Best Portable Microwave Oven Comparison
Are you in the middle of a kitchen renovation project or simply moving to a new home?
Chances are that if you are currently interested in the best portable microwave oven comparison, you probably need something that is better than the last one you used.
In the case that you are a first time buyer, reading through microwave buying guide like this will definitely prove helpful. Practically, this will help you think through the available options with a comparative perspective. So that you’ll become able to choose the one that matches your preferences in all ramifications.
Moreover, the best microwave oven reviews make it easier to identify the available models that are within your current budget. Perhaps, you already have a fixed budget in your mind.
Below the following paragraphs, there is an interesting range of affordable microwave oven under $100, $300 and $500. In other words, there is a great model for every budget. Going forward, you’ll also find some other key relevant points that need consideration before you buy one.
Types of Microwave Oven
There are different types of microwave in the market. When you are intending to buy microwave online or offline, the one you choose will mostly likely depend on your peculiar preferences. However, if you are experienced user, you may want to skip this section. But for first time buyers, thinking through these variations will make your purchase decision practically easier. So let’s go through a brief overview.
Solo Microwave
This is the most basic and simplest type. A lot of first time users often start with this type of microwave. For simple heating of fast meals, reheating and defrosting, this is probably the best option. Interestingly, they are usually cheaper when compared to other advanced models. So if your current need is just about heating and defrosting fast meals, there is no need spending more on those models that will cost you more money. This type usually comes with single magnetron.
Combinational Microwave
If you have heard about the term ‘all in one microwave’, this is the one being referenced. In specific terms, this includes the standard microwave, convection oven and grilling option. The key point is that you can do a variety of meal preparation with it. Some its core features include horizontal wire, a drop down door and integrated fan that circulates air around the cavity.
Convection Microwave
Here is another type that has been proven to work well for grilling, baking and normal heating. Inside most of the convection ovens in the market, you’ll find a blower and heater that are used for baking meals. From cake to pizza, pasta and popcorns, this type of microwave will help you prepare a variety of meals in a timely manner. While there aren’t much differences when you compare convection vs standard oven, the fan function differs a little bit. Instead of surrounding the food with air, like standard oven does, convection oven circulates the air through the fan function.
According to some past users, convection oven is known to cook and bake foods faster. Assuming you have tested the two types on your own, you are likely to know which one works faster in terms of meal preparation.
Besides these three major types mentioned above, there are some other slight variations with regard to countertop, under cabinet and under counter microwave,
Best Portable Microwave Oven Reviews
Based on publicly available sales statistics and past user experiences found through our research, here are the best budget portable microwave in 2019. If you have a particular brand in mind, you are very much likely to find it here. Hence, we’ve included great models from the best microwave brands in the market.
Samsung MS11K3000AS Countertop Microwave Oven
Selling slightly under $150, Samsung MS11K3000AS price puts it among the best affordable models in the market. And from design to functionality, you’ll experience that same level of distinction that Samsung products are known for. Assuming you are interested in an easy to clean microwave with ceramic enamel interior, this a cool model you should give consideration.
The actual product dimension is 20.4 x 16.9 x 11.7 inches which means it wouldn’t take much space in your kitchen. Whenever there is need to move it around the 31.9 pounds weight make it practically easy to be carry by anybody in your home.
On this sturdy kitchen appliance, you’ll find a polished stainless steel handle right there on the dark door which makes it impossible to see what is inside while cooking.
Right beside the door, there is a digital control system that comes with metal dial.
One of the key impressive features of Samsung MS11K3000AS is the vapor sensing technology. With this feature, you can have the cooking time adjusted automatically. And that’s how you can get the same flavor and taste of your foods every time. This means you don’t have to rely on guesswork or instinct.
So if you want to get an even heating of your foods every time, there are three microwave distribution points that will help with that.
With the Eco Mode feature, some display functions can be turned off when it is not in use. In practical terms, this could help you save a dollar or two in your household electricity bill. The real capacity is 1.1 cubic feet while the voltage is 120 volts. Depending on where you choose to buy Samsung MS11K3000AS, you can find it mostly in a combination of silver and black colors.
Pros
- Sufficient capacity for family meals
- 3 heating points for even cooking
- Bill cutting Eco Mode
- Powerful cooking sensor
Cons
- Not the best for beverage related foods
- Makes slight noise while in use
Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven
Based on my research for this post, I found out that there are prospective buyers looking specifically for Toshiba microwave under $100. If you are one of these people, this particular model is worth giving a thought. Besides being affordable, it has great features that will give you almost the same cooking, baking and heating output like other high end models.
