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A microwave works by using electromagnetic waves (microwaves) to excite water molecules in food, which then generates heat for reheating, cooking, defrosting and boiling water. It is such a convenient kitchen appliance that every household is likely to have one.
With a microwave oven, you can reheat food and eat it again in just one minute. Not just reheating, my roommate has also previously taught me how to use a microwave to cook poached eggs and instant noodles.
Safety Standards for Microwave Ovens in Singapore In Singapore, microwave ovens are classified as “Controlled Goods” under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations (CPSR). This means they must meet specific safety standards before being sold. The key safety requirement is that the product must be tested and certified to be compliant with the relevant safety standards, and then be affixed with the SAFETY Mark.
This mark consists of a logo and the words “SAFETY MARK” alongside a unique 8-digit registration number. For appliances with a 3-pin plug, both the appliance and the plug must have the SAFETY Mark. Important safety measures aside, here are the 10 best microwave ovens for your house now:
| Microwave Ovens | Price |
|---|---|
| Cornell 20L Digital Microwave Oven | $94.90 |
| Panasonic 24L Microwave with Grill | $142 |
| LG 25L NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave Oven | $291 |
| SHARP 20L Microwave Oven | $114 |
| Russell Taylors 20L Retro Microwave Oven | $89.99 |
| Samsung 30L Solo Microwave Oven | $223 |
| Midea 25L Microwave Oven | $759 |
| Electrolux 30L Microwave Oven | $438 |
| Mayer 20L Microwave Oven | $99 |
| PowerPac 20L Microwave Oven | $79.90 |
Cornell 20L Digital Microwave Oven CMWE2700DS, $94.90
The Cornell CMWE2700DS is a kitchen countertop microwave oven that comes with a digital LED display and quick touch buttons for easy use. It is quite a standard microwave oven that comes with a rotating plate for even heating and 6 preset menu buttons.
The microwave comes in 2 colours - black and white, and many reviews mentioned that it is compact and doesn’t take up much space on the tabletop. It also has a see-through window and a push button to open the microwave door.
However, the rotating plate is only 25.5cm in diameter which may not allow you to place a large dish plate or cook bigger amounts of food such as a large pizza. If you have a small family or only use the microwave for light reheating and cooking, this may be an affordable purchase.
Reviews: Compact size, easy to use, the entire microwave can get very hot when in use.
Cornell 20L Digital Microwave Oven CMWE2700DS can be purchased from Shopee.
Panasonic 24L Microwave with Grill function NN-GT35NBYPQ, $142
The Panasonic NN‑GT35NBYPQ is a 24 litre microwave with a grill function, making it ideal medium to large sized families who enjoy cooking, crisping and grilling alongside the standard microwave functions.
The microwave power comes in five levels (100 - 900W) while the grill settings has 2 levels - 1,000W and 700W via quartz heating rods. Besides the different heating levels, there are 14 preset auto menus for common dishes that are adjustable with touch buttons.
However, the microwave does not make use of inverter technology which means that heating may be less even compared to inverter models. There are also no convection oven modes which means that baking is not possible.
Reviews: Effective in heating, basic functions are easy to navigate, not as durable as old Panasonic models.
The Panasonic 24L Microwave with Grill function NN-GT35NBYPQ can be purchased from Amazon.
LG 25L NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave Oven MH6565DIS, $291
A premium grill combo microwave oven, the LG MH6565DIS offers both grill and microwave functions using Smart Inverter Technology that ensures even heating and defrosting, as well as faster cooking.
The difference between this model and other grill combination microwaves would be the various LG technologies used in the microwave. The LG Smart Inverter Technology adjusts power continuously for precise cooking, eliminating cold spots and overcooking on the edges of your food. With the Smart Inverter Technology, you are also getting 1.5 times faster cooking time at 1200W of power.
In terms of maintenance and cleaning, the LG microwave is lined with their own EasyClean Interior which is a smooth and anti-bacterial coating that resists stains, and any mess can be wiped off easily with a normal damp cloth. If you are a heavy microwave user and enjoy having a multipurpose appliance for convenient reheating and grilling, LG might be worth the investment.
