The IKEA GÅTEBO is a compact 3-in-1 microwave that can air fry, grill, and cook via convection, or combine two functions for multi-stage cooking. Along with a microwave turntable, it comes with an air frying tray and a 'grill grid' for use with their respective cooking modes. It has a mute function and a button to add extra time to the end of a cooking cycle, but it lacks a steam sensor, which pricier models often include.
Our Verdict
The IKEA GATEBO is alright for everyday use. This microwave is decently easy to use. You control it using a membrane touch panel, which tends to be less responsive than physical buttons or dials, but you can start simple cooking tasks with a single button press. More complex tasks, however, require a lot more steps. It's a compact model with a small internal capacity, so it won't accommodate a large casserole dish, but most smaller dinner plates will fit. With only 900 watts of power, it's not the fastest microwave, and some microwaves with the same power can heat food more quickly. Still, it's reasonably fast and makes little noise while operating.
Heats food fairly quickly.
Easy to use for simple cooking tasks.
Quiet operation.
Many 900-watt models can heat food faster.
Small capacity.
Difficult to use for complex cooking tasks.
Membrane touch panel controls provide less responsiveness.
The 900-watt IKEA GATEBO can heat food reasonably quickly at maximum power, though more powerful models can heat food faster. Many microwaves with the same advertised wattage can also heat food more quickly, but it's not a major difference.
Heats food fairly quickly.
Many 900-watt models can heat food faster.
Changelog
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Updated Mar 03, 2026:
We added a link to our article explaining why all microwaves perform similarly to our Deep Dish Heating Uniformity test box.
- Updated Mar 03, 2026: Review published.
- Updated Feb 26, 2026: Early access published.
- Updated Feb 18, 2026: Our testers have started testing this product.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The IKEA GATEBO microwave comes in one color: 'Black.' See the label for our unit.
If you come across another variant, tell us about it in the comments, and we'll update this review.
Popular Microwave Comparisons
The IKEA GATEBO microwave is a compact 900-watt microwave with a small internal capacity to match. Like the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), it offers additional functionality beyond microwaving, including air frying, grilling, and convection cooking. It doesn't cook quite as fast as many other 900-watt models, like the LG MVEL2033F, but you may not mind unless speed is your top priority. You control it with a membrane touch panel, and while physical buttons and dials, like on the Breville the Smooth Wave, are usually more responsive, this microwave is still quite easy to use for simple cooking tasks. Overall, it's a reasonable option if you're looking for a space-saving combination microwave, but it isn't ideal for more complicated tasks or bigger batches.
Looking for recommendations? See our picks for the best countertop microwaves, the best small microwaves, and the best cheap and budget microwaves.
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is a better microwave than the IKEA GÅTEBO for most people. It's more powerful but also quieter, so it cooks food a little faster without making as much noise. It also has a larger internal capacity, so it fits bigger dishes. Both microwaves are equally easy to use, but the Toshiba has a cooking sensor that can make tasks like heating a beverage or a ready-made meal easier. That said, the IKEA is a combination model that also offers convection cooking, air frying, and grilling, so you may still prefer it for the additional functions.
The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) and the IKEA GÅTEBO are both combination microwaves that also offer convection cooking, air frying, and grilling accessories, but the Toshiba is a better choice for most people. While both microwaves are equally easy to use, the Toshiba is a more powerful model with a larger internal capacity, so it cooks a bit faster and can fit larger dishes. It's also quieter, and it has a cooking sensor, which makes certain tasks, like defrosting or heating a beverage, more hands-off.
The Panasonic NN-CD87KS and the IKEA GÅTEBO are both multipurpose microwaves, but the Panasonic is a better choice for most people. The Panasonic offers convection cooking, air frying, and broiling, while the IKEA offers convection cooking, air frying, and grilling; however, we've only tested the microwave functions of either appliance. The Panasonic is more powerful and has a larger internal capacity, so it can accommodate larger dishes and cook a bit faster. It's also easier to use, since it has dials and physical buttons instead of a membrane touch panel, which is less responsive. The IKEA is quieter, though, so you may still prefer it if that's a priority for you.
The Breville the Smooth Wave is a better microwave than the IKEA GÅTEBO for most people. The Breville is more powerful and has a larger internal capacity, so it can fit larger dishes and cook a bit faster. It's also easier to use, with dials and physical buttons instead of a membrane touch panel, which is less responsive. While the IKEA lets you start simple cooking tasks with a single button, the Breville is easy to use for both simple and more complex tasks. Plus, it has a cooking sensor, which makes certain tasks, like defrosting, more hands-off. That said, the IKEA is quieter and much more affordable. It also includes options for convection cooking, air frying, and even grilling, which is handy if you're looking to save space or cash with a combo model.
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