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Best Microwaves For Home Use

Published by: Caz Meyer • Updated: February 17, 2024 • Checked By: Chef Matty Riedel

So your old microwave finally gave out, and it’s time for an upgrade. Welcome to my comprehensive guide on the best microwaves available today! Whether you’re a culinary expert or someone who appreciates the convenience of quick meals, a reliable microwave is a kitchen essential. This post has reviewed and compared the best microwaves to suit different needs and budgets. From compact designs for smaller spaces to high-tech options with advanced features, we’ll help you navigate the top choices, ensuring you find a microwave that meets your cooking requirements and enhances your kitchen experience. Let’s dive in!

Best Microwaves: Our Top 9

1. Russell Hobbs RHM2076B Digital Microwave

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
Russell Hobbs RHM2076B Microwave Russell Hobbs RHM2076B Microwave
  • This microwave has a mirror finish on the door and comes with a useful digital clock and pre-set function that lets you know when the food will be ready and keep track of the time.
  • This Russell Hobbs appliance also has 800 watts of microwave power, providing quick and convenient cooking.
  • The RHM2076B model has a child safety lock option that prevents young children from opening the microwave door, providing peace of mind regarding safety.
  • The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B has a 20-litre cavity that comfortably accommodates a standard dinner plate.
  • Additionally, the dishwasher-safe glass turntable can be removed for easy cleaning.
  • The RHM2076B Russell Hobbs microwave also has pre-programmed auto-cook menus for popcorn, pizza, and fish that let you cook at the push of a button.
  • You can ensure that all food is cooked to the right temperature with the five different power levels available in the microwave.
Pros:
  • Beautiful aesthetic
  • Child safety lock
  • Pre-programmed auto-cook menus
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to clean
Cons:
  • Small
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Product Specifications: 

  • Available Colours

    Black, Silver

  • Product Dimensions

    49.6 x 38.9 x 30.50 cm

  • Item Weight

    11 kg

  • Capacity

    20 litres

  • Material

    Glass

  • Power/Wattage

    800 watts

  • Auto Shutt off

    No

  • Special Feature/s

    Digital, Pre-programmed menus


2. Panasonic NN-E28JBMBPQ Compact Microwave  

Panasonic Compact Solo Microwave Panasonic Compact Solo Microwave
  • With 800 W of power, the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-E28JB lets you quickly prepare delicious meals.
  • Use the five power settings to select the best cooking method for your meal.
  • You can simplify your daily cooking routine with flexible features like nine auto programs that automatically defrost and reheat foods like jacket potatoes and fresh fish.
Pros:
  • Beautiful aesthetic
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to clean
  • Touch control panel
  • Child safety lock to protect little fingers from harm
  • Affordable
Cons:
  • The average lifespan is 1.5 years, and then it’s faulty
  • Gets dangerously hot if cooking on high power for more than 6 minutes
  • Relatively small
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Product Specifications:

  • Available Colours

    Black, Silver

  • Product Dimensions

    33 x 44.3 x 25.8 cm

  • Item Weight

    11 kg

  • Capacity

    20 litres

  • Material

    Coated Metal – Black, Acrylic Interior

  • Power/Wattage

    800 watts

  • Auto Shutt off

    No

  • Auto Defrost

    Yes

  • Noise Level

    46 decibels (Db)

  • Installation Type

    Over the range (Db)

  • Special Feature/s

    Real food experiences, One touch programming for easy cooking, Control, Quick settings


3. Sharp YC-MG02U-S 20L With Grill Microwave

BEST MICROWAVE FOR BAKING & GRILLING
Sharp Compact Digital Microwave with Grill Sharp Compact Digital Microwave with Grill
  • Any kitchen needs the Sharp YC-MG02U-B 800 W Digital Touch Control Microwave with 1000 W Grill!
  • It's a great choice for quick cooking thanks to the digital touch control panel, 11 power levels, and 8 automatic programs.
  • You can grill and microwave with the 1000 W grill or just microwave. Popcorn, jacket potatoes, pizza, frozen vegetables, drink reheat, plate reheat, and time/weight defrost are useful programs.
Pros:
  • Beautiful aesthetic
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to clean
  • Able to turn the LED feature off
Cons:
  • Difficult to read print on the panel if you have poor eyesight
  • Grill is not as powerful as expected
  • Relatively small
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  • Available Colours

