A microwave is an essential kitchen appliance in every household. From reheating leftovers to cooking, baking, roasting and grilling, you can prepare all kinds of quick meals with it.
Microwave ovens cook faster than conventional ovens/toaster ovens as they directly heat up the food molecule through microwave (radiation). So, it saves your time and reduces your electricity bill.
What Are The Best Microwave Ovens?
The microwave oven is known for reheating food quickly and easily. You might be surprised to learn that most microwave ovens come from the same company and factory, Midea. Microwaves from different brands may look different on the outside, but the core components are largely the same.
Therefore, when choosing which is the best option for you, you may want to ignore the brand and put more consideration on the size, design, controls, inverter, and additional functions.
For example, If you have little counter space, you don’t want to have a microwave that is too large. If your family is large, you don’t want a microwave that is too small.
Ultimately, most microwaves will be able to reheat food without much trouble.
Here are my picks for the best microwave ovens in Malaysia.
- Best Overall Microwave: Sharp Microwave Oven R207EK
- Best-Selling Affordable Microwave: Haier HMD-MY720
- Best Inverter Microwave Oven: Panasonic Microwave NN-ST25JBMPQ
- Best Large Microwave For Baking: Sharp R954AST Convection Microwave Oven
- Best High-end Microwave Oven: Samsung Microwave MC35R8088LC
- Best Microwave Under RM1,000: Electrolux EMS3087X
- Best Cheap Microwave Under RM200: Midea MM720CXM 20L Microwave
- Best Built-in Microwave With Grill: Electrolux EMS2540X
- Best Smart Microwave Oven: Xiaomi Smart Microwave
1. Sharp Microwave Oven R207EK
Best Overall Microwave Oven
Sharp Microwave Oven R207EK Features Highlight:
- Capacity – 20L
- Energy Saving Function
- 6 auto menus
- Good for steaming
Sharp Microwave Oven R207EK’s Positive Review:
Very nice little microwave with good features. Received next day after order. Seller is very responsive and helpful. A good purchase.
Sharp Microwave Oven R207EK’s Negative Review:
Microwave dented and calar sikit
Sharp has always been a household name when it comes to kitchen appliances in Malaysia. As such, it is not surprising that the Sharp R207EK is our best overall countertop microwave as it combines all the necessary parameters that we’re looking for in this one nice package – power, capacity, convenience and ease to use.
Standing at 440 x 259 x 359mm, this has a modern and sleek appeal. It sports a decent capacity at 20L with a 255mm glass turntable that rotates automatically when cooking.
Check out the unboxing video of Sharp Microwave Oven R207K
It is particularly great for newbies since it comes with plenty of built-in cooking programmes. It has 6 auto menus: steam dumpling, steam fish, steam rice, steam vegetables, reheat and dinner plate. It also has an auto defrost and time defrost function for quick and easy food defrost. It can certainly help you to prepare most of the dishes you like.
All buttons on the Sharp R207EK microwave come with Chinese and English labels which are very thoughtful. Also, having the child lock feature certainly gives you peace of mind when using this microwave.
If you are using it for a big family, you may want to consider Sharp Microwave Oven R357EK, which is 25litres in size and has a sleek mirror-finish glass door.
Sharp Microwave Oven R207EK and R375K come with a 1-year local manufacturer warranty.
2. Haier HMD-MY720
Best-Selling Affordable Microwave
Haier HMD-MY720 Features Highlight:
- Capacity – 20L
- 650-700W
- Black colour
- Five microwave power
- Defrost up to 1kg
- Maximum timer 30 minutes.
Haier HMD-MY720’s Positive Review:
Memang terbaikkk..berbaloi beli…murah sgt kot…tpi quality padu. Mana nak jumpa microwave bawah 2ratus dgn size besaq jgk la
Haier HMD-MY720’s Negative Review:
Packaging tak secure, no bubble wrap at all (eventho ive told them im willing to pay more for the bubblewrap), just ada sticker fragile
Haier HMD-MY720 is an ideal choice for under RM200 if you are looking for black microwaves that are affordable. It has over 2300 positive ratings on Shopee with an average rating of 4.9 stars.
This is a basic microwave with five heat settings: low, medium, medium high, and high. You can set a maximum of 30 minutes on the timer.
