But it’s a shame to dedicate money and bench space to an appliance that’s only used at dinner time or when you’re frantically cooking a batch of brownies late at night for the school bake sale that you forgot about.

There’s so much more that your microwave can help you with – and if you harness its superpowers it’ll liberate you from laborious kitchen tasks and give you more time back in your day for things like licking the bowl after making brownies.

Plus, if you take advantage of your microwave’s abilities, it can expand your cooking repertoire and even save you some money.

����Vlog’s kitchen expert Fiona Mair says a microwave is one of the most useful and underrated appliances in the kitchen. And she even rates it over an air fryer, which really tells you how versatile and helpful it can be.

“Most people use very little of their microwave’s potential,” she says. “It can be a very handy kitchen helper if you know what to do with it.”

So if you’re not using your microwave to help you with these kitchen tasks, you should be!

Blitzing baking prep

You might already use your microwave to melt butter, but there are so many other ways it can help you bash out baked goods faster.

Toasting nuts

Want to make perfectly crispy hazelnuts or browned pine nuts? 

Instead of risking burning them in a frypan or waiting ages for your oven to heat up, hand the task over to your trusty kitchen assistant.

Spread the nuts out in an even layer on a plate then microwave on high for one minute at a time, stirring in between, until they reach the ideal toastiness.

Soaking dried fruit, fast

If a recipe calls for dried fruit to be soaked overnight in brandy or tea, don’t panic if you didn’t plan ahead. Fiona says you can use your microwave to rehydrate fruit in next to no time.

Here’s what to do for four cups of fruit to a quarter of a cup of brandy: place the dried fruit and liquid in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap and heat on high for two minutes.

Leave it to stand for five minutes and let the fruit cool before adding to your recipe.

Making perfect melted chocolate

When you’re trying to bash out that last-minute cake for the bake sale, melting chocolate over a double boiler and waiting for butter to soften on the bench wastes precious time. 

Your microwave can speed things up so you’ll finish with time spare to decorate it. 

Chocolate is a very heat-sensitive food, so when we put microwaves through our rigorous lab testing, we assess how good they are at melting chocolate.

A good microwave will deliver chocolate that’s evenly melted when it’s stirred. If the chocolate looks grainy and more like a paste, that means it has seized – it has cooked for too long and overheated.

Inverter microwaves are great at this: they provide constant, even power so there are no hot spots. 

(Here’s what you need to know about inverter microwaves.)

Only have a regular microwave? No problems. Just put your microwave on a medium-low setting.

To melt 180g of chocolate in a 900–1000W microwave, run it for 2 minutes and 30 seconds and stir halfway through. For a 700–800W model, run it for 4 minutes and halfway through. 

If you’re unsure of the wattage, heat on high for 1 minute and stir, then continue heating at 30 second intervals, stirring each time until just melted. The residual heat will melt any unmelted portions. 

“Thankfully, we’re seeing new microwaves on the market with auto settings for melting chocolate and butter and softening butter so keep an eye out if you’re shopping for a new model,” says Fiona.

Minimising food waste

Making your grocery budget go further isn’t just a case of buying wisely – it’s also about making the most of the food you do buy.

Here’s how your microwave can help you squeeze every last drop (or crumb) out of your food.

Rescuing stale bread

Who’s got the dough these days to chuck out a loaf of bread that’s past its prime? Rather than letting a loaf go to waste, you can revive it in the microwave.

Wrap it in damp tea towel or paper towels and pop it in the microwave for 10 to 30 seconds. (The timing will depend on your microwave’s power and the size and thickness of the bread.)

You can also do this with single slices of bread, but keep the cooking time brief.

This is also a great method for defrosting frozen bread slices. They dry out in the freezer, so normally when you defrost and toast them, they can be very dry and hard, and may burn more quickly than fresh bread.

The paper towel trick rehydrates them, so they’ll toast up as nicely as fresh slices.

This isn’t the only thing a microwave can do with your stale bread. Whizz up the bread in your food processor to make breadcrumbs, then dry them out in your microwave, or nuke bread cubes to create croutons.

Now you’ve not only saved money by bringing your bread back from the dead, you’ve also created options for jazzing up a mediocre midweek meal: think crumbed lamb cutlets, cassoulet and caesar salad, or making pangrattato to add a crunchy component to an otherwise-ordinary pasta dish.

Making citrus more squeezable

Yes, we’re really telling you to put a whole lemon in the microwave. 

Giving your lemons, limes or oranges a quick zap before juicing them will soften them up and help you extract more of the juice.

Depending on your microwave’s wattage, microwave the fruit on high for 10–30 seconds. Once it’s warm and soft, it’ll yield more juice.

Saving the sweet stuff

If your honey has seized up and won’t squeeze or spread, you don’t need to throw it out or resign yourself to eating crunchy honey on toast.

A quick whirl in the microwave will have it smooth and squeezy again in no time.

Prepping your Sunday roast

From preparing your meat for the oven, to making perfectly tender vegetables and getting a head start on the baked potatoes, your microwave can help set you up to nail a Sunday roast.��

Here’s what to use it for.

Defrosting a whole chicken

If you’ve forgotten to get the bird, beef or lamb out of the freezer, never fear – your microwave is up to the job. 

In fact, when we test microwaves in our kitchen labs, we assess how well each one performs this common kitchen task. 

Our kitchen experts check that each microwave defrosts a whole chicken thoroughly and safely without starting to cook the bird.

(There are a lot of defrosted chooks up for grabs in the ����Vlog office on chicken defrosting day!)

“Most microwaves can easily defrost a 1.5kg chicken safely in 30 minutes,” says Fiona. 

The timing will depend on the weight of the chicken or cut of meat and the power level that’s pre-programmed for defrosting. Check your microwave’s manual to find the right settings for your roast.

Cook crisp, tender (and healthier!) vegetables 

For those of us who grew up in the ’80s, you may associate microwaved vegetables with limp, grey and watery broccoli. That doesn’t have to be the case, says Fiona. 

“Microwaves are actually an incredibly easy way to cook perfect steamed vegetables, keeping them crisp, tender and full of the nutrients you lose if you boil them,” she says. 

“Look for a microwave that has a sensor for ‘fresh vegetables’ for perfectly cooked veg every time no matter what quantity.”

When we review microwaves, we test each model to see how well it cooks broccoli. 

The top rated models in our microwave review all score a perfect 100% on the broccoli test. 

Parboiling potatoes

You can’t have a roast without roast potatoes. 

One of the (many) secrets to the perfect roast potato – all crisp and golden on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside – is parboiling your potatoes before you roast them. 

And guess what? Your microwave can help with that, too.

Wash, peel and chop the potatoes, then put them in a microwave-safe container with a lid. If you have sensor cook or auto cook, use these settings, otherwise cook on high for 3–4 minutes. 

Don’t forget to let them stand for five minutes with the lid on to finish off the cooking after removing from the microwave. Then they’re ready to be shaken to fluff the outside to get them extra crispy when you roast them.

