The global microwave oven market has seen remarkable growth and transformation over the years, evolving into an indispensable kitchen appliance for households worldwide. These unique devices have revolutionized the way people prepare and heat food, offering unparalleled convenience and speed in our fast-paced modern lives. With their ability to cook, reheat, and defrost food quickly and efficiently, microwave ovens have become an integral part of daily culinary routines. One of the unique aspects of microwave ovens is their incredible versatility. They handle a wide range of cooking tasks, from popping popcorn and reheating leftovers to defrosting frozen ingredients and even baking certain dishes. This adaptability has made them a staple in kitchens across the globe, catering to various culinary preferences and dietary needs. Moreover, microwave ovens have contributed significantly to reducing energy consumption and cooking times compared to conventional ovens and stovetops, making them an environmentally friendly choice for consumers. They generate microwaves that penetrate food items, causing the water molecules within them to vibrate and produce heat. This efficient cooking process not only saves time but also conserves energy, making microwave ovens an excellent choice for eco-conscious individuals. In recent years, the global microwave oven market has witnessed a surge in innovation. Manufacturers have been developing microwave ovens with advanced features such as convection and grill functions, smart technology integration, and sleek, space-saving designs. These innovations cater to the evolving needs of consumers who seek not only convenience but also culinary precision and style in their kitchen appliances. The increasing awareness of healthy eating and the demand for nutritious meals have driven the development of microwave ovens designed for healthier cooking. These models offer options like steam cooking and sensor technology to ensure that food is cooked evenly and at optimal temperatures, preserving its nutritional value.
According to the research report, “Global Microwave Oven Market Research Report, 2028,” published by Bonafide Research, the Global Microwave Oven Market was valued at USD 10.86 Billion in 2022, and is anticipated to grow with 4.9% CAGR to reach more than USD 14 Billion by 2028. The global microwave oven market has been experiencing significant expansion, primarily fuelled by continuous innovation and advancements in technology. In recent years, the microwave oven industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with manufacturers focusing on developing cutting-edge features and functionalities that cater to the evolving needs of consumers. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), microwave ovens can now be connected to smartphones and other smart devices, allowing users to control and monitor their ovens remotely. This innovation not only enhances convenience but also offers energy efficiency benefits as users can remotely power off their microwave ovens when not in use, reducing energy consumption. Manufacturers are investing in the development of microwave ovens with advanced cooking capabilities. These ovens are equipped with sensors and AI algorithms that can detect the type of food being cooked and adjust cooking parameters automatically, ensuring that the food is cooked perfectly every time. This not only saves time for users but also results in improved cooking outcomes. In addition to technological innovations, the market is expanding due to a growing awareness of health-conscious cooking. Microwave ovens are now being designed to facilitate healthier cooking options, such as steam cooking and grilling functions, which help in preserving the nutritional value of food while reducing the need for excessive oil and fats. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for healthier eating habits among consumers worldwide. The global microwave oven market is also witnessing a surge in demand for compact and space-saving models. As urbanization continues to increase and living spaces become smaller, there is a growing need for microwave ovens that can fit into limited kitchen spaces while still offering a full range of cooking options. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by designing sleek and compact microwave ovens without compromising on performance.
On the basis of geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa. North America leads the global market in 2022. The market for microwave ovens has historically been dominated by North America, with Europe and the Asia-Pacific region following closely behind. The extensive usage of microwave ovens in North American homes is the main cause of this domination. For many American and Canadian families, the microwave is now a necessary piece of kitchen equipment because of its convenience and time-saving qualities. Europe comes in second place in the global microwave oven market due to its similar cultural trends towards convenience cooking, and the market is anticipated to add more than USD Million by 2028. Many European households have also embraced microwave ovens as a kitchen staple, making it a highly competitive market. European consumers are increasingly seeking microwave ovens that align with their sustainability and energy-efficiency concerns, leading to the emergence of eco-friendly and energy-efficient microwave oven innovations in this region. The Asia Pacific region, although trailing North America and Europe, is witnessing rapid growth in the microwave oven market. The increasing urbanization, changing lifestyles, and a rising middle class in countries like China and India have contributed to the growing demand for microwave ovens. Additionally, manufacturers are capitalizing on this demand by introducing cost-effective and innovative microwave oven models tailored to the preferences of the Asian market. As technology and consumer awareness continue to advance, the Asia Pacific region is expected to become an even more significant player in the global microwave oven market.
Convection, Grill, and Solo microwaves are the three main product types that rule the market for microwave ovens. The convection microwave oven stands out among them as the market leader, holding the highest share. Convection microwaves are widely used because of their adaptability and functionality. These gadgets include convection cooking in addition to the quick and effective warming features of standalone microwaves. They can therefore cook a greater variety of foods by baking, roasting, and browning food much like conventional ovens. Convection microwave ovens have developed into a kitchen need for people wanting both convenience and culinary diversity, whether it is for making crispy pizza, golden-brown casseroles, or freshly baked sweets. Consumers’ value gadgets that save and space while delivering exceptional cooking results, the convection microwave oven continues to maintain its stronghold in the market.
