How to Choose the Right Microwave for Your Home

Why Choosing the Right Microwave Matters

A microwave is one of the hardest-working appliances in the kitchen. It reheats leftovers, defrosts meat, steams vegetables, and in more capable models, grills and bakes as well. Yet it's often bought as an afterthought, with many households settling for whatever is available at the right price without considering whether it actually suits their needs.

This guide covers the different types of microwaves, the features that make a real difference in everyday use, how to match a model to your kitchen and cooking habits, and what to expect at different price points.

Types of Microwaves

Countertop Microwaves

Countertop microwaves are the most common type. They sit on the benchtop, plug into a standard power point, and require no installation. They're available in a wide range of sizes and price points, making them the most flexible and accessible option for most households.

The main trade-off is bench space. A countertop microwave takes up a meaningful footprint in the kitchen, which can be a consideration in smaller kitchens where bench space is already limited.

Built-in Microwaves

Built-in microwaves are integrated into your cabinetry, either in a tall cabinet, above a built-in oven, or beneath the benchtop. They free up bench space, look clean and integrated, and are the preferred choice for new kitchens and renovations. Installation requires a dedicated cabinet cutout and a power connection within the cavity.

Built-in models are available in the same range of functions as countertop units, including inverter technology and combination cooking. Browse our built-in microwave range for integrated options.

Inverter Microwaves

Traditional microwaves use a simple on/off power cycling system: to cook at 50% power, the magnetron switches on and off repeatedly at full power. This can lead to uneven cooking, with some parts of the food overcooked while others remain cold.

Inverter microwaves use a different power delivery system that provides a continuous, steady stream of energy at the selected power level. This produces more even cooking and heating throughout, which is particularly noticeable when defrosting, reheating delicate foods, or cooking at lower power levels. For households that use their microwave for more than basic reheating, inverter technology is a worthwhile upgrade.

Explore our inverter microwave range for more even, consistent results.

Combination Microwave Ovens

Combination microwaves combine microwave cooking with one or more additional cooking methods, typically grill, convection (fan-forced heat), or both. This allows them to brown and crisp food in a way that a standard microwave cannot, producing results closer to a conventional oven or grill.

A combination microwave can function as a second oven, which is particularly useful in smaller kitchens or households that want more cooking capacity without installing a double oven. They're also popular as a built-in companion to a main oven in a tall cabinet configuration.

See our combination microwave oven range for multi-function options.

Which Type is Right for You?

• Countertop: Most flexible, no installation required, wide range of options. Best for renters or kitchens where a built-in isn't practical.
• Built-in: Integrated look, frees up bench space, ideal for new kitchens and renovations.
• Inverter: More even cooking and defrosting at all power levels. Worth the upgrade for households that use their microwave regularly for more than basic reheating.
• Combination: Microwave speed with the browning and crisping ability of a grill or oven. Best for households that want a versatile second cooking appliance.

Key Features to Look For

Capacity

Microwave capacity is measured in litres and determines the size of dishes you can fit inside. As a general guide:

• 17 to 25 litres: Suitable for one to two people or basic reheating and defrosting tasks.
• 25 to 32 litres: Suitable for most families, handles standard dinner plates and medium-sized dishes comfortably.
• 32 litres and above: Best for larger households or anyone who regularly uses the microwave for cooking rather than just reheating.

Check the internal turntable diameter as well as the total capacity: a large cavity with a small turntable can still struggle to fit standard dinner plates.

Wattage

Microwave wattage determines how quickly and evenly food is cooked. Higher wattage means faster cooking and better results. As a general guide:

• 700 to 900 watts: Adequate for basic reheating and defrosting.
• 900 to 1,100 watts: Better performance for everyday cooking tasks, faster reheating, and more even results.
• 1,100 watts and above: Best performance, particularly for larger capacity models where higher wattage is needed to heat food evenly throughout the cavity.

Power Levels

Multiple power levels give you more control over cooking. Most microwaves offer between five and ten power levels. More levels allow finer adjustments, which is useful for delicate tasks like softening butter, melting chocolate, or cooking fish without overcooking the edges. Inverter models make the most of multiple power levels by delivering truly variable power rather than cycling on and off.

Auto Cook Programs

Auto cook programs take the guesswork out of common tasks by automatically setting the time and power level for specific foods. Common programs include reheating, defrosting by weight, popcorn, vegetables, and beverages. These are a convenient feature for everyday use, particularly for households with children or anyone who uses the microwave frequently.

