If you want a exceptional or premium microwave, and you have a budget of about $300, you will have some really innovative microwave options to choose from.
You will mostly find only the best of the best microwave ovens around this price range, especially if you decide on one from our list.
Some microwaves come in cheap and very affordable prices with simple and basic features. So if you are looking to spend about $300 on your microwave oven, you should have great expectations for its functions.
Below, we will discuss some of the best microwaves under $300, how they stand out and what features they have that got them on this list.
Top 3 Microwaves Under $300
4.9/5
[Best Overall]
This microwave is mostly voice controlled and works hand in hand with an echo device that is really easy to use. You can simply say Alexa, “reheat vegetables” and your vegetable will be reheated.
4.8/5
[Best for the Money]
This is one of the best microwaves under $300 because it has an excellent power and size per dollar value. It is actually cheaper than most microwaves on this list.
4.7/5
[Best Cyclonic Wave Inverter]
The cyclonic wave inverter ensures that the heat waves from the microwave is properly and evenly distributed throughout your food.
The oven has 1250 watts of power which is a great power range in a microwave oven since high power equals speedy cooking.
List of Best Microwaves Under $300 in 2023
The following premium microwave ovens stand out the most in this price category:
- Amazon Smart Microwave – Recommended High Tech Option
- Panasonic NN-SD945S – Inverter Technology – Extra Large
- Panasonic NN-SN97JS – Cyclonic Wave Inverter – Extra Large
- Cuisinart CMW-200 – Premium Convection Microwave Oven
- Panasonic Consumer NE1054F – Heavy Duty and Commercial Grade Microwave
1. Amazon Smart Microwave – Recommended High Tech Option
The Amazon Smart Microwave 1.5 cubic feet sized microwave with alexa voice control, scan features, multiple cooking options and eco mode.
Its size is great for a microwave under $300. It has the Alexa voice control which you can pre-set based on the type of food you want to prepare.
This microwave is mostly voice controlled and works hand in hand with an echo device that is really easy to use. You can simply say Alexa, “reheat vegetables” and your vegetable will be reheated.
While cheaper microwaves with this option request that you buy your echo device separately, this Amazon Smart microwave comes with its own echo device.
You can also decide to scan the food you want to prepare using the Alexa app. The app decides on the best microwaving option for you.
The oven has a temperature probe feature, which is able to estimate if your food is properly cooked to your preference.
Another beautiful feature of this microwave is its 4 in one function. It comes with 4 different functions which includes the solo microwave, air fryer, convection and food warming.
The oven can be considered a great investment since you won’t have to buy an air fryer or convection oven separately.
It has 30 different pre-set temperatures. While using it, you will definitely find the best heating option for your food.
The smart features of this oven make most of its functions automated, meaning you only have to focus on the basics while preparing your meal.
If you're searching for the ideal, highly coveted, and technologically advanced option, this is undoubtedly the best microwave under $300.
With the ability to control it from your phone and its solid build quality, it offers convenience and reliability. The "speak" function is a personal favorite, as it prevents accidental button presses that have caused previous microwaves to malfunction.
Furthermore, its perfect size makes it a great replacement for larger models, especially for those with limited counter space. Whether you're a baker or a frequent cook, the convenience of using voice commands through Google when your hands are full is a game-changer.
2. Panasonic NN-SD945S – Inverter Technology – Extra Large
The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD945S is an extra large oven at 2.2 cubic feet, it comes with 1250 watts, automatic sensors and inverter technology.
It is one of the best microwaves under $300 because it has an excellent power and size per dollar value. It is actually cheaper than most microwaves on this list.
This oven is considered a premium oven by most people because of its really great features.
It is an extra large microwave oven. At 2.2cubic feet, it is perfect for large families or a large number of people.
The oven offers very high power with its 1250 watts. With this you can definitely expect fast and thorough cooking in no time.
Its inverter technology is perfect for even temperature. It ensures that your oven retains the same temperature you have set it to throughout your cooking process.
Most people are unaware that microwave oven temperatures typically fluctuate between the upper and lower 50° when in use. However, this feature ensures that your oven maintains a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Additionally, modern microwaves come equipped with automatic sensors and offer a variety of 19 different menus, allowing you to select the ideal setting for your desired dish.
Another notable feature is the spacious glass rotating tray, which is the largest I have ever encountered. One of the advantages of an inverter microwave is its ability to heat liquids evenly, even when multiple liquids are present.
