Comparison: Best 800W Microwave Under 100 (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for a powerful yet budget-friendly microwave? If you’re in the market for the best 800-watt microwave under $100, you’re in luck—there are some surprisingly solid options that don’t skimp on performance. We’ve tested and compared top models to help you find one that heats evenly, fits your kitchen space, and won’t break the bank. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or whipping up quick meals, an 800-watt microwave strikes the perfect balance between speed and affordability. Let’s dive into the standouts worth your hard-earned cash.
- Best for retro chrome charm: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for vintage led control: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for classic dial simplicity: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock – Kitchen Appliances – Ivory
- Best for stainless power pro: Cuisinart CMW-100 1-Cubic-Foot Stainless Steel Microwave Oven
- Best for grill-ready retro white: Emerson MWRG0901W 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with 1
- Best for sleek chrome simplicity: Nostalgia RMO4BK Retro 0.9 Cubic Foot 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for retro large capacity: Nostalgia RMO4RR Retro Large 0.9 cu ft
- Best for red grill retro: Emerson MWRG0901RD 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with 1
- Best for black grill compact: Emerson MWRG0901BK Retro Compact Countertop 800W Microwave Oven with 1
- Best for retro accent premium: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock & Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Can Opener
Product Comparison: Best 800W Microwave Under 100
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu. Ft. 800-Watts with LED Digital Display, Child Lock, Easy Clean Interior, Cu.Ft, Red
- POWERFUL UNIT: With all the cooking capacity you need, this compact microwave quickly cooks and re-heats food with simple and easy-to-navigate cooking settings. Just turn and push the program dial to start.
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, a delay timer, and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more.
- EASY TO READ CLOCK: No need to squint with our easy-to-read LED display. It lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting.
- VINTAGE ACCENTS: Boost your kitchen with a classic look. This large microwave has a sleek chrome door handle, control panel, and accents that add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance.
- NOSTALGIA: From designs inspired by early 20th century America to the timeless appeal of our appliances, we offer unique, novel, and fun products for the family. We preserve the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu. Ft. 800-Watts with LED Digital Display, Child Lock, Easy Clean Interior, Cu.Ft, Aqua
- POWERFUL UNIT: With all the cooking capacity you need, this compact microwave quickly cooks and re-heats food with simple and easy-to-navigate cooking settings. Just turn and push the program dial to start.
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, a delay timer, and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more.
- EASY TO READ CLOCK: No need to squint with our easy-to-read LED display. It lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting.
- VINTAGE ACCENTS: Boost your kitchen with a classic look. This large microwave has a sleek chrome door handle, control panel, and accents that add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance.
- NOSTALGIA: From designs inspired by early 20th century America to the timeless appeal of our appliances, we offer unique, novel, and fun products for the family. We preserve the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock – Kitchen Appliances – Ivory
- POWERFUL UNIT: With all the cooking capacity you need, this compact microwave quickly cooks and re-heats food with simple and easy-to-navigate cooking settings. Just turn and push the program dial to start.
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, a delay timer, and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more.
- EASY TO READ CLOCK: No need to squint with our easy-to-read LED display. It lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting.
- VINTAGE ACCENTS: Boost your kitchen with a classic look. This large microwave has a sleek chrome door handle, control panel, and accents that add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance.
- NOSTALGIA: From designs inspired by early 20th century America to the timeless appeal of our appliances, we offer unique, novel, and fun products for the family. We preserve the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Cuisinart CMW-100 1-Cubic-Foot Stainless Steel Microwave Oven, Brushed Chrome
- Unit Dimensions: 20.50″ L x 17.50″ W x 12.80″ H | MC Weight: 37.90lb
- 1000-watt stainless-steel microwave oven with 1-cubic-foot interior ; Stainless steel interior absorbs no odors and is easy to sanitize
- Touchpad controls with LCD; 25 preprogrammed settings; 10 power levels
- 8 presets with serving-size options; 2-stage cooking operation and stainless steel control panel and door with embossed Cuisinart logo and dark tinted glass window
- 2 defrost functions; 12-inch glass turntable; instructions and recipes included
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards
- 1000-watt stainless-steel microwave oven with 1-cubic-foot interior
- Touchpad controls with LCD; 25 preprogrammed settings; 10 power levels
- 8 presets with serving-size options; 2-stage cooking operation
- 2 defrost functions; 12-inch glass turntable; instructions and recipes included
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards
Emerson MWRG0901W 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with 1,000W Grill Function, 800W Cooking Power, LED Display, 5 Power Levels, 8 Auto Menus, Glass Turntable, Child Lock, White Countertop Design
- Built-In 1,000W Grill Function: Go beyond reheating—achieve golden-brown finishes, crispy toppings, and grilled textures with Emerson’s integrated grill mode, ideal for pizza, toast, casseroles, and more.
