Superhost Picks The 5 Best Microwaves For Airbnb
Every short term rental should have a microwave, and the best microwaves for Airbnb are easy to use, long lasting, affordable and they match the interior of your home.
The five microwaves on this list are all easy to use and they are all dependable. It’s your job to figure out which of these fits your budget, and best matches the space you’ve created for your guests.
Our Experience with Airbnb Microwaves
Kate and I have been doing Airbnb for three and a half years now and hosted hundreds of guests across three properties. The worst thing we’ve ever had happen with a microwave is one that tripped a breaker a couple of times.
And don’t worry, we’ve had our fair share of problems. From accidentally locking guests out of our house to broken pull out couches, we’ve made lots of mistakes.
But our microwaves have been relatively trouble free.
I believe this is because we have kept it simple. We don’t go for microwaves with lots of bells and whistles, we just pick a basic microwave with simple controls.
Or better yet, we just leave the microwave that’s already in the kitchen. That’s worked, too!
Most Affordable: Amazon Basics Microwave
- Super simple design
- Standard controls
- One touch start
- Option to add voice control (I wouldn’t)
- Cannot be mounted
There are a several microwaves for under $100 that will heat up food with no problem and should last several years with no problems. They are small and simple.
This Amazon Basics Microwave is the most battle tested of the bunch. And at $60 (at the time of this writing), it’s hard to find a microwave that costs less.
Related: Take the perfect Airbnb cover photo.
There is one selling point, that I would personally ignore in my Airbnb. This microwave can be connected to an Amazon Echo or other Alexa device. It can accept voice commands and be programmed to do some automated tasks.
Very few, if any, of your guests will want this feature. Just ignore it. Never set it up and just use the microwave as a very affordable, durable and simple to use microwave.
Best Value: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
- Simple interface with some pre-programmed settings
- Easy to clean
- Cannot be mounted
- One touch start
Perhaps the Amazon Basics Microwave is a bit too small or too simple for your Airbnb. This Toshiba microwave oven offers the same simple interface with one touch start (Press “1” to cook for 1 minute) as the Amazon Basics, but it also includes several preset buttons.
It has a button to cook popcorn, rice, potatoes, frozen pizzas and it also has a sensor reheat button to allow the microwave to sense how long it should cook.
Again, there are lots of microwaves in this price range, but this Toshiba has sold the most while maintaining great reviews.
Every Airbnb space is different, but this microwave also (to me) looks quite a bit better than the Amazon Basics.
Best Mountable: GE JNM3163DJBB Over-the-Range Microwave
- Mountable with easy installation
- Simple interface with pre-programmed settings
- Larger than most countertop microwaves
- More expensive
Some kitchens need to be able to mount the microwave over the range. The mountable microwaves are typically 3 times the price of the countertop microwaves. So if you can get away with a countertop microwave, you’ll save some money.
Overall, over the range microwaves like this GE model, aren’t any better or longer lasting, they are just made to be mounted.
If you do need an over the range microwave, you should prioritize the ease of installation, size (it needs to fit!), and of course price.
Before buying, double check that the dimensions of the microwave match the space over the range in your Airbnb.
Related: We share our Airbnb statistics for views and booking rate percentage.
Retro Option: Nostalgia Electrics Retrowave RMO4AQ
- Five colors to choose from
- Simple (although non-standard) interface
- Just has more style
Some of the most successful Airbnbs have very clear themes that are present throughout the home. If a traditional microwave just doesn’t fit the interior of your Airbnb, then there are microwave options that have a non-traditional look and are still reliable and simple to use.
This Nostalgia Electrics microwave is a good example of a microwave that can fit into a more unique Airbnb while still being reliable.
Luxury Countertop: Samsung MG14H3020CM Microwave Oven
- Sleek, luxury look
- Bigger cooking area
- Auto cook options
- Easy to clean
- One touch start
I’ll be honest, I don’t think a luxury microwave is necessary in an Airbnb. We go with good valued, reliable microwaves because that’s what guests expect.
But a luxury kitchen can absolutely be a selling point for guests. Some guests just prefer to cook, and you don’t want your microwave ruining the feel of the rest of your kitchen.
Related: Pick the best outdoor grill for your Airbnb.
That said, this Samsung has all the features, quality and looks of a luxury microwave, but the price is still quite reasonable. With one touch start, several auto cook options and a bigger interior than most of the less expensive options, this microwave will be more than enough for your guests.
One thing is certain, if you want luxury, you’ll save a lot of money going with a countertop microwave. The mountable microwaves can go well above $500.
Keep It Simple
When I’m making a decision about our Airbnbs I always try to get into the mind of our guests. A lot of your guests will never touch the microwave, but those that do expect two things:
- They can easily figure out how to use it
- It works
If your microwave does both of those things, 99% of your guests will be completely happy and your choice of microwave will have no negative effect on their experience, and ultimately your profitability.
Having the coolest microwave ever might get you a positive review here and there, but it won’t be the best bang for your buck.
If you’re looking to splurge, I would save that money for the things that every guest uses: beds, furniture, TV, things like that. The microwave just has to work.
Conclusion
The golden rule when furnishing or stocking your Airbnb is to buy things that are easy to use and hard to break. Fortunately, when it comes to microwaves, most of them fit the bill.
There are plenty of affordable options, so make sure you pick one that fits your budget and fits the interior of your Airbnb.
Happy investing.
Michael
I'm living the path to financial success and sharing everything I learn in this blog. I believe in the power of cash flowing investments, due diligence and time. This is my journey so far.
I learned everything I know from books, podcasts, conversations with friends and family and of course through real world experience as a cash flow investor. And I'm always pushing to learn more.
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