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...

Brand
Search brand...
Rating
Price
$48 to $4,499
$48
$4,499
Type
Features
Capacity
20L
56L
Depth
303 mm
579 mm
Width
334.2 mm
757 mm
Height
238 mm
550 mm
Colour / Finish
Show more
Power
700 W

Based on 3,167 reviews
Ariston MWA25B

Ariston MWA25B

4.8  (41)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $349
  • Capacity25L
LDB
LDB
 
Customer ServiceHaving to replace the turntable of my new microwave, Ariston was very responsive to my requests for information and have acted promptly to find a replacement. Thank you Emma!
Ariston MWA33B

Ariston MWA33B

4.8  (41)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $699
  • Capacity31L
canonstandish
canonstandishBrisbane24 posts
 
Kmart Anko 20L Microwave

Kmart Anko 20L Microwave

3.8  (173)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $52
  • Capacity20L
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Ronnix1960
Ronnix1960VIC68 posts
 
Anko microwaveMy old microwave went rusty, so l purchased a new one at Kmart, it has been great, no problem at all Show details
LG NeoChef MS4296

LG NeoChef MS4296

3.6  (396)
 Summary
  • Capacity42L
  • Turntable Diameter360 mm
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$299Bing Lee
emmanuel f.
emmanuel f.
  MS4296OSS
Samsung MS6104 / ME6104

Samsung MS6104 / ME6104

3.7  (73)
 Summary
  • Capacity28L
  • Turntable Diameter318 mm
Angie B
Angie BNSW13 posts
  ME6104ST
Samsung
Samsung   DM   
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Breville Quick Touch

Breville Quick Touch

3.4  (226)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $429.95
  • Capacity34L
Alex Miller
Alex MillerNSW
  Quick Touch
LG NeoChef MS2596

LG NeoChef MS2596

3.5  (141)
 Summary
  • Capacity25L
  • Turntable Diameter292 mm
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$199Bing Lee
Mauster48
Mauster4853 posts
  Verified MS2596OB
Whirlpool 25L Crisp & Grill Microwave

Whirlpool 25L Crisp & Grill Microwave

4.3  (25)
 Summary
  • Capacity25L
  • Turntable Diameter280 mm
Dave
DaveSydney16 posts
  Verified MWC25WH
Panasonic NN-SF574S

Panasonic NN-SF574S

3.2  (290)
 Summary
  • Capacity27L
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$349Bing Lee
Paul.Eddington
Paul.EddingtonWA6 posts
 
It's been good since I bought it 4 years agoIt's been good since I bought it 4 years ago. It doesn't have a rotating platter, and evidently doesn't need one. It works just fine. It does have a cooldown cycle, which is a little bit noisy when it finishes cooling, but that's fine.

It looks good too. Show details ·  1

Samsung ME6144

Samsung ME6144

3.3  (149)
 Summary
  • Capacity40L
Hotsup Ev
Hotsup EvVic10 posts
  ME6144
Samsung
Samsung   DM   
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Samsung ME6124

Samsung ME6124

3.3  (132)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $219
  • Capacity34L
  • Turntable Diameter345 mm
CB C.
CB C.
  ME6124W
Died with in 2 daysPurchased from the good guys booval on the 22nd of Feb 2024, used it that night, went to use it again 2 days later and was completely dead, called the store and got half way through giving them the part number and the store person say 'oh the white one'..... kinda made me think that they have had this issue before, returning it for full replacement Show details
Samsung
Samsung   DM   
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Panasonic NN-SF564W / NN-SF564WQPQ

Panasonic NN-SF564W / NN-SF564WQPQ

3.3  (111)
 Summary
  • Capacity27L
  • Turntable Diameter340 mm
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Will
WillBrisbane31 posts
  Verified NN-SF564W / NN-SF564WQPQ
Will
Will  
More
Samsung MS32J5133B

Samsung MS32J5133B

3.4  (85)
 Summary
  • Capacity32L
  • Turntable Diameter318 mm
Cabmeow
CabmeowNSW22 posts
  Verified MS32J5133BT
Breville Quick & Easy BMO300

Breville Quick & Easy BMO300

3.3  (108)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $249.95
  • Capacity34L
  • Turntable Diameter315 mm
Friv08
Friv08NSW12 posts
 
Excellent microwaveThis would be the best microwave I have ever purchased. It does everything I need it to do to cook our food evenly and efficiently. Great size and we love the stainless steel finish. It is very easy to clean and the buttons are easy to wipe clean and operate.

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LG Neochef MS2336DB

LG Neochef MS2336DB

3.6  (45)
 Summary
  • Capacity23L
  • Turntable Diameter292 mm
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$179Bing Lee
Stephen D.
Stephen D.ACT
 
A microwave that actually worksThis is a good value microwave, which is user friendly.
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

Kmart Anko 28L Microwave

3.7  (33)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $79
  • Capacity28L
Stan L.
Stan L.
  Verified
Total DudWe bought it today. Plugged it in, and zero.
No heating even on 100% power (P10).

Now we have to take it back tomorrow.