    Black, Silver, White, Black/Silver

  • Product Dimensions

    12.76 x 17.32 x 10.16 cm

  • Item Weight

    11.9 kg

  • Capacity

    20 litres

  • Material

    Glass

  • Power/Wattage

    800 watts

  • Installation Type

    Countertop

  • Special Feature/s

    Child lock, grill & microwave combi


4. Toshiba 20L Digital Microwave

Toshiba 20L Microwave Oven Toshiba 20L Microwave Oven
  • Fast food warming is a lifesaver. This Toshiba microwave lets you heat and defrost your dishes quickly and stylishly.
  • The sleek design has a digital dial, 11 power levels, and six useful auto programs.
  • The turntable can be taken out to clean it quickly and easily.
  • Let the Toshiba Solo Microwave Oven help you prepare a flavoursome home-cooked meal effortlessly!
Pros:
  • Auto cook menu
  • 11 power levels
  • Membrane control
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to clean
  • Good value for money
Cons:
  • Relatively small
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Product Specifications:

  • Available Colours

    White

  • Product Dimensions

    32.5 x 44 x 25.8 cm

  • Item Weight

    11.2 kg

  • Capacity

    20 litres

  • Material

    Plastic

  • Power/Wattage

    800 watts

  • Controller Type

    Push Button

  • Installation

    Countertop


5. Comfee’ CM-M202GSF 20L Microwave  (Best Cheap Option)

BEST BUDGET
COMFEE' Retro Style Microwave Oven COMFEE' Retro Style Microwave Oven
  • From the manufacturer, learn more about the COMFEE' 700w Microwave Oven, which features a 20-litre capacity and is labelled CM-M202GSF(WH).
  • It has a glass turntable for even heating, microwave cooking with five power levels, easy defrost by time/weight, and a light inside.
  • Cooking is a breeze thanks to the control panel's easy-to-read and easy-to-rotate knobs.
  • The microwave comes equipped with a child lock for safety.
  • And its small size makes it a great choice for kitchens in apartments, vacation homes, offices, and dorms.
Pros:
  • Fashionable style
  • Easy defrost function
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to clean
  • Affordable
  • Child lock
Cons:
  • Isn’t very powerful (only 700 W)
  • Need to stop and mix food halfway through
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Product Specification:

  • Available Colours

    White, Green, Cream, Red

  • Product Dimensions

    34.5 x 44 x 25.9 cm

  • Item Weight

    11.6 kg

  • Capacity

    20 litres

  • Material

    Metal

  • Power/Wattage

    700 watts

  • Controller Type

    Mechanical knob

  • Power Levels

    5

  • Installation

    Countertop


6. Swan Nordic Digital LED Microwave

BEST FOR SMALL FAMILY
Swan Nordic Digital Microwave Swan Nordic Digital Microwave
  • The microwave's powerful 800W MAFF E rating and six power levels simplify food preparation.
  • Cook a wide range of foods just how you like them, and they'll be warm and ready to go in no time.
  • With a 20-liter capacity, you'll have plenty of room to cook on the 270-millimeter glass turntable, which is big enough to hold a full dinner plate.
  • Ideal for one person or the entire family.
  • Ideal for small and large domestic kitchens, elegant apartments, cafes, hotels, guest houses, offices, staffrooms, and students moving into student housing.
  • It also makes a lovely present for new homeowners and newlyweds.
Pros:
  • Stylish aesthetic
  • 2-year warranty
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to clean
Cons:
  • Relatively small
  • Flimsy panels
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Product Specifications:

