Best Microwaves
One of life’s little conveniences, a reliable microwave means you don’t have to be a kitchen connoisseur to enjoy comforting hot food at home. Whether you’re making 2-minute noodles, microwave scrambled eggs or using your microwave as a rice cooker, a microwave can quickly become an essential everyday appliance you wonder how you ever lived without. Continue reading...
Ariston MWA25B
- Price (RRP) $349
- Capacity25L
Ariston MWA33B
- Price (RRP) $699
- Capacity31L
Kmart Anko 20L Microwave
- Price (RRP) $52
- Capacity20L
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LG NeoChef MS4296
- Capacity42L
- Turntable Diameter360 mm
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Samsung MS6104 / ME6104
- Capacity28L
- Turntable Diameter318 mm
Breville Quick Touch
- Price (RRP) $429.95
- Capacity34L
LG NeoChef MS2596
- Capacity25L
- Turntable Diameter292 mm
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Whirlpool 25L Crisp & Grill Microwave
- Capacity25L
- Turntable Diameter280 mm
Panasonic NN-SF574S
- Capacity27L
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It looks good too. Show details · 1
Samsung ME6144
- Capacity40L
Or multiple presses of the door button.
I took the oven back to the good guys after about 2 months a... Read morefter buying it new. The good guys sent it away for 6 weeks to be repaired (they gave me a loaner microwave, which was actually better than mine)!!!!!!!. After picking up the microwave after it had a new door fitted, it lasted a week before the door began its old tricks. I didn't take it back again because I didn't want to go through all of that again. I am putting up with it but it is so frustrating and annoying. I also don't like where the operational buttons are located on the panel. Worst microwave I've ever had
Hey Hotsup, I am so sorry to hear about the negative experience you have had with this product. I would suggest getting your unit looked at by one of our Authorized Service Centre's. To do so please v... Read more
isit https://www.samsung.com/au/support/service-centre/ to locate your nearest service centre. Kind Regards, Brian Samsung AUSamsung ME6124
- Price (RRP) $219
- Capacity34L
- Turntable Diameter345 mm
Hey, I'm sorry to hear about the poor experience you've had with this microwave. I will be forwarding this review onto the relevant department. Regards... Read more
, Brian Samsung AUPanasonic NN-SF564W / NN-SF564WQPQ
- Capacity27L
- Turntable Diameter340 mm
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As a follow up, which due to a long-term illness I've been unable to provide until now, I was contacted one time by a rep from Panasonic and then, despite my further writing, no further response was r... Read more
eceived from them. Perhaps there was no PR value in it(?) To repeat from my initial report, if it's normal for a Panasonic product to last only 2 years and then throw it out, then it is extraordinary and disappointing.Samsung MS32J5133B
- Capacity32L
- Turntable Diameter318 mm
Breville Quick & Easy BMO300
- Price (RRP) $249.95
- Capacity34L
- Turntable Diameter315 mm
Show details
LG Neochef MS2336DB
- Capacity23L
- Turntable Diameter292 mm
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I just bought it to replace more expensive Panasonic model that couldn’t cook a papadum in 4 minutes.
This new microwave did it better in 1 minute.
Also it easy to increase and decrease time. 1 push start and time increase/decrease. Show details
Kmart Anko 28L Microwave
- Price (RRP) $79
- Capacity28L
No heating even on 100% power (P10).
Now we have to take it back tomorrow.
What a waste of time. Show details
We are sorry about this, would you be able to share more information here: external link or call us on 1800 124 125 so our team can assist further.
Breville Quick Touch Crisp BMO700
- Turntable Diameter315 mm
Panasonic NN-ST665B
- Capacity32L
- Turntable Diameter340 mm
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Hi Gregory, I apologize for the experiences you have had with the Panasonic Microwaves, NN-ST665B. I am sorry that you have not felt heard, or that we have not been listening to you. We really do not ... Read more
want our customers to feel this way. Please feel free to send me a personal message with your contact details, and we can discuss this further.Ariston MWA23B
- Price (RRP) $299
- Capacity30L
Cooks evenly without a spinning dish and uses a knob for convenience.