Within the microwave oven market, the two predominant structure types are Built-In and Counter-Top microwaves. Counter-Top microwaves, firmly establishing their dominance. This popularity is rooted for their accessibility and ease of use. They are conveniently placed on kitchen countertops or other flat surfaces, eliminating the need for complex installation. This simplicity of setup makes them an attractive option for renters and homeowners alike, as they don't require any permanent modifications to kitchen cabinetry or walls. Also, the Counter-Top microwaves come in a diverse range of sizes and power levels, catering to various cooking needs. From compact models suitable for smaller kitchens to larger, high-capacity units for families, consumers have a plethora of choices to match their specific requirements. The versatility of Counter-Top microwaves extends to their cooking capabilities, as they often come equipped with a wide array of cooking pre-sets and features, making them suitable for reheating, defrosting, cooking, and more. Another key advantage of Counter-Top microwaves is their cost-effectiveness. They tend to be more budget-friendly than their Built-In counterparts, which involve additional installation expenses. The reason for the low market of Built-in microwave oven is; not all sizes and designs of microwaves can be installed into a cabinet or wall. There are a very few manufacturers that provide microwaves that are standardized to match the width of most ranges and the depth of most cabinets. The limited capacity constraints and the fact that it is permanently installed in the cabinetry means that replacement becomes extremely troublesome. If one part of the oven stops working, it creates a need to replace the entire unit. Moreover it is difficult to find an appropriate replacement that is of the same shape and size as the previous model.
The market is segmented on the basis of End-Users of microwave ovens, into Commercial and Households. On the home front, microwave ovens have transformed how people and families cook meals by becoming a necessary component of contemporary kitchens. A wide variety of microwave oven models are available on the domestic market to accommodate different cooking styles and kitchen layouts. For many families, microwaves are a necessity for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen food, and fast preparing meals that are ready to eat. Microwave ovens are extremely convenient since they save time and energy, which appeals to busy families and people with demanding schedules in particular. Additionally, as microwave technology has advanced new capabilities like convection and grill modes have been added, transforming domestic microwave ovens into multifunctional culinary machines with the ability to bake, grill, and roast. Both markets benefit from on-going innovations, such as smart technology integration, energy efficiency enhancements, and eco-friendly designs. While the commercial segment relies on microwave ovens for streamlining kitchen operations and enhancing the customer experience, the residential market values these appliances for their convenience, versatility, and time-saving attribute. As these markets continue to grow, manufacturers are driven to develop increasingly user-friendly microwave oven models that cater to the evolving needs of both professional and home cooks. Overall, the substantial presence of microwave ovens in both commercial and households sectors underscores their enduring importance in modern culinary and food service landscapes.
Based on the distributional channel, the market is segmented into online mode and offline mode. Customers have shown a strong preference for purchasing microwave ovens through offline distribution channels, such as appliance retailers, and kitchen appliance showrooms. This preference has largely been influenced by the desire to physically inspect and interact with the product before making a purchase decision. Customers often value the opportunity to see, touch, and even operate the microwave oven in person, which can provide them with a sense of confidence in their choice and assurance of its quality. Additionally, offline channels offer the benefit of immediate gratification, as customers can take the product home with them or have it delivered promptly. The dynamics of the microwave oven market are undergoing a significant transformation in recent years, largely due to the rapid expansion of online retail channels. Online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms have become increasingly popular among consumers looking to purchase microwave ovens. This shift is driven by several factors, including convenience, a wide variety of choices, and attractive offers and discounts available online. Customers can browse through a vast array of microwave oven models, read reviews from other buyers, and compare prices and features without leaving the comfort of their homes. The emergence of online-exclusive deals and promotions, coupled with the convenience of doorstep delivery, has significantly boosted the appeal of online microwave oven shopping. Many online retailers also offer hassle-free return and exchange policies, further enhancing the online shopping experience. Looking ahead, the market for microwave ovens through online channels is expected to exhibit a substantial CAGR in the coming years.
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The Midea microwave oven MM720C-PM0E00 2AT has recently received the first Green Leaf Certification from Intertek for one of its globally best-selling microwave oven products, as being in accordance with the ISO 14067:2018 standard, which specifies principles and guidelines for the quantification and reporting of the carbon footprint of a product (CFP). This is the first Green Leaf Certification Intertek provided for a microwave oven.
In March 2023, Haier, a Chinese appliance manufacturer, acquired GE Appliances, a division of General Electric. The acquisition was valued at $5.4 billion. Haier said that the acquisition would strengthen its position in the global appliance market and expand its product portfolio.
In 2021, Samsung has introduced Baker Series microwaves that come in two variants: Steam Cook variant with auto steam function that come with glass steam cooker accessory and Grill Fry microwaves with Crusty Plate that enables oil free frying.
