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

  • iDroid on 31/07/2021 - 21:51

    IMO inverter microwaves are far superior to their non inverter counterparts.

    Inverter microwaves are variable power output, where-as non inverter microwaves work at full power all the time and simulate "power level" by cycling on and off.

    I primarily use a microwave for defrosting and reheating only - IMO non inverter microwaves are terrible for this, and inverter microwaves are great.

  • Morphio25 on 31/07/2021 - 22:11

    I've got a Sharp Carousel, I think it's 1200W. It's survived 2 moves and has been going now for almost 9 years.

  • kokita on 31/07/2021 - 22:54
    +1

    I am recommending two criteria:
    1. Wattage size = 1000W is good for medium size meal for quick reheat (90s)
    2. Inverter = I think it is highly recommended.

    I use Samsung 32L 1000W at home.

  • Lawagetas on 31/07/2021 - 23:03
    +1

    I have a Samsung. There's a really simple feature they have that is actually quite handy.
    After the timer has run out, the plate will keep spinning until it resumes its original position (i.e., the bowl is closest to the front).

    Super simple and yet probably one of the handiest features I have used in a microwave.

    I've also used an LG and a Electrolux at work or rentals, and to be honest, I can't really tell the differences. They all seem much the sameness.

  • OneJay on 31/07/2021 - 23:36

    Iā€™m using a Kmart Homemaker (before it became Anko), manufacture date Sep 2010. Used to be white but the plastic has turned yellow with age. Still works hey.

    Used to have the LG NeoChef but the ex took it when she moved out. Good microwave but the poor shielding always interrupted Bluetooth.

    • berry580 on 01/08/2021 - 09:29

      What's the microwave you've used with best shielding?

      From experience, they've all be equally bad.

      • OneJay on 01/08/2021 - 14:59

        Not sure tbh, but I just put my bluetooth speaker and phone playing music on opposite sides of the Homemaker whilst nuking something and it was fine.

  • adn on 31/07/2021 - 23:56

    I bought this. https://www.kmart.com.au/product/28l-microwave/2346302
    It is abit big but hasn't missed a beat since February.

  • Cynicaloflife on 01/08/2021 - 08:36

    I use a Sharp Microwave that I grew up with. 15 years now and still going strong. Highly recommend Sharp.

  • berry580 on 01/08/2021 - 09:27

    LG Neochef

  • zrmx on 01/08/2021 - 11:31
    +1

    I actually want to get a 1997 microwave (as per explained here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiS27feX8o0) by Sharp

  • niknah on 01/08/2021 - 11:32
    +1

    I have a LG with a rounded back inside. No edges so it's very easy to wipe clean. But I don't know if they make them any more..
    https://www.appliancesonline.com.au/product/lg-microwave-ms2ā€¦

  • khomeini on 01/08/2021 - 11:37

    I believe most true OzBargainers use the Gaggenau 400 (or 200) series microwaves.
    A true bargain if you can find it.

  • snoopster on 01/08/2021 - 14:17

    I have a Technika microwave built into wall with new home. It was average, broke->fixed, broke->replaced by manufacturer for a newer model.

    The newer model is a bit better.

    Throughout the fixing process for the Technika, we used a Samsung microwave kind of like this one and it was really good, bigger and much more powerful. If we could fit it into the wall we would have just kept that.

  • luffyex2010 on 01/08/2021 - 15:44

    I only used Japanese microwaves and once Korean in my lifetime.

    Sharp belong to me moms…we hardly use it and it is still alive until today.
    Approx 30 years +

    Samsung when I first arrived here…
    Less than 5 years and went kaput.

    and then Panasonic which is still running touch wood.
    11 years and ongoing.

    Would love a microwave ready tune with "A morning in the Slag Ravine " maybe the short version.

    Hmmm maybe I am on to something

    Maybe a Ruichi Sakamoto ready tune during Christmas period šŸ¤£

  • luffyex2010 on 01/08/2021 - 15:47

    Fyi love your profile pic… who is the artist?

