Microwave ovens are a fast, convenient way to cook, reheat and prepare meals at home. From basic microwaves to versatile convection models and compact ovens, there’s a wide range to choose from. Find one that suits your cooking needs and kitchen space with our reviews and buying guide.

Buy the best microwave oven for your kitchen
Looking to upgrade your kitchen with a microwave oven? Whether you want fast reheating, versatile cooking, or a compact alternative to a full oven, our reviews will help you find the best one. Compare price, performance, brands and more.
Best microwave ovens of 2026
Whether you’re after a basic microwave to reheat meals and defrost, a versatile microwave oven that bakes and grills or a flatbed microwave that’s easier to clean, our expert picks will help you buy the best microwave oven for your needs in New Zealand.

Top-performing microwaves

Best convection microwave

Best flatbed microwave

Best-value microwave
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What you need to know before buying a microwave oven
Choosing the right microwave or benchtop oven depends on how you cook, your space and the features you actually need.
Our buying guide covers:
Types of microwaves and benchtop ovens
Size and capacity considerations
Key cooking functions
Features that improve usability and safety.
More on microwaves
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We ask thousands of Consumer members about their products to find out which brands are most reliable and satisfying to own. The results are available to members and Digital Pass holders.
Complete your kitchen setup
Find quality rangehoods, fridges, dishwashers and other appliances to enhance your kitchen with our test results.
How we test microwave ovens

We conduct real cooking tasks to see how appliances perform in everyday use.
Our testing evaluates:
Heating evenness and cooking performance
Defrosting ability
Ease of use and controls
Cleaning and maintenance
Read more about how we test microwaves below.