Reviews: Heats up food very quickly, spacious capacity, quick to defrost.
The LG 25L NeoChef Smart Inverter Microwave Oven MH6565DIS can be purchased from Lazada.
SHARP 20L Microwave Oven R-22A0(SM)V, $114
With more than 2.4K units sold on Lazada, the SHARP 20L microwave has earned more than 500 reviews with the majority complimenting on the sleek design, compact size for smaller kitchens and ease of use.
The microwave’s capacity and size is similar to the Cornell 20L model, with a 25.5cm glass turntable and 800W output across 11 power levels. In terms of functions and controls, the SHARP microwave has 8 preset menus including cook and defrost, controlled using touch buttons.
The most unique feature would be the mirror front door that allows you to look through while it is cooking and looks like a mirror while it is not in operation. It is a no-frills microwave from a reputable brand but it seems that the size might be something that you would want to pay attention to as every review seems to comment on the compact size. One of the reviews mentioned that the actual dimension is smaller than the listed measurements on the website. If you are looking for a microwave that takes up less space on the countertop, this model would be the right fit.
Reviews: Compact and small, sleek design, requires frequent wiping as it leaves obvious fingerprint marks.
The SHARP 20L Microwave Oven R-22A0(SM)V can be purchased from Lazada.
Russell Taylors 20L Retro Microwave Oven M2, $89.99
If you prefer an appliance that fits the aesthetic of your home interior while still practical enough for daily use, the Russell Taylors Retro Microwave Oven may be the perfect addition to your kitchen. It has a vintage retro design with rounded edges and trendy colours like cream or pastel blue. Instead of a push button door opening, the microwave can be opened with a door handle that is similar to convection oven door openings.
For its usability, there are 12 preset settings that include quick defrosting, 5 adjustable levels of power and a 1-60 minutes timer. It has a rotating turntable that is removable, making it easier to clean and maintain.
In general, the functions of the Russell Taylors microwave is pretty much similar to the other standard microwave ovens. The biggest selling point would be its design, so if you are a fan of retro design appliances, this would be one to get.
Reviews: Good retro design, compact size, easy to use.
The Russell Taylors 20L Retro Microwave Oven M2 can be purchased from Shopee.
Samsung 30L Solo Microwave Oven MS30T5018AK/SP, $223
A large capacity microwave, the Samsung 30L Solo Microwave Oven is suitable for bigger families or those who need extra capacity to heat larger meals. The oven is powered by 900W which provides faster and more efficient heating compared to lower-powered microwaves.
Some features include a touch control panel with a digital display, 10 power levels that are adjustable for cooking of various foods, and 6 auto preset functions. Even though the microwave lacks inverter or grill technology, it has a Home Dessert function that allows you to make brownies or puddings without the long waiting time that would be required if you use a regular oven.
Other unique Samsung features would be the CERAMIC INSIDE™ that is resistant to discolouration and scratches and easy to keep clean, and the Triple Distribution System that distributes microwaves in 3 directions so they reach every corner and ensure that your food is cooked thoroughly and evenly.
Reviews: Big size, modern design, can be complicated to use for older people.
The Samsung 30L Solo Microwave Oven MS30T5018AK/SP can be purchased from Lazada.
Midea 25L Microwave Oven MMO25XHA, $759
More than just a microwave oven, the Midea MMO25XHA is an all-in-one cooker that can grill, air fry, bake and even steam. It is also a smart microwave that can be connected to the SmartHome app and controlled remotely on your phone.
Forget the 6 to 10 auto preset menus, this microwave offers up to 52 preset menus and 5 self-cleaning modes including deodorization to remove odour, and cavity cleaning to ensure longevity of the appliance.
The microwave oven looks just like a convection oven with a door handle, and has a capacity of 25L, making it large enough to cook bigger portions without taking up too much physical space in the kitchen. Even though the price is on the higher side, considering that you don’t have to buy a separate griller, oven, steamer and air fryer, this microwave could in fact save you more money.