The core component of this product is made of strong stainless steel material polished in light black color. From the very first impression, this adds to the attractive design of the product.
From one context to the other, the digital control which has interior LED lights help users to set and adjust cooking options based on the type of meal you want.
Precisely, there are six preprogrammed options for a variety of cooking needs.
All you have to do is to select the function that suits your current needs and then leave everything for this machine to handle them for you. Whether you are preparing potatoes, pizza or frozen beverage, this appliance will serve your needs perfectly well.
Please note that the keypad comes with protection film at the point of purchase, so you have to peel it off. Right there in front of this Toshiba EM925A5A-BS, you’ll find One Touch Start buttons. From 1 – 9 minute, you can select how long you want to cook just by pressing a single button. And you still want to add additional time while still cooking, you should press the Start button to add more time.
The main oven capacity is about 0.9 cubic feet. In comparison to Samsung microwave reviewed earlier, the weight is a bit lighter with exact number being 27 pounds.
Main product dimension is measured around 19.2 x 15.9 x 11.5 inches. Output power is 900 watts while voltage is 120 volts.
To help reduce noise when running, you can mute the beep. And this is one key things that make this product different from many other competing models in the market. If you have ever had a microwave that makes annoying noise, you probably won’t want to buy such again. So this one is qualified to be an upgrade for you. Like most other Toshiba microwave, this one also has side vents as well.
Pros
- Good for small and large countertops
- Beeping mute button
- Very easy to adjust settings with LED lights
- Strong and polished stainless steel material
- Very much affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t have rubberized base
- Defrost function lags a little bit
Kenmore 70719 Small 700W Countertop Microwave
When it comes to all things electronics, this brand Kenmore is one of the oldest names in the market. By narrowing things down a little bit, you’ll also see they have great microwave models at different price points you can choose from. However, this kenmore 0.7 cu ft microwave is just one of them.
As one of the best portable microwave under $100, kenmore 70719 seems to be practically affordable to everyone intending to buy one at this time. Just so you know, the price range is currently below $70.
So if you are currently interested in microwave for small kitchen or dorm rooms, both the size and price of this model could be perfect match for your current needs.
To achieve an even cooking output, this product makes use of Concave Reflex System. The main thing is that it concentrates the heat on your food from start to finish. Even though it has 6 cooking functions like the model reviewed earlier, the turntable tray makes it a bit different. You can use this to arrange or take food as you like. This try system also adds to the convenient and easy cleaning experience you’ll get when you start using it.
In addition to this, there is a child safety lock system that was built into to the appliance. This is to ensure that under age children wouldn’t get hurt by accident.
If you have a question regarding the use of cooking sensor on this one, please be informed that this one doesn’t have it. In the case that microwave with cook sensor is a top priority for you, you should consider other models like Panasonic NN-SD681S or Sharp SMD2470AS.
It is also worth noting that the maximum microwave cooking time on this one is 59 minutes. According to the manufacturer, the actual wattage on Kenmore 1719 is 700 watts. Probably, you may have noticed that in the name description.
When you are heating, you can still have the timer working properly. No stopping at all. And then, there is the LED lights that makes everything visible even in dark spaces.
In case of emerging need for replacement glass plate, you may want to confirm from the seller at the very point of purchase. Please do that before you click the buy button. And please, don’t forget to test all of the stipulated features when it arrives in your home. Sure you wouldn’t want to waste time on replacement headaches when there is an issue of factory defects.
Pros
- Powerful and silent motor
- Responsive keypad buttons
- Easy to clean turntable tray
- Comparatively affordable
Cons
- Outer casing heats up faster
Panasonic NN-SN966S Microwave Oven
For some interesting number of reasons, there are people specifically interested in Panasonic microwave oven. One good example is this, if you have used any product from this brand, including a microwave and then found great satisfaction from it, you are likely to have a preference for Panasonic.
On a different note, someone you trust so well might have used one good model like Panasonic NN-SN966S and then recommended same to you based of satisfactory value for money.
Whatever the case may be, Panasonic is known to bring good and affordable electronics to the market. And when it comes to microwave oven, they have great models too.
In different types of cooking contexts, consistency of tasty output is the desire of everyone. However, you don’t have to rely on guesswork. But that is exactly what most conventional microwave ovens leave you with. Instead of that, advancement of technology now makes it possible to get even cooking and tasteful foods almost every time. This is what Panasonic can help you to accomplish with this model.
