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Microwave ovens

Find the best microwave for your home with our buying guide and test results for 58 current and 12 discontinued models. 

  • Overview
  • Compare (70)
  • Buying guide
  • How we test

Microwave ovens are a fast, convenient way to cook, reheat and prepare meals at home. From basic microwaves to versatile convection models and compact ovens, there’s a wide range to choose from. Find one that suits your cooking needs and kitchen space with our reviews and buying guide.

On this page

  • Buy the best microwave oven for your kitchen
  • Best microwave ovens of 2026
  • What you need to know before buying a microwave oven
  • More on microwaves
  • People's Choice
  • Which brands are most reliable?
  • Complete your kitchen setup
  • How we test microwave ovens

Buy the best microwave oven for your kitchen

Looking to upgrade your kitchen with a microwave oven? Whether you want fast reheating, versatile cooking, or a compact alternative to a full oven, our reviews will help you find the best one. Compare price, performance, brands and more.

Compare microwave ovens

Best microwave ovens of 2026

Whether you’re after a basic microwave to reheat meals and defrost, a versatile microwave oven that bakes and grills or a flatbed microwave that’s easier to clean, our expert picks will help you buy the best microwave oven for your needs in New Zealand.

Graphic of a microwave with question mark symbol.

Top-performing microwaves

Best convection microwave

Best flatbed microwave

Microwave budget

Best-value microwave

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What you need to know before buying a microwave oven

Choosing the right microwave or benchtop oven depends on how you cook, your space and the features you actually need.

Our buying guide covers:

  • Types of microwaves and benchtop ovens

  • Size and capacity considerations

  • Key cooking functions

  • Features that improve usability and safety.

Read microwave oven buying guide

More on microwaves

Why we love flatbed microwaves, and which are the best and worst?

Person using microwave.

5 cheap microwave ovens under $300 we love

Close-up of a woman warming up food in a microwave while standing at a counter in her kitchen at home.

How to get the most out of your microwave

People's Choice

Pc brands

Our People's Choice awards are granted to brands that consistently rate above average for customer satisfaction and meet out other performance criteria. Become a member and see which brands have earned a People’s Choice award.

Get access to People's Choice

Which brands are most reliable?

We ask thousands of Consumer members about their products to find out which brands are most reliable and satisfying to own. The results are available to members and Digital Pass holders.

Get access

Complete your kitchen setup

Find quality rangehoods, fridges, dishwashers and other appliances to enhance your kitchen with our test results.

Person turning rangehood on.

Rangehood reviews

Open fridge filled with food.

Fridge reviews

Dishwasher reviews

Wedges in an air fryer.

Air fryer reviews

How we test microwave ovens

We conduct real cooking tasks to see how appliances perform in everyday use.

Our testing evaluates:

  • Heating evenness and cooking performance

  • Defrosting ability

  • Ease of use and controls

  • Cleaning and maintenance

Read more about how we test microwaves below.

Learn more about our testing

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