- Compact Yet Powerful: With 800 watts of microwave cooking power and 5 adjustable power levels, this 0.9 cu. ft. unit delivers efficient performance in a space-saving retro design.
- Stylish Retro White Design: The glossy white exterior with chromed accents adds a nostalgic charm to your kitchen, while the smooth surfaces make for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- User-Friendly Controls: Features a chromed handle and clearly labeled buttons for easy navigation, blending vintage style with modern convenience.
- Versatile Cooking Presets & Smart Defrost: Includes 8 auto menus for popular meals and snacks, plus both time and weight defrost options for safe and fast thawing.
Nostalgia RMO4BK Retro 0.9 Cubic Foot 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven, 5 Power Levels and 12 Cook Settings, LED Display, Jet Black
- 800-Watts cooking power: at 0.9 Cubic Foot, This microwave provides the cooking power needed to quickly cook and reheat foods
- Customizable cooking settings: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings and delay timer provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies and more
- Digital clock: easy-to-read LED display lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting
- Even cooking: rotating glass carousel helps cook food evenly
- Retro accents: a sleek chrome door handle, control panel and accents add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance
- Simple program dial: easily navigate cooking settings with simple turn-and-push program dial
Nostalgia RMO4RR Retro Large 0.9 cu ft, 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven, 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings, Digital Clock, Easy Clean Interior, Metallic Red
- 800-watt cooking power – At 0.9 cubic foot, this microwave provides the cooking power needed to quickly cook and reheat foods
- Customizable cooking settings – 12 pre-programmed cooking settings and delay timer provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies and more
- Digital clock – Easy-to-read LED display lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting
- Even cooking – Rotating glass carousel helps cook food evenly
- Simple program dial – Easily navigate cooking settings with simple turn-and-push program dial
Emerson MWRG0901RD 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with 1,000W Grill Function, 800W Cooking Power, LED Display, 5 Power Levels, 8 Auto Menus, Glass Turntable, Child Lock, Red Countertop Design
- Built-In 1,000W Grill Function: Go beyond reheating—achieve golden-brown finishes, crispy toppings, and grilled textures with Emerson’s integrated grill mode, ideal for pizza, toast, casseroles, and more.
- Compact Yet Powerful: With 800 watts of microwave cooking power and 5 adjustable power levels, this 0.9 cu. ft. unit delivers efficient performance in a space-saving retro design.
- Stylish Retro Red Design: The glossy red exterior with chromed accents adds a nostalgic charm to your kitchen, while the smooth surfaces make for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- User-Friendly Controls: Features a chromed handle and clearly labeled buttons for easy navigation, blending vintage style with modern convenience.
- Versatile Cooking Presets & Smart Defrost: Includes 8 auto menus for popular meals and snacks, plus both time and weight defrost options for safe and fast thawing.
Emerson MWRG0901BK Retro Compact Countertop 800W Microwave Oven with 1,000W Grill Function, LED Display, 5 Power Levels, 8 Auto Menus, Glass Turntable and Child Safe Lock, 0.9 Cu. Ft., Black
- Built-In 1,000W Grill Function: Go beyond reheating—achieve golden-brown finishes, crispy toppings, and grilled textures with Emerson’s integrated grill mode, ideal for pizza, toast, casseroles, and more.
- Compact Yet Powerful: With 800 watts of microwave cooking power and 5 adjustable power levels, this 0.9 cu. ft. unit delivers efficient performance in a space-saving retro design.
- Stylish Retro Black Design: The glossy black exterior with chromed accents adds a nostalgic charm to your kitchen, while the smooth surfaces make for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- User-Friendly Controls: Features a chromed handle and clearly labeled buttons for easy navigation, blending vintage style with modern convenience.
- Versatile Cooking Presets & Smart Defrost: Includes 8 auto menus for popular meals and snacks, plus both time and weight defrost options for safe and fast thawing.
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock & Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Can Opener
- Product 1: POWERFUL UNIT: With all the cooking capacity you need, this compact microwave quickly cooks and re-heats food with simple and easy-to-navigate cooking settings. Just turn and push the program dial to start.
