Microwave Oven Recommendations: Which One to Choose? A Review of 10 Models (With Prices + Consumer Council Evaluation)
PostedHaruko25/02/20260 Comment(s)
Microwave ovens combine "reheating + baking" in one unit, making them particularly practical for users with small kitchens in Hong Kong. In recent years, they have also added functions like steam and air fry, with one machine replacing several, making it no surprise they've become popular home appliances. However, factors like brand, capacity, power, and ease of cleaning all require consideration. You also need to pay attention to the Consumer Council's safety and performance ratings, combined with practical insights from forums like LIHKG, to truly choose a microwave oven that is both suitable and offers good value.
Budget-friendly choice. Choose the Sharp R-S20EA(B) 20L electronic countertop microwave oven to add convenience and style to your kitchen. This stylish black microwave oven boasts a powerful 800W output and 20L capacity, equipped with an intuitive electronic control panel, making it an ideal appliance for handling daily cooking needs.
Microwave + Air Fry + Oven all-in-one. The TOSHIBA MW3-SAC24SE Smart Air Fry Grill Microwave Oven features a 24L capacity, combining air fry, oven, hot air convection, and microwave functions. This model is equipped with inverter technology and IoT smart control, allowing remote operation via the TSmartLife app, providing you with an efficient and convenient cooking experience. Its durable stainless steel cavity and multi-functionality easily handle various cooking needs.
The versatile family choice. The Panasonic NN-DS59NB Inverter Steam Grill Microwave Oven features a spacious 27L capacity, integrating four functions: steam, bake, grill, and microwave. Utilizing advanced inverter technology with microwave power up to 1000W, it precisely controls heat for even cooking and energy efficiency. Whether for daily reheating, healthy steaming, or professional-level baking and roasting, the NN-DS59NB handles it with ease. It's an ideal cooking partner for modern families seeking efficiency and versatility.
4-in-1 Air Fry Microwave Steam Oven. The TOSHIBA MX2-STR25SC 25L 4-in-1 Air Fry Microwave Steam Oven perfectly combines four core functions: steam, oven, air fry, and microwave, providing a one-stop cooking solution for modern kitchens. This appliance offers a practical 25L capacity, meeting the diverse cooking needs of daily family life. It boasts excellent power output, including 2000W air fry, 1600W grill, 1500W steam, and 1000W inverter microwave, ensuring fast and even cooking. The interior features a durable 304 stainless steel cavity for easy cleaning and maintenance. With its sleek, compact design and outstanding versatility, the TOSHIBA MX2-STR25SC is an ideal choice to enhance your cooking experience.
Full-featured, affordable price. The Whirlpool MWP329TSS 8-Ace All-Round Microwave Steam Oven, model MWP329TSS, brings endless possibilities to your kitchen with its large 32L capacity and powerful 2100W output. This versatile cooking appliance uses advanced brushless inverter motor technology to ensure even heat distribution and improve cooking efficiency. Its unique cocoa brown exterior not only offers excellent functionality but also adds a touch of modern style to your home, allowing you to easily master various cooking modes like steam, bake, air fry, and microwave, effortlessly creating professional-grade dishes.
Smart and easy to use. The Bosch BEL7321B1M Serie 8 Built-in Microwave with Grill Function features a 21L capacity, 900W max microwave power, and 1.3kW grill power. This model features an innovative digital control ring and TFT touch display for intuitive and simple operation. It combines efficient microwave heating with a powerful grill function and includes 10 AutoPilot automatic cooking programs, providing a relaxed and versatile cooking experience that integrates perfectly into modern kitchen designs.
7-in-1 multifunctional cooking. The Siemens CP269AGS0K 36L Built-in 7-in-1 MicroSteam Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance from the iQ500 series, integrating seven cooking functions including microwave, steam, and oven. With a practical 36L capacity, a total power output of up to 3.2kW, and a precise heating temperature range from 35°C to 230°C, this built-in oven meets diverse cooking needs, ensuring food is cooked quickly and evenly for a convenient and efficient cooking experience.
Focus on precision cooking and comprehensive functionality. The Fisher & Paykel OM60NMTDB1 is a 60cm built-in microwave oven with a 38L usable capacity and a stylish black glass exterior. It perfectly combines the speed of a microwave with the versatility of a convection oven, offering up to 22 cooking functions, including air fry, baking, and grilling, with a microwave power of 900W. With its intuitive touch screen and food probe, the OM60NMTDB1 lets you easily cook perfect dishes every time, making it an ideal choice for the modern kitchen.
A new smart cooking experience. The Siemens CM724G1B1B is a 45L built-in microwave oven, manufactured in Germany, designed for modern kitchens. It combines the various heating modes of a traditional oven with the speed and convenience of a microwave, featuring a total connected load of 3.6kW. Equipped with Home Connect smart home functionality, you can control it remotely anytime, anywhere, enjoying a seamless cooking experience that perfectly integrates efficiency and intelligence into your kitchen.
