Best Cheap Black Microwave Ovens for Every Kitchen Style
Looking for affordable, reliable black microwaves that fit a small or medium kitchen? This guide highlights value-packed options with essential features like preset menus, child safety locks, and compact footprints. Best for dorm rooms, first apartments, or budget-conscious households. Below, you’ll find five solid choices, each with a quick snapshot of who it’s best for and why it stands out. A concise buying table is included to compare core specs at a glance.
Quick Buying Snapshot
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 | Small kitchens, solo meals | 10 power settings, pre-programmed keys | 700W/0.7 cu ft; push-button door |
| COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB | Quiet operation lovers | Mute function, two-step child lock | 0.7 cu ft; 700W; easy auto-cook |
| BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 | Budget buyers | Large interior for its size | 1.1 cu ft; 1000W |
| BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 | Multi-function cookers | Air fry, bake, roast, convection | 0.9 cu ft; 900W |
| FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ | Compact, easy controls | Digital panel; child lock | 0.7 cu ft |
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is a compact, 0.7 cu ft microwave with 700 watts and 10 power settings. It includes pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage, and dinner plate. The push-button door, interior light, and a child safety lock enhance everyday usability in small kitchens or dorm rooms. Best for individuals or couples who want quick, reliable heating without clutter. Caution: lower wattage models may heat unevenly for dense items; consider stirring or rotating if needed.
COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave
The COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB focuses on quiet operation and simple control. Features include a two-step child lock for extra safety and a mute function to silence beeps during cooking. It offers easy auto-cook functions with 1–6 minute ranges and +30 seconds, plus two defrost settings by weight or time. Best for small households that value quiet operation and straightforward, one-touch cooking. Limitation: fewer advanced features compared to multi-function ovens.
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave
The BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 offers a larger interior at 1.1 cu ft with 1000W output, making it a strong option for small households needing extra space without stepping up to a full-size model. It retains familiar features like popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverage, and dinner plate presets, plus a 12.4” turntable. Best for apartments or kitchens that require more room for larger items. Caution: higher wattage can demand more power from older circuits; verify electrical capacity.
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven
This BLACK+DECKER model expands capabilities with Air Fry, Convection Bake, Roast, and standard Microwave in a 0.9 cu ft cavity. It includes 900W power and 10 power levels, plus a child lock and multiple presets that cover beverages, vegetables, popcorn, and more. Best for users who want a compact, all-in-one appliance. Limitation: air frying performance is best for light, crisp tasks rather than large portions.
FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft Microwave
The Frigidaire EMW733BLACKAMZ emphasizes ease of use with a Digital Control Panel and express cooking options. Its two defrost timers give more control for reheating or warming foods, and the Child Safety Lock helps prevent unintended usage. Best for households seeking simple, predictable operation in a compact form. Caution: smaller interior may limit larger dish compatibility.
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave With Turntable
This model emphasizes a balance of size and feature set in a 0.9 cu ft interior. It provides pre-programmed buttons for common tasks, 900W with 10 power settings, a 30-second express cook option, and a large LED display. Best for users who want familiar controls in a slim footprint. Limitation: not as feature-rich as 5-in-1 or high-wattage alternatives.
Buying Guide
- Size and capacity: Choose 0.7–1.1 cu ft for compact spaces; larger interiors handle bigger dishes but take more counter space.
- Power and speed: 700–1000 watts covers most everyday tasks; higher wattage heats faster but may draw more current.
- Preset menus and one-touch cooking: Useful for common foods; verify which presets align with your typical meals.
- Safety features: Look for child locks, auto-defrost, and door mechanisms that suit your household safety needs.
- Noise and operation: Mute or quiet functions benefit bedrooms or shared spaces where sound matters.
- Durability and repairability: Stainless steel interiors are easier to clean; check return policies and warranty terms where available.
- Interior considerations: Turntable size affects the ability to use larger plates and bowls; consider a model with a larger turntable if you frequently heat bigger items.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best cheap black microwave for small spaces?
– A model around 0.7 cu ft to 0.9 cu ft, like the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 or FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ, provides compact size and essential features. - Do I need a microwave with a turntable?
– A turntable helps heat food evenly for most meals; some compact units omit it, but most budget options include one. - Is higher wattage always better?
– Higher wattage can heat faster but may not be necessary for simple reheats; consider your typical usage and electrical capacity. - Are 0.7 cu ft microwaves suitable for larger plates?
– They can be limiting for large dinner plates; choose models with 10–12 inch turntables when possible. - Are multi-function microwaves like air fry worth it?
– They offer added cooking modes in a single appliance; good for space-saving kitchens but may not replace a dedicated air fryer for heavy usage. - What safety features are common in budget microwaves?
– Child locks, auto-defrost by weight/time, and clear digital controls are commonly included in budget models.