Best Microwaves in Australia 2026: Flatbed, Combi and Inverter Models

This guide describes three microwaves listed for Australian kitchens on 30 September 2026. Two are flatbeds with inverter power, while one combines microwave cooking with convection and air fry functions. Capacity is only a starting point: a plate, baking dish or rectangular container still needs to clear the cavity walls and door. The appliance also needs to fit the bench with the ventilation clearance in its installation instructions.

The comparison uses maker Australian pages and live Amazon AU listings checked on 30 September 2026. Listed watts refer to microwave cooking output where a figure is available, which is different from the electrical input used to estimate running cost. Customer star ratings are a snapshot of the checked listings, not a test of heating, durability or safety. Compare the exact model identifier when reading an offer, because a similar name or finish can lead to a different listing.

Best microwaves in Australia 2026: quick comparison

Amazon AU lists two 27L Panasonic flatbed inverters and a combi microwave with convection and air fry functions at the 30 September 2026 check. The table compares their capacities, outputs, cavity formats and price bands.

Prices checked 1 October 2026; bands reflect that check.

Output sources: the 1000W on both Panasonic rows comes from each model's Amazon AU listing, and Panasonic Australia's store page also states it for the NN-SF57QSQPQ. The 1100W on the Breville row is the microwave power on Breville Australia's specification page.

Estimated running cost is the input kilowatts multiplied by hours used multiplied by your tariff per kilowatt hour, taken from your own bill. Actual cost depends on the appliance input rating, time used and household tariff. The output watts in the table are not the input watts for that calculation.

How we picked

The three cards are the Panasonic NN-SF564WQPQ and NN-SF57QSQPQ 27L flatbed inverters and the Breville BMO870BSS the Combi Wave 3 in 1. For each one we read its Amazon AU listing and its maker page: Panasonic Australia's product and store pages for the two Panasonic models, and Breville Australia's page for the BMO870. Capacities come from those maker pages, at 27 litres for both Panasonic models and 32 litres for the Breville.

Listings and maker pages were checked 2 October 2026. Ratings quoted in this guide come from our 30 September 2026 check and the price bands from our 1 October 2026 check. This guide has no single top pick right now, so each card is listed by its format rather than ranked.

One figure worth knowing before you choose: the South Australian Government's guide to saving energy in the kitchen says microwaves use about 75% less energy than ovens and cooktops, because they cook quickly. That is a guide for the appliance type, not a measurement of any model on this page.

Solo vs Convection vs Grill Microwave

A solo microwave uses microwave energy for reheating, defrosting and basic cooking. The two flatbeds in this guide fit that description. They differ in finish and listing feedback, but their listed functions do not include a convection oven or air fry mode. A solo unit leaves oven cooking to another appliance. That distinction matters more than a small difference in listed litres when the daily job is warming food.

A grill microwave adds a heating element that can brown a surface. There is no dedicated grill model among the three cards here, so this guide does not compare grill results. Product names alone may not tell you which cooking modes are present: check the exact model's function list if browning is a requirement. An oven dish that fits into the cavity must also leave the clearance specified in the product instructions.

A convection microwave circulates heated air as well as providing microwave cooking. The combi model here lists convection and air fry modes. It suits kitchens where those extra functions would be used and where bench space is available for the appliance. An air fry label describes a cooking mode, not an outcome: cooking time and texture depend on the recipe, load and oven design. The air fryer guide covers separate appliances for that task.

Separate appliances can be used at the same time, and a fault in one does not remove every cooking function. A combi combines several jobs in one cavity but handles only one cooking load at a time. The dimensions and ventilation instructions remain relevant whichever format is used. On a crowded bench, even a multifunction appliance may need a different position from a compact solo microwave.

What an inverter microwave actually does

An inverter microwave controls its power differently from a conventional one. Think of a dimmer switch: the aim is to deliver lower microwave power more continuously, while a conventional design commonly cycles full power on and off to produce a lower average setting. That explains the control method; it is not evidence that a listed inverter unit will heat every meal evenly. Food shape, portion size, starting temperature and stirring also matter.

All three cards carry inverter descriptions: both Panasonic flatbeds are listed as inverter models, and Breville names its Power Smoothing inverter technology on the Combi Wave. If a particular cooking mode matters, compare the exact model's maker description and operating instructions. The wattage on a microwave listing describes cooking output, while the rating plate input is the figure to use for an electricity estimate.

Lower power settings can be useful for gradual warming and defrosting, but the safest setting and duration depend on the food. Follow the product instructions and the food's handling directions. Rotate, stir or allow standing time where the cooking directions call for it. A flatbed removes the glass turntable from the cavity; it does not remove the need to check the food after heating.

