Discover affordable microwaves that pair grilling power with everyday practicality. This guide highlights five budget-friendly models that add a built-in grill to your countertop cooking, offering crisping, browning, and versatile meal prep without breaking the bank. Each option combines reliable microwave performance with grill functionality, designed for quick weeknight meals and small-space kitchens.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Emerson MWG1191SB | Emerson | 1100W grill-enabled performance with 11 power levels |
| BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA | BLACK+DECKER | 5-in-1 versatility with air fry and convection |
| TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA | TOSHIBA | 8-in-1 multi-function with broil and odor removal |
| Emerson MWRG0901W | Emerson | Retro compact design with 1,000W grill function |
| GE 4-in-1 Countertop | GE | Air fry, convection, and grill modes in one unit |
Note: Each model below offers built-in grilling alongside traditional microwave features, making it easier to crisp, brown, and finish foods with a compact footprint.
Emerson MWG1191SB Microwave With Built-In Grill
Emerson’s MWG1191SB combines microwave and grill functions in one appliance, delivering 1100 watts of microwave power with 11 adjustable levels for precise cooking control. The built-in grill is ideal for crisping pizzas, browning casseroles, and finishing meats with a grilled texture. A durable stainless steel exterior complements contemporary kitchens and is easy to wipe down for daily use. The unit includes a removable glass turntable and an LED timer display to help monitor cooking progress. A child lock adds a layer of safety in households with children.
Key features in this model include:
– Microwave and grill in one unit for versatile cooking
– 1100W power with 11 power levels for precise results
– Sleek stainless steel design for durability and easy cleaning
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave With Air Fry
This compact 0.9 cu. ft. microwave performs five cooking functions: microwave, air fryer, bake, roast, and a grill/convection combo. At 900 watts, it provides dependable reheating and cooking power with seven auto menus and 11 air fry presets for popular items. The ES9P032NA is an excellent choice for kitchens needing a small footprint with a broad range of cooking options, including healthier air-fried results with minimal oil. The unit includes a child-lock for safety and a straightforward control panel for everyday use.
Notable capabilities:
– Five-in-one cooking modes, including air fry and convection
– 900W output with multiple auto menus and air fry presets
– Compact design suitable for apartments or small kitchens
TOSHIBA 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave With Convection
The Toshiba ML2-EC10SA offers an 8-in-1 multifunction approach that includes microwave, air fry, bake (convection), broil (grill), and other modes. Its 12.4″ turntable supports larger plates, and the unit emphasizes safety with a two-step child lock. The odor removal feature helps manage kitchen smells, making it suitable for shared living spaces. The appliance blends a modern black stainless finish with practical controls for everyday use.
Highlights include:
– 8-in-1 functionality with convection and grill
– Large 12.4″ turntable for versatile dish sizes
– Odor removal mode for cleaner air after cooking
Emerson MWRG0901W Retro Microwave With Grill
Emerson’s MWRG0901W combines a compact 0.9 cu. ft. cavity with a built-in 1,000W grill function, offering quick browning and crisping on demand. The 800W microwave power and 5 adjustable power levels balance efficiency with space savings. A retro white design with chrome accents brings a nostalgic look to kitchens while maintaining modern conveniences, including an LED display and a glass turntable. Safety is enhanced with a child lock feature, making it suitable for households with kids.
Key aspects:
– Built-in 1,000W grill for crispy textures
– Compact 0.9 cu. ft. capacity with 800W microwave power
– Retro styling with modern LED display
Emerson MWRG0901BK Retro Microwave With Grill
The black variant of the Emerson retro model mirrors the white version with an integrated 1,000W grill and 0.9 cu. ft. microwave capacity. It uses 5 power levels and 8 auto menus to streamline common tasks, such as reheating, melting, and browning. The black finish adds a touch of sophistication while remaining easy to clean. A glass turntable helps ensure even cooking, and the unit carries safety features like a child lock for households with children.
Highlights include:
– 1,000W grill integrated with 800W microwave output
– 0.9 cu. ft. capacity in a compact retro form
– Black finish with easy-clean surfaces
GE 4-in-1 Countertop With Air Fry And More
GE’s 4-in-1 countertop microwave blends air fry, convection, and grill features into a single kitchen helper. The unit includes a two-step child lock for safety and a dedicated air fry mode designed to deliver crisp textures with less oil. The convection setting uses a rack that improves heat circulation for even browning, making it a strong option for users who want multiple cooking modalities in a compact appliance. The stainless steel finish is durable and easy to maintain.
Important characteristics:
– Air fry, convection, and grill modes in one compact unit
– Two-step child lock to help prevent accidental use
– Stainless steel exterior with a rack for convection cooking
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Multifunction balance: Evaluate how many functions you truly need. Some models emphasize air frying and convection, while others prioritize grill power. Choose a unit that aligns with your most frequent cooking tasks.
- Power and cooking presets: Higher wattage (900–1100W) provides faster reheating and cooking, but check the number of power levels and auto menus to suit your routine.
- Size and capacity: Compact 0.9 cu. ft. units fit smaller spaces but may limit plate size. If you regularly cook larger dishes, consider models with larger turntables or wider cavities.
- Grill performance: Built-in grills vary in intensity and browning capability. Assess whether the grill can handle pizzas, sandwiches, and meats with a desired crispy finish.
- Safety features: Look for child locks and easy-to-use controls. A simple interface reduces the risk of accidents in households with kids or busy schedules.
- Design and maintenance: Stainless steel exteriors resist fingerprints and are easier to clean. Removable glass turntables simplify cleaning, while durable interiors prevent scratches over time.
- Price-to-feature ratio: Budget-friendly models deliver good value, but compare the available features and build quality to ensure reliability and longevity.
When selecting a cheap microwave with grill, consider how often you’ll use the grill mode, the overall footprint, and the variety of cooking modes you’ll actually use. The models reviewed here provide a mix of grilling capability, multiple cooking functions, and compact designs suitable for American kitchens seeking affordable convenience without sacrificing performance.