A small microwave oven typically costs $55-$180, with a common price near $95 for a basic countertop model. Capacity, cooking power, inverter features, finish, and delivery or installation charges determine whether a low-priced unit meets a buyer’s needs.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small countertop microwave | $55 | $95 | $180 | About 0.7-1.2 cu. ft.; appliance only |
| Compact model, per unit | $55 | $95 | $180 | Commonly 700-1,000 watts |
| Delivery or haul-away | $0 | $25 | $60 | Varies by retailer and service |
What a Small Microwave Oven Costs by Capacity
For a standard countertop unit holding about 0.7-1.2 cubic feet, buyers usually pay $55-$180 before sales tax. A basic 0.7-cubic-foot, 700-watt model often sells for $55-$85; a 0.9-1.1-cubic-foot model with 900-1,000 watts commonly costs $85-$140. Models near the top of the range may add inverter cooking, sensor controls, a stainless finish, or a better warranty.
A practical average budget is about $95 for a dependable compact microwave without premium features. This estimate assumes a new countertop appliance, standard U.S. retail pricing, and no built-in installation. Larger interiors, specialized finishes, and seasonal discounts can shift the quote.
Assumptions: New countertop unit, standard materials, ordinary retail availability, and no electrical or cabinetry work.
How Magnetron, Controls, and Delivery Shape the Receipt
The purchase price covers more than capacity. Cooking power and control type affect the appliance price, while delivery, removal, or an extended protection plan can raise the checkout total. The ranges below are typical retail allowances rather than fixed fees.
| Cost item | Low | Average | High | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microwave unit | $55 | $95 | $180 | Compact countertop model |
| Delivery | $0 | $20 | $45 | Pickup may be free |
| Old-unit removal | $0 | $15 | $35 | Often optional or bundled |
| Protection plan | $10 | $25 | $50 | Optional retailer coverage |
| Sales tax | $0 | $7 | $18 | Depends on local tax and price |
Optional services can add roughly $15-$75 to a compact microwave purchase. Check whether delivery includes carrying the unit inside and whether removal applies to a small appliance; retailers may restrict those services or price them differently.
Which 700- to 1,000-Watt Features Raise the Price?
Capacity is a major price driver. Models below 0.8 cubic feet tend to be the least expensive, but a small turntable may not fit a full-size dinner plate. Moving to 0.9-1.2 cubic feet often adds $15-$50 and can provide more usable interior space. Buyers should compare the interior dimensions, not just the advertised capacity.
Power also matters: 700-800 watts is common on budget units, while 900-1,000 watts can heat food faster and cost about $10-$35 more. Inverter technology, which supplies more consistent cooking power, may add $30-$80 over a basic model. Sensor cooking and stainless finishes can add another $15-$50, depending on brand and controls.
Check wattage and plate fit before paying extra for appearance or preset menus. A model’s exterior can be small while its interior turntable or door clearance differs, so measurements matter in tight counters or shelves.
Does Inverter Cooking Justify a $30-$80 Premium?
Inverter models typically cost about $110-$220, compared with $55-$140 for many basic compact microwaves. The higher price may make sense for frequent use, delicate reheating, or recipes that benefit from steady lower-power operation. For occasional reheating, a conventional unit with clear power-level controls may deliver adequate performance at a lower purchase price.
Sensor cooking can also raise the ticket price, but it is not essential for every household. Buyers who mainly heat drinks and prepared meals may get better value from sufficient wattage, a usable turntable, and simple controls. Compare the same capacity and power range when judging the premium.
Countertop Versus Over-the-Range Installation Prices
A small countertop model costs far less upfront than an over-the-range microwave. Over-the-range units commonly cost $180-$500 for the appliance, with installation often adding $150-$350 when an existing compatible vent and electrical setup are available. New cabinetry changes, ductwork, or electrical work can push the project total higher.
For a straightforward replacement, a countertop unit usually avoids installation labor and keeps the total below $250. Over-the-range pricing is a different project: confirm cabinet dimensions, vent configuration, and mounting requirements before comparing product prices alone.
For example, 2-4 hours of installation labor at $75-$125 per hour equals $150-$500; the actual quote depends on removal, mounting, venting, and local rates.
When Delivery, Returns, and Warranty Add to the Cost
Small microwaves are generally easy to transport, so store pickup can avoid a delivery charge of about $20-$45. A return trip or restocking charge may apply if the product is opened or outside the retailer’s return window. Check those terms before purchase, especially when the appliance must fit a specific shelf or cabinet opening.
Most units include a limited manufacturer warranty, but coverage and duration vary. Optional plans commonly cost $10-$50. Their value depends on the length of coverage, service-call fees, exclusions, and the appliance’s purchase price; a plan approaching half the unit’s cost may be difficult to justify.
Measure the available width, height, and depth before ordering to avoid preventable return expenses. Leave the ventilation clearance specified by the manufacturer, and verify that the outlet is accessible without an extension cord.
Ways to Lower the Small Microwave Purchase Price
Compare models by capacity, wattage, and included features rather than brand name alone. A sale-priced 0.9-cubic-foot unit may offer better utility than the cheapest 0.7-cubic-foot option, while a premium finish may not improve cooking performance. Search for open-box or clearance units only after checking condition, warranty, and return eligibility.
Skip paid delivery if store pickup is practical, and avoid buying an extended plan without reviewing its exclusions. For a broken older microwave, compare repair labor and parts with a replacement: a service visit may cost $75-$150 before parts, making replacement more economical when the repair approaches the price of a new basic unit.
Set a total budget, including tax and optional services, before choosing features. For most compact countertop purchases, $75-$130 covers a useful midrange choice without paying for upgrades that may go unused.