How to Choose a Microwave Oven: Solo, Grill or Convection?
Not all microwaves are equal. The type of microwave you buy determines what you can do with it — and paying for features you'll never use is a waste. This guide helps you understand the differences and choose the right one.
Solo Microwave (Standard)
A solo microwave generates microwave energy only — it heats food by exciting water molecules inside it. It's the most common, most affordable type and handles everything most households need most of the time:
- Reheating leftovers
- Defrosting frozen food
- Cooking vegetables, fish, rice
- Warming beverages
Price range: $89–$250
Best for: Students, singles, small households, secondary microwave, tight budgets
A solo microwave won't brown or crisp food — it heats from within, so the outside of food stays pale and soft.
Microwave with Grill
A grill microwave adds a heating element (typically quartz or ceramic) that sits at the top of the cavity and grills food from above. This gives you:
- Browning and crisping that a solo microwave can't achieve
- Microwave-only, grill-only or combination mode (simultaneous microwaving and grilling)
- Useful for things like toasted sandwiches, browning cheese on pasta, crisping chicken skin
Price range: $150–$400
Best for: Households that frequently want to brown food quickly; a good middle ground
Convection Microwave
A convection microwave adds a fan and heating element to circulate hot air through the cavity, like a small oven. This makes it capable of:
- Baking cakes, bread and pastries
- Roasting meat and vegetables
- All the functions of grill and solo modes
- Acting as a secondary oven when your main oven is in use
Price range: $300–$700+
Best for: Households that want maximum versatility; small homes or apartments where it replaces a benchtop oven; households that bake regularly
What Size Do You Need?
Microwave capacity is measured in litres:
- 17–20L — Compact. Suits singles, small benchtops, reheating basics
- 23–28L — Standard. The most popular size for average households
- 30–40L+ — Large. For families, frequent cooking, large dishes
Check the cavity dimensions against your largest plate or baking dish to ensure clearance.
What Wattage?
Wattage determines how quickly the microwave cooks:
- 700–900W — Budget range. Slower heating. Suits occasional use.
- 900–1,100W — Mid-range. Faster. The most useful range for regular use.
- 1,100W+ — High performance. Heats quickly and evenly.
Key Features to Look For
- Turntable vs flatbed — Flatbed microwaves have no turntable, giving a larger usable cavity and easier cleaning
- Stainless steel interior — Easier to clean than plastic; looks better longer
- Auto cook programs — Preset programs for common foods simplify use
- Child lock — Useful if young children can reach the microwave
Buy a Microwave in Sydney
Oceania Appliances stocks solo, grill and convection microwaves across a range of sizes and price points. We offer free delivery across Sydney and a 3–6 month warranty on every appliance.
Browse our microwave range online or visit our Wetherill Park showroom. Open 7 days.
Oceania Appliances — helping Sydney households find the right microwave at the right price.