Does OzBargain Have a Favourite Microwave?

LDjiordje on 29/07/2021 - 19:41

My 1980s Panasonic Microwave has finally died after a good 30+ years of use (it was actually the microwave I grew up with) and I'm now in need of a replacement. Having never bought a microwave before, is there anything I should be looking for? We don't plan to cook with it, we just need it for defrosting and re-heating leftovers.

Any solid recommendations? What's the real difference between an $80 Kmart one and a $200 Samsung/Panasonic? I'm guessing they don't come with that stylish woodgrain finish anymore?

Home & Garden Microwave Oven

Comments

  • AdamFury on 29/07/2021 - 19:43
    +11

    I don't know much about them and I haven't bought one myself however the two most popular recent microwave deals were both LG NeoChef.

    • Djiordje on 29/07/2021 - 19:53

      Thanks, they seem decent based on the comments. I'll do a bit of research.

      • kusama on 29/07/2021 - 20:43
        +4

        I just saw in Choice’s June mag LG scores highest for Microwaves. No models mentioned just brands
        LG: 89
        Sharp: 79
        Breville: 77
        Panasonic: 77
        Samsung: 73

        • lgacb08 on 29/07/2021 - 22:42
          +6

          Breville just bribed their way in trying to get to be first on the list but that's probably too much to ask. There's no way I'd give Breville a good rank in microwave industry, I bought one from one of the very highly rated deal posted few years back and this thing using old tech or something that make it sound like a jumbo jet flying over your kitchen. Performance wise it's ok but the noise really turn me off. Even a throw away 30 year old panasonic picked up from the kerb won't make that much noise.

          • kusama on 30/07/2021 - 00:20

            @lgacb08: Yeah only 2 of 7 Breville were recommended compared to 7 of 7 LG.
            Recommendation is only weighted 10% of the score.

      • oO0Dam0Oo on 30/07/2021 - 09:55
        +2

        Have owned x2 Sharp inverter microwaves and bought a third for the in-laws. It was great but each only lasted 12-18 months just outside of warranty.

        Wont be buying Sharp again any time soon.

        • JungliChilli on 31/07/2021 - 11:31
          +3

          I've had a similar experience. Also performance of the sharp microwaves has degrades quickly

        • wiltonson on 31/07/2021 - 13:10

          Same for me. Bought an expensive steamer with grill with microwave. Microwave broke just after 3 years. In law older model still working even 7 years now. Newer model seems to be rubbish. Bought Panasonic now so hopefully will lasts long time

      • htc on 31/07/2021 - 17:13

        Is your Panasonic made in England? My one is still running, touch wood. If the Panasonic lasted you 30 years, I will go with Panasonic again, but probably it will no longer made in England.

    • capslock janitor on 31/07/2021 - 11:13
      +1

      do they only come in black? i would prefer any other colour for a microwave..

      • KLoNe on 31/07/2021 - 14:35
        +8

        WOW

    • benbarren on 01/08/2021 - 17:06
      +2

      have the LG neo one (all black, smaller size 23l) it's brilliant.. https://www.lg.com/au/microwave-ovens/lg-MS2336DB

      • Hunter14 on 02/08/2021 - 13:30

        I got this one a few years ago based on high recommendations here.

        However, I find it takes too long to reheat food. When I compare to the Sharp 1200w inverter at my parent's house, the LG takes 3 minutes to heat the food that the Sharp can do in 1 minute.

        Am I using the LG wrong?

        • theguyrules on 02/08/2021 - 15:00

          Could be because the LG is 1000W (if you got the 23L one).

          • Hunter14 on 02/08/2021 - 15:03

            @theguyrules: I just thought since it's a smaller space, it would require less W.

            Anyway, I think I may switch to Sharp due to the high waiting time.

            • theguyrules on 02/08/2021 - 15:19
              +1

              @Hunter14: our office had a Sharp smart inverter and it was awesome, very quick and automatically stopped when the food was heated properly.

              • Hunter14 on 03/08/2021 - 11:18

                @theguyrules: That's my experience with sharp too. One minute and bam! your food is nuked.

                It's a shame because I really love the aesthetics of the LG.

    • rattler on 02/08/2021 - 09:03
      +1

      Came here to say - love the NeoChefs. Its so quiet , so quiet - that you will have to check twice if its really working or not. And then it plays a beautiful melody once finished. Wife loves it. Only been 3 months, lets see how the life is for this.

