How much does a microwave cost?
How much does a microwave cost?
$50 – $500 Countertop microwave cost
$150 – $600 Over-the-range microwave cost
$400 – $2,000 Built-in microwave cost
Microwave cost
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. Microwave installation costs $100 to $400 extra.
| National average cost | $350 |
| Minimum cost | $50 |
| Maximum cost | $3,500 |
| Average range | $100 to $600 |
New microwave cost by type
The following table compares microwave types by their price and features:
| Type | Average price | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|
| Countertop | $50 – $500 |
|
| Over-the-range | $150 – $600 |
|
| Built-in | $180 – $2,000 |
|
| Drawer | $1,000 – $1,400 |
|
| Combo oven | $2,500 – $3,500 |
|
| Convection | $180 – $800 |
|
*Microwave cost only. Installation adds $100 to $400+.
Countertop microwave cost
A countertop microwave costs $50 to $500 on average, depending on the cooking capacity, wattage, and features. High-end countertop models cost up to $1,100 for top brands and models with convection-cooking features.
| Size (cubic feet) | Watts | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (0.5 - 1.0) | 700 – 1,100 | $50 – $150 |
| Medium (1.1 - 1.5) | 800 – 1,400 | $70 – $400 |
| Large (1.6 - 2.2) | 950 – 1,600 | $110 – $500 |
No installation required
Easy to replace or move
Takes up counter space
Typically comes with fewer features
Over-the-range microwave cost
An over-the-range microwave costs $150 to $600 on average, and high-end models cost up to $1,800. Over-the-stove microwaves are 18” to 36” wide and require a precise fit and professional installation.
Venting options include recirculating the air through a charcoal filter back into the house or connecting the unit to external vents.
Models with higher cubic-feet-per-minute fan power produce better airflow.
Built-in microwave cost
A built-in microwave costs $400 to $2,000 on average, depending on the type and size. Built-in microwaves are the best types for saving counter space and blending in with the cabinetry. However, they require professional installation by a carpenter.
| Type | Price range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $180 – $3,500 |
|
| Drawer | $700 – $1,800 |
|
| Combo oven | $2,350 – $7,000+ |
|
Cost of convection microwave oven
A convection microwave costs $180 to $800 on average, or up to $3,500 for the largest high-end models. The internal fans and additional heating elements inside circulate hot air evenly for faster cooking like a traditional oven.
Available as countertop, over-the-range, and built-in models.
Cooking options include roasting, baking, broiling, and crisping.
Microwave prices by brand
Microwaves cost $50 to $3,500 depending on the brand, size, and type. Good microwave oven brands like an LG microwave oven costs $130 to $800, and GE microwaves cost $80 to $3,500.
| Brand | Price range |
|---|---|
| Avanti | $60 – $200 |
| Black+Decker | $75 – $370 |
| Whirlpool | $120 – $900 |
| Panasonic | $85 – $650 |
| Kenmore | $70 – $500 |
| Magic Chef | $50 – $340 |
| Samsung | $130 – $600 |
| LG | $130 – $800 |
| Bosch | $400 – $2,100 |
| Kitchen Aid | $500 – $2,300 |
| Frigidaire | $125 – $1,400 |
| GE | $80 – $3,500 |
| Toshiba | $80 – $500 |
| Viking | $570 – $2,350 |
| Amana | $200 – $2,000 |
Microwave buying guide
A good microwave costs $100 to $600 on average, depending on the type, size, features, and capacity. Consider the following factors when choosing a good microwave:
Budget – Countertop microwaves are the cheapest, have the largest selection, and don’t require installation. Over-the-range and built-in models cost more, have better features, and require professional installation.
Size and location – A countertop microwave is the easiest to move, while over-the-range and built-in models save counter space.
Wattage – Most units have 800 to 1,200 watts of power. High-wattage microwaves cook faster but cost more.
Capacity – Microwaves have capacities of 0.5 to 2.2 cubic feet total, while most are 1 to 2 cubic feet.
Features – Advanced features like convection-cooking mode, inverter precision cooking, defrosting, and childproof locking increases the price.
Warranty – Get free repairs or replacements within 1 to 12 months under most warranties. Some credit card consumer-protection programs also extend warranties.
Microwave sizes guide
Over-the-range microwaves are 18” to 36” wide and require an exact fit. Countertop microwaves are smaller at 12” to 27” wide. The kitchen’s layout and family size determine which size microwave is best.
