Home & Kitchen / Microwaves
Last updated: Written by: Rafael Rocha

The 5 Best Microwaves under $250

Five microwaves under $250, compared by practical comparisons, product format, documented specifications and fit for the intended use.

Our top 5 microwaves under $250

Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black product image from Amazon

01 — Chefman

Best for compact modern controls

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

4.3/5Amazon
$69.95In Stock

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. has a 0.7 cu ft cavity, 700W output and ten power levels. It suits compact modern controls, but 0.7 cu ft limits plate diameter.

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Reasons to buy

+Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. has a 0.7 cu ft cavity, 700W output and ten power levels.

Reasons to avoid

−0.7 cu ft limits plate diameter.

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu.Ft, 700W, Stainless Steel | Digital Controls, Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 10 Power Levels, Removable Turntable product image from Amazon

02 — BLACK+DECKER

Best for everyday countertop reheating

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven

4.2/5Amazon
$79.95In Stock

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven has a 0.7 cu ft stainless-look cabinet and 700W output. It suits everyday countertop reheating, but counter depth should include rear clearance.

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Reasons to buy

+BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven has a 0.7 cu ft stainless-look cabinet and 700W output.

Reasons to avoid

−Counter depth should include rear clearance.

Total Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Small Microwave Oven,700W | Microwave for Kitchen, Stainless Steel, Compact, Countertop with Digital Touch Controls, Child Safety Lock, 10-Inch Turntable product image from Amazon

03 — TOTAL Chef

Best for small-space 0.7 cu ft

Total Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Small Microwave Oven

3.9/5Amazon
$95.98In Stock

Total Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Small Microwave Oven is a compact 0.7 cu ft, 700W countertop model. It suits small-space 0.7 cu ft, but the small cavity can limit larger bowls.

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Reasons to buy

+Total Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Small Microwave Oven is a compact 0.7 cu ft, 700W countertop model.

Reasons to avoid

−The small cavity can limit larger bowls.

Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven - 0.7 Cu Ft, 700-Watt Countertop Size with Glass Turntable, Child Safety Lock, 8 Auto-Cook Programs, Digital Clock - Black product image from Amazon

04 — Nostalgia

Best for retro countertop style

Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu Ft

4.0/5Amazon
$73.30Only 11 left in stock (more on the way).

Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu Ft pairs a 0.7 cu ft, 700W cavity with retro controls and a child lock. It suits retro countertop style, but retro controls still need useful power settings.

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Reasons to buy

+Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu Ft pairs a 0.7 cu ft, 700W cavity with retro controls and a child lock.

Reasons to avoid

−Retro controls still need useful power settings.

Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 cu.ft.1000 Watts, Stainless steel | 10 Power Levels With Multi-Stage Cooking,6 Preset Options,Defrost By Weight Or Time,LED Display,Express Cooking product image from Amazon

05 — Farberware

Best for larger 1.1 cu ft capacity

Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven

4.4/5Amazon
$119.99In Stock

Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven has a larger 1.1 cu ft cavity, 1000W output and defrost settings. It suits larger 1.1 cu ft capacity, but the 1.1 cu ft cabinet takes more counter space.

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Reasons to buy

+Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven has a larger 1.1 cu ft cavity, 1000W output and defrost settings.

Reasons to avoid

−The 1.1 cu ft cabinet takes more counter space.

Price information

Amazon price and availability checked Oct 18, 2026, 12:02 AM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.

Our process

How we picked.

We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.

  • 01
    Relevance

    Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.

  • 02
    Specifications

    We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.

  • 03
    Use case and fit

    We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.

  • 04
    Strengths and limitations

    We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.

Read our full methodology →

Good questions

FAQ — Microwaves under $250

01Is 0.7 cubic feet enough for everyday microwave use?+

It can be enough for mugs and small plates; larger dishes may need a 1.1 cu ft cavity. Check interior plate diameter and counter depth, not only cubic-foot capacity, for the dishes you use.

02How do Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. and BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven compare for microwaves under $250?+

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. has a 0.7 cu ft cavity, 700W output and ten power levels. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven has a 0.7 cu ft stainless-look cabinet and 700W output.

03What should I know about Total Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Small Microwave Oven when choosing microwaves under $250?+

Total Chef 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Small Microwave Oven is a compact 0.7 cu ft, 700W countertop model. It suits small-space 0.7 cu ft, but the small cavity can limit larger bowls.

04When would I choose Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu Ft over other microwaves under $250?+

Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu Ft pairs a 0.7 cu ft, 700W cavity with retro controls and a child lock. It suits retro countertop style, but retro controls still need useful power settings.

05Who is Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven best suited to among these microwaves under $250?+

Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven has a larger 1.1 cu ft cavity, 1000W output and defrost settings. It suits larger 1.1 cu ft capacity, but the 1.1 cu ft cabinet takes more counter space.

The short answer

Start with the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft..

It is our first pick for this guide’s exact scope. Choose another option when its stated use case or trade-off better matches yours.

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