      • WhyAmICommenting on 07/08/2021 - 14:55

        Can't stand the melody. I often interrupt it.

        LG have advised others there is no way to turn it off.

    • dirtybigbjelke on 02/08/2021 - 10:38

      I despise our LG Microwave. Doesn't have a kitchen timer. Basic function of a microwave…

    • bargdebarg on 02/08/2021 - 13:37
      +1

      Counter to popular opinion, I don't like the user interface for the Lg Nano chef. A lot of the fine adjustment must be done prior to closing it. Kind of annoying. Decent cooker though once you click the right buttons.

  • FoxJump on 29/07/2021 - 19:56
    +10

    I like that the microwave I have has a button so it doesn't make beepy sounds. I like that feature.

    Also a button to make the clock go away, saving 8w of power.

    In the future I'll buy one without a spinny plate

    • MS Paint on 29/07/2021 - 20:08

      I have has a button so it doesn't make beepy sounds

      Same. I love this feature

      • freefall101 on 29/07/2021 - 21:14
        +7

        Mine plays a tune when it finishes (not just beeps, a beeping tune). Then every 30 seconds after that until you come and get your food. I wish I could murder it sometimes.

        • QuickdraW on 29/07/2021 - 21:37

          I found out how disable mine, tech demanding attention gets on my nerve.

          • capslock janitor on 31/07/2021 - 11:10
            +6

            @QuickdraW: well damn yall are fancy, mine just springs up to let me know, or if it smells like burning.. or when the fire alarm goes on

            edit - why tf was i thinking of a toaster when i wrote that comment ..

        • lunchbox99 on 29/07/2021 - 21:37

          If it's an LG you can turn it off. Google is your friend. You have to redo it any time it loses power though.

        • RedHab on 01/08/2021 - 10:00
          +1

          Mine too, now my parrot likes making the microwave sound as well.

    • Djiordje on 29/07/2021 - 20:21
      +1

      That actually sounds like a decent function!

    • timthetoolman on 29/07/2021 - 21:15

      Which model do you have if you don't mind?
      That is perfect and I didn't know it was a thing!

      • MS Paint on 29/07/2021 - 21:41
        +3

        Samsung

        Zoom in to see the sound button above the start button

        • timthetoolman on 29/07/2021 - 21:48

          Awesome, thank you!
          Also seems the neochef has it as well.
          I've been out of the game too long

        • FoxJump on 29/07/2021 - 23:32
          +1

          Cool we have the same microwave

        • jjjaar on 30/07/2021 - 01:21
          +1

          Wait you can turn off the sound and clock?! I just tried the sound. I don’t like it. Is the clock the eco button? It always comes back on?

          I have this microwave and quite like it. It’s melt and soften butter/choc settings are good.

          • MS Paint on 30/07/2021 - 09:32

            @jjjaar: Eco mode turns the display off but is disabled as soon as you open the door.

            • jjjaar on 30/07/2021 - 09:40

              @MS Paint: Is there another setting that permanently stops the clock?

    • photonbuddy on 01/08/2021 - 14:45
      +1

      In the future I'll buy one without a spinny plate

      One would hope they have improved in the last 6 or 7 years.

      I bought a flatbed Panasonic, and it was rubbish. Cold spots all over. Cooking individual things like party pies, you'd get burny ones, and cold ones. Fixed it by turning the plate 4 times during cooking.

      Went back to a spinner.

  • bataleon on 29/07/2021 - 20:10
    +1

    LG 42L 1200W NeoChef Inverter Microwave (MS4266OBS) https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/lg-42l-1200w-neochef-inverter…

    If you like there's a model without the jog wheel. I find the jog wheel very useful though. It lets you add or subtract time from a cook - while the plate is spinning.

    • mowgli on 01/08/2021 - 01:33

      Do you know if this microwave can be muted?

      • bataleon on 01/08/2021 - 20:08
        +1

        I haven't done it myself but the internet tells me that yes, it can be muted.

  • JimmyF on 29/07/2021 - 20:15
    +6

    What's the real difference between an $80 Kmart one and a $200 Samsung/Panasonic?

    About 15 years service life…..

