smaller turntable. Look for the turntable diameter in inches in the spec sheet.
Footprint and shelf fit
A 1.1 cubic foot microwave can be 20 inches wide and 15 inches tall, which is too big for many dorm shelves. Measure your space and add ventilation clearance. Compare exterior dimensions.
Dorm and fridge top rules
Placing a microwave on a mini fridge needs both manuals to allow it and the fridge top to carry the weight. A 35 pound unit may exceed some limits. Check each manual.
Controls and safety features
Child lock, mute and presets all affect daily use. A dial is simple but a digital panel has presets. Look for the features in the bullets.
7 Best Microwaves Under $150 in 2026
BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave
About this pick
BLACK+DECKER is a 1.1 cubic foot, 1000 watt microwave measuring 20.6 by 16.5 by 11.8 inches, with six one-touch presets, 10 power levels, an express cook feature and a control panel lock. The finish is fingerprint resistant.
At $89.94 it costs about the same as the Frigidaire, and it states its exterior size. Compared with the Farberware, it costs $30 less with the same 1000 watts.
Choose it for an apartment or office kitchen. The caveat is its width of 20.6 inches, which is too big for a dorm shelf.
Best for: Apartments and offices
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Full 1000 watt power
- +Exterior size is listed
- +Control panel lock
- +Low price
Cons
- −Too large for tight shelves
- −Turntable size not stated
Frigidaire 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Stainless Microwave
About this pick
Frigidaire is a 1.1 cubic foot, 1000 watt microwave with a stainless exterior, a white interior, an interior light, child lock, a digital display and an auto cook menu. The listing gives the size as 21 by 18 by 15 inches and 35 pounds.
It costs $89, about the same as BLACK+DECKER, and weighs more than the compact units. It has a stainless finish where the Black+Decker is black.
Best for a kitchen where look matters. The caveat is weight and footprint.
Best for: Stainless kitchens
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Stainless finish
- +Child lock
- +Interior light
- +Priced under $90
Cons
- −Heavy at 35 pounds
- −Wide footprint
Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave
About this pick
Farberware is a 1.1 cubic foot, 1000 watt stainless microwave with ten power levels, six one-touch settings, express cooking buttons for 1 to 6 minutes, and an add 30 seconds control. The interior is easy to clean and has a light.
It costs $119.99, about $30 more than BLACK+DECKER and Frigidaire, which have similar specs.
Choose it if you like Farberware. The caveat is that the price gap is not backed by new features in the listing.
Best for: Fans of the brand
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Express keys for 1 to 6 minutes
- +Add 30 seconds control
- +Interior light
- +Stainless finish
Cons
- −Costs $30 more
- −Specs match cheaper rivals
Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft 900W Microwave
About this pick
Chefman is a 0.9 cubic foot, 900 watt stainless microwave with a mute option, an eco mode that turns off the display, memory function, multiphase cooking and six presets.
It is the only one here with a mute option, which matters in shared rooms. It costs $109.99 and offers less power than the 1000 watt models.
Best for a shared dorm kitchen or bedroom. The caveat is that 900 watts needs a little longer than package times.
Best for: Shared rooms
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Mute option silences beeps
- +Eco mode turns off display
- +Memory function
- +Six presets
Cons
- −900W cooks slower than 1000W
- −Midrange price
Nostalgia Retro 0.9 Cu Ft 800W Microwave
About this pick
Nostalgia is a retro styled 0.9 cubic foot, 800 watt microwave with 12 preset settings, a delay timer, express cooking and an LED clock. The chrome handle and accents give it a vintage look.
It costs the same as Chefman at $109.99 but has lower power and no mute option. It has the most presets.
Choose it if you want a retro look. The caveat is the 800 watt power.
Best for: Retro kitchens
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Twelve preset programs
- +Delay timer
- +LED clock
- +Retro look
Cons
- −Only 800 watts
- −No mute option listed
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Compact Microwave
About this pick
BLACK+DECKER's compact microwave is 0.7 cubic feet and 700 watts, with a 10 inch turntable, interior dimensions of 14.2 by 12.8 by 8.1 inches, six one-touch programs, LED lighting and a child lock. The front is a handless white design.
It costs $81.27, the lowest price here, and it lists a turntable size, which most listings omit. It is much smaller than the 1.1 models.
