The best microwaves to update your kitchen and improve your leftovers

These days time is of the essence, and we don't have enough of it to spend slaving away over a hot stove. For a quick and easy hot meal, a lot entrust their microwave.

When it comes to choosing the one right for your household it can be hard to separate the best from the rest, so we've done the leg work for you. Enjoy our round-up of the most helpful microwaves across a range of budgets for any kitchen countertop.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Whirlpool 29L 6th Sense Crisp and Grill Microwave

Get it here for $519.99

This microwave from Whirlpool uses '6th Sense Technology' to detect the weight of the food and adjust the power and time needed to prevent over or under-cooking.

Panasonic 32L Inverter Sensor Microwave

Now $249

No matter what you're cooking, the Panasonic Inverter Sensor Microwave is here to help. Currently discounted by $100, this microwave is built with 19 preset menus and it also has a dedicated defrosting function that evenly distributes the heat throughout the food to avoid cold spots. 

Samsung 40L Sensor Microwave

Buy it here for $230

Extremely intuitive to your cooking needs, the Samsung Sensor Microwave uses SmartSensor technology to detect the humidity levels of the food and automatically adjust the cooking time and power needed to cook it. It is also built with a ceramic enamel interior that is scratchproof, easy to wipe down, and reduces the growth of bacteria within the appliance.

LG NeoChef 42L Smart Inverter Microwave

On sale for $299

Built with a hexagonal turntable, the LG NeoChef Microwave prevents spills or slips as your food heats up. It also prevents the growth of bacteria by up to 99.99 per cent with its Anti-Bacterial EasyClean coating. Buy yours today on Amazon for 21 per cent off.

Russell Hobbs 34L Microwave 

Get it here for $210

This Russell Hobbs microwave has 10 power levels and six pre-set auto-cook menus for foods like frozen vegetables, potatoes and popcorn – it can even warm up your plate before serving.

Panasonic 44L Cyclonic Inverter Microwave

Available here for $426

This microwave has a unique built-in sensor that measures the steam and moisture in your food and adjusts the power and time needed to evenly heat up your meal. This is helped by its cyclonic inverter design that moves the heat around the appliance. The Panasonic Cyclonic Inverter Microwave also has an easy-to-use touch panel and can fit a variety of sizes of dishes.

Breville 34L The Quick Touch Microwave

Here for $649

When using The Quick Touch Microwave from Breville, you are in complete control thanks to the manual power dial that can be precisely set and adjusted depending on what you're cooking and how much heat it needs. On the inside of the door is the 'shortcut panel' which has a series of buttons for foods that are commonly cooked in the microwave like popping popcorn, melting or softening butter and/or chocolate.

Panasonic 27L Space Saving 3-in-1 Convection Microwave

On Amazon for $499

Who needs an oven when you have a microwave that can do it all? The Panasonic Space Saving Convection Microwave combines microwave power with the heat and energy produced by a convection oven that heats, roasts, grills and bakes in one appliance. You are also able to set the exact temperature ranging from 100 to 220 degrees Celsius.

Whirlpool 30L Extra-Space Flatbed Crisp and Grill Microwave

Here for $359.10

Using the Whirlpool Extra-Space Flatbed Microwave, you will be able to choose from 22 recipe preset options and make your meals crispy and brown similar to your oven, but quicker thanks to its microwave and grill combination.

Comfee 20L Microwave

Buy today for $139.85

This stylish and retro-looking microwave has eight settings for pasta, soups, pizza, potatoes, vegetables, fish, meat and reheating. It also has an eco setting to save power and a built-in 24-hour timer. You can get yours today in red, cream or pastel green.

Panasonic 20L Compact Microwave

On sale now for $179

Great for a smaller kitchen, the Panasonic Compact Microwave measures just 13cm x 17.4cm x 10.1cm. It has five power levels, nine auto menu functions and is currently on sale on Amazon for 10 per cent off.

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