  • enemyofaverage on 29/07/2021 - 21:09
    +14

    I have a Panasonic Flatbed - https://www.amazon.com.au/Panasonic-NN-SF574SQPQ-Microwave-S…

    I love it. The best thing about it is that is has no rotating plate. Everything sits on the base and it makes it super easy to clean. And, because it doesnt spin, there is more room for things that wont get caught as they rotate around.

    • FoxJump on 29/07/2021 - 23:35

      Does it have a way to stop it from making beepy noises?

    • Fergs on 31/07/2021 - 15:49

      Yep, second this. Great microwave, with the absence of a plate, makes cleaning a breeze.

    • JimB on 31/07/2021 - 23:01
      +1

      I have the superceded version of this which looks identical. Panasonic seems to change the model every year or so without making changes.

      Anyway, I really rate it.

      27L may sound small but you can fit quite a bit in without the turntable.

      Only thing I hope they changed is the light. Shockingly dim.

      Other than the lights, it's fantastic.

    • Dogsrule on 01/08/2021 - 23:04

      Yep, I've ordered several of these for my workplace over the years, excellent bit of gear. Only problem is you can't press the start button to immediately cook for 30 seconds or a minute like all the other microwaves I've used.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2021 - 20:25

      Another vote here for the flatbed, we upgraded to this a couple of years ago and love it - highly rate it, good even heat every time.

  • spackbace on 29/07/2021 - 21:42
    +23

    What's the real difference between an $80 Kmart one and a $200 Samsung/Panasonic?

    $120

    • SF3 on 29/07/2021 - 22:23
      +3

      OzMath champ.

      • spackbace on 30/07/2021 - 00:47
        +2

        Head to your local Centrelink for the OzMeth champ

        • BOGOF on 30/07/2021 - 07:35
          +10

          Head to New Zealand for the UzMith Chemp

  • kingsville on 29/07/2021 - 22:00
    +3

    I like one with an inverter.
    Medium is actually medium power, rather than oscillating high/off.

    • Antikythera on 31/07/2021 - 20:35

      possibly not the exact same model, but very similar one I inherited. I doubt I would have paid extra for a convection microwave but I use it heaps for baking. Much better temperature control than my gas oven. I do a awesome 8 hour @ 120C baked cheesecake.

    • Dogsrule on 01/08/2021 - 23:16

      Yeah you can't get those anymore unfortunately.

  • currentfad on 29/07/2021 - 22:27

    I can voucher for Sharp microwaves.

    Parents owned one for close to 15 years and it died.

    Replaced with a cheapo one and it was really weak and died not long after purchase.

    I forked out $200 for a Sharp R350YS 4 years ago and it's still good as new and is really powerful.

    A big reason I chose this was not only because it was a brand they trusted, but also a lot of microwaves nowadays have knobs or some other mechanism which would make it more difficult for an older person to use, especially those who can't read English. In this case it's just dial pad and start button.

    I think the model is discontinued by now from a Google search but this seems to be its successor.

  • MurphysLaw on 29/07/2021 - 23:29

    Anyone using Panasonic NN-SD38HSQPQ? Looking forward to buying a smaller sized one. The paint of my current old Panasonic is peeling away ever since my partner burned some food inside.

  • Cheeper on 30/07/2021 - 00:26

    LG or Sharp.

    • SnoozeAndLose on 31/07/2021 - 13:49

      Got the Sharp and the lamp breaks at 5 months mark, then the transformer die at 18months marks, with 1 year warranty Sharp had fixed both for free.

      But I wouldn't buy Sharp any more.

  • havebeerbelywillsumo on 30/07/2021 - 01:14

    For mine it depends on the usefulness of the controls/display and what you are used to…seeing the tendency to one location-focused "rays" in mine a "spinny thing" is essential IMO….a Sharp for me…..don't expect another 30 years from a modern microwave! Spend 200-300 IMHO on whatever brand.

  • Puglife on 30/07/2021 - 01:59
    +1

    I just bought a Panasonic. But really they all basically have the same functions…its just a machine that goes PING

  • [Deactivated] on 30/07/2021 - 09:37
    +2

    If your 80s Panasonic had a woodgrain cabinet…. Was it a Genius model with convection? That was top of the line then. It came with an excellent hardcover recipe book too. They were fantastic for roasting meats while saving on electricity. A bit of waste if only used it for reheating and defrosting.

