Microwave Must-Haves

Looking to bring convenience and efficiency into your kitchen? This guide explores the best microwaves on the market—comparing power, features, and value—to help you find the perfect match for your cooking needs.


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Our Best Microwaves in New Zealand

When it comes to a quick, convenient, and simple way to heat, reheat, or defrost your food, there’s no better culinary tool than the essential microwave oven.

A modern kitchen isn’t complete with a microwave. This simple device can handle so many meal prep scenarios and, with an expanding range of new features in the latest models, the possibilities are only increasing. 

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current microwave or replace an old one, Noel Leeming carries a wide range of top-rated microwaves from leading brands like LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sharp. We also carry the latest models of inverter microwaves and flatbed microwaves, featuring innovative new technologies that will help simplify your cooking.

Below you’ll find what our team considers to be the best microwaves and microwave ovens available in New Zealand. Browse your options below, from compact to family-sized, and read more about what you should be weighing up when making your final selection.



In this article, we’ll cover these topics:

We’ll also review these products:

What to consider when buying a microwave?

What is the best microwave brand?

Hybrid Microwave Ovens

Small Microwaves

Inverter Microwaves

Flatbed Microwaves

What to consider when buying a microwave?

When you’re shopping for a new microwave, there’s more to consider than you’d think. This standard appliance might not be the most complicated device in your kitchen, but it’s something you’ll use every day, often multiple times, so you want to make the right pick. 

Here are a few things to consider when buying a microwave in New Zealand:


Ease of use

The last thing you want is a microwave with overly-complicated controls. Modern microwaves are designed with ease of use in mind, so our selection offers models with simple and intuitive LED displays, touch panels, and more. 

Choose between digital and mechanical options, depending on your preferences. Let us help you find a microwave that won’t have you standing in your kitchen, scratching your head as you try to puzzle it out.

Features

With new flatbed and inverter technologies, there are more features available for microwaves than ever before. Top models come with various auto menus and settings for defrosting, reheating, or even cooking desserts!

Find a microwave with the features you want in your kitchen. Choose from easy cleaning options like ceramic interior or anti-bacterial coating. Or find a child safe lock if you have curious toddlers in the home. Whatever you need, we’ll have an option that’s right for your needs.
Size & Capacity

One of the key considerations when selecting a microwave is size and capacity. If you’re living in a smaller flat, you don’t want a giant microwave taking up too much counter space. If you’re cooking for a larger family, you want to make sure your microwave has the capacity to heat food for everyone.

From compact to mid-size to family-sized, our selection of microwaves have the right options for any household. Find the product that strikes the perfect balance between capacity and counter space, so you can get back to cooking up delicious meals.


Value

Budget is an important consideration for any kitchen appliance — no matter how large or how small. Find the option that fits your price point at Noel Leeming.

If you’re looking for a simple, compact microwave that’s more affordable, we can help you. If you’re looking for a more expensive model with the latest smart technology and advanced features, we’ve got you. And there’s a wide range of options in between that allow you to find exactly what you’re looking for without compromising on quality.



What is the best microwave brand?

At Noel Leeming, we carry all the top microwave brands in the New Zealand market. Read more below to learn about the great options available.


Want to discover the versatility of cooking? With their smart inverter technology, LG’s range of sleek, minimalist microwave ovens are a great option. Based in South Korea, LG is a top-rated electronics manufacturer in New Zealand and well-known for its selection of kitchen appliances. 

Choose a microwave that’s right for you when you pick from Panasonic’s wide selection. Established in New Zealand since 1998, Panasonic is a leading Japanese electronics manufacturer with a diverse selection of microwaves and other kitchen appliances. Active in the community, Panasonic is dedicated to improving the lives of Kiwis through their products.

With a brand that’s established itself as a pioneer in consumer electronics, Samsung is a great choice for innovative features and industry-leading technologies. Offering a range of cooking appliances, this Korean electronics brand is another top choice when selecting a microwave for your home in New Zealand.

Sharp’s modern range of microwaves offers healthy cooking made easy. This Japanese electronics brand has developed and tested menus, food groups and recipes for their microwaves with the Kiwi consumer in mind. Featuring inverter technology, sensor technology, and a built-in weight scale, there are many great reasons to choose a microwave from this brand.



What is the best hybrid microwave oven?

Hybrid microwave ovens combine standard microwave features with other functions that you’d typically find in a convection oven, such as a grill function. These integrated elements provide a wider range of options for heating and preparing your food, making a hybrid microwave oven a great choice if you’re looking for more versatility in your kitchen.

