Looking for the best microwave in Australia can feel overwhelming, with dozens of models, features, and brands all promising great results.
Do you actually need inverter technology, a flatbed design, or convection cooking, or is a simpler microwave going to do the job just as well?
This guide is here to save you time. We help customers choose microwaves every day, so we see firsthand which models perform reliably in real homes, and which ones fall short once they are used day to day.
Rather than listing every option on the market, we have selected one standout microwave in each category, based on real-world performance, reliability, and value for Australian kitchens.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which microwave is worth buying for your space, your budget, and how you actually use your kitchen.
| 1 | Best Overall Microwave in Australia |
| 2 | Best Inverter Microwave |
| 3 | Best Small Microwave |
| 4 | Best Convection Microwave |
| 5 | Best Affordable Microwave |
| 6 | Ready to Upgrade Your Microwave? |
Best Overall Microwave in Australia
Panasonic 34L 4-in-1 Air Fry Convection Microwave Oven – NN-CD87KS
If we had to recommend just one microwave that covers almost every cooking need, Panasonic’s 34L 4-in-1 Air Fry Convection Microwave Oven – NN-CD87KS would be at the top of the list.
This model goes well beyond basic reheating. It combines microwave, convection oven, grill, and air fry functionality in one appliance, making it a genuinely useful tool for everyday cooking. For many homes, it can even replace a small secondary oven.
Panasonic’s Inverter Technology is a big reason this microwave performs so well. Instead of cycling power on and off like traditional microwaves, inverter technology delivers a steady stream of energy. That means food cooks more evenly, defrosts more gently, and reheats without those frustrating hot and cold spots.
The Air Fry function is another standout feature. It lets you crisp foods like chips, chicken, and vegetables without needing a separate air fryer on your bench. Combined with convection cooking, you can bake, roast, grill, and microwave all in one unit.
Capacity is also a strong point. With 34 litres of space, it comfortably handles larger dishes, making it suitable for families or anyone who wants flexibility in the kitchen.
Panasonic has also made this model easy to use. The control panel is straightforward, with clear auto menus that help take the guesswork out of cooking.
Key features that make this microwave stand out:
- 4-in-1 functionality – microwave, convection oven, grill, and air fry in one appliance
- Panasonic Inverter Technology for consistent, even cooking
- 34L capacity suitable for families and larger meals
- Air Fry mode for crisp results without a separate appliance
- Convection cooking that allows baking and roasting
If you want a microwave that can handle everything from quick reheats to full meals, the Panasonic NN-CD87KS is one of the most versatile models available. For many kitchens, it is the closest thing to an all-in-one cooking solution.
Best Inverter Microwave
LG 42 Litre NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave Oven – MS4296OWSGTIN
If inverter technology is at the top of your priority list, the LG 42 Litre NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave Oven is one of the strongest options available.
Traditional microwaves often cycle their power on and off to control heat levels, which can lead to uneven cooking or partially frozen food after defrosting. LG’s Smart Inverter technology solves this by delivering a steady level of power, allowing food to cook, defrost, and reheat much more evenly.
In everyday use, this makes a noticeable difference. Leftovers heat through properly, delicate foods like chocolate or butter melt more smoothly, and frozen meals defrost without cooking the edges while the centre stays icy.
The 42-litre capacity is another standout feature. It is larger than many standard microwaves, giving you more room for family meals, bigger plates, or batch cooking. If you regularly cook for multiple people, that extra space can be surprisingly useful.
LG has also focused on making the microwave easy to maintain. The EasyClean antibacterial interior coating helps prevent food buildup and makes wiping down the cavity quick and simple.
Design-wise, the NeoChef range is clean and modern, with a minimal control panel and smooth front finish that suits most kitchens.
Key features that make this microwave stand out:
- Smart Inverter technology for precise, consistent cooking power
- Large 42L capacity ideal for families and larger dishes
- Even defrosting and reheating without hot or cold spots
- EasyClean antibacterial interior for quick maintenance
- Modern NeoChef design that fits well in contemporary kitchens
If you want the benefits of inverter technology in a spacious and reliable microwave, the LG NeoChef 42L is one of the most practical and dependable choices available.
Best Small Microwave
Panasonic 27 Litre Inverter Microwave Oven – NN-SF564WQPQ
If you need a microwave that fits comfortably into a smaller kitchen without sacrificing performance, the Panasonic 27 Litre Inverter Microwave Oven is a great option.
Compact microwaves can sometimes feel underpowered or cramped, but this model strikes a strong balance between size and usability. With a 27-litre capacity, it provides enough space for everyday meals while still being compact enough to suit apartments, smaller kitchens, or homes where bench space is limited.