Get roasting

Cooking in a small kitchen or on the road doesn’t mean you have to forego a Sunday roast.

Convection microwaves do everything a standard microwave does, but they also have an extra heating element and fan so they can operate as a small oven, giving you the best of both worlds.

They do have pros and cons, however, and they’re not suitable for every household.

Here’s what to know before buying a convection microwave.

Want to take things to the next level? Some convection microwaves now come with an air fryer function, so you can nuke, roast and air fry with just one appliance, which will help with multiple tasks when cooking a roast dinner.

Here are the best microwaves with air fryer function.

Other kitchen tasks your microwave can help you master

• Cooking perfect rice every time
• Make easy scrambled eggs
• Steam delicate fish fillets
• Cook pappadums without oil
• Dry herbs
• Cook crispy bacon
• Make mug cakes

A note on microwave safety

Do keep in mind that microwaves can differ depending on wattage and whether they’re a regular microwave, convection or inverter. So use given times as a guide but always stay nearby when you’re cooking, just in case something goes awry.��

And remember: certain things don’t belong in the microwave. Plastic takeaway containers, metal trays, and some dinnerware and glassware may not be microwave safe, so check before you use them. 

Finally, it’s easy to forget that temperatures can be just as scalding in a microwave as a regular oven – don’t forget that food comes out hot! 

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From warming leftovers to melting butter for baking to reheating that cup of tea that’s been forgotten several times over, we rely on them to make life easier for us.

But microwaves that just don’t do what they’re meant to (or are so confusing to operate that you avoid using them) take up a lot of space in your kitchen – and can leave a big hole in your wallet. 

If you’re not a fan of lukewarm food or complicated appliances, it’s worth finding out which microwaves flunked out in our tests.

Why did these microwaves score so poorly?

“There are a few factors that contribute to a microwave receiving a low score,” says ����Vlog home economist Fiona Mair. She talks us through what makes for a mediocre microwave.

Complicated controls

Some microwaves are so tricky to figure out that you just about need an engineering degree to operate them. Or you need the patience of a saint to read through the entire instruction manual just so you can warm up your leftovers.

“We mark down microwaves that have controls that are difficult to comprehend, that don’t have clear written labelling, and hidden functions within a function,” Fiona says.��

“With microwaves like these, you’ll need to constantly refer back to the manual, which means you most likely won’t end up using your microwave to its full potential.”

Lukewarm reheating skills

Hands up if you pretty much exclusively use your microwave to warm leftovers? No need to be embarrassed: it’s one of the most common ways people use their microwaves.

“Low-scoring microwaves struggle with heating solid foods evenly, which means you’ll end up with cold spots in your food,” says Fiona. 

“Nearly all of the low-scoring microwaves in our test performed poorly when reheating.”

You can’t get a look in

“Another factor that contributes to microwaves scoring poorly is visibility,” Fiona says.

“Viewing the food cooking or heating in your microwave is essential for better control. The viewing window needs to be large enough and easy to see through with effective lighting. 

“The low-scoring microwaves in our tests generally didn’t have good visibility.”

The worst performing microwaves from our tests

You might be surprised to learn that the lowest scoring products aren’t always the cheapest. In fact, in our microwave tests, some of the poorest performers were well-known brands. 

That’s why it’s so important to do your research before buying an appliance.

Buy a cheapie and it could either be a bargain wonder or a dismal failure that’ll die after a few months. Conversely, if you cough up extra dollars for a better brand, you could strike it lucky or be left out of pocket twice over when you have to replace it.

Our experts really know their way around a kitchen: Fiona has been hard at work in ����Vlog’s kitchen lab since 1997, and our kitchen experts have more than 35 years’ experience between them, so when they recommend a microwave you can be sure it’s a winner.

Below are the models that failed to impress in our testing.

Westinghouse WMB2522SC

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 67%
• Price: $949

Yes, you read that right: $950 for a microwave. And an ordinary one at that.

In its defence, it’s a fancy stainless steel built-in model that has a fairly large capacity, and it’s excellent at cooking broccoli, but for that kind of money you’d expect near-perfect performance all round.

So where did this Westinghouse crash and burn?

A big factor in its score was its ability (or lack thereof) to evenly reheat food. With a score of just 48%, it didn’t even get a pass mark on this test. Considering that that’s one of the main purposes of a microwave, it’s hard to justify the price tag.

It’s also not exactly a joy to use: our experts rated it as “OK” for the ease of use assessment. Accessing some functions is a multi-step process that requires using a dial, as well as constant checking of the instruction manual to get it right.

The controls aren’t grouped together in a logical way, and the start/stop button isn’t obvious, so even after you’ve figured out how to choose the right function to heat up your leftover laksa, you might be stuck waiting even longer for your lunch.

Seven of the microwaves our experts recommend cost less than $300, so you don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune for a good microwave.

Instead of spending this kind of money on a microwave, you could take out a ����Vlog membership, pick up a similarly-sized one that’s recommended by our experts for $450 or less, and still come out ahead.

See the full Westinghouse WMB2522SC review.

Russell Hobbs RHMO10

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 68%
• Price: $180

One of the smallest microwaves in our current review, this Russell Hobbs also has one of the smallest scores.

Its ability to reheat food is lukewarm at best, with our experts rating it just 50% for this test – not exactly a ringing endorsement, considering that most of us use our microwaves just for reheating leftovers.

And visibility through the door is also very poor, our experts say, so you won’t be able to tell when the cheese on last night’s pizza has reached the perfect degree of bubbling.

It scored perfect marks for defrosting mince and was excellent at melting chocolate, but you don’t exactly buy a microwave for those two tasks alone, do you?

If you’re after a small microwave, there are better options out there – and some of them are cheaper, too.

Read the full Russell Hobbs RHMO10 review.

Sharp R395EBS

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 70%
• Price: $349

This Sharp is more expensive than most of the microwaves recommended by our experts, but it scores worse than almost every other microwave in our test. That doesn’t sound like good value to us. 

It rated the lowest for cooking performance of all the microwaves we tested, and our experts found that it performed very poorly when cooking broccoli. The salad dodgers among us will be pleased to know that it did well when melting chocolate, however. 

This microwave’s test scores read like a manual on mediocrity: our experts said it was “only OK” on a number of tests, like defrosting mince, manually reheating solid foods, and visibility through the door. 

It’s also not easy to keep clean, and its fan is pretty noisy even after you’ve finished cooking. 

Read the full Sharp R395EBS review.

The tie breaker

These four microwaves tied for third-worst place, each scoring 71% overall. 

Now, 71% isn’t a bad score: our experts classify it as “good” in our rating scale. But when you consider that 12 microwaves in our review score 85% and above (and for less money than some of these!), it puts that 71% into perspective. 

Why buy a good microwave when you could buy a great one?

These mediocre microwaves range in price from $89 all the way up to $480, which just shows that more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better – and that you can’t always rely on well-known brands to deliver the goods. 

