Best Microwaves Under $800 in 2026: 5 Picks Compared
For a kitchen upgrade in this budget bracket, the top pick is the ZLINE over-the-range convection microwave in black stainless: it is the only pick in the pool with both sensor cooking and convection listed. We chose it after comparing five priced listings by stated type, width, capacity, and special features. Live prices are shown on the page, and nobody on the site has tested the units.
5 picks from 8 microwaves that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Live prices throughout, each with the moment it was read.
The list in brief
| # | Pick | Microwave | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | ZLINE Over the Range Convection Microwave Oven in Black Stainless Steel | $705.49 (as of 11/05/2026 02:06 PST - Details) |
| 2 | Best built-in | Summit SMBI27TK30 30” Built-in Microwave with Trim Kit | $749.00 (as of 11/05/2026 01:29 PST - Details) |
| 3 | Best drawer | 24 in. Haven Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer | $998.99 (as of 11/05/2026 02:37 PST - Details) |
| 4 | Best for large capacity | ZLINE 30 in. 1.5 cu. ft. Over-The-Range Microwave in Satin Stainless | |
| 5 | Best flexible installation | THOR Kitchen 24-Inch Convertible Over-the-Range Microwave | $719.00 (as of 11/05/2026 01:36 PST - Details) |
Which pick fits you?
- For a flush built-in install: If the microwave needs to sit in a wall or cabinet opening, the Summit 30-inch built-in comes with a trim kit and is the only true built-in in this pool. See pick 2
- For drawer access below the counter: If you want a microwave that pulls out like a drawer instead of swinging a door, the COSMO Haven 24-inch drawer model is the only drawer pick in this pool. See pick 3
- For convection and sensor cooking: If you want browning or baking that a standard microwave cannot do, the ZLINE black stainless over-the-range model is the only pick with both convection and sensor cooking listed. See pick 1
The full list of 5
1 Best overall
ZLINE Over the Range Convection Microwave Oven in Black Stainless Steel
- Type
- Over the range
- Convection
- Yes
- Sensor cooking
- Yes
$705.49 (as of 11/05/2026 02:06 PST - Details)
This ZLINE over-the-range model lists both convection cooking and sensor cooking, a combination no other microwave in the pool states. It is the only pick with these features, and its black stainless finish gives it a distinct look for kitchens that use that finish.
Pros
- Convection mode listed, which supports baking and roasting in addition to reheating
- Sensor cooking listed, which is designed to adjust cook time based on humidity
- Black stainless finish with a traditional handle
- Only pick in this pool with both convection and sensor cooking
Cons
- Width not stated by the seller
- Capacity not stated by the seller
- Over-the-range installation requires duct or vent planning
Good fit if
- Buyers who want an over-the-range microwave that can also brown or bake small items
- Buyers who prefer a black stainless finish to match other kitchen appliances
Skip if
- Buyers who need a stated width or capacity before ordering
- Buyers who want a built-in or drawer style instead of over-the-range
Verdict: The only pick with both convection and sensor cooking, and the strongest all-around choice by stated features in this pool.
2 Best built-in
Summit SMBI27TK30 30” Built-in Microwave with Trim Kit
- Type
- Built-in
- Capacity
- 2.0 cu ft or more
- Wattage
- 1200 W or more
- Width
- 30 inch
- Sensor cooking
- Yes
$749.00 (as of 11/05/2026 01:29 PST - Details)
The Summit is the only true built-in in the pool and comes with a trim kit, which is often sold separately. Its 30-inch width matches a common built-in opening standard.
Pros
- Only true built-in type in this pool
- Trim kit included according to the listing
- 30-inch width fits a standard built-in cutout
- Stainless steel finish matches most appliance lines
Cons
- Capacity not stated by the seller
- No sensor or convection feature listed by the seller
- Built-in installation is less flexible than plugging in a countertop model
Good fit if
- Buyers installing a microwave into a wall or cabinet opening
- Buyers who want a stainless front and the trim kit supplied
Skip if
- Buyers who need a drawer or over-the-range microwave
- Buyers who want sensor or convection cooking features
Verdict: The best built-in pick for a 30-inch opening, with the trim kit included in the listing.
3 Best drawer
24 in. Haven Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer
- Type
- Drawer
- Capacity
- 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft
- Wattage
- 1000 to 1199 W
- Width
- 24 inch
$998.99 (as of 11/05/2026 02:37 PST - Details)
Outside this guide's budget at today's price.
The COSMO Haven is the only drawer-type microwave in the pool. Its 24-inch width fits typical base-cabinet openings, and the stated 1.2 cu ft capacity sits in the middle of the pool's capacity range.
