Comparison: Best Price 800W Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for a powerful yet budget-friendly microwave? An 800-watt model strikes the perfect balance between speed and affordability, making it a smart pick for students, small families, or anyone upgrading their kitchen setup. But with so many options out there, how do you find the best value without sacrificing quality? In this comparison, we’ve tested top-rated 800-watt microwaves to help you spot the standout features, avoid the duds, and get the most bang for your buck—literally. Let’s find your perfect match.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for chrome retro charm: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock – Kitchen Appliances – Black
- Best for vintage led display: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock – Kitchen Appliances – Ivory
- Best for classic retro style: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for white grill pro: Emerson MWRG0901W 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with 1
- Best for carousel even cook: Nostalgia RMO4RR Retro Large 0.9 cu ft
- Best for sleek chrome accents: Nostalgia RMO4BK Retro 0.9 Cubic Foot 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for red grill pro: Emerson MWRG0901RD 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with 1
- Best for black grill pro: Emerson MWRG0901BK Retro Compact Countertop 800W Microwave Oven with 1
- Best for all-in-one microwave: 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
- Best for pet-friendly microwave: Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft & BISSELL CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Product Comparison: Best Price 800W Microwave
Chrome Retro Charm
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock – Kitchen Appliances – Black
Nostalgia
- 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.
Vintage LED Display
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft – 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings – Digital Clock – Kitchen Appliances – Ivory
Nostalgia
- 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.
Classic Retro Style
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu. Ft. 800-Watts with LED Digital Display, Child Lock, Easy Clean Interior, Cu.Ft, White
Nostalgia
- 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.
White Grill Pro
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
Emerson
- 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.
Carousel Even Cook
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
Nostalgia
- 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
Sleek Chrome Accents
Nostalgia RMO4BK Retro 0.9 Cubic Foot 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven, 5 Power Levels and 12 Cook Settings, LED Display, Jet Black
Nostalgia
- 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
Red Grill Pro
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
Emerson
- 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.
Black Grill Pro
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
Emerson
- 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.
All-in-One Microwave
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
Nostalgia
- 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.
Pet-Friendly Microwave
Nostalgia Retro Countertop Microwave Oven – Large 800-Watt – 0.9 cu ft & BISSELL CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits In Dorm Rooms & Apartments
Nostalgia
- 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: EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- Product 2: SCATTER-FREE TECHNOLOGY. Captures messes on hard floors with less scatter.
- Product 2: POWERFUL SUCTION. Convenient, powerful cleaning in one machine.
- Product 2: LIGHTWEIGHT AND MANEUVERABLE. Weighs less than 8 pounds, so it’s easy to transport.
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 retro microwave?
Focus on cooking power (800 W is standard), interior capacity (most models are 0.9 cu ft), and the number of preset programs. Also check for extra features like grill functions, defrost options, and the type of control panel (dial vs. button).
How does a microwave with a built‑in grill differ from a standard 800‑W model?
A grill adds a 1,000 W heating element that can brown, crisp, and toast foods, giving you more cooking versatility beyond reheating. Models with this feature, such as Emerson’s, usually include additional presets and may be slightly pricier, but they replace the need for a separate countertop grill.
Is the retro styling just cosmetic, or does it affect performance?
The vintage accents—chrome handles, colored exteriors, and LED displays—are purely aesthetic and do not impact cooking efficiency. All listed models deliver the same 800 W power, so you can choose the look you prefer without sacrificing performance.
What are the benefits of having a rotating glass carousel versus a flatbed design?
A carousel ensures more even heating by turning the food during cooking, which is useful for items like pizza or casseroles. Flatbed designs may offer a slightly larger usable interior space, but most retro models include a turntable for consistent results.
How important is the number of preset cooking programs?
Preset programs simplify cooking common foods such as popcorn, pizza, and vegetables, saving you time and reducing guesswork. Models with 12 presets give you a broader range of one‑touch options, while those with fewer may still cover basics but require manual time and power adjustments.
Should I consider a microwave’s defrost capabilities when buying?
Yes, especially if you frequently thaw frozen meats or meals. Units that offer both time‑based and weight‑based defrost give you more precise control, helping to preserve texture and prevent partial cooking.
Do any of these microwaves offer better value for the price?
Microwaves that combine the 800 W core with a grill function (e.g., Emerson models) provide extra cooking methods in one appliance, delivering higher overall value. If you only need basic reheating, a standard Nostalgia model with 12 presets and a sleek retro look may be the most cost‑effective choice.