Of these, the Samsung received the highest cooking performance score – but also the lowest ease of use score. And the exxy Smeg received the lowest score for reheating, at just 44%. (At least it’ll look good on your bench, right?)

• Smeg SA34MX ($480)
• Sharp R350EW ($309)
• Samsung MS32DG4504AT ($279) 
• Ikea Tillreda MM720C2CZ-PM0F ($89)

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But they’re only worth buying if they actually do a good job. While ����Vlog experts are generally big fans of multi-cookers, for example, when we put wall ovens with an air fryer functions through their paces we got mixed results.

But what of microwaves that promise the benefits of air-frying?

If you’ve been eyeing off an air fryer with its handy crisping capabilities but you also appreciate the reheating and cooking power of a microwave, then a convection microwave that combines the two could be the space-saving answer you’re looking for. 

����Vlog kitchen appliance expert and home economist, Fiona Mair says: “We’ve reviewed a few convection microwave models that double as air fryers – in addition to their standard functions, they have an air fryer mode that can be used to brown, crisp and reheat frozen foods.” 

Many of these appliances will also come with air fryer-style accessories such as racks or an air fryer basket, which you’ll need to use in order to get the most out of this function. Because they are smaller than conventional ovens, convection microwave ovens are ideal for smaller spaces, such as kitchenettes, caravans, campervans, holiday homes and granny flats.

They would also suit smaller households, people cooking smaller quantities of food, or large families that need extra oven space.

“If you choose a convection microwave over an air fryer, you will have a microwave, a grill and an oven all in one, so it’s very versatile,” Fiona says.

Convection microwaves vs air fryers

The main difference between a regular air fryer and a convection microwave is that an air fryer has the element and fan positioned on the top of the unit whereas with a convection microwave, they’re on the back wall. 

Convection microwaves can cook similar foods to air fryers, but they have a slightly larger capacity than many standard single-compartment air fryers so you can cook larger quantities in one go.

“They do take up a bit more bench space and you will need a dedicated permanent spot with good ventilation around it. Running costs may also be slightly higher than with an air fryer, but why have more appliances in your kitchen than you need?” says Fiona.

Although convection microwaves can be slightly more expensive to buy than air fryers, there are options to suit different budgets. You can pick up an air fryer for under $100 but the top-of-the-range models cost around $600. The cheapest convection microwave we’ve tested is a Kmart model for $169 but other brands can cost $1000 or more.��

As with many appliances we review, our testing of convection microwaves has found that spending more doesn’t necessarily always get you the best performing product, so be sure to check our reviews before you buy.

The best convection microwaves with air-fryer functionality

When testing convection microwaves, our experts give each model a score that reflects its cooking performance as well as how easy it is to use. We perform some specific cooking tests to assess each appliance’s reheating and defrosting functions, by measuring how well they perform tasks such as cooking broccoli, melting chocolate, baking scones (at a high temperature) and roasting a chicken, as well as other tasks to assess each model’s baking and grilling capabilities.

We have only tested how well each model performs as an air fryer when it has a pre-set function or manual setting that aligns with our air fryer testing method. If we have results on the model’s air-frying abilities, they’re detailed in the profiles below.

Our detailed convection microwave testing data is available exclusively for ����Vlog members. Below, ����Vlog members can view the top performing convection microwaves in our review that have an air fryer functionality.

If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to our expert, independent reviews of microwaves and air fryers, plus hundreds of other products, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which microwaves with air fryer functionality are rated the best by our experts.

If you’re interested in stand-alone air fryers, you can view our air fryer reviews.

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A microwave is a kitchen workhorse that can cost less than $100 or as much as $1000.

And like most modern appliances, they are increasingly complex, with lots of different functions and settings. But while many of these added features can be useful and help make your microwave more versatile, most of us just want something that we can rely on. 

While our testing lets us assess how appliances perform in our labs, it’s also useful to find out how different brands of microwaves perform in the real world, which is why we recently surveyed more than 2000 Australians to ask about their experiences.

Measuring reliability

We wanted to understand how satisfied consumers were with their microwave purchase and also how reliable the product was. 

We looked at a variety of well-known microwave brands, including Kmart Anko, Panasonic, LG and more, and gave each brand a score based on how satisfied customers were with that brand’s microwave and how reliable it was over time. 

We also gave each brand a separate reliability score that indicates how likely that brand’s microwaves are to develop faults over time.

Simply speaking, the higher the score, the fewer people reported having problems in the previous 12 months.

The most reliable microwave brands

Our survey found that the most reliable microwaves came from Panasonic and Kmart Anko. These brands achieved reliability scores of more than 90%.

Sharp and Samsung were not far behind with scores of 90% and 89%, respectively. LG scored 85%, and Breville 84%.��

More than four in five (81%) respondents who owned a Panasonic microwave have never had any problems since purchase. The brand was frequently praised for its overall reliability and even cooking, and many reported that their appliance had “lasted many years” without any issues.��

Kmart Anko microwaves also earned high scores for reliability, and 79% told us they had never had any problems with their appliance. These appliances were praised for their simple ease of use, and owners noted how satisfied they were given the price point. ��

Both LG and Breville got the lowest reliability scores, and the incidence of problems is higher than average. Of those microwaves that had a problem, around a third had a major problem, and the majority of these (79%) occurred within five years of purchase. ��

Only a small percentage of respondents had contacted the manufacturer for service or support. Most who had sought help told us there was no cost, and about half had their issue resolved within a month.

However, a higher than average proportion of LG owners had contacted the company for support and service of their microwave, and many reported a negative experience.��

Complaints included:

• difficulty in getting LG to acknowledge the problem
• lengthy repair processes that did not fully fix the issue
• being told there was no way to resolve the problem and that the only option was to purchase a new microwave.

Very few told us that the problem was satisfactorily resolved.

Standard vs convection

Most people we surveyed owned a standard microwave, but 12% owned a convection model. Convection microwaves, also sometimes called combination ovens, combine the functions of a microwave but also let you brown and crisp food like a standard oven.��

Convection microwave owners were more likely than standard owners to report problems with low power, slow cooking, or the microwave stopping mid-cycle. They were also more likely to report that their microwave turned off unexpectedly.

Given these results, it’s perhaps no surprise that owners of standard microwaves had higher scores for satisfaction than those with convection microwaves but there wasn’t much in it: 87% versus 85%.

Common microwave problems

Only one in four microwave owners reported problems with their purchase, which means 75% never have any issues. This makes microwaves one of the most reliable appliances in our surveys. 

Of those who did report issues, the most common problems were related to the light (3%), rust (3%), the LCD display (2%), and uneven heating or cooking or not heating or cooking at all (2%). Similar numbers complained of paint wearing off, noisiness, or that their microwave simply stopped working.

Common complaints from those with LG microwaves, which earned some of the lowest reliability scores, included dissatisfaction with not being able to access some controls unless the door is open, the 10-second timer increments, and the fact that the whole microwave moves when opening the door. The tune the microwave plays at the end of cooking (and the fact that it continues until attended to) also earned complaints.