Pros
- Only drawer type in this pool
- 1.2 cu ft capacity stated by the seller
- 24-inch width fits common cabinet openings
- Matte black finish for a modern look
Cons
- No sensor or convection feature listed by the seller
- Only 1.2 cu ft stated capacity, smaller than the large ZLINE in this pool
- Drawer installation requires a base cabinet with the correct cutout
Good fit if
- Buyers who want the microwave mounted below the counter
- Buyers with a 24-inch cabinet opening and a preference for drawer access
Skip if
- Buyers who prefer an over-the-range or built-in microwave
- Buyers who need the largest available capacity in this budget range
Verdict: The only drawer microwave in this pool, and a good match for below-counter installation.
4 Best for large capacity
ZLINE 30 in. 1.5 cu. ft. Over-The-Range Microwave in Satin Stainless
- Type
- Over the range
- Capacity
- 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft
- Width
- 30 inch
This ZLINE lists a 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft capacity, the largest stated range in the pool. Its 30-inch width also makes it a better fit for a wide over-the-range opening than the 24-inch models here.
Pros
- Largest stated capacity range in the pool at 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft
- 30-inch width covers wide over-the-range openings
- Satin stainless steel finish with a traditional handle
Cons
- No sensor or convection feature listed by the seller
- Capacity range is broad, so the exact usable space is not stated
- Over-the-range type requires a suitable vent hood and cabinet clearance
Good fit if
- Buyers with a 30-inch space above the range
- Buyers who often heat large platters or large containers
Skip if
- Buyers who want a black stainless finish
- Buyers who need sensor or convection cooking
Verdict: The largest-capacity pick in the pool and the right width for wide over-the-range openings.
5 Best flexible installation
THOR Kitchen 24-Inch Convertible Over-the-Range Microwave
- Type
- Over the range
- Width
- 24 inch
$719.00 (as of 11/05/2026 01:36 PST - Details)
The Thor Kitchen model is the only pick whose listing says it is convertible, meaning it can be set up for different venting configurations. At 24 inches, it fits standard narrower over-the-range openings.
Pros
- Convertible installation stated in the model name, so it can suit different venting setups
- 24-inch width fits common over-the-range openings
- Over-the-range design frees counter space
- Stainless steel finish matches standard kitchen appliances
Cons
- Capacity not stated by the seller
- No sensor or convection feature listed by the seller
- Vent kit and ducting are not described in the stated specs
Good fit if
- Buyers who need an over-the-range microwave that can adapt to the room's venting setup
- Buyers with a 24-inch opening above the range
Skip if
- Buyers who prefer a built-in or drawer style
- Buyers who want the largest available capacity in this budget range
Verdict: A flexible 24-inch over-the-range choice for buyers who need convertibility in the installation.
The specs, compared
| # | Microwave | Type | Capacity | Wattage | Width | Convection | Air fry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ZLINE Over the Range Convection Microwave Oven in Black Stainless Steel | Over the range | not stated | not stated | not stated | Yes | not stated |
| 2 | Summit SMBI27TK30 30” Built-in Microwave with Trim Kit | Built-in | 2.0 cu ft or more | 1200 W or more | 30 inch | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | 24 in. Haven Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Drawer | Drawer | 1.0 to 1.4 cu ft | 1000 to 1199 W | 24 inch | not stated | not stated |
| 4 | ZLINE 30 in. 1.5 cu. ft. Over-The-Range Microwave in Satin Stainless | Over the range | 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft | not stated | 30 inch | not stated | not stated |
| 5 | THOR Kitchen 24-Inch Convertible Over-the-Range Microwave | Over the range | not stated | not stated | 24 inch | not stated | not stated |
Why these made the list
This guide starts from a pool of five microwaves priced in the category covered by this guide on the day the data was read. All five entries are included, since the pool has fewer than a dozen listings. Each pick is judged on the seller's stated specifications: type, width, capacity, sensor cooking, and convection. Prices are live and read from the store listing, and nobody on the site has used these units. Where a spec is not stated, we say so rather than guess. We also checked the maker's own pages and government guidance for background on microwave safety and handling, but the choice of picks rests on the listed specifications and the features each model states for itself.
Things to weigh before buying
Match the type to your kitchen layout
Microwaves in this price range come in three basic types: over-the-range, built-in, and drawer. An over-the-range model mounts above your stove and usually includes a vent fan; that is the path to take if you want to free up counter space. A built-in model sits inside a wall or cabinet opening and often needs a trim kit, so check your opening width before ordering. A drawer model installs below the counter or in a base cabinet and slides out for access. The pool includes three over-the-range or built-in picks and one drawer pick, so the first decision is which opening you have.
