Rentals and apartments come with a very specific reality: tighter bench space, shared kitchens, and the need for fast, reliable meals without complicated setups. At Midea Homes NZ, we stock a range of microwaves designed for real apartment life—from compact tabletop models to higher-performance inverter microwaves, air fry / convection / grill combinations, and built-in microwave solutions for integrated kitchens.
Below is a practical step-by-step guide based on the same specs you’ll find on our product pages, so you can choose with confidence.
1) Measure your space first (don’t shop by “litres” alone)
In rental homes, the most common issue isn’t cooking performance—it’s fit. Before looking at features, measure your usable space (width × depth × height), and make sure there’s enough clearance for the door to open comfortably.
To give you a feel for how dimensions change across categories, our compact tabletop options start with models like the Midea 20L Table Top Microwave EM720CWW (440 × 345 × 239 mm), while larger tabletop microwaves such as the Midea 34L EM134AL7 (518 × 417 × 315 mm) naturally need more bench depth. If you’re considering a multi-function model, keep in mind that combo microwaves can be deeper—such as the Toshiba 26L Air Fry Microwave ML2-EC26SF(BS) (495 × 447 × 291 mm).
Apartment tip: depth is often the real limitation—check it early, especially for combo models.
2) Choose capacity based on how you live
Once you know what will physically fit, capacity becomes much easier to decide. In rentals and apartments, we generally see three “sweet spot” ranges:
20–23L: compact + everyday basics
Ideal for students, singles, couples, and smaller benches. If you mainly reheat meals, warm drinks, or defrost small portions, a compact unit like the 20L tabletop range is typically all you need (for example, the EM720CWW sits in this category).
26–34L: the shared flat sweet spot
This range works well for flatmates, meal prep containers, and bigger plates. It’s where many renters upgrade when they start cooking more often or sharing the microwave daily. In our range, options here include larger tabletop models like the Midea 34L EM134AL7, as well as step-up choices like the Midea 34L inverter MMW34IN, and multi-function choices like the Toshiba 26L Air Fry.
Built-in kitchens: go built-in (measure twice)
If your apartment has a built-in cavity—or you want to keep benches clear—built-in microwaves can be a great fit. Examples from our built-in range include the Midea TC925B8D (25L built-in) and the Midea TR936T4CR (36L built-in with steam + convection).
3) Power matters more than most people think
Microwave output power affects how fast you reheat, how efficiently you defrost, and the overall “feel” of everyday use—especially in shared living.
In our selection, you’ll see real-world output examples like:
- 700W on the Midea EM720CWW (20L)
- 1100W on the Midea EM134AL7 (34L)
- 1200W on the Midea MMW34IN (34L inverter) (with 1900W input)
- 900W on the Toshiba ML2-EC26SF(BS) (26L air fry)
Our rental rule of thumb:
If you mostly warm snacks and drinks, 700–800W can be perfectly fine. If you’re reheating full meals daily or sharing a microwave with flatmates, 900–1200W tends to feel more convenient and consistent.
4) Pick the right type for your kitchen (tabletop, inverter, combo, or built-in)
Now you can match the microwave “type” to how you cook in your apartment:
Tabletop microwaves: simple, reliable, great value
A tabletop model is the best choice if you mainly reheat and defrost and want straightforward controls. In our range, options like the Midea EM720CWW and Midea EM134AL7 include practical features such as auto menus, multiple power levels, defrost settings, and safety locks—ideal for rental households.
Inverter microwaves: smoother everyday cooking
If you microwave meals often and want stronger performance, inverter models are a natural upgrade. The Midea MMW34IN (34L inverter), for example, includes a digital control panel, auto cooking menus, a child safety lock, and 1200W output.
Air Fry / Convection / Grill combos: the apartment “oven upgrade”
If your rental oven is limited—or you want crisp results without buying extra appliances—combo microwaves are worth considering. The Toshiba ML2-EC26SF(BS) combines air fry, grill, and convection (with/without preheat), plus combo modes and convenient cooking functions like defrost and multi-stage cooking.
Built-in microwaves: integrated look, clear benches
For built-in kitchens, models like the Midea TC925B8D (25L) combine microwave + grill + convection (with power specs listed on the product page), while the Midea TR936T4CR (36L) adds advanced cooking options like steam + convection and Auto Cook (40 menus), along with a child lock-out function.
5) Rental-friendly features we recommend prioritising
For rentals and apartments, the “best” features are the ones that reduce friction—especially in shared kitchens:
- Auto menus (quick, consistent cooking) — e.g., EM720CWW (6 menus), MMW34IN (10 menus), TR936T4CR (40 menus).
- Child safety lock / lock-out (helpful even without kids) — shown across multiple models.
- Defrost settings (time/weight depending on model) — e.g., EM720CWW and ML2-EC26SF(BS).
6) Delivery & pickup planning (important for move-in timing)
If you’re moving soon or replacing a broken microwave, timing matters. We commonly:
- Delivery & Pickup expectation: 7–15 working days
- Standard delivery notes (typically to ground-floor room or apartment entrance, with stairs potentially requiring extra handling/fees)
Quick “what should I choose?” guide (kept simple)
If you want a fast shortcut, here’s the general direction most renters take:
- Smaller bench + basic use → compact tabletop
- Shared flat + daily reheating → larger tabletop or inverter
- Want crisp results → air fry / convection combo
- Built-in cavity → built-in model (measure carefully)
Final tip from Midea Homes NZ
Measure your space, choose the features you’ll actually use, then explore our microwave range and order online—or contact Midea Homes NZ for help picking the best fit for your rental or apartment.