Panasonic’s Inverter Technology again plays a key role here. Instead of cycling power on and off like conventional microwaves, inverter technology delivers consistent energy so food cooks more evenly. This is especially useful in smaller microwaves, where uneven heating can often be more noticeable.
In daily use, it handles the basics very well. Reheating leftovers, cooking simple meals, or defrosting frozen food is quick and reliable. The control panel is straightforward, with clear settings that make it easy to use without needing to constantly refer to a manual.
Despite its smaller footprint, Panasonic has still designed the microwave to feel practical and durable, with a clean design that fits easily into most kitchen styles.
Key features that make this microwave stand out:
- 27L capacity that balances compact size with everyday usability
- Panasonic Inverter Technology for even cooking and defrosting
- Simple, intuitive controls that are easy to use
- Compact footprint ideal for smaller kitchens or limited bench space
- Reliable Panasonic build quality
If you are looking for a microwave that saves space while still delivering dependable performance, the Panasonic 27L microwave is a practical and well-rounded choice.
Best Convection Microwave
Smeg 34 Litre Inverter Microwave with Convection – SAM34CXIGTIN
If you want a microwave that can do far more than reheating, the Smeg 34L Convection Microwave is one of the most capable models available.
This microwave combines inverter microwave technology with true convection cooking, giving you the flexibility to bake, roast, grill, and microwave in one appliance. For many kitchens, it works almost like a second oven, which can be incredibly useful when cooking larger meals or entertaining.
The convection function allows hot air to circulate evenly throughout the cavity, which means foods cook more like they would in a traditional oven. This makes it suitable for things like baking small trays of biscuits, roasting vegetables, or crisping up meals that would normally turn soggy in a standard microwave.
Smeg has paired this with inverter technology, which delivers steady cooking power rather than switching on and off. The result is more even heating, better defrosting, and improved cooking results overall.
Capacity is another strong point. With 34 litres of space, there is plenty of room for larger dishes, making it practical for family cooking.
As you would expect from Smeg, the microwave also has a premium stainless steel design that fits nicely into modern kitchens and pairs well with other Smeg appliances.
Key features that make this microwave stand out:
- Convection cooking that allows baking and roasting
- Inverter microwave technology for consistent cooking power
- 34L capacity suitable for larger meals and dishes
- Multiple cooking modes including microwave, grill, and convection
- Premium stainless steel design from Smeg
If you want the flexibility of both a microwave and a compact oven in one appliance, the Smeg 34L convection microwave is a very capable option that offers excellent versatility in the kitchen.
Best Affordable Microwave
Panasonic 32 Litre Inverter Microwave – NN-ST665BQPQ
If you want a microwave that is reliable, powerful, and reasonably priced, the Panasonic 32L Inverter Microwave Oven is one of the safest choices available.
Affordable microwaves can sometimes feel like a compromise, but this model manages to deliver strong performance without pushing the price too high. It offers a generous 32-litre capacity, which gives you plenty of space for everyday meals, larger plates, and family use.
A major advantage here is Panasonic’s Inverter Technology. Instead of cycling power on and off like conventional microwaves, inverter technology provides a steady level of energy. This helps food cook more evenly and improves defrosting, which is something many lower-priced microwaves struggle with.
In day-to-day use, it covers all the essentials very well. Reheating leftovers, cooking simple meals, and defrosting frozen food are quick and straightforward. The auto cooking programs also help simplify common tasks, making it easy to get consistent results.
The design is simple and practical, with a clean black finish that works well in most kitchens. Controls are clear and easy to use, so you do not need to spend time figuring out complicated settings.
Key features that make this microwave stand out:
- 32L capacity that works well for everyday family use
- Panasonic Inverter Technology for more even cooking and defrosting
- Auto cooking programs for simple, consistent results
- Reliable Panasonic performance at an accessible price
- Clean, practical design that suits most kitchens
If you want a microwave that delivers dependable performance without spending a fortune, the Panasonic 32L inverter microwave is one of the best value options available.
Ready to Upgrade Your Microwave?
At Brisbane Appliance Sales, we have been helping customers choose the right appliances for their homes for over 35 years. Microwaves are something we work with every day, so we know which models perform well in real kitchens and which ones are best avoided.
Visiting our showroom makes choosing easier. You can compare sizes properly, see finishes up close, and get clear, personalised advice based on how you actually use your kitchen, not just what looks good online.
Drop into our Brisbane store or get in touch with our team to explore our range and find a microwave that delivers the performance, reliability, and everyday convenience you need.