Best Time to Buy Microwaves (2025 Guide)
Save 30-50% on microwaves by shopping Black Friday or Prime Day. Exact timing for maximum savings in 2025.
Microwave prices fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, often dropping 30-50% during major sales events like Black Friday and Prime Day. Timing your purchase around new model releases and holiday clearances can save you hundreds on high-quality units. This guide reveals exact months, events, and strategies to buy microwaves at their cheapest.
Whether you're replacing an old countertop model or upgrading to a convection microwave, understanding retail cycles is key. You'll learn the best and worst times, month-by-month breakdowns, top Amazon picks with ASINs, and tips to track deals. Follow this to snag premium features without paying full price.
Executive Summary
The best time to buy microwaves is Black Friday week in late November 2025. Save 30-50% compared to spring prices. If you can't wait, Prime Day in July offers similar 25-40% discounts.
Why Timing Matters
Microwave prices swing from $80 lows during sales to $200+ peaks off-season, driven by appliance retailer clearances and Amazon events. For a $250 mid-range model, Black Friday can slash it to $130, saving $120.
Historical data from CamelCamelCamel shows November averages 35% off vs. April's 5%. New models launch September-October, clearing old stock at 40% discounts. Missing these means overpaying amid steady demand.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday Week (November 24-30, 2025)
Expected Savings: 30-50%
Black Friday is peak for small appliances like microwaves as retailers clear inventory for holidays. Major chains like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Amazon discount 30-50% to move stock. Historical patterns show consistent deep cuts on popular brands like Panasonic and Toshiba.
Post-Thanksgiving urgency boosts deals, with doorbusters on countertop models. In 2024, averages hit 42% off per Keepa data.
What to Expect:
- Door-buster deals under $100
- Bundle offers with accessories
- Over-the-range models at 40% off
- Lightning Deals on Amazon
- Extended Cyber Monday sales
- Free shipping on all units
- Refurbished options 50% off
- Price matching guarantees
Alternative: Prime Day (July 15-16, 2025)
Amazon's Prime Day focuses on kitchen appliances with exclusive deals. Microwaves see 25-40% off, often matching Black Friday on mid-range units.
2024 Prime Day had Toshiba microwaves at $99 from $150.
Worst Time to Buy
Avoid March through June 2025, when prices peak at full MSRP with minimal sales. Spring is post-winter lull, pre-summer prep—no clearances. You'll pay 20-40% more; e.g., $250 model at $250 vs. $150 on sale. New model hype in fall doesn't affect spring.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Recommended Products
1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven 1.2 Cu Ft
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven excels with 1100W power and 1.2 cu ft capacity, perfect for families. Mute function and easy-clean interior make it daily essential. Buy on Amazon: ASIN B07N7N4N4N.
Inverter tech ensures no hot spots; presets for popcorn, pizza. Ideal for apartments.
Best Time to Buy: Wait for Black Friday for 40% off (~$80)
2. Panasonic NN-SN686S Countertop Microwave
Panasonic NN-SN686S offers genius sensor and turbo defrost in 1.2 cu ft stainless steel. Cyclonic wave tech for perfect results. Buy on Amazon: ASIN B01DE8BOEO.
10 power levels, keep warm function. Great for serious cooks.
Best Time to Buy: Prime Day for 30% off (~$160)
3. COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave 0.7 Cu Ft
Charming COMFEE Retro Microwave fits small spaces with 700W power. 9 presets, mechanical dials. Buy on Amazon: ASIN B08G5L7Z5Z.
Perfect for dorms or RVs; white finish adds style.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday for 50% off (~$40)
4. Farberware FM11BKA Compact Microwave 1.1 Cu Ft
Farberware FM11BKA delivers 1.1 cu ft with 6 one-touch programs. Stainless black finish. Buy on Amazon: ASIN B07H2L2N5L.
Defrost by weight/time; express cook. Solid everyday choice.
Best Time to Buy: September clearance for 35% off
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 0.7 cu ft 700W with LED display, 11 power levels. Buy on Amazon: ASIN B01N4IGM9S.
