Craigslist Microwave (2024)

FAQs

How much should a good microwave cost? ›

Small models start around $60, and midsized models are typically in the $100 to $400 price range. OTR microwaves can be had for under $200, but most we test cost $500 and up.

A microwave costs $100 to $600 on average, depending on the brand, type, features, and size. Microwave oven prices are $50 to $500 for countertop models and $150 to $600 for over-the-range types. Built-in microwave prices are $400 to $2,000.

What wattage microwave should I get? For most households, a microwave with around 1,000 watts of power is plenty. Smaller microwaves generally have lower wattages (our budget pick with 600 watts), so save counter space, but lose the ability to heat large meals and cook dense foods from scratch.

Many brands tend to release new stock at the beginning of fall — for the holiday shopping season — and spring — for the new year — so they're the best times of year for finding the best deals. If you're looking for a new microwave, the fall season is your best bet.

With normal usage for an average family and good maintenance, a microwave often lasts for 7 to 8 years. If the microwave is used less frequently by a single person or a couple and is well-maintained, the lifespan can increase to up to 10 years.

In general, the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook. Most microwaves sit somewhere between 600 to 1,200 watts. Larger, more expensive microwaves tend to have a higher wattage, so this is a price and size consideration that can strongly influence microwave cooking performance.

Family size

On average, microwaves range in capacity from 0.7 cu. ft., which is suitable for most dinner plates, to 2.2 cu. ft., which is a better size for bigger cookware. It's important to consider what capacity you need to fit your dishes and suit your cooking needs.

Our survey results suggest that you should consider repairing the broken microwave if it's still under warranty or if it's 5 years old or less, but you'll definitely want to replace it if it's more than 5 years old.

A microwave with 900 watts typically can be powerful enough depending on how you use your microwave for the meals you prepare and the size of your family.

IS A 700 WATT MICROWAVE GOOD? Microwaves with 700 watts have less power than their higher wattage counterparts, so they are slower depending on your meal. Most microwave recipes require 1,000 watts of power for best results, so you may want to choose a microwave model with a higher wattage when shopping.

What is the best month to buy a microwave? ›

In addition to holiday weekends, fall and early winter (from September through December) are typically the best times of year to buy appliances.

Shop Small Appliances at the End of the Year: The best time to buy small appliances like microwaves and toasters is at the end of the year. Typically stores try to offload excess inventory during big Black Friday and end-of-year sales.

Smaller appliances such as coffee makers, toasters and microwave ovens usually go on sale during the end of the year, when manufacturers are trying to make way for new models.

In general, the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook. Most microwaves sit somewhere between 600 to 1,200 watts. Larger, more expensive microwaves tend to have a higher wattage, so this is a price and size consideration that can strongly influence microwave cooking performance.

Yours will probably last about 10 years. But when it's time to replace it, you needn't spend much money on a new one. Most inexpensive microwaves are made by only a couple of manufacturers, so it doesn't make much difference which one you buy.