Heating up leftovers, making porridge, speeding up the defrost process when you’re short for time…a microwave oven has got you covered.
As a modern invention of pure convenience when life is go-go-go, investing in or upgrading this kitchen appliance, is a simple way of making life just that bit easier.
“Conventional microwaves convert energy into microwaves that heat the food, and they are fast and efficient…” says The Good Guys microwave expert Nick Trajkovski, “they often come with pre-set menu functions which makes them even easier to use when you are in a hurry”.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up some of the best convection, inverter and combination microwave ovens available – with affordability and functionality in mind – that’ll see your meal on the table in no time.
How to choose the best microwave oven for your home
As with any purchase, there are a few things to take into consideration before investing in your next microwave. To help you choose which model is best for your home, Nick gives us the lowdown on key features to keep in mind…
Power
“Microwave power is measured in wattage with typical models ranging from around 800W to 1500W. In the case of microwaves, bigger can be better as higher wattage means faster cooking food. However, keep in mind that if you are only using your microwave occasionally for something like ready-made meals this might not be that important to you. Opt for a more powerful microwave if you’re preparing larger meals for the whole family.”
Size
“Microwaves can range from roughly 20L to around 56L. If you are using it to just quickly reheat or defrost food, a smaller sized microwave might be just what you need. On the other hand, if you are planning on cooking larger family meals on a regular basis, bigger may be better. Also think about the available space in the kitchen as well as how often you intend to use it. This will greatly impact both the size and design of your chosen model.”
Bonus technology
“Some microwaves have inverter technology that delivers a steady stream of consistent energy into the microwave when you want to cook with a lower heat. This is great for recipes such as pulled pork, salmon, eggs or sauces. A microwave with inverter technology operates at 50 per cent power the entire duration of cooking so the dish is more evenly defrosted or cooked.
“Also, look out for advanced microwave models that have clever settings to make it easy to bake, roast and even grill. Some have one-touch pre-programmed settings that mean you don’t have to guess how long to cook your food for. Look at the available settings and controls to find the right one to suit your needs.”
The best microwave ovens to buy in Australia for 2024
LG 42L 1200W NeoChef inverter microwave, $299, The Good Guys
Evenly reheat last night’s leftovers in no time with the LG NeoChef that combines inverter technology with a powerful 1200W. Featuring Sensor Cook technology that takes the guesswork out of appropriate cook time or power level (by selecting the specific food like ‘jacket potatoes’), specific reheat functions for dishes like pizza or soup, and interior anti-bacterial coating…it’s no surprise LG was awarded Best Brand for microwaves by Choice in 2020.
“I have always bought cheap microwaves in the past but after buying the NeoChef microwave, it was worth every cent,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “it wasn’t overly expensive, and the online click and collect service was great”.
Key features:
- Easy Touch Controls and Tempered Glass Door
- Fast Cooking with 1200W of Power
- Anti-Bacterial EasyClean™ Interior Coating
- Minimise rocking with the Stable Turntable
- More even Heating and Defrosting with LG Smart Inverter™
Kogan 20L microwave, $59.99, Kogan
As Kogan’s choice of microwave, this microwave oven is as sleek in design as it is reliable in functionality. Featuring 10 present cooking settings (including beverage, pizza and chicken), a jet defrosting function, a child safety lock, and a handy wire grilling rack, perfectly creamy oatmeal and grilled cheese sandwiches are just a click away…
“This microwave is just fantastic for a single person or a couple, does everything I need and more,” wrote a reviewer who left five stars.
Key features:
- Experience quicker heating times with a powerful 1200W
- 10 power settings and 6 preset cooking programs tailored to your cooking needs
- Easy-to-view LED display and intuitive controls
- Built-in timer (up to 99 minutes) ensures precise cooking control
- Instantly heat up meals with the quick-start function (30-second increments)
- Freestanding design with stylish silver colourway
- Child safety function prevents accidental operation
Breville 32L the Combi Wave 3-in-1 microwave, $648, The Good Guys
This microwave isn’t just a microwave but is also an air fryer and convection oven. Powerfully versatile, this appliance helps you create healthier dishes for any meal – whether that be crispy golden fries, chocolate brownies or roast chicken. Talk about being a triple threat.