Too bad it's discontinued now. I hope Ariston's next model... Read more will include a knob like this one because I love the convenience of just turning to set the time and pushing the big knob to start.
Westinghouse WMF4102
- Capacity40L
- Turntable Diameter345 mm
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LG MS4266
- Price (RRP) $349 to $399
- Capacity42L
- Turntable Diameter360 mm
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Samsung MS40J5133BT
- Price (RRP) $299
- Capacity40L
- Turntable Diameter360 mm
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Kmart Anko 25L
- Price (RRP) $85
- Capacity25L
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. We greatly appreciate it and will make sure to pass it on to our team. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel fre... Read more
e to contact us at 1800 124 125 or share your details with us through the following link: https://www.kmart.com.au/contact-us/LG NeoChef MJ3966
- Capacity39L
- Turntable Diameter360 mm
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Samsung MS23K3513AS
- Capacity23L
- Turntable Diameter288 mm
I have paid for a microwave but now I don't have a microwave to use for unknown period of time. Show details
Hey, please refer to our private messages. Thanks... Read more
, Brian Samsung AUBreville Quick Touch Compact BMO625
- Price (RRP) $299.95
- Turntable Diameter315 mm
I dislike most of them, with their annoying interfaces, plastic panels and flimsy pressure pad buttons.
This Breville is the only microwave that... Read more
I enjoy using regularly. Its terrific on-the-fly dial, sturdy buttons and easy display are just brilliant - as is the durable, industrial stainless steel chassis - No crappy plastic here! It cooks, defrosts and reheats beautifully, as you'd expect. We've spoken to a few microwave technicians around town that all sing its praises, too. Oh, and Breville is an Aussie company! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.Contempo Large Digital Microwave
Sharp R30A0S / R30A0W
- Price (RRP) $209 to $219
- Turntable Diameter315 mm
Show details · 1
Panasonic NN-CD997S
- Price (RRP) $1,329
- Capacity42L
- Turntable Diameter380 mm
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Panasonic NN-CF770M
- Capacity27L
Types of microwaves
Conventional microwaves
These are standard or traditional microwaves. Small microwaves of the conventional, benchtop variety can be the most cheap microwaves to buy.
These microwaves work by emitting waves that cause water molecules in the food or drink to heat up, which cooks or warms it. Some models come with basic pre-programmed settings for cooking specific foods, like microwave potatoes or popcorn. Simply press a button and let your microwave take care of the rest.
Convection microwave ovens
Also known as a combination ovens, these microwaves function as a regular microwave and mini convection oven in one appliance.
A convection microwave oven combines regular microwave technology with a heating element and fan to deliciously brown and crisp your food.
Inverter microwaves
Inverter technology has become something of a trend in microwave marketing. A regular microwave uses a magnetic coil or transformer to alternate between short bursts of 100% power for half the time and 0% power for the other half to achieve a medium setting.
An inverter microwave uses an inverter to heat food at 50% power for the duration of the cooking time. This allows food to be cooked more evenly and thoroughly, avoiding microwave ‘hot spots’ and undercooked food.
While inverter technology does offer more effective and efficient cooking and heating, it will make a model more expensive. It’s also not a compulsory feature to having a good quality microwave.
Benchtop microwaves
Both conventional and convection microwaves are available in benchtop and built-in designs, in a variety of styles and colours.
A benchtop model, as its name suggests, sits on your kitchen bench or counter. It plugs into a power outlet, and is therefore easy to set up soon after purchase. You can choose a smaller model to maximise on available bench space, and a benchtop model is cheaper than a built-in microwave.
Built-in microwaves
What is a built-in microwave, and should you get one?
A built-in microwave is integrated into your kitchen as a fixture rather than a stand-alone microwave that sits in a cabinet or on a bench.
If kitchen aesthetics are a top priority and you have the extra cash, a built-in microwave can look sleek and streamlined.
