The short version
- Typical range: £20 – £90
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Kitchen & Appliances
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used microwave is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for microwaves, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £90 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £76 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £58 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £40 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £22 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a microwave
- Combination models with grill or convection
- Clean interior with undamaged waveguide cover
- Working turntable, roller ring and plate
- Larger capacities and higher wattage
What lowers it
- Damaged or missing waveguide cover, which is a safety issue
- Rusted interior cavity
- Missing turntable plate, which is size-specific
- Sticky or failing door catches
How to work out what yours is worth
- Heat a cup of water and time it to confirm output
- Check the waveguide cover on the cavity wall is intact
- Confirm the turntable plate and roller ring are present
Once you have those three answers you can place your own microwave on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are used microwaves worth selling?
They sell, but for small sums since new ones are inexpensive. Combination models with grill or convection are worth noticeably more.
What is the waveguide cover and why does it matter?
A small panel on the cavity wall that protects the internals. If it is burnt or missing the microwave should not be used until it is replaced.
Is a missing turntable plate a problem?
Yes, more than you would think — plates are size-specific and often cost a meaningful fraction of the microwave’s value.
More value guides: kitchen & appliances guides · all value guides · browse live kitchen & appliances listings.