Learn more about the best hybrid microwave oven available from Noel Leeming below:


Capacity: 30L Dimensions: 38.8cm (H) x 59.5cm (W) x 40.0cm (D) Power Consumption: 900W Microwave / 1100W Grill Materials/Colours: Stainless Steel

Features:

  • Digital Control with LED Display
  • Speed Cook
  • 8 Automatic Menus
  • Child Lock for Controls
  • 315mm Turntable

The Award 30L Integrated Microwave Oven with Grill is an all-in-one microwave and grill, where the grill feature can either be used separately or in combination. This model features sleek lines in stainless steel with the oven feature built into the microwave.

This microwave oven’s 30L capacity and 315mm turntable make it easier to cook or reheat medium to larger portions, while the appliance comes with eight different automatic menus for simple meal preparation. This safe and convenient option is a great addition to any kitchen.



What is the best small microwave?

The advantage of a compact microwave is that modern models are packed with many of the same features you’d find in bigger options, while helping you to save on counter space. So if you have a smaller kitchen (or if you’re only cooking for one or two), then a compact microwave may be the ideal choice for you.

Learn more about the best small microwave ovens available from Noel Leeming below:


Capacity: 20L Dimensions: 44.0cm (W) x 32.4cm (D) x 25.8cm (H) Power Consumption: 800W Materials: Plastic Colours: White

Features:

  • 8 Pre-Programmed Auto Menus
  • 3 Auto Defrost Menus
  • 5 Adjustable Power Levels
  • Quick 30 Function
  • EPS-Free Packaging

The Panasonic 20L Non-Inverter Microwave is a stylish yet compact microwave that is perfect for everyday cooking and reheating. This model comes in a classic white design with EPS-free packaging for the environmentally conscious.

The appliance features 8 pre-programmed auto menus, 3 auto defrost menus, 5 adjustable power levels, and a quick 30 second function to give you flexibility for quick and convenient daily cooking. If you’re looking for a small microwave with straightforward features, this is a great option. 

Capacity: 20L Dimensions: 44.0cm (W) x 32.4cm (D) x 25.9cm (H) Power Consumption: 750W Materials:  Colours: Silver/White

Features:

  • 8 Auto Menus
  • 6 Pre-Set Menus
  • 11 Power Levels
  • LCD Display Panel
  • Time & Express Defrost Functions
  • Weight Up/Down Keys
  • Child Lock
  • 255mm Turntable

The Sharp 20L Microwave is a compact microwave that works well in smaller kitchens where counter space is a premium, leaving you with more room for other appliances. This model includes a range of great features and locally-developed menus, including 8 auto menus, 6 instant pre-set menus for common dishes, and 11 different power levels.

The appliance is designed with a LCD display that includes a basic clock and timer, more or less weight function, child lock, and more. This small microwave makes cooking, heating, and defrosting a breeze and is a fantastic little addition to any home.

Capacity: 25L Dimensions: 28.0cm (W) x 46.9cm (D) x 38.0cm (H) Power Consumption: 900W Materials/Colours: Plastic/White

Other Features:

  • Digital Control with LED Display
  • 10 Automatic Menus
  • Quick Cook 30 Sec Button
  • Auto Defrost
  • Glass Dry
  • 288mm Turntable

The Panasonic 25L Microwave Oven is a minimalistic, compact microwave with a clean design and LED display with digital controls. This model features improved microwave heating power with convenient, user-friendly features like a quick cook button, auto defrost, and ten automatic menus.

The appliance has a mechanical dial operation that gives you direct access to quickly set desired heat settings without complications, making cooking more convenient for everyday use. This solo microwave oven simplifies the process of heating, reheating, and defrosting food.



What is the best inverter microwave?

Inverter technology allows microwaves to deliver heat at a steady power level, which results in more evenly warmed food. These models of microwave are less likely to have cool or overheated patches of food, which can be a common complaint with standard microwaves. So if you’re running into this problem frequently and want a better experience, consider upgrading to an inverter microwave today!

Learn more about the best inverter microwaves available from Noel Leeming below:


Capacity: 42L Dimensions: 54.0cm (W) x 43.4cm (D) x 31.0cm (H) Power Consumption: 1200W Materials: Stainless Steel Colours: Black/Silver

Features:

  • Easy Touch Controls
  • Anti-Bacterial Coating
  • Even Defrosting & Heating
  • Auto Sensing
  • 10 Power Levels
  • Quick Start Button
  • Child Lock
  • Stable 360mm Turntable

The LG 42L NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave is a stylish and versatile inverter microwave that comes in a modern black and stainless steel design. This model features easy touch controls and a tempered glass door, while its inverter function allows for even defrosting and heating.