Grill Function

A built-in grill element allows the microwave to brown and crisp food surfaces, which a standard microwave cannot do. This is useful for finishing dishes, toasting bread, and cooking items that benefit from a browned top. Combination models with both grill and convection functions can produce results very close to a conventional oven.

Turntable vs. Flatbed

Most microwaves use a rotating turntable to ensure even cooking by moving food through the microwave field. Flatbed microwaves use a different antenna system to distribute microwave energy evenly without a turntable, which makes the full floor area of the cavity usable and simplifies cleaning. Flatbed models are generally found in mid-range and premium units.

Ease of Cleaning

Microwaves can be difficult to clean if food splatters are left to dry. Look for models with smooth interior surfaces, removable turntables, and easy-wipe coatings. Some models include a steam clean function that loosens food residue with steam, making wiping down the interior much easier.

Controls

Microwave controls range from simple rotary dials to full touchpad interfaces. Dial controls are intuitive and easy to use; touchpad controls offer more precision and a cleaner look. Some premium models include a dial-and-touch combination that gives you the best of both. Avoid controls that are overly complex or require multiple steps for basic tasks.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $150)

Entry-level microwaves in this range cover the basics reliably: reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking tasks. Expect standard power cycling rather than inverter technology, a limited number of auto programs, and basic controls. They're a practical choice for renters or households with straightforward microwave needs.

Mid-Range ($150 to $500)

Mid-range models offer inverter technology, better wattage, more auto programs, flatbed designs, and grill functions in many cases. Build quality and ease of use improve noticeably in this range. Most households will find a model here that covers everything they need.

Premium ($500 and Above)

Premium microwaves deliver combination cooking with convection and grill functions, superior build quality, larger capacities, and refined aesthetics suited to integrated kitchen designs. Combination microwave ovens that can function as a second oven sit in this range. They're a worthwhile investment for households that want maximum cooking versatility from a single appliance.

Matching the Microwave to Your Household

• Basic reheating and defrosting: A mid-range countertop inverter model covers everyday needs efficiently and produces better results than a budget unit.
• Family kitchen: A 28 to 32 litre model with inverter technology and auto cook programs handles family-sized portions and varied tasks comfortably.
• New kitchen or renovation: A built-in model integrated into your cabinetry gives the cleanest look and frees up bench space.
• Small kitchen or apartment: A compact countertop model keeps the footprint manageable without sacrificing core functionality.
• Household that wants a second oven: A combination microwave with convection and grill functions provides genuine oven-like results in a compact format.

Pairing Your Microwave with Your Kitchen Setup

If you're planning a built-in microwave as part of a kitchen renovation, consider how it fits with your oven and cabinetry configuration. Many households pair a built-in microwave above or below a built-in oven in a tall cabinet for a streamlined, integrated look. Browse our full kitchen cooking range to plan your complete setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an inverter and a standard microwave?

A standard microwave delivers power by cycling the magnetron on and off at full power to simulate lower settings. An inverter microwave delivers a continuous, steady stream of power at the selected level. The result is more even cooking, better defrosting, and more consistent results, particularly at lower power levels.

Can a combination microwave replace a conventional oven?

For many everyday tasks, yes. A combination microwave with convection and grill functions can roast, bake, and grill with results close to a conventional oven, in a fraction of the time. It won't replace a full-size oven for large roasts or multiple trays of baking, but as a second cooking appliance or in a smaller household, it's a genuinely capable alternative.

How do I clean my microwave?

Wipe down the interior after each use to prevent food residue from drying and hardening. For stubborn splatters, heat a bowl of water with a squeeze of lemon juice for two to three minutes, then leave the door closed for a minute to let the steam loosen the residue before wiping. Remove and wash the turntable separately. Clean the door seal and exterior regularly with a damp cloth.

Is a higher wattage microwave always better?

Higher wattage generally means faster cooking and more even results, particularly in larger capacity models. However, for basic reheating in a compact unit, the difference between 800 and 1,000 watts is less significant than the difference between standard and inverter power delivery. Focus on inverter technology first, then wattage.

What size microwave do I need for a standard dinner plate?

Most standard dinner plates are 26 to 28 cm in diameter. A microwave with a turntable diameter of at least 28 to 30 cm will accommodate a standard plate comfortably. Check the turntable diameter in the specifications rather than relying on the total cavity volume alone.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Microwave?

Browse our complete microwave range, including inverter microwaves, built-in models, and combination microwave ovens, to find the right model for your home. Whether you're after a simple countertop unit or a fully integrated combination oven, we have options to suit every kitchen and budget.