Check the width and capacity that are stated
For built-in and over-the-range microwaves, width matters more than almost any other spec. The wider picks in this pool are the 30-inch Summit built-in and the 30-inch ZLINE over-the-range, while the 24-inch Thor Kitchen and 24-inch COSMO drawer fit narrower openings. Capacity is stated for only two of the five picks: the COSMO drawer lists 1.2 cu ft and the ZLINE 30-inch lists 1.5 to 1.9 cu ft. If the seller does not list a capacity or width, treat that as a missing detail and confirm it from the maker before buying.
Decide whether sensor and convection matter
A sensor cooking microwave uses a humidity or temperature sensor to adjust heating time, which can reduce the chance of overcooking meal-kit or frozen dishes. A convection microwave adds a fan and heating element so it can bake or roast, not just reheat. In this pool, only the ZLINE black stainless over-the-range lists both sensor and convection. Every other pick lists neither. If you already have a wall oven and only reheat leftovers, sensor and convection are optional. If you want a second oven that can brown, the convection pick is the only one here with that stated capability.
Match the finish to your appliance line
The finish is a visible decision: stainless steel is the most common and matches most standard kitchen appliance lines. The Summit built-in, ZLINE 30-inch, and Thor Kitchen over-the-range are listed in stainless finishes. The ZLINE black stainless model is the only black stainless option in the pool, and the COSMO Haven drawer is the only matte black pick. If your other appliances are black stainless, the ZLINE black stainless over-the-range is the one that matches. If everything else is standard stainless, the stainless picks will blend in better.
Consider how the microwave will be vented
Over-the-range microwaves move air in one of two ways: through a duct to the outside or through a charcoal filter that recirculates air back into the kitchen. The Thor Kitchen model's name says it is convertible, which usually means it can be set up for either recirculating or ducted venting. The other over-the-range picks in this pool do not state their venting setup in the specs, so check the maker's installation guide if ducting matters for your kitchen. For built-in and drawer microwaves, venting is usually less critical because they are not in the range hood position.
Budget for trim kits and installation
A built-in microwave's retail price is rarely the full cost of the installation. You may need a trim kit, a cabinet opening, an electrical outlet, and sometimes a custom surround. The Summit 30-inch built-in is the only pick here that includes a trim kit in the listing; the others do not state whether trim is included. Over-the-range models also need mounting hardware and venting, which may be supplied or sold separately. Before choosing, check your opening dimensions, your electrical setup, and whether the total budget covers the extras.
Questions
What is the difference between a built-in microwave and an over-the-range microwave?
A built-in microwave is installed inside a wall or cabinet opening and does not include a range or vent fan. An over-the-range microwave mounts above your stove and usually combines a microwave with a ventilation fan. Drawer microwaves are installed below a counter or in a base cabinet. For this pool, the Summit 30-inch is the built-in option, the ZLINE and Thor Kitchen models are over-the-range, and the COSMO Haven is a drawer.
Does a convection microwave replace a full-size oven?
A convection microwave can roast and bake using a built-in fan and heating element, so it can handle smaller batches of cookies, casseroles, or chicken pieces faster than a standard microwave. It usually cannot match the capacity of a full-size wall oven or range oven, especially for large sheets or tall roasts. In this pool, only the ZLINE black stainless over-the-range model lists convection; the other picks do not. If you roast or bake large quantities often, keep a full oven as your primary appliance.
What does sensor cooking mean on a microwave?
Sensor cooking uses a sensor inside the oven to detect the humidity released as food heats. The microwave automatically adjusts the remaining cook time to reduce the chance of overcooking or undercooking. In this pool, only the ZLINE over-the-range convection microwave lists sensor cooking. The rest of the picks do not list that feature, so their cooking times need to be set manually. Sensor cooking is most useful for reheating leftovers, defrosting, and cooking convenience foods with varying moisture.
Which microwave width should I buy for a 24-inch or 30-inch opening?
Measure your cabinet or wall opening before choosing a microwave, because width is the most common fit problem. In this pool, the COSMO 24-inch drawer and the Thor Kitchen 24-inch over-the-range fit 24-inch openings. The Summit 30-inch built-in and the ZLINE 30-inch over-the-range fit 30-inch openings. The first ZLINE over-the-range model does not state its width, so do not order it for a specific opening until the maker confirms the measurement.
Is it safe to use a microwave for defrosting frozen food?
The FDA and USDA guidance say that thawing in the microwave is one of the safe methods, along with thawing in the refrigerator or in cold water. Food thawed in the microwave should be cooked immediately. Because microwave defrosting can heat some areas before others, follow the oven's defrost settings and check that the food is cooked to the safe minimum internal temperature afterward. That guidance applies to any microwave, regardless of type or price.
Latest changes
- : First published.