    • SteveBuscemi on 01/08/2021 - 19:23

      My parents' Genius lasted from 1985 to 2018. The microwave itself stopped working but convection worked.

      It was also like most Panasonic items in 1980s Australia, branded as "National".

  • Shleepy on 30/07/2021 - 11:29
    +4

    "What's the real difference between an $80 Kmart one and a $200 Samsung/Panasonic?"

    The real difference will be who actually manufactures it. The Kmart one (and other super cheapies) will almost certainly be made my Galanz. The other ones are almost certainly made by Midea. Under the hood, all Mideas will likely be virtually identical, but they are also better quality than Galanz (in my experience).

    You "may" be able to find a Samsung or LG (or maybe Sharp?) made by those companies, but even that is unlikely at the lower price range.

  • orangetrain on 30/07/2021 - 12:14
    +1

    Brand microwaves are hundreds of dollars and often run out of parts, models, etc. If you're not spending a lot, enjoy your brand low quality microwave which will get issues.

    Plus, microwaves come with a warranty of 1 or 2 year?

    I just stick with a kmart microwave with convection. Lasts many years and here's why:

    Compare:
    $250 brand microwave that has 2 year warranty
    Vs
    $100 kmart microwave that has 1 year warranty

    If they both die shortly after warranty, then clearly Kmart, despite being shit, is better value.

    If all those LG, Samsung, etc brands were so sure of their quality, they would have 5+ year warranties! Buyer beware.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 30/07/2021 - 12:43
      +2

      yeah but the features aren't comparable. Those more expensive ones often have more features, so you're not comparing apples with apples in this situation.

      Size of the microwave, the technology for heating, whether it needs to rotate, can you remove the beeping sound, other functions etc. these are all worth it if you cook very often.

      • orangetrain on 30/07/2021 - 14:10
        +1

        I was talking about in terms of value. If you want specific features, be prepared to pay for the privilege

  • jv on 30/07/2021 - 14:12
    +2

    Does OzBargain Have a Favourite Microwave?

    There is a Sanyo in the OzBargain tea room…

  • KoNpHuSeD on 30/07/2021 - 17:48

    If you reheat frozen foods I would say get a 1000w microwave as most instructions base heating times on this.

  • the Unforgiven on 30/07/2021 - 22:20

    I love my Electrolux microwave. It is discontinued, but this is the newer model
    https://www.appliancesonline.com.au/product/electrolux-emf25…

  • lainey13 on 31/07/2021 - 00:57
    +4

    I hate the models that have the cool down thing after you use it. So much unnecessary noise once I have used it!

    • bohn on 31/07/2021 - 09:46

      don't think the Kmart one has that.

      • gimli on 31/07/2021 - 17:45

        yep Kmart doesn't have it.
        Kmart replaced Sanyo which died after 3 years use. Sanyo had the noisy cool down.

        • bohn on 31/07/2021 - 17:51

          my old microwave had noisy cool down, I usually just left it open for awhile.
          one thing the kmart does that's annoying, say you stop with 10secs to go or whatever - usually you can press stop again to clear the remaining time. But no, there is a different 'reset' button. Seems a bit stupid. Pressing stop again does nothing.

          • gimli on 31/07/2021 - 18:15

            @bohn: yeah. i always do that to. press the stop to reset!

            There's a few things about design which is not as nice/easy to use as Sanyo but it think the Kmart gets the job done so I am pretty happy for it given that it it was less than half the price of equivalent branded model

  • the4thzodiac on 31/07/2021 - 10:38

    Got this guy couple of years ago https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/lg-42l-1200w-neochef-inverter… via eBay deals.

    Have seen good reviews and also top rated in Choice (if that matters). It is an inverter microwave, so a plus.

  • clintmo on 31/07/2021 - 11:50

    In a similar boat. I just bought a microwave convection oven from Kmart - have never tried one previously. They are $129 delivered and apparently the convection mode works similar to an air fryer. Not keen on air fryer due to bench space required.

    Just waiting for it to be delivered but can post back here once it arrives with an update.

