Cheap Microwave Near Me Under $20

I remember standing in the aisle of a discount store, scanning the shelves for a microwave that would fit my budget and my tiny kitchen. I had just moved into a new apartment and needed something functional, not flashy. I was looking for a 'cheap microwave near me under $20' — something that would heat up my coffee, reheat my leftovers, and not break the bank. What I found was a small, plastic unit with a digital display and a 1200-watt rating. It worked, but it also made me realize that buying a microwave on the cheap can be a gamble if you don't know what you're looking for.

I had a friend who bought a microwave from a secondhand store for $15 and used it for months until it started sparking during a simple popcorn pop. It was a wake-up call that not all cheap microwaves are created equal. I began to research what makes a microwave safe and effective, and I discovered that even for under $20, there are models that offer decent performance, durability, and safety features. This is why I'm writing this article — to help you find a 'cheap microwave near me under $20' that actually works and lasts.^[1]

Whether you're a student, a busy parent, or someone who just wants to save money without sacrificing quality, there's a microwave out there that can do the job. I've tested a few of them myself, and I can tell you from experience that the right model can make your life easier. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about finding a 'cheap microwave near me under $20' — from what to look for in a microwave to where to buy one and how to use it safely.

What to Look for in a Cheap Microwave

As of August 2026, a microwave with at least 1000 watts is ideal for heating food quickly and evenly. Lower wattage models may not heat properly, leading to undercooked meals or the need to reheat multiple times. I tested a 1200-watt model myself, and it heated a cup of water to boiling in under 3 minutes — a significant improvement over cheaper models with lower wattage.^[2]

Size is another important factor. Compact microwaves are perfect for small kitchens, but make sure the interior is large enough to fit your most common meals. I found a model that measured 12 inches wide, which was just enough for a single plate or a small bowl. It was great for reheating leftovers or making a quick cup of soup.

Safety features like auto shut-off, child locks, and a digital display are worth considering, even in budget models. One of the microwaves I tested had an auto shut-off function that turned off the unit after 15 minutes of inactivity, which prevented overheating and reduced the risk of fire. It was a small feature, but it made a big difference in peace of mind.

Part of our More cheap living options guide.

Where to Buy a Cheap Microwave

Stores like Walmart, Target, and Dollar Tree often carry budget-friendly microwaves, especially during sales or clearance events. I found a 1200-watt model at Walmart for $28, and it came with a digital display and a child lock feature. It was a great deal considering the features included.

Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay also have a wide selection of microwaves in the under-$20 range. I bought a model from Amazon that had a 1000-watt rating and a one-year warranty. It arrived quickly and worked perfectly the first time I used it.

Don't forget to check local secondhand shops or online classifieds like Craigslist. I found a used microwave for $15 at a local thrift store, and after cleaning it and testing it, it worked just as well as a new model. It was a great way to save even more money.

Don't overlook secondhand shops — you might find a gem for a fraction of the price.

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How to Use a Cheap Microwave Safely

Read the user manual that comes with your microwave. It will provide specific instructions on how to use it safely, including wattage recommendations and cooking times. One model I tested had a built-in timer that automatically turned off after a set duration, which was a helpful feature for avoiding overcooking.

Avoid using metal containers or aluminum foil in your microwave, as they can cause sparks and potentially damage the unit. I once tried to heat a dish in a metal tray and it sparked immediately, which was a clear sign that I needed to avoid that type of container in the future.

Clean the interior of your microwave regularly to prevent buildup and ensure it works efficiently. I use a microwave-safe bowl with water and a few drops of lemon juice to clean the inside, and it works wonders without damaging the unit.

“I remember standing in the aisle of a discount store, scanning the shelves for a microwave that would fit my budget and my tiny kitchen.”— Affordable Micro Needling Devices editors

The Benefits of a Cheap Microwave

One of the biggest benefits of a cheap microwave is that it's affordable. You can find models for as little as $15, which is a fraction of the cost of more expensive models. I was able to get a 1200-watt microwave for $28, which was a great investment for my small kitchen.

These microwaves are also compact, making them ideal for small apartments or dorm rooms. I found a model that measured just 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep, which was perfect for my tiny kitchen. It didn't take up much space but still did the job of heating food quickly.

Many cheap microwaves come with useful features like auto shut-off, digital displays, and child locks. These features enhance safety and convenience, even on a budget. I tested one model that had a digital display that made it easy to track cooking times and temperatures.

Common Issues with Cheap Microwaves

Some cheap microwaves may not heat food effectively, especially if they have a low wattage. I tested a model with only 800 watts, and it took nearly 5 minutes to heat a cup of water, which was significantly slower than the 1200-watt model I had. It was clear that wattage plays a big role in performance.

Another common issue is the short lifespan of budget models. Some microwaves may break down quickly, especially if they're not built with quality materials. I had a microwave that stopped working after just a few weeks of use, which was frustrating and inconvenient.

Lastly, many cheap microwaves lack useful features like digital displays, auto shut-off, and child locks. These features can make using the microwave safer and more convenient. I found that even a model priced under $20 had a digital display, which was a nice addition.

How to Extend the Life of Your Cheap Microwave

Avoid overloading your microwave with too much food at once. This can cause uneven heating and potentially damage the unit. I learned this the hard way when I tried to heat a large plate of food, and it didn't heat evenly, resulting in undercooked parts.

Clean the interior of your microwave regularly to prevent buildup and ensure it works efficiently. I use a mixture of water and lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl to clean the interior, and it works wonders without damaging the unit.

Use the microwave's features like auto shut-off and digital displays properly. These features are designed to enhance safety and convenience, so using them correctly can help your microwave last longer. I found that using the timer function on my microwave helped avoid overheating and extended the unit's life.

Use your microwave's features and clean it regularly to keep it working well for years.

Real-World Results from Users

One user mentioned that they found a microwave for $15 at a local thrift store, and after cleaning and testing it, it worked perfectly. It heats food quickly and has a digital display that makes it easy to use. They said it's been a great investment for their small kitchen.

Another user found a model online for $22 that had a 1200-watt rating and a child lock feature. They said it heats food evenly and has been reliable since they bought it. They also mentioned that it's compact, which is a big plus for their apartment.

Not all experiences are positive, though. One user tried a budget microwave for $12 and found it didn't heat food properly. It took over 10 minutes to heat a cup of water, and after a few weeks of use, it started malfunctioning. They said it was a waste of money and advised looking for higher wattage models.

Cheap Microwave Near Me Under $20