  • Available Colours

    White, Green, Blue

  • Product Dimensions

    34.2 x 45.1 x 25.7 cm

  • Item Weight

    11 kg

  • Capacity

    20 litres

  • Material

    Glass

  • Power/Wattage

    800 watts

  • Controller Type

    Mechanical knob

  • Human Interface Inpout

    Buttons


7. Russell Hobbs Scandi Compact Manual Microwave

Russell Hobbs Scandi Compact Manual Microwave Russell Hobbs Scandi Compact Manual Microwave
  • The RHMM713G is the ideal everyday microwave for cooking various meals in a matter of minutes and is inspired by the clean lines and natural textures of Scandinavian design.
  • Thanks to the accents made of wood, your kitchen will have a chic and sophisticated appearance.
  • With its 700 watts of microwave power, you can cook quickly and conveniently in your home with this attractive appliance.
  • Up to 10.5″ (26.5cm) round dinner plates can fit in this microwave.
  • This microwave has five power settings for cooking according to your recipe. A defrost setting allows you to heat meals straight from the freezer while saving time. Turn the power dial to select the level you want. Turn the dials to select a power level and the required cooking time to use the microwave.
  • You can tell that cooking is going on by looking at the light inside the microwave. The microwave has a handy ringer alerts you when the cooking cycle is finished.
  • It's never been easier to cook.
Pros:
  • 5 power levels
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to clean
  • Scandi style aesthetic
Cons:
  • It isn’t very powerful (only 700 W)
  • Very small (17 litres)
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Product Specifications:

  • Available Colours

    Black, White, Green, Blue, Grey

  • Product Dimensions

    13.9 x 17.76 x 10.16 cm

  • Item Weight

    12.1 kg

  • Capacity

    17 litres

  • Material

    Glass, Plastic, Steel

  • Power/Wattage

    700 watts

  • Controller Type

    Jog dial

  • Controller Type

    Jog dial

  • Power Levels

    5

  • Special Feature

    Scandivanian inspired wooden handles for a stylish finish


8. Vytronix 20L Digital Microwave

VYTRONIX Digital Microwave Oven VYTRONIX Digital Microwave Oven
  • The VY-HMO800 is ideal for almost any kitchen in a home or office because of its stylish design and easy-to-use controls.
  • With its multiple cooking programs, you can defrost and cook frozen meat or fish in one go and reheat pizza leftovers from last night.
  • Meat, poultry, and seafood can all be defrosted in the oven. Once the weight is set, the microwave will automatically adjust the defrosting time and power level, and it will even pause and beep to remind you to turn the food over.
  • You can set up three cooking stages in a single cycle with the multi-stage cooking function. The first stage is a speed defrost, and it will switch to the microwave cooking function at the right time so that your food comes out perfectly cooked, thawed, and piping hot.
  • The child lock setting prevents unsupervised children from opening the door, reducing the risk of injury and preventing cooking from being halted. This feature only takes a few seconds to activate.
Pros:
  • Powerfully simple
  • Space-saving design
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to clean
  • Child lock
Cons:
  • Doesn’t seem like 800 W
  • Relatively small
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Product Specifications:

  • Available Colours

    Black

  • Product Dimensions

    36 x 45 x 26 cm

  • Item Weight

    12.4 kg

  • Capacity

    20 litres

  • Material

    Glass

  • Power/Wattage

    800 watts

  • Controller Type

    Jog dial

  • Human Interface Input

    Buttons

  • Installation Type

    Freestanding

  • Auto Shutoff

    No


9. Russell Hobbs 17L Compact Retro Microwave

Russell Hobbs Compact Retro Microwave Russell Hobbs Compact Retro Microwave
  • This Russell Hobbs microwave is the ideal retro-style microwave for quickly cooking various meals.
  • It is stylish and compact. Because of the sleek and minimalist design, you can choose where to display your new appliance.
  • Place your food in the appropriate cookware, open the door, and position it on the assembled turntable once you have prepared the microwave. After that, you must turn the simple dials on the control panel to choose a power level and how long it will take to cook. 
  • You can tell that cooking is going on by looking at the light inside the microwave.
  • The microwave has a handy ringer alerts you when the cooking cycle is finished.
  • That's it! It's never been easier to cook.
  • The Russell Hobbs RHRETMM705C lets you cook according to your recipe using the five available power levels.
  • There is also a necessary defrost setting for added functionality, saving you time to cook meals straight from the freezer.
Pros:
  • Very light (10.7 kg)
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to clean
  • Vintage aesthetic
  • 5 power levels
Cons:
  • Isn’t very powerful (only 700 W)
  • Very small (17 litres)
  • Non-digital
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  • Available Colours