Practically, the power fluctuation associated with traditional ovens that make use of magnetron tend to undercook or overcook foods.
To avoid such situation which often affect food quality, Panasonic makes use of inverter technology. With this technology, your appliance can maintain higher level of power consistency. This is where the whole concept of even cooking is based.
In line with the above stated facts, this model comes with 1200 watts which is considered to be very high in comparison to others that offers under 700W.
Probably, there is a different set of meals that you eat more often than others. If that is the case, the Smart Cooking Sensor can be set to adjust based on the type of food you want to prepare. You can also use this to set how warm the food should be until it is needed to be served. And then there are 14 preset menu items. Right there on the menu screen, visibility of preset options like sauces, soups and desserts make selection to be very easy for all user levels.
The actual capacity on this one is about 2.2 cubic feet.
Pros
- Larger cooking capacity
- Wide menu options
- High power capacity
- Perfect elimination of guesswork
- Consistent and even cooking with inverter technology
Cons
- Priced a bit higher
- Noisy beeping sound
Commercial Chef CHM770SS
One key benefit of modern microwave is that cooking now takes less time and energy. With most of these modern technology powered appliances, you can set your food on fire and get busy doing other things. Moreover, you can now have a wide range of preset cooking, heating and defrosting options inside a single machine. In other words, food and cooking limitations are now being reduced drastically.
With a sleek, space saving design, the 12.38 x 17.81 x 10.31 inches won’t fill take up the remaining space in your kitchen. During setup and other use cases, the 23.2 lbs weight also means you can easily move this to the proper place without needing or waiting for extra help.
In terms of power capacity, 700 watts is what you get on this model. So it’s not as high as what is obtainable from the rival model reviewed above.
Talking about the best portable microwave reviews under $100, here is another great model that is worth considering. The current price point means you don’t have to spend big amount of money in order to get what you want in an affordable microwave.
Like many others in this microwave buying guide, it is made mainly of steel material.
Included in the One Touch Menu buttons are the options for frozen food, pizza, beverage, potato, popcorn, pasta and reheating. Unlike some others that have been reviewed earlier, this appliance offers users up to 10 cooking power levels. Please note that there is no option to turn off the sound on this one. Assuming that rotating carousal is really important to you, this product has been confirmed to come with that feature.
When you buy Commercial Chef CHM770SS on Amazon or anywhere else, it comes with 3 feet power cord. For the sake of replacement accessories after purchase, please confirm from the seller.
It is also important to read through the return and replacement policy.
Pros
- Affordable mid-range price
- Very clear control settings
- Sufficiently large turntable
- Child lock feature
Cons
- Absence of 30 seconds button
- High tendency for sliding off the kitchen countertop
Oster OGG61403 Microwave
Even though it is not a popular brand, the confirmations from past users found through our research shows that this product delivers great value for money. Among other impressive facts is that it is moderately priced below $200. To get started with Oster OGG61403, 10 variable power levels come with it. In addition to that, you also get 6 cooking options.
To support consistent and even cooking meal preparation output, this product was built with 1200 watt capacity. The capacity on this particular model is about 1.4 cubic feet.
At 39 pounds in terms of weight, it is comparatively heavier than other models we have mentioned in these portable microwave reviews.
However, it doesn’t really matter as much since it is a stationery kitchen appliance.
Also included in this product is glass turntable which is very easy to clean. Dealing with grease and oil from your cooking activities don’t have to take much time to clean up. Unfortunately, you cannot turn off the beeping sound just like other rival models. But the sound doesn’t make really disturbing loud noise.
In case you want to buy Oster OGG61403 on Amazon, you may be familiar with their return policies. But if this is your first time, please endeavor to read the return and replacement policy before you make the actual purchase. Don’t base anything and everything on assumption.
If you want perfect, consistent and even cooking, the high power wattage which makes this one stand out is enough to give you what you want.
Conclusion
As we have noted earlier, there are different motives that bring people into the market in search of the best portable microwave. Obviously, the things that bring newlywed to the market may be different from the motives that bring everyone else to microwave reviews like this one.
But whatever the features that matter most to you, the variety of microwave reviews and comparison in this post will certainly contain one or two models that will match your personal preferences.
In terms of affordability, this buyer guide contains some of the best microwave brands with great models at different price points. From $70 to $200, you are definitely going to find something that is affordable within your current budget.
Finally, it is also important to reiterate the need to confirm the return and replacement policy before you make the actual purchase. From simple baking to heating and defrosting, following the links contained in this post will lead you to the sales page where you can find microwave that do all of these things perfectly well.