One five-star reviewer wrote: “This thing is a beast. Each of its functions individually are top of their class for performance but combined they are next level. Great as a space-saver but amazing as a set and forget cooking device.”
Key features:
- 32 litres of capacity and 10 auto cook menus to take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Easy control over settings like the AirFry, oven, microwave, and defrost functions.
- Soft close door, multi-stage cooking, and an inverter for consistent heating.
- Addition of the “A Bit More” button lets you easily add extra time if your food needs it.
Panasonic 32L 1100W Inverter Sensor microwave oven, $246 (was $349), Amazon
For an extremely ‘powerful unit’ as described in the reviews, this microwave oven from Panasonic has got 1100W under it’s belt to heat your dishes to the perfect temp. A turbo defrost setting will speed up your thawing process by hours, while the 19 different preset choices means reheating dinner to softening ice cream is all a capability.
One reviewer had nothing but good things to say about it: “Wow this microwave is great. So much faster to cook, reheat or defrost items. Works like a dream.”
Key features:
- 19 Preset Auto Menus for Easy Cooking; Pre-programmed cooking cycles with sensor automatically adjusts the cooking time and power levels; with a touch of a button.
- Add Time with One Button; When you want to heat something up a bit more after cooking or heating it; Press the button to set the heating time to produce exactly the kind of results you want.
- Softens hard; frozen ice cream and gently melts foods like chocolate and cheese.
- Inverter Turbo Defrost; Thaw frozen food quickly and evenly; Reduced defrosting times.
Whirlpool 25L Crisp & Grill microwave oven, $358, Appliances Online
With the ability to grill, steam, crisp or just heat food, the Whirlpool is a pretty much an all-rounder when it comes to nifty cooking appliances. Featuring 3D microwave heating that evenly heats food, preset recipes, jet defrost and an auto-clean function, preparing dinner is low fuss.
“Exceptional microwave and very versatile with the grill plate,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “It is the best you can get in its category and produces fab muffins etc. Couldn’t live without it”.
Key features:
- Crisp function pairs the trademark Crisp Plate, Quartz Grill, and a 3D Microwave System.
- Jet Menu Defrost will evenly defrost from the inside. This results in technology that defrosts seven times faster than a conventional microwave oven.
- Automatic cleaning cycle which helps clean the cavity and remove lingering odours.
- Able to prepare food three times faster but using less energy than a traditional infrared grill, the Quartz Grill can heat up in just sixty seconds.
Kmart 20L microwave, $52, Kmart
Last but not least, Kmart’s $48 microwave is a humble yet trusty addition to any household on a budget.
With six auto-cooking menus, 10 power levels and a child safety lock, cooking or reheating meals is easy as (freshly microwaved) pie.
Key features:
- 10 power levels
- 6 auto cooking menus
- Child safety lock
- Durability and performance testing carried out prior to QA approval
- Warranty: 12 month
Is a microwave oven the same as a microwave?
“Yes, convection microwaves are a type of microwave that is also known as a microwave oven,” says The Good Guys expert Nick, “This is because they both a microwave and convection oven. They have a heating element and fan inside that circulates air around the food. This can result in more even cooking while still heating quickly”.
Expert-recommended microwave hacks to try
- “Microwaves are great for heating plates. Simply spray water onto your microwave-safe plate and microwave for one minute.”
- “You can easily juice lemons and limes after microwaving for 10 seconds if small and 20 seconds if large.”
- “You can quickly and easily toast fresh nuts for your salads. Simply put them on a plate, microwave on high for two to three minutes stirring every minute, then add them for extra crunch and flavour.”
You might also like:
The best electric, stove and temperature variable kettles to shop
The best dehumidifiers to use on wet and muggy days
Our top picks of the best dryers to take for a (gentle) spin
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