Best Microwaves That You Can Get For Less Than $200

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Best Overall

LG’s NeoChef LMC2075ST
LG’s NeoChef LMC2075ST 2.0 countertop microwave is a lot of appliance for under $200. Its cavernous 2.0 cubic feet of cooking space and substantial 1200 Watt power output dwarfs all other microwaves at this price point.

Thanks to LG’s smart inverter and sensor cooking technology, this microwave’s performance is unrivaled among its peers and ensures you’ll never again overcook (or undercook) your food. The flip side of the coin is that this microwave lacks a couple of features, but that’s a small price to pay for top-quality performance.

Best Value

Toshiba EM131A5C-SS
Toshiba appliances feature heavily in our microwave reviews because, quite simply, they’re one of the best brands to own for this kind of machine, and the Toshiba 1.2 EM131A5C-SS doesn’t disappoint thanks to its superior quality and very affordable price point.

The attractive exterior is matched by features that help you cook quickly and evenly while being energy efficient. However, the defrost function is a bit over-eager and will need a little practice to get used to.

There is a happy medium to be found between the price and quality of microwaves and small kitchen appliances in general. A place where a balance is struck so you spend just enough money to know you’re buying a dependable product that can produce quality results.

We believe that the $100-$200 price range is the sweet spot for microwaves that will ensure you’ll get a good-sized capacity, some raw power, and some decent features. Sure, there are better products on the market, but they’ll cost a lot more money.

In this review, we’ll feature some of our favorite microwaves priced at under $200. We base our opinions on consumer ratings, affordability, capacity, functionality, durability, and appearance.

Let’s get started.

Top Microwaves Under $200

Best Microwave Under $200

1.  LG NeoChef LMC2075ST Countertop Microwave

  • Enormous Capacity
  • Substantial Power Output
  • Smart Inverter Technology
  • Sensor Cooking
  • ‘SmoothTouch’ Controls
  • Door Opens Only to 90 Degrees
  • Lacks Features
  • Attracts Fingerprints

  • Score: 8/10
  • Value for money: Good

Specifications

  • Type: Countertop
  • Dimensions: 23.8 x 13.5 x 19.8 inches
  • Appliance Weight: 36.4lbs
  • Capacity: 2.0 cu.ft
  • Turntable: Yes
  • Available Colors: Stainless Steel / Black Stainless Steel (LMC2075BD)
  • Wattage: 1200 Watts

Summary

If you prefer substance over style, the LG Neo 2.0 LMC2075ST microwave is your best option if you’re looking for a substantial appliance that costs under $200. This countertop behemoth has the largest capacity and more Watts of power than any other device on our list; its performance is unrivaled among microwaves at this price point. Indeed, we reviewed it in great depth along with the best LG microwaves.

Sure, it lacks a little as far as features go, and the door only opens to 90 degrees, so it is tricky to remove large plates and containers. Still, we named the LG LMC2075ST appliance the ‘best overall microwave under $200’ because the smart inverter and sensor cooking ensure this beast of a machine cooks your food perfectly, every time.

Best Value Microwave Under $200

2.  Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave

  • Looks Great
  • Powerful Appliance
  • Sensor Cooking
  • Easy to Clean
  • Energy Efficient
  • ‘Mute’ Function
  • Over-eager defrost function
  • Stainless Steel Finish Limited to the Front

  • Score: 8/10
  • Value for money: Good

Specifications

  • Type: Countertop
  • Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inches
  • Appliance Weight: 33lbs
  • Capacity: 1.2 cu.ft
  • Turntable: Yes
  • Available Colors: Stainless Steel / Black Stainless Steel (EM131A5C-BS)
  • Wattage: 1100 Watts

Summary

For a little over $100, this Toshiba microwave is a huge step up from the budget appliances we featured in our under $100 review, in terms of capacity, power, and features. There’s something for everyone here.

The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS 1.2 countertop microwave is the stainless steel version of Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, which found its way onto our review of best countertop microwaves because it’s such a quality microwave for a relatively modest price point. Though the defrost function will take a bit of getting used to, you’ll be super happy with your value for money if you choose this appliance. 