Don’t buy based on brand alone

It’s important to note that while this survey provides useful, real-world feedback that adds to the data we capture in our lab testing, it doesn’t replace the need to consider models individually rather than buying based only on brand. 

Variation between models from the same brand means some Panasonic microwaves earn a recommendation from our experts, while others don’t.

Likewise, while LG ranked lower for reliability than some of the other brands, we find many of their microwaves perform very well in our testing, so they shouldn’t be ruled out.��

About our survey

There were a total of 2384 respondents to our survey, which was carried out between 27 August and 29 September 2025. The survey included questions on microwaves, coffee machines and dryers, and respondents could qualify for all or only some sections of the survey.

The post Panasonic and Kmart Anko most reliable microwave brands: ����Vlog research appeared first on ����Vlog.

But there are a few things you really should never put in a microwave – some you may already know about; others you may not be aware of.

To avoid any microwave mishaps, don’t put these items in when you’re nuking your food.

1. Nothing

If you’re absent-minded and forget to put something in your microwave before you turn it on, it can cause damage. (And not just to your ego when you realise what you’ve done.)

According to ����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair, you should never run your microwave with nothing in it.��

“The microwaves will have no food or liquid to be absorbed into, so can bounce back into the magnetron and damage the microwave,” she says.��

2. Foil, metal and metallic glazes

Sparks flying in the kitchen aren’t always a bad thing – if you’re cooking with your new crush, for example – but other kinds of sparks are bad news.

You might already know that foil shouldn’t go in the microwave because it can cause sparks and potentially even fires. (And if you didn’t know, now you do.)

But you might not be aware that dishes with metallic glazes and parts are also no-nos, as are any metal utensils. A slow burn is great in a new romance, but burning inside your microwave will really put a downer on your date.��

Small pieces of aluminium foil are usually OK (for protecting the wings and legs while defrosting a whole chicken, for instance) but just make sure there’s less foil than food, and that the foil isn’t touching the microwave walls.

3. Whole eggs

Ever experimented in the kitchen to see what would happen? Some experiments yield brilliant results, but others just end in mess.

Take our advice: don’t try to microwave a whole egg, either raw or cooked.

One ����Vlog staffer learned this the hard way – see the photo to appreciate the full horror.

It’s perfectly fine to scramble or poach an egg in the microwave, but never try cooking a whole egg in its shell. It’ll heat up rapidly and the resulting steam and pressure won’t be able to escape, which will probably cause a messy egg-splosion.

4. Paper bags, plastic packaging and Styrofoam��

Placing paper or cardboard packaging in the microwave is a big no-no, as it can easily catch alight and cause a fire.��

(Although paper towel is OK to use for preventing splatters and lining plates when cooking things such as bacon, says ����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair.)

You should also be wary of heating anything in plastic packaging or Styrofoam takeaway containers in the microwave. This is because the rapid heating can cause chemicals to leach out through the materials into your food.

Also, take care when using cling film and plastic wrap – most we’ve tested are microwave-safe, but some aren’t. To be extra cautious, make sure any plastic wrap doesn’t come into contact with your food when microwaving.

5. Hot water or your cup of tea

Take care if boiling water or reheating your cold cup of tea in the microwave. Depending on the type of vessel you’re using, the water can heat up beyond boiling point.��

Not only can this scald you when you take a sip, but the way the liquid is heated can also cause it to splatter.

If you do need to heat water, check the instruction manual first and don’t heat too much or for too long.

On the go? Keep in mind that some reusable coffee cups and travel mugs can contain stainless steel elements which, as you now know, aren’t safe to go in the microwave.

6. Breastmilk or formula

Because a microwave can heat liquids unevenly, you shouldn’t use the microwave to warm breastmilk or baby formula.��

Even if you test it, there may be hot spots in the liquid that can easily burn your baby’s mouth.��

7. Foods with a high water content

Any foods that have a skin and a relatively high water content, such as potatoes, tomatoes and citrus fruits, should only be placed whole in the microwave if you have pierced the skin a few times.��

This will let the steam easily escape when the food is heated to stop it building pressure and exploding, either in the microwave itself or when you bite or cut into it.

8. Anything not labelled ‘microwave-safe’

This may seem obvious, but ‘microwave safe’ labels are there for a reason: not every glass or ceramic vessel is safe to use in the microwave.

Double-check to see that your containers are specifically labelled as being microwave safe before you put them in. If they’re not, they can become dangerously hot when heated and may even crack or melt.��

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If you’re living in cramped quarters like a studio or granny flat, are a single- or two-person household, or you’re kitting out a camper or RV, petite appliances will help you make the most of your small space.

And a microwave is one kitchen workhorse that definitely earns the space it takes up: it can cook far more than you probably think it can, and can make short work of some kitchen tasks to help you cook faster.

Here are some things to know, things to consider. Plus, we reveal the best microwave brand according to Australians.

If you want to find out which small microwaves topped our testing, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

If you’re already a member and you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

How small is a small microwave?

When you’re talking small microwaves, there are two measurements to take into account: the external dimensions and the space inside the microwave.

External dimensions

If you’re buying a microwave for an existing nook or to fit into a specific space, such as under a cupboard, the external dimensions will dictate which microwaves you can shortlist. Even a centimetre or two too large will mean you can’t use it.

If you’re not restricted by a built-in microwave niche, you’ll still need to decide just how much bench space you’re willing to sacrifice, so double-check a microwave’s footprint before you decide it’s the one.

And don’t forget to allow space for ventilation: most microwaves need about 10cm space around the sides for ventilation, and 20cm at the top where the vents are usually located.

To subvert an old adage: measure twice, buy once.

Interior dimensions

What’s inside counts just as much as what’s on the outside – but you shouldn’t always believe what you read.

While a microwave might be advertised as having an 18 or 20L capacity, our experts find that those figures might not be exact, so they manually measure each microwave’s cavity themselves, then calculate the actual internal capacity.

There can be a considerable difference between claimed and actual capacity – and when every centimetre counts, it’s important to know exactly how much space you’re working with.

And if you misjudge the internal size of a microwave, you might not be able to fit your crockery or baking dishes inside. It’s okay to take a plate and some cookware into an appliance store to see if they’ll fit!

All of our detailed microwave reviews list external and internal measurements, plus the usable volume, so you can find the right model for your needs.

Turntable or flatbed microwave?

One obvious downside of small microwaves is that they have limited internal space.��

This means that if you’re trying to squeeze a large plate or bowl inside, it might not fit or could be difficult to remove without burning your hands.��

And any dishes with handles could get stuck, dislodging the turntable and stopping the dish from turning (and therefore heating evenly).

One solution is a flatbed microwave, which is precisely what it sounds like: a microwave that has a flat floor and no turntable.

Want to know more? Here’s the lowdown on flatbed vs turntable microwaves.

