W've reviewed dozens of Microwaves and listed our 10 Best Options
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Struggling to work out the best microwaves which are likely to fit your needs the most? Unsure what to look for in cubic foot size? What inch turntable will you need and will you need it in a dinner plate style? What about a stylish, stainless steel countertop microwave? It can all get a bit baffling sometimes!
Microwaves are beneficial to busy families. You can find a microwave in most households today. Its job of merely reheating leftovers is just one of many duties these appliances are responsible for today.
In fact, you may find that there are plenty of delicious dishes which you can cook and create from scratch with the best microwaves on the market! There have been microwave oven cookbooks published for decades, and while some may feel as though that cooking in countertop microwaves is likely to be ‘cheating’, there’s no shame in cooking up a storm in your microwave oven! That’s why there’s a bigger range of options available now than ever before.
We’ve gone to the effort of looking at a wide range of, what are claimed to be the best microwave ovens. Ultimately, there are always going to be plenty of things to consider when looking for the best range, microwave brand or otherwise. For example, do you prefer a stylish look for your microwave oven in black stainless steel? Maybe looks are less important to you, and you care more about power level. Certainly, a microwave offering cooking power at 1,000 watts is always going to get food cooked quicker than a model offering 800 watts.
Therefore, there’s lots for you to keep in mind. As always, we’ve gone to the effort of lining up affordable microwave oven standards, in a range of size options, finishes and more besides. No matter whether you need an 800 watt microwave or something a little more powerful, do make sure to take a good look at our list below for the full lowdown on the best deals online right now.
Find out which products made it into our top 10 list and also read up on the features, pros and cons.
When considering size, range, microwave power and more besides, there are plenty of tick boxes you’re going to need to cover and keep in mind. At Which Kitchen Appliance, we always strive to help our readers save time on things like microwave purchasing – which is why our microwave best picks have been given a fine toothcomb to ensure we have the best range of options available to you.
But what exactly did we consider when it comes to microwave oven picks? Later on in this guide we’re going to break down everything you should generally look for when shopping for any size of microwave. However, we thought it might be helpful for you to get an insight into what we looked for when building this best microwaves list from scratch.
This innovative piece of kit comes exclusively from Samsung. It is a combination microwave with many handy features, making it a flexible addition to any kitchen space.
This is a great example of a microwave which can do much more than just reheat food and cook the basics. If you’re looking for a microwave which can also act as an oven, then it is one of the strongest contenders thanks to a 28L capacity, even spread of heat and easy to clean interior enamel. There’s enough cubic feet to enable you to cook a wide array of dishes.
To sum up how advanced it is, two of the settings are yoghurt and dough proving. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a baker or someone who cooks from scratch, but are stuck for space to fill your kitchen with dedicated gadgets, it could be a perfect meet-in-the-middle option.
This modern appliance provides us with lots of smart technology features, too, including a humidity sensor that monitors the moisture levels ensuring your meal does not dry out. To say all of this is included, the price isn’t bad at all. Sensor cooking doesn’t have to be expensive even when you look at the leading microwave brands out there!
It wouldn’t be a top 10 list without a Beko featuring somewhere in the compilation of best microwaves. This Beko microwave offers five different power levels, a handy defrost function for those last-minute dinner changes and has plenty of capacity.
The 20L cavity should give plenty of room to defrost frozen vegetables, chicken and cook all of those handy ready meals like fish fillets, salmon or soup. A quick start button will cut out a lot of the hassle of changing the settings if you just want a quick blast, and it can go up to 30 minutes of use at any one time.
It is a pretty basic model in all – there’s no fancy pre-set buttons for particular foods, and the manual dials look dated when compared to the digital control panels found in more expensive models. As a bonus, this does mean it is one of the cheapest microwaves around, so great if you are on a tight budget or just need something for very occasional use.
Panasonic have earned this spot well and truly with the NN-K18JMMBPQ. The combination microwave comes equipped with a grill, and also has a modern yet subtle design which will ensure it doesn’t stick out in your kitchen. Panasonic might not be a name that many people associate with the best combi microwaves, but this model alone really impresses us.
It is remarkable that this microwave is available for under £90 and yet has so many different programmes. The choice of automatic settings is vast, so if you haven’t yet quite mastered the perfect jacket potatoes, a few presses of the button will have it sorted in no time with no need to worry about the results.
It’s powerful, which means that you will never wait long for your home meals. Five different power levels and easy control buttons ensure the correct settings are within reach if you want full control, and there is a nice loud alarm at the end when the food is ready to collect or check.