Flatbed vs Turntable

A turntable model rotates food on a glass plate. Rotation changes the food's position during cooking, but a large rectangular dish can catch on the wall and stop turning. The plate and its support ring are additional parts to lift out when cleaning. A compact turntable solo microwave can still cover straightforward reheating when its cavity dimensions match the dishes used at home.

A flatbed has no glass turntable. A mechanism beneath the floor distributes microwave energy while the cavity floor stays clear for dishes. The absence of a rotating plate can make a rectangular container easier to position, and there is no plate or ring to wash. Flatbed does not guarantee that every container with a small enough volume will fit. Compare the cavity width, depth and height with the dish, including handles and lid.

Both solo microwaves on this page are listed as flatbeds. The combi uses a turntable rather than a flat floor: the Breville lists a glass turntable, so its usable floor is set by the plate. The difference between the two 27L Panasonic units comes down to finish and listing feedback, and litres alone do not reveal the shape of a cavity.

What Size Microwave Do You Need? 20L, 25L, 27L and 32L compared

Capacity is the volume of the cavity, not a measurement of the widest plate it accepts. As a broad guide, a compact 17 to 20L unit is the smallest class, a 23 to 27L unit takes larger plates and many oven dishes, and a 28 to 32L unit has room for larger casserole dishes. These are size descriptions, not guarantees for a particular plate or model.

For an individual plate, measure its diameter in centimetres, including any raised rim or handles, then compare it with the maker's usable internal width and depth. A model's outside width, height and depth answer a different question: whether it physically fits the available bench position. Leave the ventilation space required by its instructions.

The combi carries the largest stated capacity here at 32L. Large capacity can bring a larger exterior, so measure the appliance space as carefully as the dishes. Nearby appliances matter too: the toaster guide covers another common use of bench space.

Best microwave brands in Australia

The brand names here describe the models on this page, not a ranking of reliability. Panasonic accounts for both flatbeds, while Breville accounts for the combi. Sharp, LG, Samsung and Kmart are included for context but have no card on this page. A store listing, owner score and model specification answer different questions, so read them separately.

At the 30 September 2026 listing check, the Panasonic NN-SF57QSQPQ showed 4.7 stars from 43 ratings at our 30 September 2026 check and the NN-SF564WQPQ showed 4.6 from 66. The Breville BMO870BSS showed 4.8 from 16. These counts are too different to treat the highest number as a brand reliability measure. They are owner feedback attached to product listings, subject to changing as more ratings arrive.

Best Budget Microwaves Under $200

Entry level microwaves in this band are typically compact solo units, commonly with a turntable. A solo microwave covers basic reheating and defrosting without adding a convection oven or air fry mode. A turntable adds a glass plate and support ring to clean, and the dish must be able to rotate without striking the cavity wall. In a small kitchen, that practical fit can matter more than the litre number on the box.

There is no product card in this price band on this page. The descriptions here establish what the format does, not the current availability or quality of a particular unit. Check the exact listing for internal dimensions, external dimensions, output power, settings and any clearance instructions. If a plate has a wide rim or a dish has projecting handles, measure those as part of its footprint. The turntable's usable diameter can be more limiting than the nominal cavity volume.

For a household that mostly reheats a single plate, a compact solo format can provide the relevant functions. For cooking in an oven or air fryer as well, those tasks require separate appliances or a combi with the corresponding listed modes. The descriptions in the following section show which of the current cards have those different functions.

Panasonic's NN-ST25JW 20L solo now sits in Panasonic Australia's product archives, and no compact solo currently holds a card on this page, so the budget band carries no card. If you only reheat and defrost, a 20L solo from a major brand at retail still covers the job with fewer modes; check the seller, the stated capacity and the electrical safety registration for the exact model before buying.

Best Mid-Range Microwaves

The two flatbeds in this guide sit in the stated under $350 and under $400 bands at the listing check. Each has an inverter description and a flat floor without a turntable. They share a stated 27L capacity and 1000W output but have different finishes and listing rating counts. Those figures describe specifications, not measured cooking speed or heating uniformity.

Panasonic NN-SF564WQPQ 27L 1000W Flatbed Inverter, White

The white Panasonic has a 27L flatbed cavity and a listed 1000W inverter microwave output. There is no turntable to lift out when wiping its floor. Its checked listing showed 4.6 stars from 66 ratings at our 30 September 2026 check. The size category suggests room for larger plates than a compact unit, but fit still depends on the cavity's usable dimensions and the shape of the dish.

Best flatbed microwaves in Australia (no turntable, more usable space)

Flatbed microwaves have no turntable, so the floor of the cavity stays still and flat, and a rectangular dish that would jam a turntable can sit straight on the base. Check the internal dimensions against the dishes you actually use. The flatbeds on this page are the two Panasonic inverters: the NN-SF564WQPQ covered above and the NN-SF57QSQPQ below.

