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A convenient kitchen appliance, microwave ovens use microwave radiation to reheat and warm your favourite meal in an instant. There is a huge selection available, ranging from under $100 to over $1,000.
When choosing the right microwave for your needs, consider the model's value for money, functionality and user-friendliness. You should also consider its size and how much space it would consume. Additionally, consider the model's cleanability and energy efficiency to save on running costs.
The team at Finder has evaluated over a hundred microwaves to help make your buying decision easier. We picked models based on customer ratings and reviews. For each category, we also chose microwaves based on their key product features.
Our pick for the best overall microwave is the Samsung 28L Sensor Microwave Oven, which has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and The Good Guys.
Featuring the brand's Triple Distribution System, this microwave evenly and efficiently emits microwave energy for a thorough cooking result. It features one-touch sensor cooking that senses the steam coming off your favourite meal so the appliance can adjust its power level and heating time. There is also an automatic defrosting function for thawing frozen food.
This 28L microwave is perfect for small and medium households. It offers tons of cooking functions for heating snacks, meat, ready meals and frozen food. Apart from a maximum cooking time of 99 minutes, the ceramic enamel interior is easy to clean. For convenience, it also has an LED panel, timer functions and a clock.
How do Australians rate Samsung's microwaves?
96% of surveyed Australians recommend Samsung
4.4
Overall rating
4.4
Value for Money
4.3
Cleaning & Maintenance
4.5
Cooking Performance
4.6
Ease of Use
How Samsung compares
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For microwaves, Samsung was ranked 1st for value for money, 2nd for cleaning & maintenance, 1st for cooking performance and 1st for ease of use.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
When it comes to the best cheap option, we recommend the Comfee 20L Microwave. On Amazon, it has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Priced at $145.95, this uses multi-stage cooking for optimal results.
The Comfee 20L microwave has a chic, retro design that looks good on any countertop. Not only does it add a pop of colour, but the interior is easy to clean and features user-friendly controls. There are also 8 cooking presets, such as auto-reheat, vegetables, fish, pizza and soup. And to save on running costs, you can use the microwave's ECO mode.
Customers praised the product's ease of use, sleek look and value for money. While it's not ideal for larger families, this appliance is a fantastic solution for smaller homes and apartments. It's got 800W of power to heat your favourite dishes in no time. The 24-hour delay timer also allows for the appliance to cater to your busy schedule, ensuring your food is freshly warmed when you need it.
If you're in the market for a convection microwave, check out Panasonic's NNCF770M 27L Convection Flatbed Microwave. On Appliances Online, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
The NNCF770M features the brand's new flatbed technology that doesn't require a turntable for cooking. There is also an inverter convection technology for even reheating and warming. Apart from a sleek blue LCD, the microwave offers 15 auto-cooking menus to address any cooking needs. It has 2 wire racks, a glass dish and an oven tray as well.
At $745, this is a pricey yet worthwhile investment for most customers. It is easy to use, looks sleek and has tons of handy features for a busy household. The grill function offers 1,000W of power to ensure your meat dishes are cooked to perfection. For reheating frozen meals, there is a turbo defrost function that quickly warms up your food.
This doesn't require any in-home service and you can install it on the wall or under a bench. However, several customers found the installation process a bit of a pain.
How do Australians rate Panasonic's microwaves?
93% of surveyed Australians recommend Panasonic
4.4
Overall rating
4.3
Value for Money
4.4
Cleaning & Maintenance
4.4
Cooking Performance
4.5
Ease of Use
How Panasonic compares
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For microwaves, Panasonic was ranked 2nd for value for money, 1st for cleaning & maintenance, 2nd for cooking performance and 3rd for ease of use.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and 4.4 on JB Hi-Fi, we selected the Panasonic 44L Cyclonic Inverter Genius Sensor Microwave Oven as the best inverter microwave.
With an impressive 44L capacity, this microwave can heat your family's favourite dishes in no time. It offers 1,100W of power and 23 preset sensor menus to fit any reheating and warming requirements. The appliance also uses inverter technology that delivers "continuously graduated precise power" according to the brand.
For convenience, there is a genius sensor that helps calculate the best heating times for any food. The brand's 3D cyclonic waveform and inverter technology also ensure any dish can be microwaved without compromising flavour or texture.
How do Australians rate Panasonic's microwaves?
