Cheap Microwaves

There are a couple of main options when it comes to budget microwaves - conventional and inverter. Conventional microwaves use a magnetron to generate microwave energy, which heats food by causing water molecules to vibrate.

Inverter microwaves use an inverter circuit to modulate the power output, resulting in more even heating and energy efficiency. You may also find some cheap steam microwaves, which come with a built-in water reservoir that adds steam to the cooking process for better texture and flavour.

When it comes to wattage, higher isn't necessarily better. Most compact microwave ovens in Australia range from 600 to 1200 watts. A higher-wattage microwave will cook food faster, but for most households, a 700-1000 watt microwave oven should suffice. However, if you frequently cook larger portions or dense foods, a higher wattage model around 1000-1200 watts may be more suitable.

The ideal capacity for a benchtop microwave oven depends on your household size and cooking needs. For small families or individuals, a compact microwave oven with a capacity of 20 to 30 litres should be sufficient.

If you have a large household or frequently cook larger portions, a capacity of 30 to 40 litres may be more practical. It's also important to consider the available counter space in your kitchen.

Appliances Online is a great place to buy cheap microwaves in Australia, with a large range of models from leading brands like Panasonic, Samsung, Westinghouse, LG and Sharp available for under $300. Plus, with the option of free delivery* across Australia, you can rest assured that when you find a new microwave at a low price, the cost won’t jump with delivery fees at checkout.

When buying a cheap microwave oven consider things like brand reputation, capacity, wattage and warranty, as well as features like inverter technology, steam function, defrost settings and preset cooking functions. Looks are important too, of course: these days many microwaves have a sleek black appearance, but you'll also find models with white and stainless steel finishes to complement your kitchen appliances.