This Haier microwave can defrost frozen food up to 1 kg.
If you are really interested in buying this microwave, you should get it from Lazada seller which provides full bubble wrap delivery. The top seller on Shopee has plenty of negative reviews regarding its poor packaging, which led to damaged products.
3. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-ST25JBMPQ
Best Inverter Microwave Oven
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-ST25JBMPQ Features Highlight:
- Capacity – 20L
- Black mask door screen
- 9 auto cooking menus
- Quick 30 function
- 5 power levels for various cooking needs
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-ST25JBMPQ’s Positive Review:
Harga yang berpatutan!!! Microwave pun takde masalah. Boleh diguna dengan mudah. Mudah untuk faham dia punya instructions tu
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-ST25JBMPQ’s Negative Review:
-Nil-
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-ST25JBMPQ is the best inverter microwave oven. Measuring at 443 x 330 x 258mm, this unit gives you 20L capacity and sports a classic all-black finishing that exudes an elegant contemporary feel.
Inverter microwave able to heat food faster and more evenly thanks to inverter technology.
This is a no-nonsense microwave that gives you 9 auto cooking menus and you’ll be able to whip up any dish you wish:
- auto defrost & select based on size
- auto reheat & select meal or beverage
- auto-cook & select type of food whether vegetables or meat
The auto cooking mode allows you to cook based on the weight, thus ensuring even cooking throughout without overcooking too. Also, there’s a Quick 30 mode that lets you do fast and easy 30s seconds meal reheat.
The NN-ST25JBMPQ allows you to choose among 5 power levels for your cooking – High 800W, Medium 700W, Low 360W, Defrost 270W, and Warm 200W. Ultimately, you can cook healthy and delicious food with this Panasonic Microwave Oven.
Panasonic also provides a child lock so you can rest assured using this microwave without any worries at all.
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-ST25JBMPQ comes with a 1-year local manufacturer warranty.
4. Sharp R954AST Convection Microwave Oven
Best Large Microwave For Baking
Sharp R954AST Convection Microwave Oven Features Highlight:
- Capacity – 42L (larger)
- 10 auto menus
- Several power levels
- Energy saving mode
- Stainless-steel exterior
- Great for baking
Sharp R954AST Convection Microwave Oven’s Positive Review:
I love it. So big and convenient to use. I bake burnt cheese cake and honey comb cake. Also l used to heat food and grill chicken wings. Reasonable price and fast delivery.
Sharp R954AST Convection Microwave Oven’s Negative Review:
The microwave failed after less than 3 minutes of use. It is bad…and now I need to take it for warranty service!!!
Sharp R954AST is a great convection microwave oven from Sharp if you have to prepare meals for a large family.
The Sharp R954AST Convection Microwave Oven certainly lives up to its name for being the best large microwave for baking.
It has a large build at 553 x 326 x 550mm and sports a stainless-steel exterior which definitely looks top-notch! This microwave gives you 42L capacity and comes with a 345mm glass turntable inside.
This model shines in its 10 auto menus which include time and auto defrost functions, also 1000W and 1400W infrared grill functions along with 2800W convection baking mode. There’s a simple-to-use dial knob that allows you to control the time to suit your various cooking needs.
With its large capacity and convection mode, this microwave oven is great for grilling chicken, baking cake, bread, and making pizza that is impossible to do in a standard microwave oven.
Energy-saving modes are certainly useful when it comes to reducing your electricity bill. To prevent any unwanted accidents, a child lock feature has been included too.
This model does come with a price tag of RM850+, but given its many features and larger build, it is definitely worth considering.
Sharp R954AST comes with a 1-year local manufacturer warranty.
5. Samsung Microwave MC35R8088LC
Best High-end Microwave Oven
Samsung Microwave MC35R8088LC Features Highlight:
- Capacity – 35L
- Auto menus – bake, steam, grill, roast, air fry, microwave, dehydrate, ferment
- HotBlast technology
- Newly designed Crusty Plate
- PowerGrill Duo technology
- Durable Ceramic Enamel coating for the interior
Samsung Microwave MC35R8088LC’s Positive Review:
Received in good condition! The oven is really heavy, a girl cannot carry it alone. But the quality is really good. Try grilled chicken last night and it was tasty.