The grill is the finishing touch – crisp up dishes or sides when the oven is in use with something else, or when you want to make your bread with butter or cheese on toast as fast as possible. It’s a good size, too, meaning that you’ll be able to reheat large dishes as quickly as 30 seconds depending on what’s on the menu!
Russell Hobbs is great at getting that fine balance between style, price and functionality, and this microwave shows off their years of experience well. Sick of the same old dinner plate microwaves? This oven offers something a little but different, and it won’t take up too much in the way of counter space or worktop space, either.
If you are looking for a flatbed microwave, then it is a good choice. The lack of rotating plate means there is more room for certain larger foods, and it can double up as an oven too. Rather than having to endure the irritating turntable and being limited in terms of size and shape, simply place down your food and trust the appliance. This is a range microwave fans will love for the simplicity. There’s a lot to like, and you don’t always need that glass dinner plate if it means freeing up some of that inner size.
An auto-cook function will speed up those quick reheat tasks, and there is also a vast choice of auto programmes for preparing foods which can otherwise take a lot of guesswork. A special defrost function will carry this task out safely and hygienically, which will save your bacon if you’ve forgotten to bring the meat out of the freezer yet again. Why waste time waiting for your food to thaw when you can prepare them in as little as 30 seconds?
Panasonic microwaves always feature heavily on our review pages, and while this one is a little more expensive and outside the budget, it provides some thorough detail. Again, Panasonic might not be a name you immediately think of when it comes to a high watt microwave oven, but there are plenty of reasons to like their microwaves, and even more reasons to love them.
Let’s not forget that a microwave should first and foremost concentrate on doing its sole jobs – reheat, defrost and provide auto cook settings for your meals. Thanks to the innovative inverter technology, heat is spread evenly throughout this chamber when it is at work, ensuring your food is evenly and safely cooked no matter the settings.
It is a slimline model, which is ideal if you need to set it on your worktops but still need to utilise the space in front of the unit from time to time. To make up for this when it comes to the inner capacity, the flatbed design ensures there is around 31% more space than with usual conventional microwaves. It’s the ideal countertop microwave for anyone who may already be struggling for kitchen space.
Built in sensors can tell the weight and density of your food, so even if the settings aren’t quite right, it will be able to make some slight adjustments to ensure the food still comes out cooked. Things like microwave sensors really help to make cooking your everyday dishes that little bit easier. You’ll soon agree once you use them!
It isn’t on the cheap side, hence why it is lower than it should be on our rundown. But if we were marking it for performance, style and power alone, we have no doubt it would be top 3. If you have the money available, there are plenty of reasons why this is a shrewder pick than many other cooking machines out there.
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With a capacity of 34 litres, this fantastic microwave is already outstripping the mainstream competition. It’s also stacked with power, offering 1000W to make sure that you get your food cooked through quicker than ever before.
There’s also an auto cook feature, and a programmable timer with presets to help make cooking all kinds of dishes a doddle. You can take advantage of fan cooking as well as grilling and standard microwave features, too!
In fact, there are a staggering 30 different presets built-in, which makes it one of the most versatile ‘standard’ microwaves on the market. It’s also a microwave that is angled towards healthier eating, meaning that if you do want to start cooking more nutrient-conscious meals, you don’t have to feel so guilty about using the microwave to do so.
This freestanding microwave should slide easily into any kitchen suite, and weighing 18kg, shouldn’t be too hard to set up with support. You can cook up main meals, desserts and more!
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This great-looking microwave benefits from an impressive 23 litre capacity as well as a striking ice blue display, meaning that you really shouldn’t lose track of time while cooking. You really can depend on Samsung for the best in tech across the board, and this 800W microwave is likely to give you more than enough power to cook, reheat, defrost and more.
This model has 18 pre-set programs for you to cook with, too, meaning that there’s no need for you to have to fiddle around with setting the kitchen timer off and waiting to see what happens next. Samsung has lined this microwave up as a pretty decent mid-range option, with ceramic enamel on the inside offering ease of cleaning from day to day.
Complete with a classic turntable for ease of cooking and thorough heating, this microwave should give you everything you’re looking for from a leading oven. We dare say it’s a great system to rely on if you’re really not sure which microwave is going to work best for you.
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Sharp’s classic microwave is one of the most affordable around in terms of power and capacity, but it has more to offer than just great value alone. With 11 different power settings and a volume of up to 25 litres, this is an impressive behemoth of a cooking device which should never set you back further than £90 to £100. It’s a wholly digital system with a clear display and control panel.
