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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

  1. 1
    BLACK+DECKER EM720CB713 pts
    GPT #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

  2. 2
    Farberware FMO07AHTBKJ26 pts
    GPT #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.

  3. 3
    Hamilton Beach 0.9 Cu Ft Digital Microwavenew6 pts
    GPT 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.

  4. 4
    Commercial Chef CHM770B25 pts
    GPT #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

  5. 5
    Toshiba EM925A5A-BSnew5 pts
    GPT 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

  6. 6
    COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMBnew4 pts
    GPT 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

  7. 7
    Magic Chef HMM770B43 pts
    GPT #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

  8. 8
    Magic Chef MCM770Wnew2 pts
    GPT 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.

  9. 9
    Galanz GLCMKA07BER-0741 pts
    GPT #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

Product06-3007-07
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB711
Farberware FMO07AHTBKJ45
Hamilton Beach 0.9 Cu Ft Digital Microwave·2
Commercial Chef CHM770B27
Toshiba EM925A5A-BS·3
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB·4
Magic Chef HMM770B3·
Magic Chef MCM770W·6

By model

ChatGPT

  1. 1.BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7
  2. 2.Commercial Chef CHM770B
  3. 3.Magic Chef HMM770B
  4. 4.Farberware FMO07AHTBKJ
  5. 5.Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07

Claude

  1. 1.Toshiba EM925A5A-BS
  2. 2.COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB
  3. 3.BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7
  4. 4.Hamilton Beach 0.9 Cu Ft Digital Microwave
  5. 5.Farberware FMO07AHTBKJ

Gemini

  1. 1.BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7
  2. 2.Hamilton Beach 0.9 Cu Ft Digital Microwave
  3. 3.Farberware FMO07AHTBKJ
  4. 4.Magic Chef MCM770W
  5. 5.Commercial Chef CHM770B

Tracked by ModelsAgree · rank 1 = 5 pts … rank 5 = 1 pt · re-polled continuously