Other things to consider

• Crockery size: Will your crockery fit in the small microwave you’re considering? Some will only accommodate a standard-sized dinner plate. (Though a flatbed microwave can often solve this issue.)
• Power: A smaller microwave may not have the same grunt as a larger one, so you’ll need to get used to the reduced power and adjust cooking and reheating times accordingly.

Australia’s best microwave brands

Each year, we rank microwave brands, assessing them on their average test scores, reliability, customer satisfaction and how many of their products score the coveted ����Vlog expert seal of approval.

The best microwave brand for 2024 was: Panasonic.

Here are the best brands for 2024, along with their ����Vlog Best Brand scores:

• Panasonic: 78%
• Breville: 77%

We also considered Kmart, LG, Miele, Samsung, Sharp, Smeg and Westinghouse for Best Brand, however these brands didn’t meet our strict eligibility criteria.��

Kmart is below average for customer satisfaction while LG and Sharp are below average for reliability. Samsung and Westinghouse have below average test scores while Miele and Smeg didn’t have enough tested models to be eligible.

To find out which specific models we recommend based on our test results, and to make sure you buy the best, click on the ‘Recommended’ box in the filters section of our microwave reviews.

Our detailed test results are exclusively available to our members. Become a ����Vlog member to access our full reviews and see the best performers.

Australia’s most reliable microwave brands

Our ����Vlog Product Reliability Survey asks thousands of members about the appliances they own, what they think of them, and how well they’ve held up over time.��

The information they provide gives us a really good indication of how various microwave brands stack up over time – something we can’t test in our labs.

Most reliable brands: Kmart, Miele, Samsung, Breville, Westinghouse, Panasonic.

Highest owner satisfaction: Miele, Samsung, Panasonic, LG, Breville, Westinghouse, Sharp.

What are the best small microwaves?

We independently test and review dozens of new microwaves each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed microwaves testing data is available exclusively for ����Vlog members. If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which small microwaves are our experts’ top picks.

The post The best small microwaves appeared first on ����Vlog.

On this page:

• 1. Not using it enough
• 2. Putting it in the wrong place
• 3. Not defrosting meat correctly
• 4. Using incorrect power settings
• 5. Not covering your food
• 6. Not cleaning it properly
• ��7. Buying the wrong type of microwave
• 8. Putting hazardous packaging in the microwave

And hands up if you only ever use the one setting and just wing it in terms of timing. (Guilty again.)

Don’t worry – you’re not the only one.

But a microwave takes up an awful lot of space for an appliance that’s only used for one single task.

There are some common mistakes that could be stopping you from making your microwave earn its place on your kitchen bench, but if you change your nuking habits you can level up your microwave game.

Our experts put microwave etiquette under the microscope to help you fix any habits that could be hindering your microwaving.

1. Not using it enough

Many of us still use our microwaves to simply reheat last night’s takeaway or defrost meat for tonight’s dinner, but there’s so much more to this essential kitchen appliance.

Think parboiling potatoes, melting chocolate and butter for baking, cooking vegies to tender perfection, steaming fish, rescuing stale bread, making crispy bacon, toasting nuts, and more.

And with the right equipment, you can even cook a cheese toastie in your microwave.

Before you get busy in the kitchen, check out these microwave cooking tips and 10 easy microwave hacks, including how to cook perfect rice every time and how to make your own heat pack.

“The best advice I can give is to read your microwave’s instruction manual,” says Fiona. “You will be amazed at what it can do to save you time in the kitchen, so it’s time well spent.”

2. Putting it in the wrong place

Most modern kitchens have a dedicated spot for the microwave – hidden behind built-in cabinetry for example, or under a benchtop – and the best place for it will depend on how much you use it.

There are pros and cons to any placement: if it’s out on the bench you can get to it easily, but it’ll take up valuable bench space. And if it’s hidden in the pantry, it could be difficult to access and you may end up barely using it.

Wherever it sits, be mindful that it shouldn’t fit too snugly. Your microwave (whether standalone or built-in) will need about 10cm around the sides and 20cm at the top to allow for proper ventilation, otherwise it can overheat and malfunction. Convection microwaves need a little more space.

You should also make sure your microwave door closes correctly with a good seal to reduce the risk of leakage and to improve its performance.

3. Not defrosting meat correctly

Defrosting meat in the microwave makes life easier, but we often get it so wrong! There’s nothing worse than ending up with partially frozen, partially cooked meat.��

Some microwaves have automatic defrost settings so the guesswork is taken away – you just enter the weight of the food and it will set the required defrost time for you.��

Don’t ignore the mid-cycle beep

Some microwaves will also beep mid-cycle so you can check on the meat, and ����Vlog expert Rebecca Ciaramidaro warns us not to ignore this: “It’s your signal to turn the meat over and remove any sections that are already thawed out before they cook.”��

She also suggests you��freeze meat in smaller quantities to make defrosting more efficient.��

We know defrosting is something many people use their microwaves for, so our experts take this into account when giving each microwave we test a ����Vlog Expert Rating.��

We score each microwave on how well it defrosts meat and a whole chicken, so if this matters to you, check our reviews before you buy.��

4. Using incorrect power settings

Do you just punch buttons on your microwave when cooking or reheating and hope for the best?��

Using correct power settings for different foods will give you better results, Rebecca says. And if you don’t select a power setting, it will just default to ‘High’.��

She warns against using the ’30-second button’ to quickly reheat food, as it will use the highest power setting and won’t heat all food types evenly. “It’s best to use a lower power level when reheating foods; it may take longer but you’ll get a better result.”��

And, if you’re doing something such as softening butter or ice-cream, or proving dough, a low setting is all you need.

Find out about different microwave settings and which ones to use.��

����Vlog tip:��If you replace your microwave with a newer model, chances are you’ll need to reduce cooking times, so check the manual before throwing a roast on.

5. Not covering your food

Ever unwittingly put something in the microwave for a quick nuke only to find a food apocalypse at the end? It’s happened to us all at some point.��

A simple fix for food explosions is to always cover your food with a lid, microwave-safe plastic wrap, or paper.��

����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair adds that placing a lid on your food can also better assist with cooking because it helps to hold moisture and even out heat distribution.

6. Not cleaning it properly

Are you guilty of leaving a spillage or splatter in your microwave, promising yourself you’ll clean it up later? It’s a big no-no.��

“Leaving food splatters in your microwave will slow down the cooking time as it cooks the residue as well as the intended food,” says Fiona. (Not to mention that it just looks gross.)��

So, clean up any spills ASAP by wiping up with warm soapy water.��

If there’s built-up grime and grease, Fiona suggests popping a few slices of lemon in a bowl of water and microwaving on high for three minutes.��

Leave the door closed for five minutes to let the steam loosen the residue, then simply wipe the interior with a microfibre cloth.