Reviews: Food tastes healthier, value-for-money, able to steam fish quite well.
The Midea 25L Microwave Oven MMO25XHA can be purchased from Shopee.
Electrolux 30L Microwave Oven EMC30D22BM, $438
The Electrolux EMC30D22BM is a multipurpose microwave oven that serves as an air fryer as well as convection oven. It comes with a rotating glass turntable and grill racks and trays that allows you to fry, grill, roast, bake and reheat your food.
Some features include 32 preset menus, low temperature modes to allow fermenting, slow cooking and dehydrating, and an inverter technology to ensure even and consistent heating. The interior also has a built-in deodorizer to eliminate remaining food odour.
Besides having touch buttons for easy operation, the microwave oven has a child-lock function to enhance safety and peace of mind while preparing food at home. There are not many reviews on the functionality of the oven but from the images uploaded by real users, I have to say the oven’s design is a very sleek addition to the kitchen.
Reviews: versatile microwave cum air fryer, oven door is quite heavy, good capacity.
The Electrolux 30L Microwave Oven EMC30D22BM can be purchased from Gain City.
Mayer 20L Microwave Oven MMMW207, $99
A recommendation below $100, the Mayer MMMW207 is a basic solo microwave oven that has a comprehensive range of functions while remaining budget-friendly. It is suitable for smaller families or those with simple food heating needs.
The microwave has 6 selectable power levels with a defrost by weight function which allows you to quickly defrost food up to 1kg. It has a 30 minute timer that is controlled by a manual turn knob. Design-wise, the door is see-through and opened with a push button - pretty much the standard microwave oven.
The Mayer brand is known for their air fryer and based on the reviews, it seems that most users of the microwave oven are pretty happy with their purchases, citing that the microwave is value-for-money and works well for daily use.
Reviews: Functional, too small to cook a whole chicken, easy to operate.
The Mayer 20L Microwave Oven MMMW207 can be purchased from HipVan.
PowerPac 20L Microwave Oven PPT720, $79.90
The PowerPac PPT720 is probably one of the cheapest microwave ovens you can find in Singapore. It is a user-friendly microwave oven that is extremely simple to use even for elderly and helpers.
The microwave has 6 power settings ranging from low to high and also a defrost function. The temperature and timer are on separate control knobs which means that you can keep to one heat level and adjust only the time that you want the food to be cooked for.
Although it seems to lack sophistication in functions, the microwave will be very handy for all family members including children.
Reviews: Basic but efficient, simple to use, convenient.
The PowerPac 20L Microwave Oven PPT720 can be purchased from their website.
4 Things to look out for when buying a Microwave Oven
Types of Microwave
Apart from the standard microwave ovens, there are different types of microwaves ovens such as combination with grill or air fryer functions, smart microwaves and built-in microwaves that integrate with your kitchen shelves or drawers. Choose a microwave based on how and where you will use it.
Size & Capacity
Before purchasing, plan where you will place the microwave and take measurements. Counter check the physical size of the microwave to ensure that it fits, with allowance for door opening and wiring.
Besides physical size, look out for the capacity. Microwave capacity is usually measured in litres.
- Small: around 20-23L, suitable for small families or minimal usage
- Medium: around 23-25L, suitable for families of 4 to 5
- Large: 25-35L, usually hybrid ovens with baking or roasting functions
Functions and Features
Look out for functions of the microwave including the types of presets. The most common would be settings for defrosting and reheating. Some microwaves come with smart functions that have sensor or automatic detection, and have the ability to integrate with WiFi or smart homes.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The design of the microwave affects its usability. One area to look out for would be the control panel - buttons, knobs and touchpads are the most common types. The second would be the door and lighting. See-through doors and interior lighting would help you to know the progress of the cooking without opening the microwave oven. Lastly, the interior usually comes in either a rotating turntable or a flatbed which is similar to an oven baking tray. A turntable tends to ensure even heating but has a smaller capacity than a flat tray.