Microwave Recommendation

L[Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 09:40
Last edited 15/02/2019 - 11:50

Hi all,

My old 10+ years trusty microwave died yesterday. Need to urgently replace it. Looking at Choice and Product Reviews there are a number of recommended brands and models. I am not too fussed on the specs or color but seems I have narrowed them down to:
- Volume 25-35L although bigger might be OK if it fits the budget.
- Turntable for even reheating/defrosting.
- Around 1000W seems to be reasonable power but I guess anything near should do the job.
- Budget: around $200.
- Good warranty service and period. I know this is subjective but I don't want to be looking for a new microwave in a year or so :)
- Location: Sydney.

So far I have shortlisted the following models:
1. PANASONIC NN-ST665BQPQ, 32L. This is currently selling for $236 on Bing Lee's eBay site and is in stock near my location.
2. LG NeoChef MS2596OB, 25L. This is currently selling for $182.40 on The Good Guys eBay site and is in stock near my location.
3. LG MS4296OWS, 42L. This is currently selling for $255.55 on Bing Lee's eBay site and is in stock near my location.
4. Sharp R350EW, 34L. This is currently selling for $189.05 on The Good Guys eBay site and is in stock near my location.

I guess all these can be found cheaper but I don't really have the time to wait for another sale due to needing a microwave pretty much every day :) Option 3 is a bit over budget but if it is worth it then I am happy to consider.

Also happy to consider other models as well if they are worth it and withing the requirements.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions and feedback.

Cheers!

Update: Based on below comments added Option 4.

Electrical & Electronics Microwave Oven

Comments

  • Seedy seed on 15/02/2019 - 09:46
    +1

    https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/sharp-1200w-inverter-microwav…

    Doesnt seem bad and on budget. Tell them to throw in a free surge protector socket.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 10:20

      Hi Seedy seed,

      Thank yo for your recommendation. I like it actually has a keypad. I noticed this model has few bad points outlined on Choice's review: https://www.choice.com.au/products/home-and-living/kitchen/m….

      Bad points
      • Only OK for defrosting mince.
      • Only OK for defrosting chicken.
      • Only OK for manually reheating solid foods.
      • Firm pressure required for door push lever. Need to push on specific pressure point.
      • Only OK visibility through door.
      • May need to refer to instruction booklet initially when using controls.
      • Many small holes on the inside of the microwave that can accumulate dirt.
      • A Few cracks and crevices on the exterior, making it difficult to clean.
      • Noticeable fan noise after cooking completed.

      This is quiet subjective but wondering if you have experienced anything similar. The main one I would be worried about is the small holes and accumulating dirt.

      Thanks.

      • shadowfax1007 on 15/02/2019 - 10:37
        +1

        If it helps, I bought this model (in stainless steel) after the LG one I got died after three uses..

        This sharp model has been flawless. Of all your concerns listed the only one I really feel is of note is the fan noise. It's certainly not bad but if the house is dead quiet you'll hear it. If I'm watching TV or listening to the 2006 Billy Ray Cyrus classic "I want my mullet back" I cannot hear the fan noise at all.

        I find the intelligent heating features to be really helpful and accurate. Overall it's a solid microwave and I recommend it.

        • Seedy seed on 15/02/2019 - 14:53
          +1

          I microwave 50% vinigar 50% water for 2mins and wipe out, no issues so far keeping clean.

  • Skramit on 15/02/2019 - 09:55

    Really recommend the Sharp Carousel 1200w.

    Has a sensible menu system and quick start features (unlike many other brands).

    • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 10:21

      Hi Skramit,

      Is this the Sharp R350EW model you refer to?

      Thanks.

      • Skramit on 15/02/2019 - 10:53
        +1

        Yes

  • rambutann on 15/02/2019 - 09:57
    +2

    I have the LG NeoChef MS2596OB 25L.

    Would definitely recommend. Its quite small (in terms of physical size, not in terms of usable capacity) which is a good thing..
    Heats really well, buttons work really well, doesn't get super dirty, easy to clean.

    I don't have anything bad to say about it. It has lots of really good reviews for a reason. :)

  • altomic on 15/02/2019 - 10:00

    How did your microwave "die"?

    • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 10:23
      +1

      I actually wasn't there but there was smoke and bright light. Given the age of the microwave I wouldn't bother trying repairing. Funny enough my wife and I were recently talking how lucky we are for this microwave to have lasted so long.