93% of surveyed Australians recommend Panasonic
4.4
Overall rating
4.3
Value for Money
4.4
Cleaning & Maintenance
4.4
Cooking Performance
4.5
Ease of Use
How Panasonic compares
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For microwaves, Panasonic was ranked 2nd for value for money, 1st for cleaning & maintenance, 2nd for cooking performance and 3rd for ease of use.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Our pick for the best flatbed option is the Whirlpool 30L Flatbed Grill Microwave. Featuring a turntable design and auto cook menu, this has earned a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
This flatbed microwave boasts 9 automatic recipes for optimal cooking results. It doesn't require a turntable, allowing you to use larger microwave-safe containers to heat your food. And because it has an automatic cleaning cycle, removing stains and odour is a breeze.
There is a jet start function for quick 30-second heating, while the silent mode is perfect for warming midnight snacks without waking the whole household. And because this little number has a grill, you can reheat your favourite BBQ dishes to perfection.
We recommend LG's NeoChef 23L Smart Inverter 1000W Microwave Oven as the best small microwave available online. On The Good Guys, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
With a wide range of preprogrammed menu options and a stylish design, this smart inverter microwave fits any heating requirements while looking sleek on your countertop. Programming is done via user-friendly controls, featuring special settings like reheating, melting, proofing and softening.
There are also menus for cooking popular dishes like frozen food and jacket potatoes. For added convenience, the microwave has a Keep Warm setting. It also has a stable turntable, an anti-bacterial interior coating for easy cleaning and a sturdy tempered glass door.
How do Australians rate LG's microwaves?
93% of surveyed Australians recommend LG
4.4
Overall rating
4.2
Value for Money
4.3
Cleaning & Maintenance
4.4
Cooking Performance
4.6
Ease of Use
How LG compares
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For microwaves, LG was ranked 5th for value for money, 2nd for cleaning & maintenance, 2nd for cooking performance and 1st for ease of use.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
When it comes to the best large-capacity option, our team has chosen the Westinghouse WMF4102SA 40L Microwave 1100W, which has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
This countertop oven features a generous 40L capacity and 1,100W of power to heat all your favourite meals. It comes with 6 sensor cook programs and auto-weight defrosting functions. The Quick Start feature is also particularly handy for warming up your midnight snacks.
This model has a convenient multi-stage cooking feature that allows you to program your desired settings for defrosting and then cooking. Apart from an easy-to-clean stainless-steel exterior, there are 10 power levels to choose from. It doesn't offer tons of more advanced programs seen on pricier models, but this microwave works beautifully to produce perfectly warm food for any occasion.
With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online, we picked the Westinghouse WMB4425DSC 44L Built-in Combination Microwave and Oven as the best multi-purpose model.
The WMB4425DSC features 12 auto-cook programs and a 44L capacity, suitable for large, busy households. There are also 3 combination modes: microwave + grill cooking, microwave + convection cooking and microwave + grill fan cooking for faster heating time without compromising flavours and textures.
This multipurpose microwave also offers 10 programmable functions and child-safe touch controls to avoid any accidental operation. The fully built-in design also looks sleek and blends easily into any kitchen layout. However, this does require hardwiring by a licensed professional, which would cost extra on top of its hefty $1,799 tag.
For the best microwave air fryer combo, we chose Breville's the Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman.
This Breville number combines the power of a microwave, air fryer and convection oven, bringing the ultimate convenience to your kitchen. It offers one-touch programming for common heating tasks and a range of clever features for daily use.
The Combi features 19 built-in presets for fast and convenient cooking. These include the Fast Combi setting that combines microwave, oven and grill functions and the Cook From Frozen function for thawing and cooking frozen food. To add extra cooking time, you can also use the "A Bit More" setting.
With user-friendly buttons and a clear display, this is a handy appliance for small to large homes. A few didn't find its air fryer function impressive but added that the Combi remains a versatile and fantastic option for any kitchen.
How do Australians rate Breville's microwaves?
93% of surveyed Australians recommend Breville
4.2
Overall rating
4.2
Value for Money
4.1
Cleaning & Maintenance
4.1
Cooking Performance
4.3
Ease of Use
How Breville compares
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 158 product categories.
For microwaves, Breville was ranked 5th for value for money, 5th for cleaning & maintenance, 5th for cooking performance and 4th for ease of use.
7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Save on Microwaves with these deals and discounts:
Shop and save on microwave ovens and built-in microwaves including conventional, inverter, sensor and convection microwaves from leading brands such as Panasonic, Samsung, LG, and more. T&Cs apply.