Professional baking + microwave function. The Bosch Series 8 CMG7361B1 built-in microwave oven perfectly combines microwave and professional baking functions, designed for modern kitchens. This 45L built-in appliance, manufactured in Germany, features a 3.8" high-definition touch display and a digital control ring, allowing you to precisely control various cooking programs with just a fingertip.
5 Key Criteria for Buying a Microwave Oven
Usage Ratio: Mainly for Reheating or Mainly for Baking?
If you mostly just reheat rice, dishes, or defrost frozen meat daily, an entry-level microwave + grill model is sufficient; there's no need to pursue too many baking modes. However, if you often bake cakes, roast chicken, or make pies, you should choose a model with top/bottom heat or hot air convection. The color and texture of baked goods will be closer to those from a traditional oven.
Capacity and Dimensions
For 1-2 people, 20-23L is generally enough. For families of 3-4 or those who often entertain guests, it's recommended to choose 25-30L or more to easily fit baking trays or a whole chicken. Also, measure your countertop depth and height, and预留 space at the back for ventilation and space needed for the door to open fully, to avoid buying one and finding it doesn't fit or the door won't open completely.
Power and Heating Evenness
Inverter microwave ovens adjust output based on the food's state, making them less prone to issues like overcooked edges while the center is still cold – a bonus point for demanding users. If the unit has hot air convection or a fan assist, heat distribution during baking will be more even, which is particularly important for baking and roasting performance.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
If the interior cavity uses enamel or a non-stick coating, it's easier to wipe away grease stains. Some models support steam cleaning or high-temperature self-cleaning functions, reducing scrubbing time. The easier it is to disassemble parts like the oven door glass, tray, and baking rack, the better it is for maintaining hygiene, and it can also reduce odors and grease buildup.
Safety, Energy Efficiency, and Warranty
The Consumer Council previously tested 10 microwave ovens, and some samples did not fully meet standards in items like heat resistance, flame retardancy, or warning statements in the manual, reminding consumers to check if the product complies with IEC international safety standards. It is recommended to choose models with clear safety markings, child locks, and door lock protection mechanisms. Also, check the energy label and agent warranty period (typically 1-2 years) to save on electricity and repair costs in the long run.
How do netizens on forums evaluate microwave ovens?
The most common debate on forums is "Is it better to buy a separate oven than a microwave oven?" or "Is a 3-in-1 the most practical for a small kitchen?". Some netizens believe microwaves are only suitable for reheating, and the texture suffers with prolonged cooking, while ovens are still better for roasting and baking cakes. Others point out that modern microwave ovens now have top/bottom heat and temperature adjustment, capable of making most oven desserts and roasted meat dishes.
Taking LIHKG and parenting forums as examples, many users share that microwave ovens can bake cakes, scallops, pasta, etc., and save counter space, making them especially suitable for families that can only accommodate one unit. Some users also mention that 3-in-1 steam/microwave ovens can replace air fryers, and perform ideally for steaming rice, steaming eggs, and reheating dishes. They've found them practical even after years of use, the key being willing to spend time getting familiar with the functions and settings.
Summarizing forum opinions: if you place extreme importance on baking results or often roast large items like steak or whole chicken, you might lean towards buying a separate oven. But for most Hong Kong families, a fully-featured microwave oven can already cover 80-90% of daily cooking scenarios.
Consumer Council's Evaluation of Microwave Ovens: Which model is recommended?
Previously, the Consumer Council, in collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, tested 10 microwave ovens covering different brands and price points, scoring them on aspects like safety, heating performance, defrosting performance, power consumption, and ease of use. The test results showed that most samples were safe under normal use, but some individual models failed to fully meet standards in material heat resistance, flame retardancy, or warning statements in the manual, reminding consumers not to overlook safety specifications by only looking at price or features.
Although the test reports are from an earlier period, the Consumer Council's consistent recommendations still hold reference value: first, encourage the public to check if the product has compliant safety labels and clear usage instructions; second, when purchasing, pay attention to actual heating evenness and user interface usability, rather than just focusing on maximum full power or marketing buzzwords like "X-in-1". Looking at current models on the market, mid-priced models with more focused functions (e.g., specializing in microwave + grill or microwave + steam) often align more closely with the Council's emphasis on "safety, stability, and ease of use" in terms of actual user experience and reliability.
If you are planning to get a microwave oven in 2026, you can first target the list of brands and models mentioned above, then cross-reference the Consumer Council's previous testing principles, safety standards, and agent warranty arrangements, combined with practical reviews from forums like LIHKG. This should significantly reduce the risk of "buying the wrong appliance".
*Product prices are for reference only. Please refer to the BBE official website for actual selling prices.
About Us
BBE Appliance Professional Consultant
BBE Appliance Professional Consultant has 30 years of home appliance retail and buying advisory experience, serving over 200,000 Hong Kong households with practical tips on cooker hoods, ovens, cooktops, and home appliance selection and maintenance.
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