The following is a microwave size comparison table based on type:
| Type | Width | Height | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop | 12” – 27” | 10” – 14” | 10” – 21” |
| Over-the-range | 18” – 36” | 10” – 18” | 15” – 18” |
| Built-in | 18” – 31” | 12” – 20” | 13” – 25” |
Cooking capacity is the microwave’s interior size:
0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet is compact to small or dorm size
1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet is standard family-size or full size
1.8 to 2.0+ cubic feet is extra-large
Upgrading to a larger microwave typically requires more power and increased fees in electrical work before installation.
Compare microwave features
Microwave oven features to look for include:
Smart sensor cooking – Detects steam and automatically adjusts the cooking time and power accordingly to stop food from burning.
Auto defrost – Instantly estimates the thawing time and cooking temperature.
Quick keys and presets – Save pre-programmed settings for one-touch cooking tasks and reheating.
Smart / Wi-Fi connected – Allows wireless microwave control through a smart device, digital assistant, or voice control.
Child-safety lock– Prevent accidental use by locking the microwave with a key code.
Charcoal filters (over-the-range microwaves) – Purify grease, smoke, and odors from the stovetop range below.
Turntable trays and racks – Easy-to-clean removable trays rotate the food for even heating or stack food for cooking multiple dishes.
Built-in vs. over-the-range microwaves
Both over-the-range and built-in microwaves save counter space, need a precise fit, and require professional installation.
Over-the-range microwaves replace the stove’s exhaust hood for kitchen ventilation.
Built-in microwaves go inside the wall or cabinetry.
Microwave-drawer models replace any drawer.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Over-the-range |
|
|
| Built-in |
|
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Where can I buy a microwave?
The best places to buy a microwave are at home improvement stores. A microwave at Walmart costs $50 to $365 but has fewer models to choose from than other stores.
| Store | Price range |
|---|---|
| Best Buy | $55 – $2,700 |
| Sears | $55 – $3,400 |
| Lowe's | $40 – $3,500 |
| Home Depot | $55 – $1,400 |
| Walmart | $50 – $365 |
| Target | $50 – $430 |
| Menards | $45 – $1,200 |
| Amazon | $60 – $1,200 |
Microwave installation
Microwave installation costs $100 to $300 for an over-the-range microwave or $220 to $580 for a built-in microwave, excluding the price of a microwave unit.
Electrician or handyman prices are $50 to $100 per hour for labor.
Adding a new electrical outlet costs $150 to $600.
When to repair or replace a microwave oven?
Microwave repairs cost $100 to $300 on average, depending on the model and repair type. If the microwave is high-end, less than 5 years old, and needs minor fixes, then repairing the unit is more cost-effective.
| Repair when: | Replace when: |
|---|---|
|
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Microwave cost FAQs
Best low-cost microwave oven
The best affordable countertop microwaves cost $75 to $170 with features like cooking presets, basic timers, and cooking power of 900 to 1,100 watts.
How long does a microwave last?
Microwaves last 7 to 10 years on average, depending on usage and maintenance. All microwave types need regular cleaning and degreasing of the grease filters for optimum performance.
Extend the microwave’s lifespan by:
Never heating metals inside the microwave
Closing the door gently
Never running the microwave with nothing inside
Letting only a qualified technician do microwave repairs
Keeping the microwave plugged into a surge protector
Maintaining space for air circulation around the microwave
Always turning on an over-the-range microwave’s exhaust fan when cooking on the stovetop below
How much does it cost to use a microwave per minute?
The cost to run a microwave is less than $0.01 per minute or $0.10 to $0.13 per hour on average, depending on local electricity rates.
| Daily usage (minutes) | Electricity cost per year |
|---|---|
| 5 | $3 – $5 |
| 15 | $11 – $14 |
| 30 | $22 – $28 |
| 60 | $45 – $55 |
*Based on a 1,200-watt microwave.
Microwaves also use some power for standby mode and the digital clock, which costs an additional $4 to $6 annually.
Hiring a microwave installation service
Electricians, general contractors, and appliance technicians from local home improvement stores install microwaves.
When searching for an appliance installer nearby, look for professionals with:
Certified appliance-technician training
Years of experience in microwave installations
Pricing that’s not the cheapest out of 3 or more different estimates
Excellent customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google
A contractor’s license and insurance
Labor warranties
Knowledge of local building codes for microwave installation heights over the range