Panasonic NN-SF57QSQPQ 27L 1000W Inverter Flatbed, Silver

The silver Panasonic is also a 27L, 1000W inverter flatbed. Its listed capacity and output match the white Panasonic above, while the finish differs. Its checked listing showed 4.7 stars from 43 ratings at our 30 September 2026 check. A rating snapshot is useful context for owner feedback but cannot settle questions about long term reliability or performance in a particular kitchen.

These two cards describe solo microwave functions. They do not list a convection oven or air fry mode, so baking and air frying are separate tasks. Where a kitchen already has an oven, the practical comparison centres on cavity shape, external fit, cleaning preference and how much capacity is useful for the dishes regularly heated.

Best combi microwaves with convection + air fry (the all-in-one kitchen tier)

A combi pairs a microwave with a convection oven, a grill and an air fry preset in one cavity, which suits a kitchen with bench space for one appliance rather than three. The combi card runs its air fry preset through the convection fan, and a dedicated air fryer remains the specialist tool for batch crisping. The Breville pairs a glass turntable with its Power Smoothing inverter. Combined modes draw more power than a microwave alone, and an overloaded household circuit can trip its circuit breaker.

Combi vs separate oven + microwave: when is each right?

A combi is right when bench space or power points are scarce and one appliance must cover reheating, convection baking and air fry. Separate appliances are right when you often run two functions at once: each stays independent, and one failure does not take out the others. The combi card below lists oven and air fry functions on its Amazon Australia listing.

The combi combines microwave heating with convection and air fry functions. Its 32L stated capacity does not tell you its internal dimensions or its cooking results. It is relevant when one appliance is expected to handle several cooking jobs, provided the maker's required clearance can be met. A separate air fryer offers another way to cover that cooking mode.

Breville BMO870BSS the Combi Wave 3 in 1

The Breville combines microwave, air fryer and convection oven functions in a brushed stainless steel finish. Its listing states 32L, and it showed 4.8 stars from 16 ratings at our 30 September 2026 check. Breville Australia states 1100 W of microwave power and lists it at 51.9 cm wide, 31.6 cm high and 51.3 cm deep with the handle, or 49 cm deep without it, so measure your bench depth before you buy.

What it costs to run a microwave in Australia

Running cost depends on electrical input and use time, not on the cooking output in the product names. Multiply the rating plate input in kilowatts by hours of use and the electricity tariff per kilowatt hour, taken from your own bill. The result assumes full input over the whole interval, so treat it as an upper estimate rather than a promise.

How to read microwave ratings and reviews

When you read reviews on any microwave listing, the recurring themes worth checking are practical: whether a dish too large for a turntable stops it rotating, how much extra cleaning the plate and support ring add, and whether the door and controls stay pleasant to use. Those are format considerations you can test against your own dishes and bench, which makes them more useful than a single star number.

The listing rating counts also affect how much can be learned from feedback. The Breville BMO870BSS has 16 ratings in the checked snapshot, while the Panasonic NN-SF564WQPQ has 66. A high score from a small number of ratings gives little information about how often an issue occurs. Ratings across different products may also reflect different expectations and use patterns. For a specific concern, read the current listing reviews for the exact model and check the maker's operating instructions.

How to clean a microwave

Put water in a microwave safe bowl, with lemon juice or a little white vinegar if desired. Heat until steam has softened splashes, then leave the closed appliance to cool before wiping. A common approach is three to five minutes of heating and five minutes standing; follow the appliance instructions and handle the hot bowl carefully. Use a damp soft cloth on the cavity, starting at the top where condensation and splashes collect.

For a turntable model, lift out the cool glass plate and support ring and wash them as the maker directs. A flatbed has no turntable or ring to remove. Wipe the floor and door seal without abrasive pads. For the door and seals, wait until the unit has cooled, unplug it, and use a soft damp cloth with mild detergent, as the maker's instructions specify. Keep moisture away from electrical openings and avoid scouring the door mesh or soaking the waveguide cover inside the cavity.

Dry the seal and leave the door ajar briefly so remaining moisture can escape. A wet or greasy waveguide cover can arc, so treat that panel gently and follow the maker's cleaning instructions. Microwave interiors can have coatings and parts that differ from an oven; the oven cleaner guide addresses a separate appliance. The kitchen essentials guide covers other equipment used around the bench.

Frequently Asked Questions

What brand of microwave is the most reliable?

Publicly available owner ratings vary by model, not just brand, and these listings do not establish long term reliability. At the 30 September 2026 check, the Breville BMO870BSS showed 4.8 stars from 16 ratings; the Panasonic flatbeds showed 4.7 from 43 and 4.6 from 66. The very different rating counts limit comparison.

What are the best microwaves according to CHOICE reviews?

CHOICE publishes member-only microwave reviews behind a membership paywall, and this guide does not reproduce them. The comparisons here come from maker specifications and live Amazon Australia listings, so consult CHOICE directly if you want its test scores.