Samsung Microwave MC35R8088LC’s Negative Review:
-Nil-
If you have a comfortable budget and are the type who cooks very often, you can look into this Samsung Microwave MC35R8088LC. It is our best high-end pick.
This Samsung Microwave Oven has a glossy full-glass front panel, making it a stunning-looking addition to any kitchen. The interior of the microwave is fully coated with Ceramic Enamel coating which is durable and easy to clean.
With dimensions of 528x404x481, it has a 35-litre capacity and definitely shines for its convection capabilities. It has a large 380mm turntable that allows you to cook evenly and nicely.
This Samsung microwave comes with the Hot Blast technology which uses a big and powerful fan that enhances the air circulation for better cooking results.
There’s really no limit to what you can do with this Samsung microwave – bake, steam, grill, roast, air fry, microwave, dehydrate and even ferment. It is an all-in-one microwave which can replace an air fryer and convection oven.
There are also many accessories included in the box, including a wire rack, Crusty Plate and Pro Steamer. The newly designed Crusty Plate is specially designed to drain oil easily, so that excess oil will flow to the side of the plate and keep your food free of oil.
With the three-layered stainless steel Pro Steamer, it is great for preventing the food from drying out. So, the food can remain juicy and tasty.
Despite the Samsung Microwave MC35R8088LC costing more than RM1300+, you actually get a pretty good deal since you don’t need to buy a separate air fryer and oven. The price isn’t very high if you consider the extra savings in terms of kitchen space and money. It comes with a 1-year local manufacturer warranty.
6. Electrolux EMS3087X Microwave Convection Oven
Best Microwave Under RM1,000
Electrolux EMS3087X Features Highlight:
- 30L capacity
- Auto cook programs – defrost, grill, bake and steam
- Good for medium-sized families
- IQ Touch panel
Electrolux EMS3087X’s Positive Review:
Excellent 4 in 1 microwave Pros – easy to use, practical touchpad and dial, effective, minimalist yet stylish, good finishing. Cons – yet to discover
Electrolux EMS3087X’s Negative Review:
Very even heating of convection baking function. However the steam bowl is not effective. The steam outlets are too few to create enough steam for the steaming function. Good for small quantities of baking and cooking. Easy to use.
Hailing from Electrolux, this Electrolux EMS3087X combo microwave convection oven allows you to grill, bake and steam. Measuring at 300 x 539 x 438 mm, this model has a solid 30L capacity which is great for medium-sized families.
The Electrolux EMS3087X Convection Microwaves is very versatile with multiple cooking modes including microwave, grill, combi, defrost, ferment, steam and auto mode.
You can use the included steam pot to quickly steam your food. Also, there’s an easy defrost function where you can quickly and easily defrost frozen meat and seafood.
The IQ Touch on Electrolux EMS3087X is very easy to use and practical. However, some users find it to be too minimalistic where they are clueless about the function of each of the buttons. This could be a bit challenging for the elderly.
You may want to consider the above Sharp and Panasonic’s Microwave Oven if you’re sharing the kitchen with elderly.
7. Midea MM720CXM
Best Cheap Microwave Under RM200
Midea MM720CXM Features Highlight:
- Capacity – 20L
- 35-minute timer with auto shut-off
- Affordable
- Best suited for singles or smaller families
Midea MM720CXM’s Positive Review:
Basic microwave but this is just what i need. Item works as intended. For such price, if can last 2 years also very good already
Midea MM720CXM’s Negative Review:
Box was not wrapped at all. No protection other than box itself. The product was dented when received
The Midea Microwave Oven MM720CXM is our budget microwave oven pick. Although this is a 20L compact microwave and has a build of 440 x 328 x 258mm, it does have a rather spacious interior.
As such, you’ll be able to fit on a large plate. It has a glass turntable which is 255mm in size.
This 700W microwave features a simple 2-knob control. One knob for temperature control and another one for time control. You have to determine your desired time and temperature on your own as there is no built-in cooking programme on this Midea Microwave.
While cooking, you’ll be able to easily view your food through the door as the interior is lit up.
Both the timer and temperature control are not digital so they may not be as accurate as you wish them to be.
All in all, the Midea MM720CXM is a decent microwave oven equipped with basic microwave features at an affordable price. It comes with a 1-year international manufacturer warranty.