This is definitely a feature worth appreciating. On the whole, this microwave is not only visually appealing but also performs its intended function effectively.
However, one drawback to note is that the sensor reheating feature tends to consistently overheat and scald the food. Nonetheless, for our specific needs, this microwave seems to serve its purpose adequately.
Personally, I find this microwave to be highly efficient, using it every day throughout the day. It excels in heating food evenly and effectively.
Overall, this is a great microwave for its price. But if you prefer a microwave with multiple cooking options like convection or grilling, you might want to consider some other options.
3. Panasonic NN-SN97JS – Cyclonic Wave Inverter – Extra Large
The Panasonic microwave oven is a countertop microwave oven with a stainless steel finish, cyclonic wave inverter and a 2.2 cubic feet size.
It is very similar to the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD945S which is not very surprising since they are both produced by the same brand.
It is also one of the best microwaves under $300 but it is priced on the higher range. Why? It features the unique cyclonic wave inverter.
The cyclonic wave inverter ensures that the heat waves from the microwave is properly and evenly distributed throughout your food.
The oven has 1250 watts of power which is a great power range in a microwave oven since high power equals speedy cooking.
Its stainless steel finish doesn’t allow for variety as this microwave oven only comes in the silver color.
This is done by circulating the oven heat waves in 3 continuous circular motions. It makes for even cooking and ensures that some parts of your food isn’t dried out.
This oven also has a keep food warm feature which requires very low power to function. You can safely keep your heated foods in your microwave without worrying that it will grow cold.
This oven retains most of the features found in the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD945S, except for the cyclonic wave inverter. Overall, it is the superior option. The microwave not only looks good but also functions exceptionally well.
It is powerful, spacious, and aesthetically pleasing. Compared to other microwaves I've used in the past, this one outperforms them all. Reheated food doesn't have any cold spots, which is a great advantage.
Personally, I am satisfied with the microwave as it has all the features I desire. However, the real test lies in its longevity and warranty coverage, which remains to be seen.
4. Cuisinart CMW-200 – Premium Convection Microwave Oven
The Cuisinart CMW-200 is a 1.2 cubic feet microwave oven with 9 preset buttons, convection, grilling and automatic defrosting options.
It is one of the best microwave ovens under $300 because of it combines grilling and convection features.
In the past, you could not get multiple features in your oven but ovens like this have made things better
It has a convection feature which uses an oven fan to circulate the heat that is emitted during the cooking process, thereby facilitating thorough and even cooking.
The oven also features a grill function, eliminating the need to purchase a separate oven for grilling or roasting purposes. With nine pre-set functions and the grill feature, it becomes effortless to choose the optimal cooking option for any meal.
Moreover, this oven is designed with easy cleaning in mind. Its stainless interior can be effortlessly cleaned, while also boasting the advantage of being odor-resistant.
However, I remain satisfied with this oven as it outperforms my old, energy-consuming oven in terms of both cost and convenience. Additionally, the microwave functions exactly as I anticipated.
Considering the reasonable price, excellent microwaving capabilities, and grilling functionality, I would unquestionably purchase it again. Although there are numerous features I have yet to explore, the user menus are relatively straightforward to comprehend.
You can also decide to switch between multiple cooking options automatically. With its pre-set functions, you can automate the oven to switch to a different function after a couple of minutes.
It has 2 automatic defrosting options which defrosts your food based on the time you have pre-set or the weight of the food.
This oven is a premium oven, its multiple features easily makes it one of the highly sought after model in this list.
5. Panasonic Consumer NE1054F – Heavy Duty and Commercial Grade Microwave
Though this oven is the smallest on this list, it comes with 1000 watts of power. It is referred to as an industrial oven because of its braille, anti theft and multiple stage cooking features.
If you’re looking for an industrial oven, the Panasonic Consumer NE1054F oven is the one to go for.
It comes with an anti theft feature which you can activate anytime you want. All you need to do is bolt the oven down and its is safe wherever you place it in your kitchen.
Despite its 0.8 cubic feet size, this microwave oven is considered an industrial oven. It was designed to carry out heavy cooking.
Its size is considered a blessing by some because it makes it really easy to fit the microwave oven into really small spaces in your kitchen without stressing about creating extra space.
The oven comes with 1000 watts cooking power that distributes the heat perfectly through your meal without wasting time.