    Black, Cream, Red

  • Product Dimensions

    17.76 x 14.41 x 10.08 cm

  • Item Weight

    10.7 kg

  • Capacity

    17 litres

  • Material

    Glass

  • Power/Wattage

    700 watts

  • Controller Type

    Jog dial

  • Human Interface Input

    Buttons

  • Installation Type

    Freestanding

  • Controller Type

    Jog dial


Buying Considerations:
How To Choose The Right Microwave

Wattage:

Power in a microwave equals wattage. Generally, the faster and more evenly your food will cook, the higher the wattage. The majority of microwaves produce between 600 and 1,200 watts.

Power Levels:

The power level function turns off the microwaves briefly to allow the food to cook slower. During this “off” period, the food’s residual heat from full-power cooking can continue to cook without the more intense direct microwave heat. Therefore, if you set your microwave to Power Level 5, or 50%, only 50% of the time will waves bounce around inside, allowing the food to cook more gently.

Inverter Technology:

Unlike other microwave ovens, Inverter Technology provides a continuous stream of cooking power, even at lower settings, for precise cooking that preserves the flavour and texture of your preferred foods.

Programs:

Different microwaves have different programs. For example, if you prefer a microwave that can make popcorn, you would opt for a microwave with a built-in popcorn button. These programs allow for simple use and high convenience.

Clear View Door:

Having a clear-view door on a microwave is essential for looking inside when your food is defrosting or heating up. This allows for fewer accidents and less overheating of food. When a microwave is heating up the food, a light should be turned on inside it to make it easier to view what’s inside.

Child Safety:

Researchers have put in a lot of effort to change the way microwave ovens are made after children as young as 18 months old get severe burns. Child-resistant microwave doors will passively protect young children. Parents and caregivers of young children are required to actively protect their children by keeping an eye on them and shielding them from danger.

<<Our Testing and Review Methodology>>

Best Microwave: FAQs

What’s The Difference Between Standard, Grill And Combination Microwaves?

Standard:

A microwave is a necessity in our kitchen today because it is excellent for quickly defrosting food and reheating leftovers for lunchtime snacks. It will have a variety of settings and use microwave radiation to cook and heat food, but it will not have complex settings like a grilling function.

Grill:

A microwave with grill is basically a regular microwave that has all the great features of a microwave but also has a grill built in. As a result, you can cook and brown food, producing excellent results. A microwave with a grill is great for making food crispier, but keep in mind that these are more expensive than regular microwaves.

Combination:

In addition to serving as a microwave, some combination microwaves can also double as ovens. Your food will not only be cooked but also browned and crisped when you use the additional internal grill in addition to the standard microwave function, giving it a superior appearance and texture. Keep in mind that the grill element usually has less power than a regular grill, so toasting may take longer and foods may dry out. Baking and roasting can be done in the most advanced combination microwaves.

What Can You Cook In A Standard Microwave?

Eggs (scrambledpoached, omelette, etc.)
Cake
Pudding
Chicken
Macaroni and Cheese
Baked potato
Spaghetti

Best Microwaves: Summing Up

Choosing the right microwave hinges on your specific needs. A 700-watt model suffices for simple reheating, while an 800-watt model is suitable for defrosting and cooking. Consider size for everyday dishes or larger items like a whole chicken. Families might prioritize child safety features, while frequent movers may opt for lighter models. Aesthetics also play a role in harmonizing with your kitchen theme. With a wide range available, you will find the ideal microwave that matches your lifestyle and culinary needs. Take the next step and select the perfect addition to your kitchen today!


OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION

Russell Hobbs RHM2076B Microwave

  • Beautiful aesthetic
  • Child safety lock
  • Pre-programmed auto-cook menus

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Caz Meyer
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