Which microwave brand is the best?

The relevant distinction here is the model's format and the jobs required of it. Panasonic has both flatbed inverter models on this page; Breville has the combi with convection and air fry functions. Check the exact model's cavity dimensions, listed modes and external fit rather than treating a brand name as a guarantee of suitability.

What is the best microwave to buy in 2026?

This guide does not currently crown one microwave. The three cards are two Panasonic 27L flatbed inverters for microwave-only cooking, and a 32L combi, the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1, which adds convection and air fry. Match the format to your cooking first, then compare the dimensions and functions on the current listings.

What does an inverter microwave actually do?

An inverter microwave controls its power differently from a conventional one. Like a dimmer switch, it aims to deliver lower microwave power more continuously instead of cycling full power on and off to reach a lower average setting. All three cards here carry inverter descriptions: the flatbeds are listed as inverter models, and Breville names its Power Smoothing technology.

What size microwave fits a dinner plate?

As a broad guide, plate fit depends on the internal dimensions of the exact model rather than the litre class alone: check the internal width against your largest plate. Litre capacity does not guarantee fit for a specific plate, so measure the plate diameter in centimetres, including its rim, and compare it with the exact model's usable internal width and depth.

What's the smallest microwave that still fits a dinner plate?

It depends on your plate. Compact 17 to 20L cavities are the tightest class, and a standard dinner plate can foul the walls or stop a turntable in some of them. Measure the plate you actually use and compare it with the internal dimensions on the exact listing, because capacity in litres does not describe the usable floor.

How much electricity does my microwave use per year?

Estimated cost equals input kilowatts multiplied by hours used multiplied by your tariff per kilowatt hour; use your own rate from your bill. For a yearly estimate, use the hours you expect to run the microwave during that year. The calculation uses electrical input power rather than microwave cooking output.

Why are people getting rid of their microwaves?

There is no single reason, and no reliable count of who is giving one up. Air fryers and combi appliances can take on some cooking jobs, while limited bench space can influence which appliances fit. The Breville BMO870BSS combines microwave, convection and air fry functions, so it covers several jobs in one cavity.

How long does a microwave last?

We do not have lifespan data for these exact models or for microwave brands in general. Follow the maker's use, ventilation and cleaning instructions, and check its service guidance if a door, turntable or heating function stops working.

What's the best flatbed inverter microwave in Australia?

The two Panasonic flatbed inverter options here are Panasonic NN-SF564WQPQ in white and Panasonic NN-SF57QSQPQ in silver. Both listings state a 27 L capacity and 1,000 W output, so the practical difference between them is finish and the details of the current listing. This guide does not name one of these two as the overall winner.

Should I buy a flatbed or turntable microwave?

A flatbed suits kitchens where a still cavity floor, rectangular dishes and easier wiping matter. Check the internal dimensions in either format. Measure the dishes you plan to use rather than choosing from the litre capacity alone.

Is a combi microwave worth the extra cost?

The extra cost of a combi buys its oven and air fry modes, so the value depends on how often you would use them. The combi card here lists those functions, allowing one appliance to consolidate jobs on the bench. Separate appliances keep the cooking functions independent, an arrangement that suits some kitchens better.

What wattage microwave should I get?

Choose microwave output wattage to match the cooking times on the packets you use. The Panasonic flatbed cards here list 1,000 W microwave power. Higher output wattage shortens cooking times, so use the packet's instructions for the wattage you have rather than copying a time for another model.

What does inverter actually do?

An inverter delivers continuous lower power instead of repeatedly switching full power on and off. The listed benefit is more even defrosting and reheating, which makes it relevant when those are regular jobs. Compare the exact model's inverter specification alongside its capacity and cooking functions when choosing between the cards.

What's the best microwave in Australia under $300?

This guide does not currently name a winner in any band. The two Panasonic 27L flatbed inverters are the microwave-only cards here; check their current listings for where they sit against your budget, and weigh a flatbed's still floor against what a turntable model offers at the same capacity.

What's the best combination microwave oven in Australia?

The combination card here is the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1, which lists microwave, air fry and convection functions in a 32L cavity. It is not crowned; the functions and dimensions on the current listing are the practical basis for comparison.

What are the disadvantages of a flatbed microwave?

The flatbeds on this page are solo models: their listed functions do not include a convection oven or air fry mode, so baking and air frying need another appliance. A flat floor also does not guarantee that a dish of small enough volume will fit, so compare the cavity width, depth and height with your dishes. The benefit is a still, flat floor that takes rectangular dishes and wipes clean easily.

Is it worth getting a flatbed microwave?

A flatbed buys a still, flat floor: rectangular dishes sit straight, nothing stops rotating, and the floor wipes clean without lifting out a plate and support ring. The value depends on how often those benefits apply to your cooking.