Although it does not have a turntable, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing since the risk of kitchen accidents is largely reduced by this. It makes up for this with its heating method.
The heat from this microwave is directly emitted from the lower part of the oven into the food to facilitate even cooking.
It has a braille keypad that is easy to navigate. With it, you can decide on any of the different menu options for your food or vegetables. The oven can also be programmed to remember your previous preferences.
The Braille feature is a great addition as most kitchen devices do not make accommodations for individuals who require Braille buttons.
Furthermore, this oven allows you to switch between different cooking stages with automated processes, eliminating the need to constantly return to make adjustments every few minutes.
The standout feature of this oven is the ability to reduce power levels, ensuring that the cooking power aligns with the set level.
Additionally, it is incredibly simple to use and set up, unlike some microwaves I've used in the past that required convoluted button combinations even for basic tasks.
With its classic look and design, it should withstand the test of time, provided the color matches your other appliances. Overall, it if you are looking for a commercial grace microwave, then this is one of the best microwaves under $300.
What To Expect At This price Range?
While there are a plethora of feature set that you can find on microwaves depending upon their price category, at under $300, you can expect to find premium feature.
We review these here.
Type
Ovens around $300 usually have multiple functions. Usually, you can get a simple microwave oven with basic functions within a low price range. More expensive ovens are designed to have multiple functions.
Most of them usually have the solo microwave feature, the grill and the convection feature.
You can simply get one microwave oven around this price range without having to get different ovens for your different cooking needs.
Also Read:
Size
Generally, most microwave ovens under $300 fit in the large and extra large category. Source: Panasonic NN-SN97JS
Ovens that cost up to $300 usually come in larger sizes. Although this is not always the case, larger ovens usually come around this price range.
You will generally find ovens ranging from 1.6cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet around this price.
Power
Usually, high powered microwave ovens usually equals even and fast cooking. You will generally find ovens with over 1000 watts here. The power makes your oven more durable and last longer.
High powered ovens are the best option if you’re looking for the prefect microwave ovens for your kitchen.
Features
Amazon Smart Oven is one of the most innovative premium microwave oven out there. Source: Amazon Smart Oven
Microwave ovens that cost about $300 have multiple innovative features. Inverter and cyclonic wave technology are usually common around this price.
They also have multiple cooking and pre-set options which users can choose from. You will usually find the perfect heat for your food in these.
You can also choose to get a microwave with automated sensors. In such microwaves, your cooking and microwaving needs are automated and you only have to do the basic things like putting your food in the microwave to prepare your meal.
Some microwaves around this price also have air fryers. This is the healthier option for your frying needs and you don’t have to get an air fryer separately. You can simply get a microwave oven with this function.
Final Words
Under $300 dollar is a premium range particularly for microwaves designed for home use.
Anything above $300 and you get into industrial or commercial grade microwaves.
Hence, the best microwaves under $300 tend to feature only the best and the most innovative of functions out there.
FAQs:
1. What brand of microwave is the most reliable?
The following premium microwave ovens stand out the most in this price category:
1. Amazon Smart Microwave – Recommended High Tech Option
2. Panasonic NN-SD945S – Inverter Technology – Extra Large
3. Panasonic NN-SN97JS – Cyclonic Wave Inverter – Extra Large
4. Cuisinart CMW-200 – Premium Convection Microwave Oven
5. Panasonic Consumer NE1054F – Heavy Duty and Commercial Grade Microwave
2. Is microwave oven good for health?
Microwave ovens are a convenient way to cook food, but there is some controversy over whether they are good for your health. Some people believe that the radiation from microwaves can cause cancer, while others believe that it is safe. There is no definitive answer to this question, but more research is needed to determine whether microwaves are harmful or not.
3. Can microwave kill bacteria?
Microwaves have been shown to kill bacteria and viruses when used for 60 seconds to five minutes, according to the CDC. However, not all microwaves produce the same amount of heat or cook in the same manner.
4. What containers are safe to use in microwave?
These are the containers that are safe to use in the microwave. Glass and ceramic containers, as well as plastic utensils labeled microwave safe, are all excellent choices. Avoid using glass or ceramic with a metal rim.
5. Is an electric oven better than gas?
Yes, electric ovens are better compared to gas ovens because they generate more heat, which results in more even and consistent baking results. Electric ovens are generally preferred over gas ovens. Apart from baking, a gas oven will typically suffice for your purposes.