If you’re having your kitchen renovated, you can select a microwave design that co-ordinates with your new oven, kettle and coffee machine. Black microwaves, along with stainless steel, tend to be the most popular colour options. You can even install all your appliances into a single wall for bonus presentation points.
How much does a built-in microwave cost?
A built-in microwave is dearer than a countertop model, and can set you back anywhere from $500-$3000.
You’ll have to factor in extra costs for installation and creating a custom-built cavity for your microwave to sit in. Make sure to also follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how much extra space to leave around the microwave's sides, and on top, for adequate ventilation).
If you covet the look of a built-in microwave but want to save on installation costs and other expenses, a microwave trim kit is an option. However not all models are compatible with trim kits, and priced at $150-500, this might cost as much as your new microwave itself.
Other factors to consider when buying a microwave
Size/capacity
Microwaves are available in small, medium and large sizes. Size and capacity are closely related: usually, the higher litre capacity of a microwave equates to a larger sized appliance.
When selecting a suitably sized microwave, consider two important factors: Firstly, how much kitchen bench space you have available to house your new appliance, and secondly, how many people will be using the microwave.
If you don’t have much bench space, a small microwave that’s unobtrusive might be your ticket. As a benchmark, an average-sized microwaves measures around 50cm wide, 30cm high and 40cm deep. Don’t forget to account for extra room for ventilation – about 10 cm around the sides, and 20cm on top of your microwave.
Here's a rough size guide for choosing the right microwave:
- 20-50L: Overall range of available capacity for a microwave.
- 20-32L: Capacity for most benchtop microwaves.
- 20-25L: Suitable for a two-person household.
- 25L and above: Suitable for a family or household with four people or more.
Also consider the size of the food dishes you’ll be regularly placing inside the microwave. If the microwave-safe Tupperware or serveware you’d normally doesn’t fit on the appliance tray or flatbed, you’ll waste time and effort always switching out contents. If you’re buying in-store, you can even take in a dish and experiment with different microwave sizes.
Wattage
The amount of power a microwave uses is measured in watts. A higher wattage equates to faster and more evenly cooked food.
Most models range from 700-1200 watts. 900 watts is a good number to look out for as a benchmark for a standard countertop model, if you’re mainly using it to heat, re-heat and defrost food.
If you’re constantly cooking large family meals in a microwave, a model 900 watts or higher could be more convenient. Higher watts means a higher price though, so factor this into your decision if relevant.
Extra features
- Pre-set programmes: Available for all sorts of foods, such as potatoes, pizza, pasta, and even carrots, popcorn and porridge. Look for programmes with food types you commonly eat.
- Multi-stage programmes: Will defrost, cook, then slightly cool, without you having to press any extra buttons.
- LCD dials and screens: These can be particularly handy at night. Even if your model doesn’t have this feature, make sure the controls and dials are clearly visible and user-friendly.
- Automatic defrost: Taking the guesswork out of defrost times, simply select the weight and type of food to be defrosted, and let the microwave calculate the exact time.
- Quick start/Boost: Delivers a half minute or full minute burst of power at 100%, especially useful for defrosting stubbornly frozen foods.
- Sensor cooking: Often available in higher-end models, a sensor lets you input food weight and type, then assesses vapours and moisture level to adjust the heat level automatically.
- Child lock: A safety feature that can grant you peace of mind if you have young children in the house.
- Self-cleaning: Some models of convection microwave ovens feature a self-cleaning function for the catalytic or pyrolytic liners, which absorb grease.
- Rotating trays: With conventional microwaves, models with flatbeds are easier to clean than those with rotating trays, which have curved edges. Make sure your rotating-tray model doesn’t have took many nooks and crannies that could become food traps.
We hope that this guide has helped you select the best microwave for you and your household, so you can enjoy plenty of deliciously warmed meals and hot drinks all year round.
Scroll up to read reviews and learn what our reviewers thought about the microwaves they bought.
Hey Angie, I'm sorry to hear you've had a poor experience with this microwave. Feedback such as this enables us to continue to improve our products, I will be sure to share this review with the releva... Read more
nt team. If you have any enquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via private message. Kind Regards, Brian Samsung AU