Durable & Reliable Budget Microwave for First-Time Apartment Dwellers

Many users express frustration with the poor quality and undifferentiated nature of cheap microwaves (under $100-$120), often describing them as 'garbage' or lacking proper cooking functionality. There's a desire for a microwave that is both affordable and reliably performs well, with some durability. The market is saturated with generic low-cost options where quality is a lottery. A product opportunity exists for a brand to offer a 'no-frills' compact microwave (e.g., 0.7-0.9 cu ft, 700-900 watts) specifically designed for budget-conscious consumers (like first-time apartment movers) that prioritizes consistent heating, simple controls, and a more robust build quality than typical low-end models, perhaps even offering a modest warranty to instill confidence. The key is to differentiate on reliable performance and basic durability within the budget segment, addressing the gap between 'cheap junk' and expensive, feature-rich models.