Amazon prices last updated on 7 December, 2023 at 12:01 pmeBay prices last updated on 7 December, 2023 at 11:08 am
How did we pick this list?
16 Brands considered
78 Products compared
9 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
Our team has examined numerous microwaves listed in different retailers like Appliances Online, Amazon, Bing Lee and The Good Guys to find the 9 best models you can get right now in Australia. We looked into products from the following brands:
Breville
Coffee
Healthy Choice
Kmart
Kogan
LG
Maxim
Midea
Miele
Morphy Richards
Panasonic
Russell & Hobbs
Samsung
Sharp
Westinghouse
Whirlpool
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews from the past year. We also considered each model's key product features like value for money, functionality and user-friendliness. We came up with what we believe are the 9 best microwaves available online.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
How to compare microwaves
When it comes to microwaves, there's a huge range of prices, from less than a hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
When comparing microwaves, consider the following features:
Functionality
What do you want to use your microwave for? If all you need is something to warm up last night's leftovers, you'll probably be happy with a conventional microwave. If you'd like something that will grill or bake as well, you'll need to consider a microwave with multiple functions.
Its place in your kitchen
All types of microwaves, other than conventional microwaves, require professional installation into a specific location in your kitchen. Conventional microwaves can be plugged in and used immediately. However, they tend to take up a lot of bench space.
Your mobility
Some microwaves are ideally suited to people with mobility issues. For example, if you have arthritis in your hands, you'll want to look for a microwave with large buttons that are easy to use.
Power
The lower the wattage, the cheaper the microwave. However, what you'll save in money, you'll lose in power. Generally, microwaves between 900 and 1,000 watts will get the job done well. Anything below 700 watts will struggle to heat your food effectively.
Energy efficiency
A less powerful microwave might suit you better if you're concerned about energy efficiency. Note that most microwaves use about the same amount of electricity as a stove-top element to do the same job. Microwaves use less power than a traditional oven to do the same job.
New or second-hand?
The average microwave lasts at least 10 years. So if you want a quality microwave but are strapped for cash, consider buying one second-hand. If you can, test the microwave before you buy it to make sure it still works as it should.
What are the different types of microwaves?
There are 3 main types of microwaves: conventional, convection and built-in.
Conventional. A conventional microwave is ideal if you want to use your microwave just for reheating or defrosting. This is the most common and cheapest type of microwave.
Convection. A convection microwave might suit you if you want a microwave with a greater range of cooking options.
Built-in. As the name suggests, built-in microwaves don't sit on your kitchen's countertop, but instead need to be installed. A built-in microwave has the most cooking options, including convection and grilling. These are usually the most expensive type of microwave.
Where can I put a microwave?
The type of microwave you should get depends on where you plan to put it in your kitchen. Check out the following options:
Freestanding microwaves
Freestanding microwaves are the traditional microwaves that stand on your countertop. They are usually used for heating, reheating and defrosting food as well as cooking simple meals.
Require no specialist installation.
Usually the cheapest type of microwave.
Have a limited range of cooking functions.
Cooking times can vary greatly depending on how powerful the microwave is.
Built-in microwaves
You might consider buying a built-in microwave if you are remodelling or building your kitchen since this type of microwave must be installed. Built-in microwaves usually come with conventional microwave functions as well as grill and convection functions.
Keeps your kitchen countertops clear.
Usually comes with a wide range of cooking options.
Cannot be placed anywhere – must have a specific location in the kitchen.
More expensive than freestanding microwaves.
Over-the-range microwave
Over-the-range microwaves fit over the top of your range and have several different functions beyond the conventional microwave.
Multi-function – many over-the-range microwaves operate as lights and vents for your stovetop.
Conveniently located if you need to use it while you are cooking.
Must be a specific size to fit over the stovetop.
May require professional installation.
Drawer microwaves
A drawer microwave is exactly what it sounds like – a microwave in a drawer that slides in and out of the wall.
Very economical on space.
Can be designed to look like another drawer in your kitchen.
Not easy to install.
One of the more expensive types of microwaves.
How to clean a microwave
We've all had the unpleasant experience of opening a microwave to find caked-on food splattered across the interior. But don't panic. We have you covered with our best tips for cleaning a microwave, including some you may not have thought of before.
Spray and wipe. Simply use a cleaning spray of your choice and wipe it off with a cloth or paper towel.
Steam with paper towels. If you need to get rid of caked-on grime, place a handful of wet paper towels in your microwave and set the microwave to run for a few minutes. The steam from the heated paper towels will loosen the grime and can usually be wiped straight off.