- Product 1: CONVENIENT CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, a delay timer, and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more.
- Product 1: EASY TO READ CLOCK: No need to squint with our easy-to-read LED display. It lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting.
- Product 1: VINTAGE ACCENTS: Boost your kitchen with a classic look. This large microwave has a sleek chrome door handle, control panel, and accents that add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance.
- Product 2: OPENS CANS THE FIRST TIME: This electric can opener has SureCut technology to easily align cans, ensuring cans open the first time, every time. No more struggling with cans when you’re in a hurry to get a meal on the table.
- Product 2: EASY TO CLEAN: The removable cutting unit on the Hamilton Beach can opener makes cleanup simple. It’s easy to detach and is dishwasher safe.
- Product 2: OPENS SMALL TO LARGE CANS WITH EXTRA-TALL DESIGN: With its extra-tall design, this automatic can opener easily opens a wide range of different-sized cans, including taller cans.
- Product 2: AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF. This Hamilton Beach can opener automatically shuts off, freeing your hands for other kitchen tasks.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What key specifications should I compare when choosing an 800‑W microwave under $100?
Focus on cooking power (watts), interior capacity, number of preset programs, and any extra features like grill or defrost modes. Also check the type of control panel (dial vs touchpad) and the ease of cleaning the interior. These factors together determine how well the microwave fits your cooking habits and kitchen space.
How does the cooking power (800 W vs 1000 W) affect performance and energy use?
Higher wattage generally cooks food faster and can handle larger dishes without hot spots, but it may also draw more electricity during operation. For most everyday reheating and small‑batch cooking, 800 W is sufficient and keeps the unit affordable. If you frequently cook larger meals or need quicker results, a 1000 W model like the Cuisinart may be worth the slight price increase.
Are retro‑styled microwaves like Nostalgia and Emerson just about looks, or do they offer functional advantages?
Beyond the nostalgic aesthetics, many retro models include useful features such as 12 pre‑programmed settings, easy‑to‑read LED displays, and compact footprints that fit small kitchens. Emerson’s versions add a built‑in 1000 W grill function, giving you browning and crisping capabilities not found on basic retro units. So while style is a big draw, the functional extras can be a genuine benefit.
Which models provide the most versatile cooking presets and defrost options for everyday meals?
The Nostalgia and Emerson microwaves both list 12 or 8 preset programs covering popcorn, pizza, veggies, and more, plus time‑ and weight‑based defrost functions. The Cuisinart CMW‑100 offers 25 preset settings and 10 power levels, giving the widest range of options. If you value a broad preset menu, the Cuisinart leads, but the retro models still cover the most common tasks well.
How important is interior capacity and turntable size for a 0.9 cu ft microwave?
A 0.9 cu ft cavity is ideal for single‑serve plates, small bowls, and compact dishes, but it may struggle with larger casserole dishes or family‑size meals. All listed retro models share this capacity and include a rotating glass turntable that promotes even heating. If you often cook bigger portions, consider the Cuisinart’s 1‑cu ft interior for added flexibility.
Does the built‑in grill function on Emerson models justify a higher price compared to plain 800 W units?
The grill adds the ability to brown, crisp, and achieve a roasted finish, which plain microwaves cannot provide, effectively combining two appliances in one. This can offset the need for a separate countertop grill, saving countertop space and overall cost. If you regularly prepare pizza, toast, or casseroles that benefit from a grill, the extra expense is usually worthwhile.
What should I consider regarding durability and cleaning for stainless‑steel vs retro‑finished cabinets?
Stainless‑steel interiors, like those on the Cuisinart, resist stains and odors and are easy to wipe down with a damp cloth. Retro finishes often feature chrome accents and glossy paint that look great but may show fingerprints and require more frequent polishing. Choose the finish that matches your cleaning routine and aesthetic preferences.
How can I assess overall value when the price is similar but features differ (e.g., Cuisinart 1‑cu ft 1000 W vs Nostalgia 0.9 cu ft 800 W)?
Compare the combination of power, capacity, preset variety, and any specialty functions like grilling. A higher wattage and larger cavity give more cooking flexibility, while retro models may offer a unique look and sufficient basics for a lower price. Weigh which features you will actually use; if you need the extra space and speed, the Cuisinart offers better value, otherwise the Nostalgia models provide solid performance at a comparable cost.