      • altomic on 15/02/2019 - 12:15

        Yeah, that's not good

  • kuikui on 15/02/2019 - 10:09

    Go with LG NeoChef 39L. Comes with convention option for all your needs. I have one and its excellent product.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 10:24

      Thank you for your suggestion kuikui, it looks great but this model is way beyond my budget.

  • blonky on 15/02/2019 - 10:16
    +1

    They're all good options - just note that the neochef (and probably other LGs) play a little chime when they're done which some may find annoying.

    If they're all inverters you can't really go wrong

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 15/02/2019 - 10:28
    +2

    Sharp and Panasonic are both excellent brands. Make sure you measure the largest item you plan on placing in there beforehand (dinner dish etc)

  • Youfah Mizzum on 15/02/2019 - 12:02

    I'd go the Sharp. Just as a broad generalisation they make decent products. TGG are generally fairly easy when it comes to returns and warranty issues.

  • godofpizza on 15/02/2019 - 13:06

    i brought a microwave yesterday as mine also die, started using today. If you don't mind the weight >20kg then a convection over for $248

    https://www.harveynorman.com.au/electrolux-convection-microw…

  • tazdevil76 on 15/02/2019 - 13:21
    +3

    We bought Samsung 32L from David Jones currently on special for $189
    https://www.davidjones.com/electrical/small-appliances/micro…

    It has excellent reviews and we are very happy with it.

  • theHMASfriendship on 15/02/2019 - 13:35

    Sharp are solid with microwaves.

  • oO0Dam0Oo on 15/02/2019 - 14:02

    My Sharp died after about 18 months. Maybe I just got a lemon unit or maybe they are just built to be replaced regularly.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 15:04
    +1

    Thanks everyone for your input, appreciate it. I will go with the Sharp microwave option. Hope it serves me long time.

  • jenki on 15/02/2019 - 15:12

    For others needing a microwave, this looks pretty good: https://ozb.me/o/1q5j?u=em

  • WreckTangle on 15/02/2019 - 16:34

    We got a turntableless one, its not too bad because u can fit bigger dishes in it

  • lainey13 on 15/02/2019 - 21:41

    Loved my Sharp microwave. I noticed a lot of newer microwaves by Panasonic and Samsung have this damn 'cooling' mode that occurs after the heating stops. Useless feature!

  • moppet on 16/02/2019 - 10:25

    We purchased a Sharp R-350EW about 9 months ago. This is the third Sharp microwave we have owned and most likely the last. It works as a basic microwave - heats and cooks but doesn't do much else. The defrost function does not work and the jacket potato cooking function does not work properly. The clock goes fast and needs to be reset every couple of weeks. A month ago the internal light failed and I took it to an authorized Sharp warranty repairer to be fixed. It sat in their office for a week before we picked it up becoming frustrated with the time taken for a simple repair. The replacement globe is on back order and still one month later no globe. Fortunately we purchased extended warranty from HN - I normally never do this - and if the globe is still not fixed in 3 months time - will take it back to HN for change over. BTW it also has the 'cooling' function.

    • kiitos on 18/02/2019 - 12:00

      That would be disappointing. We've had a Sharp for quite a few years now, the inside light blew on ours too but haven't got it fixed.

      Had wondered if it's something I can replace myself, though I don't really fancy messing with the innards of a microwave.

  • Ozpit on 16/02/2019 - 13:23

    My Samsung microwave is 24 years old and used several times a day. Surprisingly, the design still looks contemporary. It takes a little longer these days to heat/cook compared to new, but they all gradually lose their punch as the years roll by. Inside light blew a few years back, but I haven’t bothered to replace it. I’d get another Samsung when the time comes as they always get good reviews.

  • the Unforgiven on 16/02/2019 - 17:16

    This is the one I bought & I couldn't be happier

    https://www.appliancesonline.com.au/electrolux-convection-mi…

  • kizashi on 16/02/2019 - 19:43

    I have a panasonic similar one you are looking at and had no issues, but my parents have the same microwave and sometimes plays up and need to turn off and leave a while till resets itself. One thing with inverter model is finishes cooking and goes through cooling cycle before can open door. Sometimes annoying. Unsure if other brands do this. My reccomendation would be at least 32L and over 1000w as you mention.

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