3.  LG NeoChef LMC0975ST Microwave

LMC0975ST
  • Reasonable Price Point
  • Compact Design
  • Stylish Look
  • Smart Inverter & Sensor Cooking
  • Interior LED Light
  • Complicated Control Panel
  • Annoying Notification Beeps
  • A Little Loud

  • Score: 8/10
  • Value for money: Good

Specifications

  • Type: Countertop
  • Dimensions: 18.5 x 14.5 x 11 inches
  • Appliance Weight: 20.9lbs
  • Capacity: 0.9 cu.ft
  • Turntable: Yes
  • Available Colors: Stainless Steel
  • Wattage: 900 Watts

Summary

The sleek and stylish LG NeoChef 0.9 microwave is one of the most affordable appliances on this list, but it’s the most unique in appearance too. The door spans the entire width of the microwave, concealing the control panel behind it to give it the edge over other machines. It’s superb appearance also earned it a spot on the best LG microwaves review alongside its big brother.

Though it’s not all a bed of roses, the hidden control panel is overly complicated; it’s pretty loud during use, and the beeps to let you know your food is ready are super annoying. However, if you can look past that, LG’s smart inverter and sensor cooking technology ensure you get super performance from this pocket rocket.

4.  Toshiba EC042A5C-SS Convection Microwave

  • Affordable Convection Cooking
  • ‘Auto-Bake’
  • Keep Warm Function
  • Eco-Mode
  • Easy to Clean
  • Sensor Cooking Technology
  • Smell Like Plastic
  • LED Issues
  • Can’t Set Timer in 30 Second Increments

  • Score: 8/10
  • Value for money: Good

Specifications

  • Type: Countertop / Convection
  • Dimensions: 21.77 x 21.3 x 12.8 inches
  • Appliance Weight: 44.8lbs
  • Capacity: 1.5 cu.ft
  • Turntable: Yes
  • Available Colors: Stainless Steel / Black Stainless Steel (EC042A5C-SS)
  • Wattage: 1000 Watts  

Summary

The Toshiba EC042A5C-SS 1.5 appliance is the only convection microwave to feature on our list of best microwaves at under $200, though we did review it in full in our piece comparing other convection microwaves, where you can look at it more closely.

While this appliance is approaching the top end of the price limit, it’s made worthwhile by its convection capabilities, sensor cooking, and eco-friendly modes. However, keep an eye out for units with LED issues and a strong smell of plastic.

5.  Panasonic NN-SN686S Countertop Microwave

  • Sci-Fi Appearance
  • Super Powerful
  • Inverter Technology & Genius Sensor
  • Turbo Defrost
  • ‘KeepWarm’ Function
  • Problems With Interior Light
  • Extraordinarily Loud
  • Control Panel Hard to Read at Night

  • Score: 8/10
  • Value for money: Good

Specifications

  • Type: Countertop
  • Dimensions: 15.81 x 20.69 x 12.25 inches
  • Appliance Weight: 20.5lbs
  • Capacity: 1.2 cu.ft
  • Turntable: Yes
  • Available Colors: Stainless Steel / Black (NN-SN651B) / White (NN-SN651WAZ)
  • Wattage: 1200 Watts

Summary

This powerful Panasonic microwave is another appliance from a brand that focuses on performance above all else with their NN-SN686S model. It comes with 1200 Watts of power, a ‘Genius Sensor’ and inverter technology (which you can read about in greater detail in our full review of this, and other Panasonic microwaves) for fast and efficient cooking.

The ‘Turbo Defrost’ function is a firm favorite among consumers because it’s fast and because it’s one of the few microwaves that can defrost large amounts of frozen food, using the 1200 Watt power output, without starting to cook the contents. Unfortunately, the substantial power of this appliance makes this model super loud when in use.

