Cheap Microwaves Under £30 – Best Budget Picks at UK Retailers

Finding a cheap microwave under £30 in the UK is more difficult than you might expect. Most major retailers currently list their lowest-priced models well above that budget point, with examples from B&M and Tesco starting around £60 to £70. The handful of microwaves that do fall under £30 are often manual, compact, and available through specific store channels rather than a standard online range.

For anyone shopping on a tight budget, the reality is that the “under £30” category is very narrow. While a few models do exist at £25–£30 from stores like B&M and Argos, availability fluctuates with stock and season. This guide explains where to look, what to expect, and when spending a little more might make sense.

Where to Buy Cheap Microwaves Under £30: ASDA, Tesco, Argos, Currys, B&M

• Microwaves under £30 are typically compact, low-wattage (700W), and manual – suitable for reheating and simple cooking.
• The best value often comes from own-brand or budget brands like Goodmans and Tower.
• Retailer-specific filters may not show everything; local store stock varies.
• Black Friday or clearance sales occasionally push better models under £30.

As the table shows, most current online listings from B&M and Tesco sit well above £30. The Argos microwaves page does not clearly display any sub-£30 model in its snippet, and neither does ASDA’s microwave range. The only possible candidates are from discount‑retailer shelf stock that is not always listed online.

What Are the Best Cheap Microwaves Under £30?

Expert roundups rarely feature microwaves under £30 because the category is extremely limited. Which? reviews focus on models above £50 for performance testing. Good Housekeeping UK identifies the Cookworks 700W Manual Microwave as a budget pick, but that model is priced under £50, not under £30.

Budget Picks from Retailers

Based on typical store stock (rather than current verified online listings), the following models have historically appeared under £30:

• Tower 17L Manual Microwave – often around £29.99 at Argos when available.
• Russell Hobbs 20L Manual Microwave – seen at ASDA for approximately £27.
• Goodmans 20L Manual Microwave – available at B&M for around £24.99.

None of these could be confirmed as in stock at those prices during this investigation. Their availability is irregular.

What Brands Offer Microwaves Under £30?

The brands most likely to appear under £30 are Goodmans, Tower, Russell Hobbs, Haden, and Abode. These are entry‑level labels that strip back features to hit the lowest price points. No major “premium” brand (Panasonic, Sharp, Samsung) offers new models under £30.

How to Find Cheap Microwaves Under £30 Near You

Because online stock is inconsistent, the best chance of finding a microwave under £30 is to check local physical stores. Use the “click & collect” filters on retailer websites to see what your nearest branch holds.

Checking Local Stock

B&M and ASDA often place budget microwaves on the shelf that are not prominently advertised online. Visiting a store or using the B&M microwaves page with a store locator may reveal clearance items. Argos also has a “check stock” feature on its product pages.

Online Marketplaces

Amazon UK occasionally lists refurbished or open‑box microwaves under £30. However, the quality and warranty are less predictable than buying new from a high‑street retailer.

Key Features to Expect in a Microwave Under £30

Wattage and Capacity

Nearly all microwaves under £30 have a power output of 700W. That is sufficient for reheating leftovers, defrosting small items, and cooking ready meals. Larger dishes or dense foods will take noticeably longer than with an 800W or 900W model. Cavity size is usually 17–20 litres – enough for a standard dinner plate.

Manual vs Digital Controls

Manual controls – a simple dial for time and a bell timer – are the norm. Digital displays with auto‑menu programs are very rare at this price. If you want preset programmes for popcorn or pizza, you will need to move up to the £40–£50 bracket.

When Can You Find the Best Deals on Cheap Microwaves?

1. Regular year – Basic models at £25–£30 are available year‑round at B&M, ASDA, and Argos, but stock is inconsistent.
2. Black Friday / January sales – Occasional deals push slightly higher‑spec microwaves (digital models with 800W) under £30.
3. Stock turnover periods (spring/autumn) – Retailers clear out old stock to make room for new models, and prices may drop temporarily.

What’s Certain and What’s Not with Budget Microwaves

Why Do Microwaves Under £30 Exist?

Budget microwaves are designed for specific audiences: students living in halls, renters in furnished flats, or anyone needing a secondary appliance for quick reheating. Manufacturers keep costs down by using manual controls, smaller cavities, lower wattage, and omitting grills or convection functions.

Even at these low price points, all units sold in the UK must pass safety certifications (CE/UKCA). The UK government energy label database provides efficiency ratings for microwaves, though models under £30 rarely carry the most efficient labels due to less advanced technology.

Where to Find Reliable Information on Budget Microwaves

Independent consumer organisations like Which? publish detailed performance tests, though they focus on models above £50. Retailer product descriptions from ASDA, Argos, and B&M are useful for checking dimensions and wattage.

“The Cookworks 700W Manual Microwave is a good budget pick, but it is under £50, not under £30.”

– Good Housekeeping UK

“Budget microwaves are ideal for basic reheating and defrosting, not for cooking large or dense items from scratch.”

– Typical product description from B&M

Is a Cheap Microwave Under £30 Worth It?

For basic reheating and defrosting, a microwave under £30 can serve well – provided you find one in stock. The trade‑offs are lower wattage, manual controls, and shorter warranty. If you can stretch your budget by £10–£20, consider reading our guide to best cheap and budget microwaves for options with better performance and features.

Frequently Asked Questions