Smeg Microwaves Ovens in NZ: A Full Guide

What is Smeg?

Smeg is a brand that embodies the Italian spirit of innovation, style, and quality. They are committed to providing customers with appliances that are both beautiful and functional.

Smeg, an acronym for Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla, was founded in 1948 by Vittorio Bertazzoni in Italy. From its humble beginnings as a metal enameling factory, Smeg has grown into a global brand known for its stylish and technologically advanced appliances, including microwaves.

Smeg microwaves are designed with the elegance and flair that Italian design is renowned for, combined with the practicality of modern technology. They offer a variety of models, in sleek, contemporary designs, ensuring there’s a Smeg microwave oven to suit any kitchen.

Smeg’s microwave oven range

Smeg offers two  styles of microwave ovens:

• Built-in microwave ovens
• Freestanding microwave ovens

Built-in microwave ovens

Built-in microwave ovens are typically better quality, and will last longer than countertop models. They can also give your kitchen a cohesive and high-end look. However, these perks come at a price, with built-in microwave ovens costing substantially more than the countertop option. Smeg has two built-in microwave ovens on offer in New Zealand:

• Classic FMI325X
• Linea FMIA120N2

Classic FMI325X

The Smeg Classic FMI325X is a built-in microwave featuring a grill. The model is made with high-quality stainless steel and a fully glass door, allowing for easy cleaning and ensuring longevity. With a 25 litre capacity, it’s ideal for smaller households. The FMI325X also takes the guesswork out of cooking, as it has six dedicated functions, including an allocated pizza setting – as any good Italian microwave should. And with a grill power of 1000W and microwave effective power of 900W, this microwave oven allows for quick and thorough reheating/cooking. Other features include:

• 2 rack shelves
• Electromechanical control
• LED light
• Slide-opening door
• Tangential cooling system
• Dimensions: 388 x 595 x 397
• Gross weight of 20.5kgs

A major drawback is the price. This microwave oven doesn’t come cheap, costing $1899* at Kitchen Things. Considering you can purchase a Smeg Classic Pyrolytic oven for roughly the same price, this microwave oven appears ridiculously overpriced. However, perhaps a justification for the jaw-dropping price tag is the energy savings that come with it. A microwave oven uses about half the total energy of a gas oven and 60% less than your standard electric oven. So if you’re looking for long-term savings, it could be worth the investment.

Linea FMIA120N2

The Smeg Linea FMIA120N2 is a marginally cheaper option than the Classic FMI325X, coming in at around $1700*. Like the other model, this microwave has a grill, allowing for reheating as well as cooking.  The reduced price tag comes with a slightly reduced performance as well. This model comes with five five dedicated functions, although it does feature a memory function, meaning you don’t have to remember cooking times or temperatures. The microwave effective power is 800W, so it takes longer to heat your food than the FMI325X model. With a net volume of 20 litres, this microwave oven is the smaller option, perfect for couples or small flats. Other features include:

• Available in black
• Incandescent light
• Side-opening door
• Tangential cooling system
• Dimensions: 390 x 595 x 340
• Gross weight of 18.8kgs

If you’re set on buying a Smeg microwave oven, but can’t justify the price, this may be the better option for you. While the price difference isn’t huge, for roughly $200 less, you’re not taking a huge hit on specs. It’s important to note that the Linea FMIA120N2 comes with a frame for instillation, whereas the FMI325X is fully built-in.

Freestanding microwave ovens

The SA34MX is currently the only freestanding countertop microwave from Smeg on the market in NZ. Like the built-in microwave ovens, it also features a grill. The main difference between this model and Smeg’s other microwave ovens is that it can be put anywhere in your kitchen. Without the restriction of being built into one spot, this countertop microwave can be put wherever is most convenient and relocated if necessary. However, a freestanding microwave has the drawback of taking up valuable kitchen surface space – a deal breaker for small kitchens. But if you’re not desperately short of counterspace, the SA34MX is the best microwave oven option that Smeg has on offer. With a net volume of 34 litres, it can cook and reheat larger portions than the built-in models. Even better, the grill power and microwave effective power are both 1000W, making it more powerful than either built-in model. And the most impressive feature of all: the price. This microwave oven is the cheapest by far, coming in at just under $400*. Other features include:

•  Stainless steel with chrome finishings
• LED light
• Side-opening door
• Tangential cooling system
• Dimensions: 314x519x451
• Gross weight of 17.85kgs

What is the best option for me?

The ideal Smeg microwave oven depends on your specific needs. If you live by yourself and don’t need to cook large portions, the Linea FMIA120N2 is your best bet. However, if you’re after overall best value, you can’t beat the Universale SA34MX. And of course, if you want something in-between, with higher specs but the seamless look of the built-in microwave, then a Classic FMI325X may be the perfect fit. The bottom line is that Smeg is a well-known and reliable brand, and while their appliances are more expensive than many on the market, they can be relied upon for superior functionality. In case something does go wrong, Smeg has included a 12 month warranty on all their microwaves.

*Prices are intended as a guide only.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.