Perfect for a dorm shelf or small office. The caveat is that a 10 inch turntable fits a smaller plate than a standard 10 to 11 inch dinner plate.
Best for: Dorm shelves
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Turntable size listed
- +Interior size listed
- +Child lock
- +Small footprint
Cons
- −Only 700 watts
- −10 inch turntable is tight
Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu Ft Dial Microwave
About this pick
Commercial Chef is a 0.6 cubic foot, 700 watt microwave with a mechanical dial timer from 30 seconds to 30 minutes, six power levels and a push button door. It measures 17.75 by 13.44 by 9.56 inches and weighs 23.1 pounds.
It is the smallest here and costs $97.49, more than BLACK+DECKER 0.7 at $81.27. It has no digital display.
Best for someone who wants simple dials. The caveat is price versus the digital 0.7 model.
Best for: Simple dial users
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Simple dial, no menus
- +Smallest footprint
- +Push button door
- +Light at 23 pounds
Cons
- −Costs more than a digital 0.7
- −Only six power levels
How We Evaluated These Microwaves Under $150
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Output power
We compared listed output watts.
Size and fit
We compared interior and exterior dimensions and turntable data where listed.
Controls and safety
Child lock, mute and presets were weighed.
Price
Every pick is under $150 when gathered.
How to Choose the Right Microwaves Under $150
By Power Needed
Wattage decides how long meals take.
| Your situation | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Most meals, package times work | BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave |
| Stainless 1000W | Frigidaire 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Stainless Microwave |
| Quiet shared room | Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft 900W Microwave |
| Compact dorm shelf | BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Compact Microwave |
| Retro look at 800W | Nostalgia Retro 0.9 Cu Ft 800W Microwave |
By Budget
| Price range | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| $81 to $82 | BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Compact Microwave |
| $89 to $90 | BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave |
| $97 to $98 | Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu Ft Dial Microwave |
| $109 to $110 | Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft 900W Microwave |
| $119 to $120 | Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave |
Compact vs Full Size
Compact 0.6 to 0.7
Fits dorm shelves but has lower power and a smaller turntable. That is BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Compact Microwave and Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu Ft Dial Microwave.
Full 1.1
More power and room but wider. That is BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave, Frigidaire 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Stainless Microwave and Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave.
Most dorm rooms need a compact model, and everyone else should pick a 1000 watt one.
Control Style
| Your concern | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Prefers a dial | Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu Ft Dial Microwave |
| Wants a mute option | Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft 900W Microwave |
| Wants 12 presets | Nostalgia Retro 0.9 Cu Ft 800W Microwave |
| Wants one-touch plus express keys | Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave |
For Dorm Rooms Specifically
Look for
Output watts under the school's cap, a small footprint and a listed turntable size.
In this comparison
BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Compact Microwave lists 700 watts and a 10 inch turntable, and Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu Ft Dial Microwave lists 700 watts and a footprint.
When to Spend More
Spend more if
You cook full meals. BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave and Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave offer 1000 watts.
Save if
You only reheat. BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft 700W Compact Microwave costs $81.27.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts does a dorm allow?
It depends on the school. One school lists 900 to 1200 watts and another caps at 1000, so ask whether the limit is output or input. The BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft at 700W is the lowest-draw pick if you hit a cap.
Do I need 1000 watts?
Package times assume near 1000 watts. Lower wattage works but needs more time. The BLACK+DECKER, Frigidaire and Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft models are 1000W, while the Chefman is 900W and the Nostalgia Retro 800W.
Can I put a microwave on a mini fridge?
Only if both manuals allow it and the fridge top supports the weight. The Frigidaire 1.1 Cu Ft is listed at 35 lb, which many small fridges are not rated to carry.
Will a dinner plate fit?
Check the turntable diameter. The BLACK+DECKER 0.7 Cu Ft has a 10 inch turntable, which fits smaller plates but not a large dinner plate. A 1.1 cu ft model gives more room.
Are microwave fridge combos allowed?
Some schools rent them. Check your school, and if you buy your own, a compact unit like the Commercial Chef 0.6 Cu Ft at 17.75 x 13.44 x 9.56 inches is the easiest to fit.
What does mute do?
It silences beeps, which helps in a shared room. The Chefman 0.9 Cu Ft lists a mute option, so late-night reheating will not wake a roommate.
Bottom Line
best overall: BLACK+DECKER 1.1 Cu Ft 1000W Microwave - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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