    Nvm found it James Warhola.šŸ‘

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

    I bought a Samsung in 2012, which started playing up in 2020.
    I replaced it with a Panasonic because I was disappointed with only 8 years of use from the Samsung.
    The Panasonic interferes with my 2.4ghz Bluetooth headphones and 2.4ghz wifi, which the Samsung never did.
    I'm not microwave expert either, went with Panasonic because I've never had a bad Panasonic product before but have had a few shitty LG's and Samsungs.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 01/08/2021 - 20:23
    +1

    I wouldn't go for an $80 kmart microwave…

    Not when they sell one for $48 šŸ˜. Used one daily for 3 years now and still going strong.

  • PurchaseAnxiety on 01/08/2021 - 21:44

    For what it's worth, I bought a Kmart microwave when I moved out of home it's going on 8 years strong.

  • gstfree on 01/08/2021 - 22:35

    I am still using Black and Decker microwave bought in 2004. It moved at least 15 places with me and still does it job well.

  • Cardy on 01/08/2021 - 23:02
    +11

    6 years ago purchased the top of the range Panasonic ($600) to replace a 15yo Sharp. 13 months after purchase the black enamel started to 'bubble' hinge side of the door where the soft rubber seal touches when the door is closed. Sent photos to Panasonic and requested it be either repaired or replaced. Panasonic advised me I had scratched the enamel coating and voided warranty. I pointed out the enamel had bubbled and was not scratched. Panasonic then advised me I had not cleaned it and it was food residue. I pointed out the soft rubber seal was undamaged. Several emails later Panasonic requested me to deliver the oven to their agent for inspection, if the agent determined it was my fault I would be required to pay for the inspection and any repair. I returned to the agent a week later and they refused to give me a copy of the report as it had been sent to Panasonic. I could have a copy of the report if I paid for another inspection.
    Off to the small claims court in the ACT, no response from Panasonic so by default I won the case.
    Paperwork from the court sent to Panasonic, two weeks to pay…nothing.
    I contacted Panasonic and their response was 'ACT Court decision, we are a company registered in NSW, we don't recognise the decision.'
    I contacted NSW courts, they asked for the paperwork and $55 (recovered) to cover the sheriffs costs.
    $1000 recovered after two years. I believe any Panasonic device is best avoided.
    Had a SMEG for the past 5 years, highly recommended.

    • Fobsessive on 02/08/2021 - 09:45
      +2

      Congrats on winning against such an uncaring corporate!

    • idonotknowwhy on 02/08/2021 - 11:44

      Thanks. I bought a Panasonic last year, I'll know not to do this next time.

  • Jackson on 02/08/2021 - 12:05

    Just fix your existing Panasonic, because…

    a. No one makes microwaves like they used to, they went from being the most reliable thing in the house to piles of failure
    b. All new microwaves have underspecced parts and now fans that not only have to run while the thing is working (making them noisy) but often run for 30 seconds after the thing turns off
    c. They are usually piss easy to fix, usually it's just a fuse you can buy online for 50c. Just pop yours out and check the specs. You don't have to mess with the rest of if it you don't like (make sure you unplug it first of course, and be careful because they have capacitors that can hang on to charge after they are unplugged, so you need to be safe. If you aren't confident check in with a friend who's handy with electronics.

  • dcash on 02/08/2021 - 12:33
    +1

    My parents were still using a Philips microwave from the 80's until about 6 months ago. The only thing that broke was part of the plastic assembly that keeps the door closed.

  • chicken8 on 02/08/2021 - 15:53

    I just put in a Siemens Oven and Microwave combo.

    benefits:

    Save space. no microwave sitting on table so there's less clutter
    Really large in size as it's the same size as an oven so you can put heaps more in
    Self cleaning function
    5 year warranty
    Able to put in metallic items for the microwave function

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