8. Electrolux EMS2540X
Best Built-in Microwave With Grill
Electrolux EMS2540X Features Highlight:
- Capacity – 25L
- Various auto cook programs
- Quick defrost
- Minute Minder
Electrolux EMS2540X’s Positive Review:
Easy to use! highly recommended! It fits perfectly well to replace the existing microwave!
Electrolux EMS2540X’s Negative Review:
The electronic board is not Electrolux, it is Midea and spoils after using the microwave less than 10 times. Unfortunately this happened after 1 year, because it was installed in a new house, but the warranty expires during the renovation.
There are not many good choices for built-in microwaves in Malaysia. And most of them fetch a very high price tag, over RM2,000 and above. We find that the price of the Electrolux EMS2540X microwave is still reasonable and it comes with a grill function.
The Electrolux EMS2540X stands at 388 x 595 x 374mm and has a capacity of 25L. This model sports an elegant stainless-steel finishing that fits perfectly into any modern kitchen. Its turntable is 315mm in size.
The electronic control panel with an LED display makes it easier for you to see and operate. The microwave comes with various cooking features such as microwave, defrost, grill and combi (microwave plus grilling).
You can choose from the 5 available power levels and there’s a Minute Minder that allows you to set a time to switch off the microwave too. It also includes a child safety lock for a better level of safety.
Electrolux EMS2540X comes with a 1-year local manufacturer warranty.
9. Xiaomi Smart Microwave MWBLXE1ACM
Best Smart Countertop Microwave Oven
Xiaomi Smart Microwave MWBLXE1ACM Features Highlight:
- Capacity – 20L
- 700W microwave heating
- Flatbed microwaves
- Smartphone app control and notification
Xiaomi Smart Microwave MWBLXE1ACM’s Positive Review:
nice and working perfectly.. all in chinese wordings
Xiaomi Smart Microwave MWBLXE1ACM’s Negative Review:
-Nil-
The Xiaomi Smart Microwaves measure 600 x 430 x 400mm and feature a very sleek pure white and clean design. This is a flatbed microwave oven that has no turntable inside. It is a newer microwave technology and usually more expensive than a normal turntable microwave oven.
The Mijia microwave has a small 20L capacity. But since there is no turntable, the microwave is very spacious and easy to clean and maintain.
In a flatbed microwave, microwaves are emitted from the base of the microwave ovens and they bounce at different angles to cook food evenly. Hence, no rotation is required. Also, it is great for thawing your food quickly.
There are a total of 26 built-in cooking programmes in the Xiaomi Microwave. In particular, there are four modes for preparing baby food so that it reserves as many nutrients as possible when cooking.
The other distinct feature of this Xiaomi Microwave is its WiFi connectivity. You can control the microwave through your smartphone with the Mi Home app.
Many say the WiFi feature is useless since a microwave is meant for quick meal preparation. But the smart notification is pretty useful to notify you when the food is done.
However, there are some downsides to this Xiaomi Microwave.
One of them is that the glass panel design is very hard for users to see through so it is difficult to check the cooking condition without opening the door. And the Xiaomi microwave is only available in Chinese. So, it is not user-friendly for non-Chinese speaking users.
Xiaomi Smart Microwave is not cheap though. If you like smart home appliances, you will enjoy using them. Otherwise, you should stick with a normal microwave.
Microwave Oven FAQ
Which microwave oven brands are the best in Malaysia?
Panasonic, Sharp and Samsung are some of the best microwave oven brands in Malaysia
Is a microwave oven harmful?
No, microwaved food is not harmful. Plenty of rumours claim that microwaves cause cancer but this is not true. Microwaves heat food by vibrating the water molecule inside the food to cook it.
Do microwaves destroy nutrients in food?
No, compared to conventional heating through direct heating. Microwave heating actually uses less heat so it is the least destructive method of cooking. The study finds that for certain vegetables, microwave cooking retains the most nutrients compared to boiled and steamed.
Flatbed microwave or turntable microwave is better?
A flatbed microwave is better as it is easier to maintain and actual usable space is larger than a turntable microwave. But it is also more expensive than a turntable microwave.
Which is better inverter or non-inverter microwave oven?
Inverter microwave is better. It cooks and reheats food more evenly. It also thaws food faster than a non-inverter microwave.
The Samsung Microwave oven looks super sleek and classy. 🙂