Microwave Sale & Deals

From compact benchtop models through to built-in inverter and convection microwaves, here is what to consider before buying a microwave on sale. The microwave buying guide covers each format in detail.

Microwaves on sale by type

Microwave type determines how the appliance heats food and what tasks it can handle beyond basic reheating and defrosting.

• Benchtop microwaves: sit on a bench or counter and are the most common format for Australian households. Available from compact 17-litre models through to large-capacity 40-litre options suited to family use.

• Built-in microwaves: designed to integrate with kitchen cabinetry at a fixed height. The most practical choice for kitchen renovations and new builds where benchtop space is at a premium.

• Inverter microwaves: use continuous variable power rather than cycling on and off at full wattage. This delivers more even heating, particularly on lower power settings used for defrosting and gentle reheating, and reduces hot spots in food.

• Convection microwaves: combine microwave heating with a fan-forced convection oven, allowing baking, roasting and grilling in addition to standard microwave functions. The most versatile benchtop cooking appliance type available.

• Over-the-range microwaves: mount above a cooktop and integrate ventilation, replacing a separate rangehood in some kitchen layouts.

Capacity and power

Capacity and wattage are the two most practical specifications to compare when looking at microwaves on sale. Larger households benefit from a bigger cavity and higher wattage, which reduces cooking time on standard tasks.

• 17 to 20 litres: suited to singles, couples and apartments for basic reheating and defrosting. Compact footprint that fits on smaller benches.

• 23 to 25 litres: the most widely sold size, suited to households of two to four people. Handles family-sized dishes and most reusable containers.

• 30 to 40 litres: suited to larger families and households that regularly cook full meals in the microwave or use it for batch reheating.

• Wattage: 800W is the entry-level standard; 900W to 1,000W is mid-range; 1,100W to 1,200W is premium. Higher wattage heats food faster and more evenly at the same power setting.

Features to compare across microwaves on sale

Beyond capacity and wattage, several features affect ease of use and the variety of tasks the microwave can handle.

• Inverter technology: produces more even results on delicate heating tasks. Worth prioritising if defrosting or reheating cooked meals is a regular use.

• Sensor cooking: detects moisture and steam to automatically adjust time and power, removing the need to manually set cooking time for common foods.

• Auto-cook programmes: pre-set programmes for common tasks (popcorn, pizza, vegetables, beverages) are useful for households that use the microwave daily.

• Grill function: a quartz or ceramic grill element allows browning and crisping on top of food, extending the microwave beyond basic reheating.

• Convection capability: adds full convection oven function in a benchtop format, useful for smaller kitchens that lack a separate benchtop oven.

• Steam function: available on selected premium models, useful for cooking vegetables and fish without added oil.

• Easy-clean interior: ceramic or stainless steel interiors are easier to wipe down than standard enamel.

• Mute function: useful for late-night reheating without waking the household.

Microwave brands at The Good Guys

Major microwave brands available at The Good Guys include:

• Panasonic: produces inverter microwave technology across selected benchtop and convection models. Inverter delivers continuous variable power for defrosting and gentle reheating.

• LG: covers benchtop microwaves with NeoChef and smart inverter technology across mid and upper-mid price points.

• Samsung: produces benchtop and over-the-range microwaves with ceramic enamel interior finishes for easier cleaning.

• Sharp: covers benchtop microwaves across mid-range price points with sensor cooking and auto-cook programmes on selected models.

• Toshiba: covers benchtop microwaves across entry-level and mid-range price points with digital controls and auto-cook programmes.

• Breville: produces benchtop microwaves and combi appliances across the premium tier, including the Combi Wave 3-in-1 that combines microwave, convection and air frying.

• Smeg: produces built-in microwaves with retro and contemporary styling options across a range of finishes.

Entry-level 17 to 20 litre benchtop microwaves sit between $130 and $250. The $250 to $500 range brings inverter technology, larger capacities and improved sensor cooking. Between $500 and $900, premium convection microwaves and feature-rich models from Breville and Panasonic dominate. Built-in models and combi appliances sit above $1,000.

How to buy a microwave on sale

1. Match capacity to household size: 17 to 20 litres for one to two people, 23 to 25 litres for families, 30 to 40 litres for larger households or batch cooking.

2. Check the wattage: a 900W or higher model heats food faster and more evenly than 700W to 800W alternatives at similar price points.

3. Consider inverter technology if defrosting and gentle reheating are regular tasks: the more even power delivery produces noticeably better results.

4. Confirm whether a grill function or convection capability is needed: a convection microwave replaces a benchtop oven for smaller kitchens.

5. For built-in models, confirm cabinet opening dimensions and ventilation clearance before committing.

6. Compare current sales across Panasonic, LG, Samsung, Sharp, Breville and Smeg.

7. Confirm delivery at checkout.

8. Add to cart or reserve in-store for collection at your nearest The Good Guys.

Frequently asked questions