Walk into any electrical retailer in Singapore and the microwave oven section can stop you in your tracks. Solo units, grill combos, convection models, steam ovens, built-in options: the choices multiply fast, and the price range stretches from under SGD 100 to well above SGD 1,500. For an appliance that sits in your kitchen every day, getting the decision right matters.

This guide walks through the four main types of microwave ovens available in Singapore, the features worth paying attention to, and how to match the right model to your household's actual cooking habits.

The 4 Types of Microwave Ovens in Singapore

Conventional Microwave Oven (Solo Microwave)

The conventional microwave oven is the most straightforward option. It uses microwave radiation to heat food from the inside out, with no grill element, no fan and no steam. What it does, it does well: reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen ingredients, warming soups and heating drinks quickly.

For a 1 to 2-person household that uses a kitchen microwave mainly for convenience rather than cooking, a conventional model is entirely sufficient. Capacity in this category typically runs from 17L to 25L, with prices starting at around SGD 100 to SGD 300. 

A reliable example of this everyday practicality is the Mayer MMMW3201D, a 20L conventional microwave designed with a compact footprint perfect for smaller countertops. Priced accessibly at SGD 119, it steps up the convenience with an intuitive LED digital display, touch controls, and a sleek see-through glass door with a one-touch push-button release.

Despite its friendly price point, it is fully equipped for daily kitchen tasks, featuring 10 power levels, 6 preset menus, a precise timer, and a quick defrost function based on either time or weight. It also includes thoughtful extras like an express one-touch cooking shortcut (up to 6 minutes), a durable 245mm borosilicate glass turntable, and a child-lock feature for added safety. It is a clean, feature-rich, no-frills option that handles daily reheating with ease.

The limitation is clear: a conventional microwave oven cannot brown, crisp, bake or roast. If those functions matter to your household, one of the types below will serve you better.

Grill Microwave Oven

A grill microwave adds a heating element to standard microwave functions, allowing it to brown and grill food in addition to reheating. It is the middle step between a solo unit and a full convection model, handling toasting, light grilling of meats and browning cheese without needing a separate appliance.

Grill microwaves suit 3 to 4-person families who want a bit more versatility in one unit without the footprint or price of a convection model. Capacity generally runs from 20L to 28L, with prices between SGD 200 and SGD 450.

Convection Microwave Oven (Combi Microwave)

A convection microwave oven combines microwave, grill and fan-assisted hot air into one unit. The result is an appliance that can reheat, grill and bake, effectively replacing a small countertop oven. For households that bake occasionally but do not have a built-in oven, this is the most versatile countertop option.

The trade-off is size and price. Convection models tend to be larger (25L to 40L) and more expensive (SGD 350 to SGD 900). The term "microwave and oven combined" is how many buyers describe this category, and it is accurate. If your household wants to roast a chicken, bake a small cake or crisp a pizza without a standalone oven, a convection microwave covers those needs.

Microwave Steam Oven

The microwave steam oven is the category that draws the most interest from Singapore households, yet receives the least coverage from most buying guides.

A microwave steam oven uses a water tank to generate steam, combining it with microwave and often convection functions. The practical benefit is significant: steaming preserves moisture, nutrients and texture in ways that conventional reheating cannot. For Singapore cooking habits, whether reheating steamed fish, warming dim sum, cooking congee or reheating rice without drying it out, a microwave steam oven is a genuine upgrade.

There are two forms on the Singapore market. The first is the countertop steam microwave, which suits those who want steam functionality without a full renovation. The second is the built-in combi steam oven, designed to integrate with kitchen cabinetry and typically offering a larger cavity with more cooking modes.

Mayer's 72L Built-In Combi Steam Oven MMSO17-RG sits firmly in this second category. It combines steam, microwave and convection functions in a 72L built-in cavity with 15 cooking functions, 32 automatic menus, a 1.2L removable water tank, a triple-glazed door, enamel cavity walls and an A+ energy rating. At SGD 1,699, it replaces both a standalone microwave and a separate steamer in a single built-in unit, which is a meaningful space-saving consideration for HDB and condo kitchens.

Countertop vs Built-In: The Installation Decision

Choosing between a countertop and a built-in kitchen microwave often comes down to whether you are in the middle of a renovation.

A countertop model is portable, requires no installation and suits renters or households not planning to change their kitchen layout. The drawback is counter space, which in Singapore's typically compact HDB kitchens is a real constraint.

A built-in microwave oven integrates flush into a kitchen cabinet column, freeing up counter space entirely and giving the kitchen a cleaner, more considered look. Most Singapore HDB and condo kitchen cabinets accommodate a 60cm wide niche. Standard built-in microwaves are designed to fit this width, though you should always confirm the exact height and depth requirements against your specific cabinet before purchasing, as these vary by model.

Mayer's 25L Built-In Microwave Oven with Grill MMWG30B-RG (SGD 799) is a 2-in-1 unit designed for built-in installation. It features a stainless steel interior, a full glass digital touch panel, an electric door release, 8 auto menus covering pizza, meat, vegetables, fish, pasta and more, and a 1,000W grill element. It fits a 560mm wide cabinet niche. For households replacing an existing built-in unit or planning a kitchen renovation, it is a practical, well-specified option at a competitive price point.

Key Features to Compare

When shortlisting any microwave oven in Singapore, these are the features worth comparing directly:

Wattage. 700W to 900W is sufficient for reheating and defrosting. For grill and convection functions, look for 1,000W and above.

Capacity. Match capacity to your household: 17 to 23L for 1 to 2 people; 23 to 30L for 3 to 4 people; 30L and above if you regularly steam, bake or cook larger dishes.

Auto menus. Preset cooking programmes reduce guesswork. Useful presets for Singapore households include rice reheating, fish, soup, congee and noodles.

Inverter technology. An inverter microwave delivers variable, continuous power rather than cycling on and off at full wattage. The result is more even reheating and gentler defrosting, worth the premium for daily use.

Interior lining. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Enamel interiors, as used in Mayer's combi steam oven, resist odours and are straightforward to wipe down after steam cooking.

Child lock. Standard on most Mayer models and worth confirming on any shortlisted unit if there are young children in the household.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a conventional microwave oven and a convection microwave?

A conventional microwave oven heats food using microwave radiation only. It cannot brown, bake or crisp. A convection microwave adds a fan and heating element, allowing it to roast and bake in addition to standard reheating.

Is a microwave steam oven worth it in Singapore?

For households that steam-cook regularly, including fish, dim sum, rice dishes and vegetables, yes. A microwave steam oven preserves nutrients and moisture that standard reheating cannot. A built-in combi steam oven also replaces the need for a separate steamer, which is a meaningful saving in a compact kitchen.

What built-in microwave size fits an HDB kitchen cabinet?

Most Singapore HDB kitchen cabinets accommodate a 60cm wide niche. Standard built-in microwaves are designed for this width, but confirm the height and depth of your cabinet opening before selecting a model, as these vary.

Where can I find Mayer microwave ovens in Singapore?

The full range of Mayer built-in microwave ovens and steam ovens is available directly at mayer.sg, with free delivery and after-sales support.