About Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Microwave Ovens Award
Canstar's Most Satisfied Customers Microwave Ovens Award reveals the microwave brand that delivers the best consumer satisfaction to its customers.
We ask Kiwi microwave owners to rate their satisfaction with their choice of microwave brand by Overall Satisfaction, as well as important criteria such as Design, Features & Functionality, Performance and Value for Money.
Numbers crunched by Canstar’s researchers:
- 782 Customers Surveyed
- 18 Brands Assessed
- 7 Brands Shortlisted
- 1 Award Winner
The best microwave oven brands in NZ
The brands rated are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.
Anko
Anko lives up to its reputation as a budget-friendly brand by earning a 5-Star rating for Value for Money – and is the only top rating in the value category on our awards table.
However, Anko also earns a further three 5-Star ratings, for Overall Satisfaction, Ease of Use and Design, beating far more expensive microwave brands for top place and this year's award title.
Kmart's home brand Anko is known for its affordable products. It has five microwaves in its range, each at a low price point. Its smallest and cheapest model is 20L and costs $69, while its largest oven, 34L, costs $169. Features include: 6-10 auto-cook settings and child locks.
Breville
Founded in Sydney in 1932, Breville is an iconic brand that sells kitchen products in over 70 countries. It retails a range of microwave ovens: smaller cheaper units, between 23L and 4L, and a top-of-the-range 3-in-1 model that has air-fryer and convection oven features, in addition to microwave cooking.
Sharp
Sharp is a Japanese electronics company that was founded in 1912 and arrived in New Zealand 1968. It sells the widest range of microwave ovens of the brands on our list, which can be split into three categories: standard microwaves, grill ovens, and convection microwave ovens. Most of the brand's microwaves are mid-sized, perfect for small families. Sharp also manufactures compact microwave ovens, for those who are really short on space.
Panasonic
Panasonic is a Japanese electronics company that arrived in New Zealand in 1998. Since then it has become a trusted provider of household appliances and electronics for Kiwis across the nation.
The brand's extensive selection of microwave ovens ranges from 20L up to 44L, meaning it has something for every kitchen. Panasonic also retails a range of combination microwave-convection ovens.
Samsung
Samsung is known for its high-tech and innovative products, and its microwave ovens are no different. There are six models to choose from, ranging from 23L-40L, which feature innovations such as humidity sensors, home dessert settings and easy-clean ceramic insides.
Living & Co
Distributed by The Warehouse, Living & Co offers a range of affordable appliances and homewares, including ten microwave ovens that range in size from 20L-42L, which cost between $69 and $189.
Other microwave oven brands
Not all brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here's another brand to check out before making a purchase decision.
- Fisher & Paykel
- LG
Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel doesn't sell standalone microwave ovens, instead it retails a comprehensive range of built-in combination ovens with microwaving capabilities. As can be expected, these options are far more expensive than standard microwave ovens, and most cost a few thousand dollars.
LG
Established in 1958, LG has become a leader of the digital era, thanks to its technological expertise in manufacturing home appliances.
The brand sells seven microwave ovens in New Zealand, ranging from 23L to 42L. Each appliance has a sleek and minimalistic design, with easy-touch controls and a tempered glass door. To fight against germs, LG microwave ovens also feature interior anti-bacterial coatings.
Choosing the right microwave oven for you
A microwave oven is a household workhorse that in most homes is used multiple times a day. Indeed, 58% of respondents in our survey say that they use their microwave ovens every day.
And although well over half of Kiwis (56%) in our award survey say they use their microwaves only for reheating and defrosting, the most important factor about their choice of microwave is its Features & Functionality.
But cost is still important. Does a $800 microwave oven really reheat yesterday's leftovers any better than a $80 model? Value for Money rates second on our list of main concerns when it comes to microwave oven satisfaction.
Overall, here's how the consumers in our survey rank the main things they consider when rating their microwave oven choices:
- Features & Functionality: 40%
- Performance: 19%
- Value for Money: 25%
- Ease of Use: 9%
- Design: 6%
How to clean a microwave oven
Don’t be intimidated by any built-up grime, cleaning a microwave oven is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a microwave oven:
What you’ll need
- Microwave-safe container
- Water
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Dish soap or a mild cleaning solution
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Microwave-safe lid or plate
Steps
1. Unplug the microwave
Before cleaning, make sure the microwave is unplugged or disconnected from the power source to ensure safety.
2. Remove loose debris
Use a damp cloth to remove any loose debris, such as food particles or crumbs, from the microwave.
3. Create a cleaning solution
In a microwave-safe container, mix equal parts water and white vinegar (or use lemon juice as an alternative). You can also add a few drops of dish soap or a mild cleaning solution to the mixture.
4. Microwave cleaning solution
Place the bowl with the cleaning solution in the microwave. Microwave the solution on high for 3-5 minutes or until it boils and creates steam. The steam will help loosen food residue and stains inside the microwave.
5. Let it sit
Keep the microwave closed for a few minutes to allow the steam to work its magic in softening dried-on food.
6. Wipe down the interior
Carefully open the microwave and remove the bowl with the cleaning solution (use oven mitts, as it will be hot).
Using a soft cloth or sponge, wipe down the interior of the microwave. Pay extra attention to areas with stains or splatters. For stubborn stains, you can dip the cloth or sponge in the cleaning solution to help remove them.
7. Clean the turntable and racks
Remove the turntable (glass dish) and any removable racks or shelves from the microwave. Wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
8. Clean the door
Wipe down the microwave door, including the frame and the inside of the glass with a damp cloth.
9. Exterior cleaning
Wipe down the exterior of the microwave, including the control panel and the handle. Use a separate, clean cloth and a mild cleaning solution or a mixture of water and vinegar.
10. Reassemble
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the microwave by putting the racks and turntable back inside.
11. Plug it in
Plug the microwave back in to the wall socket and turn it on.
