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Solo vs Inverter vs Convection: Every Type of Microwave Available at Bi-Rite

Not all microwaves are created equal. From basic solo models that handle everyday reheating to air fry convection units that do the job of four appliances at once, choosing the right one comes down to how you actually cook. This guide breaks down every type available at Bi-Rite, with honest pros, cons and a recommended model for each so you can stop guessing and start cooking.

Last Edited: 15/07/2026

Shopping for a microwave sounds straightforward until you are standing in front of a wall of options with no idea what half the terms mean. Inverter, convection, flatbed, combination - it is a lot to take in. This guide breaks down every type of microwave available at Bi-Rite, explains the real differences between them, and recommends a specific model for each category so you can make a confident decision.

Solo Microwaves

A solo microwave is the classic benchtop microwave most Australians grew up with. It heats and reheats food using microwave energy only - no fan, no heating element, no frills. It handles everyday tasks like warming leftovers, defrosting meat, heating soup and cooking frozen meals quickly and reliably.

Pros: affordable, simple to use, compact, widely available, low running cost

Cons: cannot brown or crisp food, not suitable for baking or roasting, limited cooking versatility

Best for: singles, couples, renters, or anyone who just needs a reliable everyday microwave without spending a lot

Recommended model: Sharp 20L 750W Microwave in White (R211DW) - $169

A no-fuss entry-level option that does exactly what it promises. It is compact, easy to operate and well priced for what you get. Available in black if you prefer a darker finish.

Inverter Microwaves

An inverter microwave looks similar to a solo microwave from the outside but works very differently on the inside. Conventional microwaves cycle power on and off to simulate lower settings, which can lead to uneven heating. An inverter model delivers a continuous, precisely controlled stream of power at whatever level you set, which results in more even cooking, better texture and improved defrosting results.

If you cook with your microwave regularly, the difference is noticeable, particularly with delicate foods like fish, vegetables and dairy-based dishes.

Pros: more even heating, better defrosting, improved texture and flavour retention, more energy efficient

Cons: costs more than a standard solo microwave

Best for: people who use their microwave daily and want consistently better results

Image of a Panasonic 32L 1100W Inverter Microwave in Stainless Steel

Panasonic has long been regarded as the benchmark for inverter microwave technology in Australia. This 32-litre model offers plenty of space for family-sized meals, 1100W of consistent power and a stainless steel finish that holds up well over time.

Flatbed Microwaves

A flatbed microwave ditches the traditional turntable and replaces it with a flat interior floor. The energy distribution comes from below rather than rotating food, which means nothing falls off a plate mid-cook and the full cavity width is usable. They are also significantly easier to clean because there is no turntable to remove and wash separately.

Pros: easier to clean, more usable space inside, no risk of dishes catching on the turntable, better suited to large or oddly shaped containers

Cons: slightly higher price than equivalent turntable models, less common in smaller capacities

Best for: households that prioritise easy cleaning, or anyone who regularly heats large dishes

Recommended model: Sharp 32L 1200W Stainless Steel Flatbed Microwave (SM327FHS) - $379

Sharp has a strong track record with flatbed technology. This 1200W model delivers even, powerful heating across the full cavity without a turntable in the way. Available in white if you prefer a lighter finish.

Convection Microwaves

A convection microwave combines standard microwave functionality with a fan and heating element, allowing it to circulate hot air like a conventional oven. This means you can bake, roast, grill and crisp food in ways a solo or inverter microwave simply cannot manage.

The real advantage is versatility. In combination mode, the microwave energy speeds up cooking while the convection heat browns and crisps the exterior, so you get oven-quality results in a fraction of the time.

Pros: bakes, roasts, grills and reheats in one appliance, faster than an oven, great for smaller kitchens, can replace a second oven

Cons: higher price point, interior gets very hot so oven gloves are essential, takes more bench space than a solo model

Best for: renters, smaller households, apartment dwellers, or anyone who wants oven functionality without a full-size appliance

Recommended model: Panasonic 27L Combination Microwave Oven (NNCD58JSQPQ) - $529

A compact and versatile combination microwave with a slimline design compared to most convection models, making it well suited to smaller kitchens. It features 29 auto cook programs, six microwave power levels, three grill power levels and a child lock. The fan is positioned at the top rather than the back, which frees up more usable space inside the cavity.

