Kmart’s $85 Anko microwave vs Smeg’s $490 model: Experts at CHOICE put microwave brands to the test
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Kmart’s $85 Anko microwave vs Smeg’s $490 model: Experts at CHOICE put microwave brands to the test
Are you having a hard time deciding which microwave to buy? Don’t worry, consumer experts at CHOICE have tested 46 models of microwaves, comparing the cheapest and highest-end models, and everything in between.
The experts tested and ranked models based on reheating, defrosting, noise, ease of use and cleaning.
The first models that were tested were Kmart’s $85 Anko 25L microwave and Smeg’s $490 variety.
CHOICE experts tested Kmart’s $85 Anko 25L microwave and Smeg’s $490 model based on reheating, defrosting, noise, ease of use and cleaning. Credit: CHOICE.
The experts found out that Kmart’s 900-watt microwave performed better in terms of overall performance and ease of use compared to its high-end rival, noting that although both models are good at defrosting frozen food and cooking vegetables, the Anko 25L microwave performed “very good at evenly reheating food” compared to Smeg’s $490 model which left their meal “cold in the middle”.
“The Smeg is also a pain to clean, with lots of small holes inside the machine that can accumulate dirt, and it’s surprisingly loud, with a noisy fan and noticeable vibration,” the experts added.
However, the experts also said that Smeg offers more features compared to Kmart’s $85 model, including the ability to adjust the timer during cooking and a grill function.
The experts also tested a $299 Panasonic microwave and a $1,299 Miele model. Credit: CHOICE.
In another test, the experts examined a $299 Panasonic microwave and a $1,299 Miele model.
It was concluded that the two models work just as well as each other despite the huge price difference.
The experts said: “The Panasonic takes the cake when it comes to reheating leftovers. But the Miele is a bit better at defrosting a whole chicken and received a perfect score for cooking vegetables.”
Additionally, they also found that the 1000-watt Panasonic microwave offered more features than the 900-watt Miele model, noting that the budget brand offers a delayed start function, multi-stage cooking option, and auto reheat programs.
CHOICE experts said: “But considering you could buy the Panasonic several times over plus a benchtop grill and still have spare change from the Miele’s $1299 price tag, it’s probably not worth it."
However, the experts had negative comments on the practicality of both models, noting that both machines were “confusing” to use, 'tricky' to clean, and both featured 'loud' fans.
Do you know any other good microwave brands? Or want to name and shame any bad ones? Share them with us in the comments below so other members can check them out too!
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