ARTICLE

The Best Value Microwave Ovens (To Get You Out Of The Kitchen Faster)

January 25, 2024 - 3 mins read

Speedy and reliable, microwave ovens can swoop in and save the day (or your next dinner party!). And you don’t need to spend big either to score the best microwave for your household with The Good Guys in your corner. Whether you plan to use a microwave to zap last night’s lasagna, defrost the chicken you forgot to get out of the freezer this morning, or whip up a wicked Sunday feast in a multipurpose convection microwave, there’s a fantastic budget buy to suit your cooking needs.

“Microwaves are an essential tool in our always-on-the-go lives, with Auto programs to remove the guesswork from heating and defrosting, built-in options that integrate smoothly into any kitchen design, and a compact footprint that makes them an ideal fit for even the smallest home or rental apartment,” says Nick Trajkovski, The Good Guys Buyer – Microwaves.

Are Cheap Microwave Ovens Good?

Absolutely! Whether you’re after a basic conventional microwave just to microwave rice or an all-rounder convection microwave – that can bake, steam, grill and roast, too – you can spend as much or as little as you can afford, and still reap the benefits of these kitchen saviours. “Today’s cheap microwaves can deliver features found in the more expensive models, such as powerful wattage to get dinner on the table sooner, inverter technology for evenly heated food, and enough capacity to fit your whole family roast,” says Nick Trajkovski.

Who Makes The Best Cheap Conventional Microwaves?

Only planning to use a microwave for basic heating, defrosting or melting? A conventional microwave is your most budget-friendly bet.

Westinghouse, Sharp and Samsung are all top choices for great value, conventional microwaves with enough wattage (go for anything over 800 watts) to get the job done and multiple power levels to conquer all your heating and defrosting needs. Look out for Samsung’s cost-saving Eco Mode that reduces daily energy consumption when your appliance isn’t in use; Westinghouse’s one-touch shortcuts for family faves like popcorn and soup; and Sharp's sequence cooking, which automatically switches from one power setting to another.

Got a hungry household? Samsung and LG both excel at well-priced, conventional microwaves with larger, family-sized capacity (the LG microwave NeoChef range is a huge hit with cost-conscious cooks and has both 42L and 56L options).

Meanwhile, LG and Panasonic are your go-to brands for mid-range conventional microwaves, powered with 1000 watts for faster cook times and best-in-class inverter technology. This game-changing feature delivers a steady stream of cooking power to heat food evenly (goodbye, cold patches!).

Have your heart set on a built-in? Westinghouse steps up again with sleek built-in microwave models that are a steal!

Shop Best Cheap Conventional Microwaves

Samsung 32L 1000W Microwave Stainless Steel

LG 23L NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave Blk

Panasonic 27L Flatbed Inverter Microwave

Who Makes The Best Cheap Convection Microwaves?

Convection models merge a microwave and convection oven in one hardworking appliance to do far more than just warm your leftovers or liquids. They’ll bake, brown and crisp, too! With all that advanced technology, convection microwaves are pricier than conventional models. But you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy their incredible cooking convenience. (Plus, they’re a great economical option for small apartments or campervans that don’t need a full-sized oven.)

Sharp, Samsung and Panasonic can set you up with wallet-friendly convection microwaves armed with up-to-the-minute inverter tech and dozens of pre-set programs for stress-free cooking. Get ready to effortlessly grill, oven bake and microwave in a flash with 1000 watts or more in these handy one-stop appliances.

Love your crispy, crunchy flavours? Look no further than the bestselling Breville 3-in-1 Convection Oven! Not only can this great value microwave bake up a batch of gooey chocolate brownies faster than a conventional oven, but it can also produce golden French fries or chicken strips in a jiffy – thanks to the Air Fry function.

Meanwhile, Beko both offer sleek, built-in convection microwave models that can simplify your kitchen design and mealtimes, without costing the earth.

Shop The Best Cheap Convection Microwaves

Sharp 32L 1100W Airfry Convection Microwave

Panasonic 27L 1000W 3-in-1 Convection Oven S/Steel

Where Can I Buy A Cheap Microwave Oven?

Right here at The Good Guys! We’ve got loads of ways to help you Pay Less Every day on the best value microwaves and cooking appliances. Or choose one of our eligible microwaves and we’ll repay you part of the cost with a RealCa$h rebate. And don’t forget to regularly check our clearance bargains page. Supersavings are up for grabs all year round!
Crack down on the cost of living! Head in-store or online to scoop the best value microwave brands at the most affordable prices.