  • caitsith01 on 31/07/2021 - 12:05
    +18

    I have always had good experiences with Panasonic up until my last Panasonic microwave. This was one of their fancy "flat bed" microwaves with no turntable. This was without a doubt THE WORST APPLIANCE I HAVE EVER BOUGHT. You would think with the removal of the turntable the number one objective would be to make sure that the microwave still evenly heats the food, right? Well, no, apparently not. This thing would absolutely nuke parts of food producing plasma in which you could perform LHC style experiments to discover new particles, while other parts of the same food a few centimetres away remained ice cold. If you cooked pappadums in it they would literally burn in places while other parts of the same pappadum remained uncooked.

    The light inside this thing was also about 0.001w, so the only way to see what was happening inside was to use the light from the flames shooting from parts of your otherwise frozen food.

    I hate that microwave so much that I have taken the time to post this comment in the hopes of driving customers away from Panasonic. Panasonic should sell the tech to the US military as they have obviously developed the ability to produce a device which can focus microwave radiation on targets down to a few millimetres, while leaving adjacent objects completely untouched.

    We have recently replaced it with an LG Neochef and it's like night and day. The LG is brilliant, cooks evenly, looks great and has buttons that actually make sense. I got a large-ish inverter/sensor one. Of course, it has a turntable to rotate and actually cook your food.

  • LSGH on 31/07/2021 - 12:30
    +3

    My 2007 $60 Kmart one is still going strong

  • Kegsta on 31/07/2021 - 12:37
    +5

    I got my mum a $220+ Panasonic Genius 1100w a year ago, biggest piece of shit I've ever seen, far worse than a kmart $35 microwave.
    You can't start it with 1 button or add time easily once going and about 30% of the time it just doesn't start at all, the timer ticks down but no power. Took it back to harvey norman and because they couldn't replicate it in store they wouldn't do anything, I'm pretty sure the door closed sensor it dodgy.

    My advise for buying microwaves, all features are pretty much useless, just get one that is the size you want, that you can start/add time easily by pressing one button and if possible get one with a handle on the door you can pull open rather than a button to open that will have your microwave sliding all over the place if you have it on top of a fridge etc.

  • bohn on 31/07/2021 - 13:16
    +2

    I was fed up with all the poor reviews for more expensive microwaves so I ended up with the $99 1100w kmart microwave.
    If it doesn't last too long I'll consider my options again then.
    https://www.kmart.com.au/product/34l-microwave/2321301

  • JIMB0 on 31/07/2021 - 13:35

    Just had a Panasonic fail. Kept tripping the breaker. Looking up the model it's quite common. Replaced it with a Breville. Let's hope it lasts.

  • Leeeroy on 31/07/2021 - 14:30

    I always get a microwave that uses a dial to set the cooking time because it's a little easier than punching several buttons that get worn and harder to press over time. Also if I could rip the beeper out of every microwave in the world I would.

    • KLoNe on 31/07/2021 - 14:43

      You can. It's a Beeper. Desolder it and remove it.

  • diddy50 on 31/07/2021 - 14:59

    I just bought the LG neochef based on good reviews and Ozb popularity.

    I got the smaller 25L model. The larger ones are so big to be on the bench. But at least they look schmick

  • virhlpool on 31/07/2021 - 15:24

    I have the basic model from Target.. it's been 7 years and going strong. It's pretty similar to the basic model of BigW or Kmart.

  • gimli on 31/07/2021 - 17:44

    Kmart microwave is pretty good.
    https://www.kmart.com.au/product/34l-microwave/2321301
    Gets the job done.

  • petepumpkin on 31/07/2021 - 18:34

    Defintely get an inverter type

  • KingJuf on 31/07/2021 - 20:10

    I had a Samsung hand me down last about 15years before the buttons started to stop working, replaced it with another Samsung recently which looks basically exactly the same.

    https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/samsung-40l-1000w-sensor-micr…

    My only gripe is the light isn't that bright so hard to see whats going on inside.

  • BartholemewH on 31/07/2021 - 21:26

    I've got the 42L LG Neochef with the physical touch buttons (not the on glass door, I didn't want that one). Works great, the only issue is that the turntable comes off the spindle a bit easily.

  • lunartemis on 31/07/2021 - 21:30

    We are still using the Panasonic microwave I bought straight after I left school in 1998.

  • kaleidoscope on 31/07/2021 - 21:49
    +1

    Am using one that one of my friends gave me 5 years ago from target. Does a good job and still going strong. Start narrowing down from capacity, budget and then brand. Unless you’re going for the looks you won’t need to spend a fortune on these given today’s prices.

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