Best microwave under $80?
3 models · updated 2026-07-07
The verdict
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 leads — 2 of 3 models rank BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 the top pick.
Not unanimous: Claude picks Toshiba EM925A5A-BS.
Combined ranking
- 1GPT #1Claude #3Gemini #1
Best overall under-$80 bet: compact 0.7 cu ft size, 700W power, 10 power levels, useful presets, tested even heating, good controls, broad availability
To stay #1 Add 900W power while staying under $80
- 2GPT #4Claude #5Gemini #3
Delivers a durable build, an easy-to-clean stainless steel interior, and a space-saving compact footprint.
To rank higher Expand the interior capacity slightly to fit standard-sized dinner plates.
- 3GPT —Claude #4Gemini #2
Provides a larger 0.9 cu. ft. capacity and 900 watts of cooking power, heating food much faster than standard 700-watt budget competitors.
To rank higher Improve control panel and button durability to prevent them from becoming unresponsive over time.
- 4GPT #2Claude —Gemini #5
Simple, durable-feeling 0.7 cu ft microwave with 700W output, easy digital controls, strong value, and fewer gimmicks to fail
To rank higher Improve cooking evenness and finish quality
- 5GPT —Claude #1Gemini —
0.9 cu ft and 900 watts at ~$75-80 is the best capacity/power combo in the bracket, plus a mute button, 10 power levels, and one-touch presets that actually work — it's the perennial budget pick from Wirecutter-style testing for a reason
To rank higher Street price frequently drifts just above $80, so holding a firm sub-$80 MSRP would lock in the top spot without caveats
- 6GPT —Claude #2Gemini —
Around $60 for 0.7 cu ft/700W with a mute function, energy-saving eco mode, and surprisingly even heating for the price; the compact footprint fits dorms and small kitchens
To rank higher Bump the cavity and wattage to 0.9/900 — the 700W output means noticeably longer, less even cooks on real meals
- 7GPT #3Claude —Gemini —
Reliable basic 0.7 cu ft, 700W countertop microwave with straightforward controls, compact footprint, and strong big-box-store availability
To rank higher Add better presets and a quieter door
- 8GPT —Claude —Gemini #4
Includes an exceptional 8-year warranty on the magnetron alongside lightweight construction and highly customizable power levels.
To rank higher Reduce the loud operational fan and magnetron noise during heating.
- 9GPT #5Claude —Gemini —
Stylish 0.7 cu ft retro model with 700W power, simple controls, compact footprint, and better design appeal than most budget microwaves
To rank higher Lower the price more consistently below $80
Rank history
By model
ChatGPT
- 1.BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7
- 2.Commercial Chef CHM770B
- 3.Magic Chef HMM770B
- 4.Farberware FMO07AHTBKJ
- 5.Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07
Claude
- 1.Toshiba EM925A5A-BS
- 2.COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB
- 3.BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7
- 4.Hamilton Beach 0.9 Cu Ft Digital Microwave
- 5.Farberware FMO07AHTBKJ
Gemini
- 1.BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7
- 2.Hamilton Beach 0.9 Cu Ft Digital Microwave
- 3.Farberware FMO07AHTBKJ
- 4.Magic Chef MCM770W
- 5.Commercial Chef CHM770B
Tracked by ModelsAgree · rank 1 = 5 pts … rank 5 = 1 pt · re-polled continuously