Air Fry Convection Microwaves

A relatively recent addition to the microwave category, air fry convection models take convection cooking one step further by incorporating a dedicated air fry function. This uses rapid, high-heat circulation to crisp food quickly with little to no oil, producing results similar to a standalone air fryer but within a microwave-sized appliance.

Pros: combines microwave, convection, grill and air fry in one unit, reduces the need for multiple appliances, great for crispy results

Cons: premium price, larger footprint than solo or standard convection models

Best for: people who already use an air fryer and want to consolidate appliances, or those who love crispy food without the extra bench clutter

Panasonic 34L 1000W 4-in-1 Air Fry Convection Microwave Oven Stainless Steel

Four appliances in one. This Panasonic handles microwave cooking, convection baking, grilling and air frying, making it one of the most versatile countertop cooking options on the market. The 34-litre capacity handles family-sized portions comfortably.

Built-in Microwaves

A built-in microwave is designed to be installed into cabinetry rather than sitting on a benchtop. They are generally paired with other built-in appliances for a seamless kitchen finish, and are popular in renovations and new builds where a clean, integrated look is the goal.

Pros: saves bench space, creates a sleek integrated kitchen aesthetic, looks premium

Cons: requires professional installation, higher price point, cannot be moved if you relocate

Best for: homeowners undertaking a kitchen renovation or building a new home who want a fully integrated appliance layout

Westinghouse 44L Built-in Combination Microwave Oven Dark Stainless Steel

A large-capacity built-in combination microwave with a dark stainless finish that suits contemporary kitchen designs. At 44 litres, it is suited to larger families and provides both microwave and convection functionality in an integrated format

Which Type Is Right for You?

Here is a quick summary to help you decide:

Type	Reheat	Bake / Roast	Grill / Crisp	Air Fry	Built-In	Best For	Recommended Model
Solo	Yes	No	No	No	No	Singles, couples or anyone who mainly reheats leftovers, defrosts, meat, and heat drinks.	Sharp 20L 750W (R211DW)
Inverter	Yes	No	No	No	No	People who use their microwave daily and want consistently better results. Particularly good for fish, vegetable, dairy and delicate foods that suffer from uneven heating.	Panasonic 32L 1100W (NNST69QSQPQ)
Flatbed	Yes	No	No	No	No	Anyone who does not like cleaning a microwave regularly heats large, awkward dishes that wobble or catch on a turntable.	Sharp 32L 1200W (SM327FHS)
Convection	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Renters, apartment dwellers or small households who want oven functionality without a full-size appliance. Ideal if you want to bake, roast or grill.	Panasonic 27L Combination (NNCD58JSQPQ)
Air Fry Convection	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	People who already own an air fryer and want to consolidate appliances, or anyone who loves crispy food and wants everything in one unit.	Panasonic 34L 4-in-1 (NNCD88QSQPQ)
Built-In	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Homeowners undertaking a kitchen renovation or new build who want a seamless integrated look.	Westinghouse 44L Built-in (WMB4425DSC)

If you want simple, reliable reheating at a low price - go with a solo microwave. If you cook regularly and want better results - choose an inverter model. If cleaning is a priority - a flatbed is worth the extra spend. If you want to bake, roast or grill - a convection microwave is the right call. If you want everything in one appliance - an air fry convection model gives you the most flexibility. If you are renovating your kitchen - a built-in model is worth looking into.

Still not sure? Come into your nearest Bi-Rite store and have a chat with one of our appliance specialists. We stock microwaves from Panasonic, LG, Sharp, Westinghouse, Hisense, Electrolux, Smeg and more, and we are happy to help you find the right fit for your kitchen and your budget.