6.  GE JES1657SMSS Countertop Microwave

  • Sensor Cooking
  • ‘Instant-On Control’
  • Weight & Time Defrost
  • Control Lockout
  • Seven Presets
  • It’s a Bit Bland
  • Unresponsive Buttons
  • Attracts Fingerprints
  • Loud in General

  • Score: 8/10
  • Value for money: Good

Specifications

  • Type: Countertop
  • Dimensions: 21.7 in x 12.8 in x 17.7 inches
  • Appliance Weight: 39.1lbs
  • Capacity: 1.6 cu.ft
  • Turntable: Yes
  • Available Colors: Stainless Steel / Black Stainless Steel (JES1657BMTS)
  • Black (JES1657DMBB) / White (JES1657DMWW)
  • Wattage: 900 Watts

Things To Love:

  1. Sensor Cooking: Sensor cooking features heavily in more expensive appliances as it helps remove some of the stigma surrounding microwaved food and ensures the texture is less rubbery.
  2. ‘Instant-On Control’: Almost every function on the GE 1.6 microwave can be used with this convenient one-touch operation to get cooking underway quickly and efficiently.
  3. Weight & Time Defrost: Input the weight of your food and press defrost for excellent results, or if you’d prefer, select a specific time cycle.
  4. Control Lockout: Deactivate the control panel when you’re not using it to stop accidental activation and possible accidents.
  5. Seven Presets: Cook your favorite microwavable foods with these simple pre-programmed settings. They include pizza, reheat, beverage, vegetables, potato, popcorn, and dinner plate.

What’s Not To Like?

  1. It’s a Bit Bland: Given its mid-range price point in this genre of microwave appliances, you’d hope for a little more for your money. Everything is a little bit dull.
  2. Unresponsive Buttons: You might need to give the buttons on this GE microwave a couple of presses before it registers the input as they’re a tad unresponsive.
  3. Attracts Fingerprints: It won’t be long until your new microwave is covered in fingerprints, as the stainless steel exterior is a magnet for smudges and smears.
  4. Loud in General: The GE 1.6 countertop microwave is reasonably loud when it’s cooking and even louder when those notifications beeps are sounding.

Final Remarks

On the face of it, the GE JES1657SMSS 1.6 countertop microwave is not a terrible appliance; however, we feel it lacks a little something. Sure, it performs well and is a reliable unit; however, the selection of features is boring, and the outward appearance is nothing to write home about. We’re sure you’d be happy if you bought one, but there are better appliances out there for the same price.

7.  Magic Chef MCO165UB Over-the-Range Microwave

  • Super Affordable Over-the-Range
  • Straightforward to Install
  • Two-Speed Fan
  • Hoodlight
  • Six Presets
  • Loud Exhaust Fan
  • Small Turntable

  • Score: 8/10
  • Value for money: Good

Specifications

  • Type: Over-the-Range
  • Dimensions: 29.3 in x 16.3 in x 16.8 inches
  • Appliance Weight: 49lbs
  • Capacity: 1.6 cu.ft
  • Turntable: Yes
  • Available Colors: Stainless Steel
  • Wattage: 1000 Watts

 Things To Love:

  1. Super Affordable Over-the-Range: You’ll rarely find this kind of appliance for such a low price point, easily making the Magic Chef 1.6 the best over the range microwave for under $200.
  2. Straightforward to Install: You won’t need to hire independent contractors to install your microwave as it’s super simple and won’t take long.
  3. Two-Speed Fan: Though this fan only has 200 CFM, it’s not too terrible when you consider the low price point.
  4. Hoodlight: The included hood light on the Magic Chef 1.6 over the range microwave will illuminate your whole range.
  5. Six Presets: The presets for microwave staples include frozen vegetables, baked potato, popcorn, frozen pizza, and beverage.

What’s Not To Like?

  1. Loud Exhaust Fan: Noone expects the fan to be silent, but the decibels on this appliance are next level.
  2. Small Turntable: The turntable inside this microwave looks ludicrously small and is inefficient when cooking with larger dishes and containers.

Final Remarks:

While the Magic Chef microwave doesn’t particularly excel at anything, it’s not inadequate either. What this appliance is, is a chance to own an over the range microwave for an extraordinarily low price. Usually, when something is this cheap, there are serious build quality issues, but this Magic Chef appliance is sturdy and reliable, if not a little dull.

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