Try the lemon method. Cut a lemon in half and place the cut side down on a plate along with a small amount of water. Microwave on high for a minute then remove the plate with the lemons and wipe the microwave clean.
Use dishwashing liquid. Half fill a bowl with warm water and add a generous amount of dishwashing liquid. Run the microwave for a minute on high. Remove the bowl and use a cloth to wipe the inside of the microwave.
Experiment with other methods. You can use similar methods described above using other cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda or window cleaner. Although you can use baking soda and vinegar together, be aware that they react when combined and will fizz strongly.
Stay away from bleach. Don't use bleach to clean your microwave. It's not necessary, as microwaves generally don't get stained, and it can damage the plastic parts of your microwave.
Best microwave bonus features
Where possible, look out for microwaves with the following handy features:
Pre-set cooking programs for different foods
An automatic defrost setting
Automatic sensor heating
A child lock
A removable plate and rack
Self-cleaning functionality
LCD dials and screens
A keypad to set exact cooking times
Frequently Asked Questions
We picked the Samsung 28L Sensor Microwave Oven as the best overall microwave oven.
At the 2021 Finder. Retails Awards, customers picked LG as the best-rated microwave brand. It was ranked 1 for overall rating, 2 for cleaning and maintenance, 2 for cooking performance and 1 for ease of use.
A microwave oven uses microwaves produced inside the appliance by a magnetron or electron tube. The waves are then reflected inside the metal interior and absorbed by food for heating.
An inverter microwave allows the magnetron to run continuously, altering the amount of radiation that comes out depending on your chosen program.
A convection microwave combines the power of both a microwave and a convection oven so you can bake, roast and heat food.
You can bake tasty dishes as long as your microwave has a convection oven function.
You don't need to preheat your microwave for reheating purposes. For convection cooking, preheating is ideal.
Raytheon engineer Percy Spencer invented the microwave in 1945.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
*Brand did not meet the sample threshold to qualify for the award
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.
Best-rated microwave brand: Samsung
Australian customers have chosen Samsung as the best brand for microwaves, with 94% of users recommending the brand. Getting the highest overall score, Samsung microwaves got high ratings for ease of use, build quality and cooking performance. The company is also the Finder Retail Award winner for the best brand for TVs and top mount fridges.
Overall rating
Recommended
Heat distribution
Value for money
Build Quality
Quietness
Cooking performance
Ease of use
Samsung
4.14
94%
4.12
4.02
4.22
3.94
4.16
4.23
LG
4.1
96%
4.12
4.13
4.2
3.92
4.12
4.17
Sharp
4.06
93%
4.17
4.22
4.09
3.78
4.12
4.06
Kogan
4
90%
4.1
4.2
3.85
4
4.33
3.75
Panasonic
3.98
88%
4.07
4.03
4.05
3.83
4.04
4.02
Westinghouse
3.96
91%
4.22
4.14
4.02
3.76
4.04
3.84
Smeg
3.93
86%
4.12
4
3.93
3.77
3.82
3.55
Breville
3.82
87%
3.94
4.02
3.85
3.75
3.85
4.09
Bellini
3.73
91%
3.73
3.82
3.82
3.18
3.59
3.86
Homemaker (Kmart)
3.8
87%
3.77
4.27
3.77
3.45
3.82
4.07
Russell Hobbs
3.7
91%
4
4
3.83
3.5
3.83
4.03
Big W
3.63
80%
3.48
3.75
3.54
3.24
3.56
3.85
Electrolux
3.46
73%
3.77
3.68
3.67
3.58
3.79
3.67
Ariston*
4.5
100%
4.33
4
4.42
3.5
4.25
4.25
Asko*
3.36
100%
3.21
3.43
3.14
3
3
3.43
Baumatic*
2.25
50%
2.75
2.25
2.5
2.75
2.75
2.25
Beko*
3.08
50%
3.17
3.17
3.42
3.25
3.25
3
De'Longhi*
3.83
50%
4.33
4
3.83
4
4.67
4.67
Gaggenau*
4.17
100%
4.33
3.67
4
4.67
4.33
3.67
Midea*
4
100%
3.25
3.25
3.25
3.75
3.25
3.5
Miele*
3.75
100%
4.17
3.75
3.5
4
3.58
4
*Brand did not meet the sample threshold to qualify for the award
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2019, Roy Morgan. Metric out of 5 stars unless otherwise indicated. Methodology and more info.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
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The Good Guys
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