What a waste of time. Show details

Kmart
Kmart   DM   
More

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

Breville Quick Touch Crisp BMO700

3.8  (26)
 Summary
  • Turntable Diameter315 mm
Udayan
UdayanNSW13 posts
  Verified
I won't trust Choice's recommendations anymoreHad an issue with the time setting dial almost from the begining. Two years later it broke down. Not worth the Price. This was a Choice recommended product. I won't trust Choice's recommendations anymore. Show details
Panasonic NN-ST665B

Panasonic NN-ST665B

3.2  (68)
 Summary
  • Capacity32L
  • Turntable Diameter340 mm
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Gregory M.
Gregory M.QLD
 
Panasonic
Panasonic   DM   
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Ariston MWA23B

Ariston MWA23B

4.6  (13)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $299
  • Capacity30L
marko.popovic
marko.popovicNSW
 
Westinghouse WMF4102

Westinghouse WMF4102

3.4  (35)
 Summary
  • Capacity40L
  • Turntable Diameter345 mm
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$269Bing Lee
Saydie
SaydieNSW
  WMF4102BA
DisappointedOf course this microwave suddenly started sparking two months after warranty ran out. I thought Westinghouse would be a great product. The bigW microwave I replaced it with at half the price has a two year warranty .It pays to shop around and don’t just trust a brand Show details
LG MS4266

LG MS4266

2.9  (82)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $349 to $399
  • Capacity42L
  • Turntable Diameter360 mm
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Anon
AnonSA11 posts
  MS4266OSS
Samsung MS40J5133BT

Samsung MS40J5133BT

3.0  (63)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $299
  • Capacity40L
  • Turntable Diameter360 mm
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Philippa G.
Philippa G.WA
 
Terrible. Faulty after few weeksFaulty. Wouldn't heat after a few weeks. Worst part was had to wait 3 weeks to get fixed. Retrovision said Samsung don't replace but repair the item. Wouldn't buy Samsung microwave again. Show details
Kmart Anko 25L

Kmart Anko 25L

3.4  (29)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $85
  • Capacity25L
Patient
PatientVIC2 posts
  Verified
Kmart
Kmart   DM   
More
LG NeoChef MJ3966

LG NeoChef MJ3966

3.0  (44)
 Summary
  • Capacity39L
  • Turntable Diameter360 mm
Lifinia H.
Lifinia H.QLD
  MJ3966ABS
Great while it lastedIt worked great untill it was 3 years old, then started sparking and stopped heating Show details
Samsung MS23K3513AS

Samsung MS23K3513AS

3.3  (25)
 Summary
  • Capacity23L
  • Turntable Diameter288 mm
CamoDuck
CamoDuckQLD5 posts
 
Dead new microwave within 4 months!Had the microwave for 4 months, and the power supply unit die. Thinking I can get a replacement unit, instead Samsung want to sent the unit to repair. Now I don't have a microwave unit to use at home for the week(s) while the unit is being repaired.
I have paid for a microwave but now I don't have a microwave to use for unknown period of time. Show details
Samsung
Samsung   DM   
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Breville Quick Touch Compact BMO625

Breville Quick Touch Compact BMO625

3.5  (19)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $299.95
  • Turntable Diameter315 mm
ADB
ADBNSW3 posts
 
Contempo Large Digital Microwave

Contempo Large Digital Microwave

4.2  (12)
 Summary
$109RRP
Robin Bamford
Robin Bamford3 posts
 
Sharp R30A0S / R30A0W

Sharp R30A0S / R30A0W

4.2  (11)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $209 to $219
  • Turntable Diameter315 mm
MamaMaria
MamaMariaNSW5 posts
  R30A0W
Great buy!The Sharp R30A0W microwave was a great buy for my budget in a time of need. An ffordable product which is pleasant on the eye, has easy and useable functions giving 750 watts of even heating, hasn't had an effect on food textures and is compact for my bench space.

 Show details ·  1

Panasonic NN-CD997S

Panasonic NN-CD997S

2.6  (65)
 Summary
  • Price (RRP) $1,329
  • Capacity42L
  • Turntable Diameter380 mm
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Mick Dance
Mick DanceNSW2 posts
 
Panasonic NN-CF770M

Panasonic NN-CF770M

2.5  (84)
 Summary
  • Capacity27L
Lorraine T.
Lorraine T.NSW
  Verified NN-CF770M
So very disappointing4 months old now paying for its transportation for repair Show details
A Samsung microwave in a corner of the kitchen countertop
Image credit:Samsung.

Types of microwaves

Conventional 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.

Pros
Conventional microwaves are more affordable than convection ovens.
A suitable choice if your primary uses are heating, defrosting and re-heating food.
Pricier models include handy extra settings and accessories, such as the best microwave of 2020 Award Winner, the Ariston MWA25B, with its grill function and crisping plate.
Cons
Conventional microwaves have a more limited range of functions than a convection microwave oven.

Convection microwave ovens

Convectional microwaves

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.

Pros
Convenient if you’re renting and your home doesn’t include an oven.
Cheaper and takes up less space than a traditional full-size convection oven.
A speedy way to brown and crisp food that’s faster than oven cooking.
More efficient than turning on a full-sized oven for small amounts of food.
Often comes with removable racks that you can take out and clean.
Cons
More expensive than their conventional cousins, as they use a more advanced heating/cooking method. However you can still find models under $250, like those listed below.

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.

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