Microwave ovens do not have to be expensive to be genuinely useful. If you mostly reheat leftovers, cook ready meals and quickly defrost meat, a simple, low-cost model is often all you need.
For 2026, we have focused on some of the cheapest microwave ovens that still perform well enough to recommend. These are straightforward solo models without fancy extras, but they offer solid everyday convenience for a fraction of the price of premium appliances.
Every pick here is about saving money without dropping too far in quality. Some are absolute bargain-basement options, while others cost just a touch more but feel better to use or come from brands with a stronger track record.
These recommendations are based on the things that actually matter when you are buying on a budget: real specifications, owner ratings and how well each microwave performs the basics. Price is important, but we only highlight models that appear to be sensible everyday choices, not just the very cheapest boxes you can plug in.
We look closely at customer review scores and feedback to see how these microwaves handle daily use, from reheating and defrosting to simple cooking. If a low-cost model attracts too many complaints about build quality or performance, it simply does not make the cut.
Our aim is to steer you towards cheap microwave ovens that still feel like good purchases six months down the line, not false economies that leave you frustrated or shopping again sooner than you expected.
We started with the lowest-priced microwave ovens available in 2026 and filtered out any that looked too compromised, whether that was poor ratings, worrying feedback or missing essentials. That left a shortlist of compact solo models designed to handle the basics at a very low upfront cost.
From there, we compared review scores, the number of reviews and each brand’s track record. We gave preference to models with consistently high ratings, even when only a modest number of owners had left feedback, and to well-known names that are easy to live with day to day.
We also considered size and practicality. All of these microwaves are relatively small, making them a good fit for most UK kitchens, but there are subtle differences in height and styling to suit different spaces. The result is a tight list of cheap microwave ovens that balance low prices with acceptable performance and reliability.
Below you will find our top cheap microwave oven picks for 2026, ordered from the strongest overall budget recommendation down. Each one is affordable, but some focus on the lowest possible price while others offer a slightly better feel or finish for only a few pounds more.
Use the summaries to decide whether you want the absolute rock-bottom deal, or a still-cheap microwave that looks a bit smarter on the worktop and should be easier to live with every day.
A compact, no-nonsense black 20-litre microwave that keeps costs right down while still earning an excellent customer rating. Ideal if you want something cheap that simply gets on with the job.
For around £49, this Electra microwave is about as cheap as it gets for a 20-litre solo model, yet it still carries a superb 4.8 out of 5 rating from owners. The 20-litre capacity is enough for standard dinner plates and everyday reheating, so you are not sacrificing practicality to save money. Its compact 26cm height means it should tuck neatly onto most worktops, even in smaller kitchens or student houses. The black finish helps it blend in with other dark appliances and can hide marks a little better than white, which is handy in busy homes.
The white twin to our top pick, this 20-litre Electra keeps the same low price and strong rating in a brighter finish. A great choice if you are matching lighter kitchen appliances on a budget.
Like its black sibling, this Electra model comes in at about £49, so it sits right at the bottom end of the price range for a 20-litre solo microwave. The 4.8 out of 5 rating shows owners are very happy with how it handles everyday jobs, from reheating to defrosting. The white finish works well in brighter kitchens and can make smaller spaces feel less cramped than darker appliances. Its compact dimensions mean it will not dominate a worktop, which is ideal in flats, bedsits or shared student accommodation.
A slightly pricier white Electra with a clean, straightforward look that still sits firmly in the cheap bracket. Good if you want something simple but do not mind spending a few pounds more than the very cheapest models.
This white Electra sits just above the very cheapest models at about £55, so you only pay a small premium over the rock-bottom picks. It keeps the handy 20-litre capacity and 26cm height, so it is still compact while being practical for full-sized plates and bowls. The 4.8 out of 5 review score suggests owners are impressed with how it performs the basics, especially at this price. Its straightforward styling should look tidy in most kitchens without drawing too much attention to itself.
This black Electra offers a step up in style and feel while staying affordably priced. A sensible option if you prefer a darker look and are happy to spend a touch more than the rock-bottom options.
At around £55, this black Electra is still firmly in the cheap category but offers a slightly smarter look than the very lowest-cost models. Its 20-litre capacity keeps it practical for everyday reheating and defrosting, while the compact height helps it fit neatly under wall cupboards. A 4.5 out of 5 rating from owners is solid for such an inexpensive appliance, suggesting it performs reliably. The dark finish pairs nicely with modern black or stainless steel kitchens and hides minor scuffs better than white.
A compact Beko microwave with a huge number of reviews and a solid rating, proving it can cope with everyday use. It costs more than the Electra models but brings serious peace of mind for the money.
The Beko Compact Solo costs more than the Electra models at around £64, but it brings serious reassurance in return. A 4.4 out of 5 rating from well over a thousand reviews shows it has been heavily tested in real homes and generally performs well. The 20-litre capacity is big enough for everyday cooking and fits standard plates comfortably, while the 24cm height makes it slightly lower than the Electras, which can help in tighter gaps. Being from a widely recognised brand, it may also be easier to find support or replacement parts if needed.