��7. Buying the wrong type of microwave

The good ol’ microwave has come a long way since its invention in the 1940s.��

Many now come with a huge variety of features including ‘sensor cooking’, which automatically controls the cooking time, and presets that allow you to do everything from roast a whole chicken to cook perfect popcorn.��

With so many brands and models on the market at different price points, it can be tricky choosing the right one for you. Our experts have reviewed more than 50 different conventional microwave models (plus more convection models) to help you make the right choice.��

And there are a few budget options that outperform models that are much more expensive, so it’s a good idea to check our expert microwave reviews before you buy.

8. Putting hazardous packaging in the microwave

This is a common no-no.��

Plastic packaging (such as the packaging your meat comes in) and Styrofoam takeaway containers should never be placed in the microwave as these materials can leak chemicals and contaminate your food.��

And metal, aluminium foil and paper bags are hazardous as they can cause fire.��

Check your storage containers are microwave safe (this is usually indicated on the bottom of the container), otherwise they can warp or melt and release chemicals into your food.��

Fiona also warns that some microwave-safe containers are only suitable for reheating, not cooking or boiling.

The post Microwave mistakes to avoid making appeared first on ����Vlog.

On this page:

• Flatbed and turntable microwave – what's the difference?
• Which microwave performs better – turntable or flatbed?
• Are flatbed microwaves more expensive than turntable microwaves?
• Is a flatbed microwave easier to use than a turntable microwave?
• Do I need a flatbed microwave?

Both designs serve the same purpose��–��to reheat, defrost and cook food��–��but they differ in how they operate and how easy they are to use.

Here we explain the pros and cons of turntable and flatbed microwaves as well as how they perform in our testing to help make shopping for one easier.

Flatbed and turntable microwave – what’s the difference?

From the outside you can’t tell, but once you open the door you’ll realise that a flatbed microwave doesn’t have a turntable (the circular glass plate in the middle of the microwave that rotates the food around while it cooks), which is a prominent feature in regular microwaves.

Flatbed microwaves

You’re probably wondering: how does a flatbed microwave heat evenly if it doesn’t have a turntable to rotate the food around?

Flatbed models have a rotating microwave antenna that lies underneath the base of the microwave, which works to distribute the micro waves that are cooking your food. Ditching the turntable creates a flat, stable cooking surface and means you won’t have to worry about your plates hitting the side of the microwave as the turntable moves. It also means you’ll get extra cooking volume and have flexibility with the size and shape of the dishes and plates you can use.

If you think about the way you place your cups or baking dishes in the microwave (like keeping a handle within easy reach) and want them to stay in the same position so they’re not awkward to remove, then a flatbed microwave is the better option.

A flatbed microwave is also generally easier to clean, as you don’t need to remove the turntable and rotating spindle, and there are fewer grooves and places for food grime and splashes to accumulate.

Turntable microwaves

Traditional microwaves have a turntable,��a glass plate that sits in a rotating spindle and spins your food to achieve even heating. They are the most common and widely available type of microwave.

With one of these microwaves, it’s more important to consider the usable internal space before you buy as you’ll be limited on the size and shape of dishes you can use. If they’re too big, they may hit the side of the microwave when the turntable spins.

You’ll also need to remove the turntable for cleaning and take care not to drop or damage it. Finding a replacement might prove tricky and can warrant the microwave unusable. The base of these microwaves also aren’t a flat surface like a flatbed microwave. While these crevices act as a provision for internal spillages, they’re not as easy to wipe out as a flatbed surface.

Which microwave performs better – turntable or flatbed?

There’s much more to microwave performance than whether it has a turntable or not. Auto-cook, auto-defrost and sensor functionality play a much more important role when it comes to getting great results from your microwave.

����Vlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair has been testing microwaves in our kitchen labs for years. Our recent review includes over 40 microwaves, and there are both flatbed and turntable models that Fiona rates highly on performance and functionality to meet our recommended criteria.

“You should look for a microwave with well-designed sensors, auto-cook functions and good visibility as well as good ease of use rather than just flatbed or turntable designs,” says Fiona.

“If you’re interested in a flatbed microwave, our testing finds that inverter technology and sensor cook functionality are particularly important features to look for.”

In our testing, performance scores for the flatbed microwaves we’ve tested range from 80% to 92%. In comparison, performance scores for the turntable microwaves we’ve tested range from 69% to 96%.

Are flatbed microwaves more expensive than turntable microwaves?

When it comes to buying a microwave, you’ll usually pay more for certain brands, larger internal capacities and design features, so it’s important to consider what features are important to you.

Flatbed microwaves aren’t necessarily more expensive than ones with a turntable. However, if you combine features like inverter technology, convection heating and built-in design, you’ll see the price tag increase.

We’ve tested six flatbed microwaves from Breville, Panasonic and Sharp that range in price from $200 to $389.

In comparison, the majority of the models we’ve tested with a turntable range in price from $49 to $450. There are a few that cost more, and a couple that are into the thousands, but these are usually built-in type models.

Is a flatbed microwave easier to use than a turntable microwave?

When testing microwaves, ����Vlog experts look at more than how well they cook your food, defrost your chicken and melt your chocolate. We also give each model an Ease of Use score that rates how easy each model is to clean and whether the controls are intuitive and easy to operate.

Our experts also check if the instructions provided are clear and easy to follow and the effectiveness of the viewing window and internal light.

When it comes to ease of cleaning, flatbed models are the clear winner. No turntable means they’re easy to wipe out (unless you’ve let grime build up, which will need more elbow grease to remove).

The flatbed models we’ve tested range from 58% to 76% for their ease of use. Four of the six models we’ve tested rate only OK for their ease of use. While they had interiors that were easy to wipe out and clean, these mediocre results relate to issues like poor visibility through the door and controls that could be more intuitive without having to use the instruction manual.

The turntable microwaves we’ve tested have ease of use scores that range from 48% to 79%. Our experts also encountered visibility issues through the door and unintuitive controls but cleaning is also a pain point with these microwaves.

Having to remove the turntable and rotating spindle and clean around various crevices makes these microwaves more of a chore to clean.

Do I need a flatbed microwave?

Whether you opt for a flatbed microwave or a turntable model really comes down to how you plan to use it and how many people you’re preparing food for.

If you’re cooking for a larger family and usually use big dishes, a flatbed microwave may be more suitable for you. You’ll get extra space and more flexibility to use larger dishes. If cleaning is also a pain point and you want minimal fuss and less moving parts to deal with when cleaning, then a flatbed is also the way to go.

If you aren’t planning to use your microwave often and will mainly use it for reheating leftovers then one with a turntable will suit you fine. You’ll also have more options to choose from in terms of brands and price points.

����Vlog experts have reviewed a variety of both traditional microwaves and convection microwaves to help you find the option that’s right for you and your budget. ����Vlog members have exclusive access to our detailed reviews of products and services across over 200 categories.

The post Flatbed vs turntable microwaves – which is best? appeared first on ����Vlog.

On this page:

• How do inverter microwaves work?
• Inverter vs conventional microwave: What's the difference?
• What are the benefits of an inverter microwave?
• Are inverter microwaves more cost effective to run?
• The importance of power levels when using a microwave
• Is an inverter microwave worth it?
• Which brands offer inverter microwaves?