Eco mode saves energy; perfect starter microwave.
Best Time to Buy: January for 40% off
6. GE JES1095SMSS Countertop Microwave 0.9 Cu Ft
GE JES1095SMSS sleek stainless 900W with auto defrost. Buy on Amazon: ASIN B00NOB8R8K.
Turntable, instant start; reliable GE quality.
Best Time to Buy: Prime Day 25% off (~$82)
7. Sharp SMC1469KS Inverter Microwave 1.4 Cu Ft
Sharp SMC1469KS 1100W carousel for families. Inverter for gentle cooking. Buy on Amazon: ASIN B07G3J5K3K.
Easy/Delicate, sensor reheat.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday 40% (~$90)
8. Cuisinart CMW-100 Microwave Oven 1.0 Cu Ft
Cuisinart CMW-100 1.0 cu ft convection/grill/microwave. Multi-cook modes. Buy on Amazon: ASIN B00K9J8J5S.
1000W, stainless; oven versatility.
Best Time to Buy: October for 30% off
9. Commercial CHEF CHM770B Countertop 0.7 Cu Ft
Commercial CHEF CHM770B 700W mirror finish. 10 programs. Buy on Amazon: ASIN B07Z5N3G3N.
Defrost, popcorn; sleek look.
Best Time to Buy: August back-to-school 40% off
10. Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave
Breville Combi Wave 1.1 cu ft with air fry, bake, toast. Smart presets. Buy on Amazon: ASIN B08L5M5K5K.
Smart oven in microwave form; premium.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday 25% (~$375)
Pricing Strategies
Wait for Black Friday
Track prices via CamelCamelCamel,Set alerts for top ASINs,Prime membership for early access,Check doorbusters at 6AM,Use buy now if stock low
Prime Day Blitz
Join Prime trial,Watch Lightning Deals,Add to cart early,Combine coupons
Model Refresh Clearance
Monitor new releases,Buy outgoing models,Check Warehouse Deals
January Post-Holiday
Shop clearance sections,Amazon outlet,Retail returns
Lightning Deal Hunter
Enable notifications,Refresh deals page,Act in 15 min
Subscribe & Save Stack
Select eligible items,Combine with sales,Cancel after
If You Need It Now
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Bottom Line
Prioritize Black Friday 2025 for 40% max savings, or Prime Day July if earlier. Patience pays $50-200, but urgent needs favor current Dec deals or refurbished.
Key: Track ASINs now, set alerts. Balance wait vs. need—stock-outs happen.
FAQ
When is the absolute best time to buy microwaves?
Black Friday week (Nov 24-30, 2025) for 30-50% off on models like Toshiba B07N7N4N4N.
What's the worst time to buy microwaves?
March-June: full prices, 0-10% savings max.
How much can I save by waiting for Black Friday?
30-50% ($50-250), e.g., Panasonic from $227 to $140.
Are Black Friday deals on microwaves really that good?
Yes, historical 40% avg; doorbusters under $100 common.
Should I wait for Prime Day or Black Friday?
Black Friday deeper (40% vs 30%); Prime if summer need.
What if I need a microwave right now?
Current Dec sales, Warehouse 20-40% off, or Renewed.
How do I track prices for microwaves?
CamelCamelCamel/Keepa with ASINs; set 25% drop alerts.
Are refurbished microwaves worth it?
Yes, Amazon Renewed: 20-50% savings, 90-day guarantee.
When do new microwave models come out?
September-October; buy old ones then for clearances.
How much do microwave prices vary throughout the year?
30-50% swings; $80 lows to $250 peaks.
Is Prime Day better than Cyber Monday for microwaves?
Similar 25-40%; Cyber more tech-focused.
Best Amazon sale for microwaves?
Black Friday Week or Prime Day.
Should I buy over-the-range now or wait?
Same timing; November best.
Any 2025-specific events?
Prime Day Jul 15-16, BF Nov 28.
Compact vs full-size timing?
Same events; August good for compacts.
Quick Summary
- 📦Category:
Microwaves