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KITCHEN | 4 AUGUST, 2025
13 MIN READ
10 of the most popular microwaves in Australia 2025
Find the right countertop cooking companion for your household.
Microwaves: not only for heating food.
When I was a younger, the only cooking I did for a year involved a microwave or a toaster (usually for toast, not always). Years later, I’d find myself microwaving the same cold cup of tea three times in an afternoon (little kids, big distraction). Currently, I find myself feeling guilty when I nuke the cute koala wheat bag and my microwave tells me to enjoy my meal.
From reheating leftovers and fast-tracking an urgent defrost to making hot chocolate, the microwave is a trusty little companion most of us would be hard-pressed to do without.
If your old microwave has blitzed its last bowl of oats, though, and you find yourself looking for a replacement, you might be surprised by just how much these once-basic kitchen staples have levelled up. From inverter tech that helps avoid cold spots in reheated lasagne, to clever sensor cooking that saves you from guessing, today’s best microwaves are a long way from the noisy, beeping boxes of old.
Whether you’re looking for something sleek and compact or a bigger model capable of reheating family-sized meals, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most popular microwave ovens our Aussie customers are choosing in 2025.
Trending microwaves at a glance
Type and tech: Inverter technology is used in 8 of the 10 models. It’s become the go-to for more even heating, faster defrosting, and better control over power levels – all of which help preserve texture when reheating or cooking. A few models go the extra mile with grill or convection functions.
Brand: LG and Westinghouse are the best represented brands on this list, with three models each. Sharp has two entries, while Panasonic and Smeg each have one.
Size: The volumes of the microwaves on this list span from a compact 23L (ideal for singles or couples) through to a generous 42L (great for larger households). The smallest are from LG and Westinghouse at 23L, while LG’s 42L NeoChef is the biggest.
Power: Most models sit around 1000-1200W, delivering plenty of punch for fast cooking and defrosting. The lowest wattage on this list is 800W (in the joint smallest capacity model from Westinghouse), which is enough for basic reheating and light cooking. Both of the Sharp microwaves and the largest LG unit are the powerhouses of the list, with 1200W.
Design and fit: All 10 on the list are freestanding countertop microwave ovens, which have the advantages of versatility and lower cost compared with built-in microwaves. Flatbed designs, like Sharp’s 32L model (#5), ditch the turntable for more internal space and easier cleaning, but remain in the minority.
Price: There’s a model for every budget, with compact microwaves like the 23L Westinghouse (#6) coming in at $229 RRP, while premium picks like the Smeg SA34MX top the range at $480 RRP. Most sit comfortably in the mid-tier price bracket.
The dollar symbols indicate where each model sits on the price scale in relation to this list, from lower cost ($$$) to mid ($$$) and higher cost ($$$).
NOTE: This pricing is based on the Recommended Retail Price (RRP), but at Appliances Online we sell microwaves at below RRP when possible (almost always), so just click the links to see the current prices and full specs.
Warranty: The LG and Smeg microwaves on this list have 2-year manufacturer warranties, and the other models all have 1-year warranties.
Common features: LED displays, child locks, multiple auto-cook presets, and touch controls are standard in many of these microwaves. Sensor cooking, stable turntables, and easy-clean interiors are also commonplace.
Find the perfect microwave for your household
Comparison Table: 2025 Popular Microwaves in Australia
Model | Type & Features | Capacity | Power (W) | Inverter | RRP (AUD) |
Smart inverter, 24 auto menus, anti-bacterial interior | 25L | 1000 | Yes | $299 | |
Smart inverter, compact, auto cook & defrost | 23L | 1000 | Yes | $263 | |
Inverter, Genius sensor cooking, 18 auto menus | 32L | 1100 | Yes | $379 | |
Standard, large capacity, auto weight defrost | 40L | 1100 | No | $309 | |
Inverter, flatbed design, 23 auto menus | 32L | 1200 | Yes | $369 | |
Standard, compact, auto reheat & defrost | 23L | 800 | No | $229 | |
Smart inverter, extra-large capacity, easy-clean | 42L | 1200 | Yes | $419 | |
Inverter, sensor cooking, memory function | 34L | 1200 | Yes | $376 | |
Inverter, one-touch start, memory cook settings | 29L | 900 | Yes | $449 | |
Standard microwave + grill, stainless steel interior | 34L | 1000 | No | $480 |
The very popular 25L NeoChef microwave from LG
#1. LG NeoChef 25L Smart Inverter Microwave
This 25L LG NeoChef model is a small microwave with big potential. It shares many of the features seen in larger LG units, like Smart Inverter technology for even heating, a stable hexagonal turntable, and an antibacterial interior. With 24 auto-cook menus and a modern minimalist design, it delivers fast, even cooking without splatters or cold spots.