Microwaves tend to be a staple item in any kitchen – you can use them to reheat leftovers, defrost meat or cook veggies and rice. When it comes to shopping for one, there are standard microwaves and then there are inverter microwaves that claim superior performance.��

But what’s the difference between the two and do inverter microwaves actually perform better? We’ve been assessing microwave performance for over 40 years and have put many microwaves to the test in our labs. Here’s what we’ve found.

How do inverter microwaves work?

An inverter microwave works by heating, reheating or defrosting food at a constant power level for the duration of the cooking time.��

The aim of inverter technology is to provide a controlled and efficient power supply operating continuously at the same power to avoid overheating, loss of flavour and destroying food structure.

Inverter vs conventional microwave: What’s the difference?

The difference between inverter and conventional microwaves mainly comes down to the way power is supplied.

Conventional microwaves use a transformer that turns the power on and off (when the power setting is less than 100% or high) to give the food a chance to distribute heat. You’ll usually hear the microwave cutting in and out.

For example, if you set the microwave to deliver 50% power, it will actually go through cycles of producing 100% power followed by a period of no power to achieve the 50%.

Inverter microwaves supply power��through an inverter circuit to supply a steady and constant amount of power throughout the cooking time without cutting in and out. So if you select 50% power, the microwave will deliver 50% power throughout.

Power levels for certain foods

Not all foods should be blasted with maximum power in a microwave. Foods with high amounts of sugar and fat, as well as foods sensitive to heat like dairy, chocolate and meat (when defrosting) require lower power levels to effectively heat and reheat evenly.

Even if you’re using a lower power level, heating delicate foods in a standard microwave can cause areas to overheat (especially around the edges) during periods of high power.

����Vlog kitchen expert, Fiona Mair, says “checking the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations will go a long way towards getting power levels right for different foods.”

What are the benefits of an inverter microwave?

There are many claims regarding the superiority of inverter technology, all of which generally praise the steady stream of power delivery.

Panasonic says that inverter technology “delivers a seamless stream of cooking power – even at lower settings – for precision cooking that preserves the flavour and texture of your favourite foods”.

According to LG, “inverter technology enables more precise temperature control to help defrost foods and avoid overcooked and unthawed areas.”

Some of the top performing models in our��microwave reviews��use inverter technology, but there are some recommended conventional microwaves that perform just as well. While there are some minor benefits to using an inverter microwave, they may not always be noticeable to the user and we believe there are more factors to consider when choosing a microwave than just inverter functionality.

Read our expert guide on how to choose a great microwave, which looks at size, key features, brand reliability and more.

Which functions are inverter microwaves good at?

An inverter microwave can be beneficial for the following applications.

Cooking eggs and other delicate foods��

Cooking eggs in a microwave requires an even temperature and a medium power setting of around��60–70%. If you’re cooking fried or poached eggs, pricking the yolks gently will prevent them from exploding. An inverter microwave may be more likely to produce eggs with a good texture as there’s no cutting in and out of power.

Melting chocolate and butter

An inverter microwave can be beneficial when melting foods like chocolate and butter. The inverter provides constant and even power, so it’s less likely the butter will splatter in the microwave. Splattering can happen when the high setting cuts in when using a non-inverter microwave. Inverters also seem to do a better job at the tricky task of melting chocolate (you can read more about our melting chocolate test below).

Which functions do inverter microwaves perform similarly to conventional models?

Our tests show that inverter and non-inverter microwaves are similar when it comes to even heating, reheating, defrosting and cooking times.

Even heating, reheating and defrosting

Inverter microwaves aren’t necessarily better when it comes to heating, reheating and defrosting, it’s the auto and sensor functions that are generally responsible for producing good results – and both types of microwave can offer this.

Reheating food in any microwave can be tricky, especially when it comes to non-stirrable foods. Always reheat on a medium setting which will allow for better heat distribution and fewer cold spots. While inverters produce a constant stream of power for even heating, the way standard microwaves cut the power on and off also allows heat to be evenly distributed.

Cooking times

Our testing has found that there’s not a lot of difference in cooking times between inverter and non-inverter microwaves. If you’re using auto-cook settings, the cooking time is dependent on the algorithm set by the manufacturer.

Are inverter microwaves more cost effective to run?

Microwaves in general are pretty cheap to run. In our testing, yearly running costs are calculated based on the energy used to reheat a plated meal every day. We find that running costs for inverter and standard microwaves are similar.

Standard microwaves we’ve tested cost between $7.96 and $18.57 per year to run, while inverter microwaves cost between $12.03 and $17.23.

The importance of power levels when using a microwave

We’ve all done the old trick of pressing the Start ‘Add 30 seconds’ button on our microwaves, thinking that pressing the button a couple of times is the quickest way to reheat a meal. While this may be the case, it actually doesn’t leave you with a great result.��

When you reheat meals this way your microwave is using its highest power level for the duration of the time selected. This results in areas of the meal that are very hot and areas that are still cold and the need for you to manually stir or mix the food to achieve even heating.��

By blasting the food with maximum power it’s not giving the microwave a chance to distribute heat evenly. This is especially true for solid foods like lasagna where you can’t stir the food during reheating.��

Instead, it’s best to use a lower power level (if sensor reheat isn’t available). It may take longer to reheat but you’ll get a better result.��

It’s a similar story when defrosting meat. The power level is particularly important when defrosting – too high a setting will result in uneven thawing, with areas becoming warm or cooked and others staying frozen. The microwave should only be operating at around 30% power for defrosting. If your microwave has a defrost function, use it.

Is an inverter microwave worth it?

In theory, the way inverter microwaves work should mean they always perform better. While most of the microwaves that are recommended by our experts have inverter technology, we believe there are other factors that also make a good microwave.

Fiona says, “you should look for a microwave with well-designed sensors, auto-cook functions and good visibility as well as good ease of use rather than just inverter technology.”

“We find that most of the inverter microwaves we’ve tested also have sensor cook functionality and generally the combination of these two features works well in our testing.”

The inverter microwaves we’ve tested cost between $219 and $449. In comparison, the standard microwaves we’ve tested generally range in price from $49 up to $430 (with a couple of models costing in the thousands).

Microwaves are a tricky appliance to navigate and understand how to use properly, especially in terms of power and how to adjust it correctly. We’d suggest looking for a microwave that requires minimal interaction from the user and a well-designed inverter or sensor microwave is an option worth considering.

Which brands offer inverter microwaves?

In our kitchen lab we’ve tested inverter microwaves from:

• Breville
• Hisense
• LG
• Morphy Richards
• Panasonic
• Sharp
• Westinghouse.

You can also find inverter microwaves from other brands like Bosch and Smeg.

The post What is an inverter microwave? appeared first on ����Vlog.

On this page:

• What are convection microwaves good for?
• Can a convection microwave replace an oven?
• How much space do I need for a convection microwave?
• What foods can you cook in a convection oven?
• Convection microwaves vs air fryers
• Cleaning a convection microwave

What do you get when you combine a regular microwave with a benchtop oven?

