In this particular case I bought a simple "one knob for power, one for time" model at the local Swedish supermarket for the equivalent of about fifty dollars (because it was in the discount) just a few years ago. It was during covid times so it can't have been more than three years. It works fine, precisely because it's dumb.
They don't sell that model any more, but another local chain has the equivalent for (at current exchange rates) about 90 dollars[0].
[0] https://www.clasohlson.com/se/Fristaende-mikrovagsugn-vit/p/...
I also don't know anyone using an Instant Pot.
And so far I also don't know anyone whose microwave broke after just one year, no matter if cheap or expensive.
The irony of some US based kid, who's literally been the biggest benefactor of capitalism his/her whole life, coming up with this line of argument isn't lost on me.
The first time I've personally even seen a microwave was around 1992-93, because communism.
A 21-year-old from Baltimore.