See price and full details of LG NeoChef 25L Smart Inverter Microwave – MS2596OB
What customers say:
“This LG 25L microwave has been an absolute game-changer in my kitchen! Its size is just perfect – big enough to fit a decent-sized casserole dish, yet it doesn't hog precious countertop space. I've been so impressed with how evenly it cooks and reheats food. No more cold spots in the middle of my leftovers!” - Amol, May 2025
Type: Inverter
Dimensions: 272 x 470 x 362 mm
Wattage: 1000W
Turntable: Yes (292mm)
Price: $$$ See price and full specs
LG's 23L capacity NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave
#2. LG NeoChef 23L Smart Inverter Microwave
An even more compact model than the 25L version, this 23L LG NeoChef has a similar sleek design and smart inverter performance. It’s a great pick for studio apartments or small office kitchenettes with limited counter space. With six handy functions, including defrost and melt, it also has an anti-bacterial EasyClean interior that makes for easy after-meal wipe-down.
See price and full details of LG NeoChef 23L Smart Inverter Microwave – MS2336DB
What customers say:
“Great microwave! Super easy to use, looks sleek and clean on the bench-top and is very powerful. Brilliant service and delivery from AO as always.” - Gavin, February 2025
Type: Inverter
Dimensions: 272 x 476 x 369 mm
Wattage: 1000W
Turntable: Yes (292mm)
Price: $$$ See price and full specs
Panasonic's 32L Genius Microwave
#3. Panasonic 32L Genius Microwave Oven
This 32L microwave packs a punch with 1100W power and inverter technology. The standout feature is the Genius Sensor, which monitors steam to adjust cooking time - a handy helper that saves you from having to guess how long to reheat leftovers for. A solid mid-size choice for families.
See price and full details of Panasonic 32L Genius Microwave Oven – NN-ST665B
What customers say:
“It's good to have a piece of replacement equipment that doesn't require much human reprogramming in order to operate it and this Panasonic microwave is excellent for the subtle improvements in its build and familiar operating system. Panasonic is a reliable brand in its quality and features.” - Turls, May 2025
Type: Inverter
Dimensions: 310 x 525 x 388 mm
Wattage: 1100W
Turntable: Yes (340mm)
Price: $$$ See price and full specs
The 40L microwave oven by Westinghouse
#4. Westinghouse 40L Microwave Oven
One of the largest models on the list, this 40L Westinghouse microwave is perfect for families. It’s got a generous 345mm turntable, six auto programs, and a Quick Start function for simple reheating. While it doesn’t feature inverter technology, its size and ease of use make it a good pick for homes that do a lot of large portion reheating.
See price and full details of Westinghouse 40L Microwave Oven – WMF4102BAR
What customers say:
“Very happy because it is very easy to use. love the Rice Set and forget feature....It really works perfectly every time with minimal boil over. The one touch cook times are also very convenient.” - Flyhunter, July 2025
Type: Standard
Dimensions: 327 x 553 x 453 mm
Wattage: 1100W
Turntable: Yes (345mm)
Price: $$$ See price and full specs
Sharp's 32L Flatbed Microwave
#5. Sharp 32L Flatbed Microwave
If you’re over food splatters getting cooked on beneath the microwave’s rotating plate, this flatbed model is a breath of fresh air. It skips the turntable and instead uses smart sensor cooking to heat food more consistently and make clean-up easier. At 1200W, it’s one of the most powerful models on the list - ideal for faster cooking or melting chocolate smoothly.
See price and full details of Sharp 32L Flatbed Microwave – SM327FHW
What customers say:
“This fully functional microwave ticks all the right boxes: simple to use, practical options and stylish design and build. Love the flatbed, makes cleaning the interior so easy. Highly recommended and at a great price too.” - Pete S, April 2025
Type: Inverter, Flatbed
Dimensions: 325 x 520 x 410 mm
Wattage: 1200W
Turntable: No (flatbed)
Price: $$$ See price and full specs
Westinghouse's 23L Countertop Microwave
#6. Westinghouse 23L Countertop Microwave
Budget-friendly and built for simplicity, this 800W compact microwave is ideal for students, couples, or anyone after no-fuss reheating. It includes six auto programs and a quick start button, and while it doesn’t have inverter technology, it handles everyday tasks like defrosting or popping popcorn with ease.
