Collection: Microwaves

A microwave reheats, defrosts and cooks quickly, and the type decides how much more it can do. A solo microwave reheats and defrosts; a grill model browns and crisps; a convection microwave also bakes and roasts like a small oven. A benchtop microwave sized in litres should suit your dishes and household. Think about whether you only reheat or want browning and baking too, and check the microwave fits your bench with proper ventilation.

What type of microwave do you need?

The three types build on each other:

• Solo microwave: reheats, defrosts and cooks with microwaves only. Cheapest and covers everyday reheating.
• Microwave grill model: adds a grill element to brown and crisp the top of food, which a solo model can't do.
• Convection microwave: adds a fan and heating element so it also bakes and roasts, working as a compact second oven.

Choose solo for reheating, grill for browning, or convection if you want oven functions in one appliance.

What size microwave suits your kitchen?

Microwave capacity is in litres, and it needs to fit both your bench and your dishes. Around 20 litres suits one or two people and basic reheating; 25 to 30 litres suits a family and fits a dinner plate or casserole dish comfortably; above 30 litres suits large dishes and convection cooking. Check the internal turntable diameter against your usual plates, since a large external size doesn't always mean a roomy interior. Also allow ventilation clearance around the unit as the manufacturer specifies, since microwaves need airflow to run safely.

What can't go in a microwave?

Some materials are unsafe in a microwave and it's worth knowing which. Metal and foil reflect microwaves and can spark, so keep out metal dishes, foil, and crockery with metallic trim or paint. Sealed containers and whole eggs in their shell can burst as steam builds with no escape. Some plastics aren't microwave-safe and can warp or leach, so use containers marked microwave-safe. Never run a microwave empty, as there's nothing to absorb the energy. Tip: cover food loosely to trap steam for even heating while letting pressure escape.

Common questions

What size microwave do I need?
Around 20 litres suits one or two people; 25 to 30 litres suits a family and fits a dinner plate or casserole dish. Check the turntable diameter against your usual plates.

What is a convection microwave?
One with a fan and heating element added, so it bakes and roasts as well as microwaving. It works as a compact second oven, useful in small kitchens and apartments.

Can you put metal in a microwave?
No — metal and foil reflect microwaves and can spark, including crockery with metallic trim. Use microwave-safe glass, ceramic or marked plastic containers.

Why does my microwave heat unevenly?
Microwaves heat in patterns, so stirring or turning food part-way and letting it stand a minute after heating evens it out. Covering food loosely also helps steam distribute heat.

Can I pay for a microwave with Afterpay?
Yes. You can split it with Afterpay, Zip, Klarna or PayPal Pay in 4. Our microwaves start from $35, which is four fortnightly payments of $8.75.

Complete your kitchen

A microwave works with the rest of the kitchen. Add an oven for baking, an air fryer for crisping, and a rangehood for ventilation.

A $35 microwave splits into four fortnightly payments of $8.75 with Afterpay, and Zip, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 do the same. Every order ships from our Australian warehouse, dispatched within 1–2 business days, with a 12-month warranty and 30 days to return it. We're a family-run Australian store, going since 2016, rated 4.66 out of 5 across 5,363 reviews.