Convection microwaves allow you to steam, reheat and cook food just like you do in a microwave, but rather than just using electromagnetic heat to cook food in the way a traditional microwave does, they have an additional oven-style heating element and fan to circulate heat around the cavity. This means you can also use them for baking, browning and crisping – functions you’d usually need an oven or grill for.��

All this in a unit that’s smaller than an oven and can sit on your benchtop. But are convection microwaves worth buying?��

What are convection microwaves good for?

����Vlog kitchen appliance expert and home economist, Fiona Mair, says convection micorwaves are useful and versatile, with many attributes that make them a valid rival to other popular benchtop appliances such as air fryers.

“A convection microwave has an element and a fan, as well as a top element for grilling. Because of this, it can be used as a microwave, an oven, or a grill. You can also use it in combination mode, which combines the microwave with either the bake or grill functions to reduce the cooking time,” she says.��

Because they are smaller than conventional ovens, convection microwave ovens are ideal for smaller spaces, such as kitchenettes, caravans, campervans, holiday homes and granny flats.��

They would also suit people living on their own who are cooking smaller quantities of food, or they can be useful for a large family that needs extra oven space. And good news if you always have hungry kids prowling around the house:�� “They’re also great for teenagers who like a hot afternoon snack, as they’re easy to operate and heat up more quickly than conventional ovens,” suggests Fiona.

It’s worth noting, however, that convection microwaves don’t do well at cooking delicate foods��such as custards or souffles, which can rise too fast or become dried out due to the speed of cooking.

Can a convection microwave replace an oven?

Yes and no.��

If you’re cooking large volumes, such as a Sunday roast with multiple trays of meat and veggies, you’ll still need to use a regular oven, as most convection microwaves only have one shelf, and limited space.

But if you’re cooking smaller quantities on a single tray, you can combine cooking functions such as convection and grill for browning meat and roasting vegetables.

What if you’re cooking pizza or pastry from scratch?

“Because it doesn’t have a base element,” explains Fiona, “results are not great for browning and crisping pastries and pizzas on the bottom”.

Some models come with a crisp plate, which is designed to heat food from below, but your food is restricted to the size of the crisp plate.

The upside is that they are great for reheating pre-cooked pastries and pizzas, as they can reach a high temperature in a short time – but many only have a maximum temperature of 200°C.��

This quick preheat means they are also cheaper to run than standard ovens, so they can offer considerable savings on energy costs. You can also combine functions��–��such as roast or grill��–��with the microwave function, to speed up the cooking time.

How much space do I need for a convection microwave?

If you’re considering buying a convection microwave, you’ll also need to consider if you have space for it.��

A convection microwave requires more ventilation around the unit than a standard microwave, so you’ll need to weigh up how much space you have on the bench or in a cavity.��

“They are usually larger units with a protrusion at the back of the unit,” says Fiona.��

What foods can you cook in a convection oven?

There are specific dishes that work well in a convection microwave oven. They’re good for reheating because of their ability to preheat quickly and make food crispy.����While they’re not ideal for cooking fresh pizzas and pies from scratch (because they don’t have a base element), you can use them to heat up frozen or leftover pizza and pastry.��

Because of the grill function, they’re great for melting cheese toasties and browning the top of gratins and pasta bakes. They’re also suitable for roasting small cuts of meat or small quantities of vegetables.

“I like to toast nuts and make vegetable chips in my convection microwave, too,” adds Fiona.

Other pre-programmed settings include steaming and slow-cooking.

Fiona says she has seen the design of these appliances evolve to offer multi-shelf cooking for baking batches of biscuits or cakes, accessories such as crisp plates to help cook food from the bottom, and features such as soft-close doors and��reduced operating noise.

Convection microwaves vs air fryers

There is (still) a lot of hype around air fryers, but Fiona says a convection microwave may be a better buy.

“If you choose a convection microwave over an air fryer, you will have a microwave, a grill and an oven all in one, so it’s more versatile,” she says.

The main difference between a benchtop-oven-style airfryer and a convection microwave is that the air fryer has the element and fan positioned on the top��and the convection microwave fan and element is positioned on the back wall.��

Convection microwaves can cook similar foods to air fryers, but they have a slightly larger capacity than many standard air fryers so you can cook more food in one go.

“They do take up a bit more bench space and running costs may be slightly higher than with an air fryer, but why have more appliances in your kitchen than you need?” says Fiona.��

Although convection microwaves can be slightly more expensive to buy than air fryers, there are options to suit different budgets. You can pick up an air fryer for under $100 but the top-of-the-range models cost around $600. The cheapest convection microwave we’ve tested is a Kmart model for $169 but other brands can cost over $1000 or more.��

As with many appliances we review, in our convection microwave reviews, we found that spending more doesn’t necessarily always get you the best performing product, so be sure to check our reviews before you buy.

Can you air fry in a convection microwave?

If you’re really torn between a convection microwave and an air fryer, why not have both in one appliance? Some convection microwave models now double as air fryers, featuring an air fryer mode that can be used to brown and reheat frozen foods. An example is the Breville the Combi Wave, which is an air fryer, convection oven and microwave in one.

Many of these appliances will also come with airfryer-style accessories such as racks or an air fryer basket, which you’ll need to use in order get the most out of this function.

Keep in mind if you’re buying a convection microwave with an air fryer mode that it may only have a selection of auto programs you can use with that mode.����

Cleaning a convection microwave

Before you buy, be aware that cleaning��can be an issue with convection microwaves. It’s important��to clean the cavity after each use, as splatters can occur and the residue can then be ‘baked on’ when using convection mode if they’re not wiped out properly.

You’ll also need to ensure the fan is frequently cleaned to ensure proper airflow – a dirty fan can mean poor cooking results in convection mode.

����Vlog experts have reviewed a variety of both traditional microwaves and convection microwaves to help you find the option that’s right for you and your budget. ����Vlog members have exclusive access to our detailed reviews of products and services across over 200 categories.

What do ����Vlog Community members say?��

While a couple of ����Vlog Community members are not won over by their convection microwave ovens, many are quick to sing their praises.

One ����Vlog Community Member says: “I am on my third combined convection/microwave oven, over many years. They have varied from an expensive Sharp model to a cheap Kmart model. Whilst it does not replace my standard oven, it is great for cooking small quantities, eg crisping up frozen bread rolls, melting cheese on toast or cooking a small casserole. The convection/microwave combination is also great for sponge cakes – cooking in less time, giving a light and airy sponge and also browning. It heats up quicker than my large oven and uses less electricity.”

Another member says the versatility is a plus: “I have a Sharp convection microwave. It gets used mostly as a plain microwave but I like that I can use it as a small oven which doesn’t heat up the kitchen as much as the regular oven. I use it a lot for baking cakes and making cheese on toast. It also has a setting for cooking pizza which works really well.”

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