The appliance is designed with an auto sensor that does the thinking for you, anti-bacterial coating for easy cleaning, LED internal lighting, built-in menus, 10 power levels, and a quick start button for convenient cooking. Take a smart approach to cooking with this high-quality inverter microwave from LG.


Capacity: 32L Dimensions: 52.5cm (W) x 38.8cm (D) x 31.0cm (H) Power Consumption: 1100W Materials: Stainless Steel Colours: Black/White/Silver

Other Features:

  • Inverter Technology
  • Quick 30 Function
  • Auto Cook
  • Auto Reheat
  • Turbo Defrost
  • Genius Sensor

The Panasonic 32L The Genius Inverter Microwave  is a stainless steel inverter microwave that is packed full of features to make your life easier. This model’s inverter technology allows for even cooking and defrosting, along with sensors that take the guesswork out of choosing power levels and cooking times.

The appliance includes a range of advanced features like Genius Sensor cooking, Turbo Defrost, auto reheat, auto cook, and a quick 30 second function. Touchpad panels and an LCD display make it easy to select the cooking function that you desire, which leads to an intelligent and precise cooking experience.


Capacity: 34L Dimensions: 52.0 (W) x 41.0cm (D) x 31.5cm (H) Power Consumption: 1200W Materials: Stainless Steel Colours: Silver/White

Features:

  • Inverter Technology
  • 2-Stage Program Cooking
  • 9 Instant Action Menus
  • 6 Auto Cook Menus
  • Reheat & Defrost Menus
  • LED Lighting
  • Kitchen Timer
  • Easy Push Button Door
  • Child Lock

The Sharp 34L Inverter Microwave is a stainless steel, midsize inverter microwave that is perfect for cooking for the whole family. The intelligent inverter technology ensures even and accurate levels of heat that improves the flavour and integrity of your dishes, allowing you to cook with confidence and control.

This appliance includes a range of features, including instant action menus, auto cook menus, reheat menus, defrost menus, and 11 different power levels. The simple LED display helps with easy operation and additional controls ensure all of your cooking needs are answered. Compact, convenient, and remarkably functional, this inverter microwave is designed to deliver a balance of consistency and quality in the kitchen.



What is the best flatbed microwave?

Flatbed technology was designed to allow microwaves to heat without requiring a turntable to rotate your food when heating. It is typically only available in inverter microwaves. This new innovation provides more capacity for heating, defrosting, or preparing food. So if you’re finding yourself short on space, we recommend trying out a flatbed microwave today.

Learn more about the best flatbed microwaves available from Noel Leeming below:


Capacity: 27L Dimensions: 52.9cm (W) x 42.2cm (D) x 32.6cm (H) Power Consumption: 1000W Materials: Stainless Steel Colours: Black/White/Silver

Features:

  • Flatbed Technology
  • Inverter Technology
  • 17 Pre-Programmed Auto Menus
  • 6 Power Levels
  • Turbo Defrost
  • EPS-Free Packaging

The Panasonic 27L Microwave Flatbed Inverter is a next generation plateless inverter microwave with premium stainless steel finish and EPS-free packaging for the environmentally conscious. This model’s flatbed design means no turntable, which allows for benefits such as easy cleaning and more usable space.

The appliance includes a range of features, including 17 pre-programmed auto menus, 6 different power levels, turbo defrost, and more. With all of these additional features and benefits, this flatbed inverter microwave will tick all of your boxes.


Capacity: 30L Dimensions: 51.9cm (W) x 40.6cm (D) x 32.7cm (H) Power Consumption: 1200W Materials: Stainless Steel Colours: Black/White

Features:

  • Flatbed Technology
  • Inverter & Sensor Technology
  • LED Display
  • Auto Cook & Reheat
  • Auto Defrost
  • 11 Power Levels
  • 7 Auto Menus
  • Child Lock

The Sharp 30L Flatbed Inverter Microwave is a family-sized flatbed inverter microwave with a black stainless steel finish. This model includes inverter technology and other smart sensor features, as well as the added simplicity of cleaning with its flatbed design.

The appliance includes a range of time-saving features, including 7 auto functions, 11 different power levels, and more. The LED display allows full digital control so you can easily select the option that you need for preparing your meal. This larger, powerful flatbed microwave is a great option for the whole family.