Starting up the oven after a long day at the office isn’t always an option. Never fear, for the microwave is here!
While it takes the cake for smallest kitchen appliance, the microwave certainly doesn’t lack as a cooking essential. Whether you are re-heating last night’s leftovers, or maybe popping a bag of popcorn to accompany a Friday movie night, this micro machine provides all of your quick heating needs.
For those of us who are blessed with storage galore, tucking the microwave away might be the go, however, it’s not entirely necessary! Fitted with a stylish interface, and sleek design, the microwaves of today have earnt their rightful position fixed into the cabinetry for all to see.
So, if you are looking to upgrade your kitchen appliance this year then read on to find the best microwave suited to your budget and needs.
The best microwaves to shop in Australia 2024
NeoChef smart inverter microwave oven 42L – MS4296OBSS
$369 from LG
Simple, versatile and effective are the essence of this bombshell from LG. Fitted with easy touch controls and a tempered glass door, heating or defrosting a fast snack in minutes has been made all the more simple.
Key features:
- 540 x 310 x 434mm
- 42L
- Two year warranty
- Easy touch controls
- Tempered glass door
- Fast cooking with 1200W power
Also available at:
- $299 from The Good Guys
- $303 from Appliances Online Australia
Panasonic fast and even inverter cooking microwave 23L – NN-SD38HSQPQ
$239 (usually $299) from Myer
Sized to fit smaller kitchen cabinetry, or even apartment sized benches, this Panasonic microwave will have dinner on the table within minutes. With over 30 years of inverter technology knowledge, Panasonic has the quick 30 function down pat, minimising your time in the kitchen.
Key features:
- 488 x 279 x 395mm
- 23L
- Inverter turbo defrost – defrost faster than previous Panasonic products
- Eco and LED illuminated
- Quick 30 function
- Fast cooking with 1000W power
Also available at:
- $235 from Amazon
- $249 from Bing Lee
- $244 (usually $299) from Appliances Online Australia
Samsung microwave in matte black 32L – MS32J5133BM
$289 from Samsung
Driving technology integration, Samsung appliances are as powerful as they are digitally advanced. Featuring automatic heating and melting functions, this 1000W machine invites a culinary experience across ten power levels, saving both energy and time.
Key features:
- 517 x 297 x 384mm
- 32L
- Auto keep warm programs
- Auto soften and melt functions
- Ceramic enamel interior
- 1000W power output
Also available at:
- $219 from The Good Guys
- $249 from Appliances Online Australia
Sharp electric countertop microwave 25L – R-25A0W
$239 from Kogan.com
With six auto menus for added convenience, reheating, defrosting and cooking your fave meals has never been easier. Also, with a built-in child lock, you can stop little hands from getting into off-limit spaces.
Key features:
- 510 x 300 x 390mm
- 25L
- 11 power levels
- Child lock
- Six auto menus
Also available at:
- $215.10 from Catch.com
- $239 from Matt Blatt
- $239 from Brosa
Westinghouse countertop microwave oven23L – WMF2302SA
$179 from Designer Appliances
Programmed with a versatile suite of cooking options, this 23 litre microwave is a great option for busy apartment living. For fast operation, this microwave has a quick start function as well as a memory function, taking the guess work out of cooking.
Key features:
- 485 x 293 x 375mm
- 23L
- One year warranty
- Powered by 800W heating element
- Ten power levels for cooking
- Fingerprint resistant stainless steel
Also available at:
- $185 (usually $239) from Appliances Online Australia
- $199 from Bing Lee
What is the difference between an inverter microwave and a regular microwave?
The main difference between an inverter microwave and a traditional microwave is that inverter microwaves don’t have a power transformer attachment, and instead use a circuit board. Ultimately, this makes inverter microwaves much more energy efficient. As well as receiving a much higher energy efficiency rating, inverters are also much lighter, with more internal space to heat food and beverages.