See price and full details of Westinghouse 23L Countertop Microwave – WMF2302WA
What customers say:
“Very easy to use very happy with my purchase Value for money” - Mabe, July 2024
Type: Standard
Dimensions: 293 x 485 x 375 mm
Wattage: 800W
Turntable: Yes (270mm)
Price: $$$ See price and full specs
The biggest NeoChef in LG's range has a spacious 42L capacity
#7. LG 42L NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave
The heavyweight of the LG lineup (see the smaller models in positions #1 and #2), this 42L NeoChef offers the most space and power (1200W) of the bunch. It shares core features with its smaller stablemates - think Smart Inverter tech, hexagonal turntable and LED lighting - but has extra room to handle large cookware. A top pick for busy households that want substance and style.
See price and full details of LG 42L NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave – MS4296OSSR
What customers say:
“Stylish easy to use microwave with lots of versability with heating/ cooking options. I like the look of this microwave and all the functions.” - JL 55, May 2025
Type: Inverter
Dimensions: 305 x 544 x 432 mm (approx – based on similar models)
Wattage: 1200W
Turntable: Yes
Price: $$$ See price and full specs
The 34L Smart Inverter Microwave from Sharp
#8. Sharp 34L Smart Inverter Microwave
This 34L microwave oven uses Sharp’s smart inverter technology and humidity sensors to get reheating right, even with tricky foods like frozen lasagna. With 23 auto-cook menus and a handy Favourite Key to save preferred cooking functions, it’s great if you’re a creature of habit who likes to set-and-forget.
See price and full details of Sharp Smart Inverter Microwave – R395EST
What customers say:
“Bought this Sharp Microwave to replace and older Sharp model which we had for over 20 years. This model works a treat and has easy to follow menu options to assist with your cooking choices, the inverter is definitely a step up from the previous model. Appliances Online were very efficient with next day home delivery.” - Greg N, November 2024
Type: Inverter
Dimensions: 315 x 520 x 410 mm
Wattage: 1200W
Turntable: Yes (315mm)
Price: $$$ See price and full specs
The Westinghouse 29L Inverter Microwave
#9. Westinghouse 29L Inverter Microwave
This 29L Westinghouse model is a newer release with a modern dark grey finish, inverter tech, and a handy auto-return turntable that puts your mug or plate back to its starting position. Quick Start and nine auto menus make reheating easy, and the knob and touch combo is a nice alternative to full touchscreen control panels.
See price and full details of Westinghouse 29L Inverter Microwave – WMF2905GA
What customers say:
“Basic Microwave Done Well. More than happy with this purchase. Suits my needs perfectly for the right price. Simple design. Simple to use.” - Lozz, June 2025
Type: Inverter
Dimensions: 302 x 495 x 380 mm
Wattage: 900W
Turntable: Yes (288mm)
Price: $$$ See price and full specs
Smeg's 34L Microwave with Grill
#10. Smeg 34L Microwave with Grill
Smeg brings its signature style and adds a built-in grill for added cooking flexibility. With 10 auto programs, five power levels, and a 34L capacity, it’s ideal for anyone wanting a combo microwave that can do a bit of everything. The stainless steel interior helps with even heating and easier cleaning.
See price and full details of Smeg 34L Microwave with Grill – SA34MX
What customers say:
“This was purchased as a replacement for our previous Microwave. It’s a great product with variable watt capacity, thus is very economical. Takes a little getting use of, but a great brand!“ - BJ Baxter, June 2025
Type: Microwave + Grill (Combi)
Dimensions: 314 x 519 x 451 mm
Wattage: 1000W
Turntable: Yes (314mm)
Price: $$$ See price and full specs
Check out more hot kitchen and laundry buys
As well as microwaves, we sell thousands of other kitchen products including lots of ovens, fridges and dishwashers. Fast-track your research into new household appliances by checking out what thousands of other Aussies have bought after doing their homework!
10 of the most popular built-in electric ovens in Australia 2025
5 of the most popular freestanding electric stoves in Australia 2025
Plus, if it's time to upgrade to a higher resolution TV with AI smarts, or your old washing machine has spun its last load, check out these lists of our most popular laundry and home appliances this year.
Get your new microwave sooner with Free Next Day Delivery*
Appliances Online can get your new microwave or other small kitchen appliance to you sooner. We deliver everything from freestanding countertop models and built in microwaves to toaster ovens, air fryers and blenders to 95% of Australia’s population for free with Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery - and we can usually get it to you by the next day (Mon-Fri). We even offer paid Same Day Delivery in NSW, QLD, and VIC metro areas if you order before 12pm on weekdays.
Check out the full range of microwaves here, or if you need some tips for choosing the best type or size for you, read our Microwave Buying Guide, call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500, or message us via the chat icon at the bottom of your screen.
Oli is Appliances Online's editor and blogger, with almost two decades of lifestyle-related writing and editing to his name. With a mission to help you buy better and live smarter, his brand loyalty will forever belong to the appliance manufacturer that develops a self-emptying dishwasher.
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