What’s more, at 900W, it’s impressively powerful. This means that you can expect your microwave to cook up a storm quicker than many of the other picks on our list. You’ll also have a choice of eight different pre-set programs, meaning you can defrost, popcorn and cook vegetables depending on your own tastes and needs. It’s safe to say that it’s an all-singing, all-dancing machine.
Offering a classic look, this microwave still benefits from modern standards such as easy to clean innards, and a control panel which is never a hassle to handle. It will likely appeal to anyone who may be tired of fumbling around with traditional dial microwaves.
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This beautifully designed Scandi-style microwave has been created by Swan, with a number of easy to use features. It’s large enough for most kitchen demands, and it’s likely to catch on well with most modern kitchen users.
It comes with a very unique exterior style, with soft-touch finish and a design which will fit into any kitchen space. You will be able to see a wooden effect handle and main dial added for design – and there are plenty of matching items available such as a kettle and toaster.
This microwave has lots of space and a number of practical features. Six power levels opens up the possibilities, a defrost function makes this chore safe to carry out and simple buttons ensure it is simple to navigate.
It isn’t just all in the design, though. It comes with 20-litres of space to cook everything that you want and also possesses 800-watts of power. Choose from cotton white or slate grey to match your kitchen.
Trying to discover a powerful yet great value microwave? Thankfully, there are loads about, including this one by Sharp. If you are looking for powerful microwave ovens which won’t take up much in the way of counter space, this could well be a great pick.
This solo microwave comes with incredible power, a huge volume for all of your meals and auto menu options that do all the work for you. You no longer need to worry about having to prepare meals and getting the time absolutely perfect, as presets such as jacket potato, popcorn and frozen vegetables are there at a touch.
The Sharp R372KM solo microwave doesn’t just have the auto menu option, but also five power settings that enable you to toggle between 700-Watts and 1050-Watts.
It operates best at a 900-Watts output, which is usually standard, but this depends on what food you are heating or cooking. Use the included manual and read the instructions to help you adjust the different programmes and know which is best.
Auto defrost will rescue you when you’ve forgotten to leave the dinner out of the freezer, and a 25 litre capacity will give you plenty of rotational space.
Samsung is cream of the crop when it comes to making kitchen appliances, or indeed any gadgets. They have solidified their high places in our top 10 list because of the variety they have provided. They are even well-regarded when it comes to other technology throughout the home, like TVs and stereo systems.
The Samsung MS23H3125AK is simple to use and comes with an array of smart features. It is available for less than £100 yet it offers oven-like results when cooking and also comes with some unique add-ons. As mentioned, we are all about finding great value microwave options for you!
You can expect features such as a humidity sensor which ensures that your food keeps its juicy flavour, and it also has an eco mode, saving you money and acting as an environmentally friendly option.
One particular standout, however, is the deodoriser ability. This essentially stops any smells being released into your kitchen, and will also ensure that when you next go to use the microwave, you won’t be able to still smell the food you cooked last week. This isn’t always a guarantee even from top range microwave ovens, so that’s well worth holding out for.
There are plenty of great reasons to invest in a countertop microwave, or in microwaves which will fit into kitchen units. Some people may only use microwaves to heat up food occasionally, but you will find that there are some microwave models which give you the chance to cook full meals on a convection oven basis. There are some microwave oven options out there which will readily handle and cook all manner of food. It’s worth keeping an open mind!
Microwaves cook food quickly. This is always going to be the biggest selling point! Whether you choose the best microwave in 700 watts or 1,000 watts, you’ll likely find that meals are quicker to cook through a range microwave or countertop microwave than through a traditional oven or on the grill. Of course, you won’t always be able to cook all your most extravagant dishes in the microwave, but those models with sensor cooking and more are likely to be very flexible!
It’s very easy to maintain a microwave. Microwaves like those which measure even 2.2 cubic feet in size are still easier to clean than a full oven! What’s more, it’s often as easy as just placing lemon water in your microwave, putting it on to cook, and then wiping it out afterwards. Whether you use an Amazonbasics microwave or otherwise, you will likely find most ovens are simple to clean.
Microwaves are getting more powerful and more impressive as time goes on. You’ll find that power level is increasing across the best microwaves, and features like sensor cooking are becoming more and more commonplace. Regardless of whether you choose 800 watts of power or otherwise, modern features really are worth holding out for.
Modern microwaves look great! You can easily find some black stainless steel microwaves out there which will look great in most kitchen suites. Again, this is always likely to be easy to wipe down, too. A microwave is no longer a clunky piece of kit that takes up an ugly amount of counter space.
These are just a few points to consider! As you’ll read throughout our buying guide to microwave options like watts of power and cubic feet, you’ll soon find that there are options which are going to appeal to you more than others. You may even find a surprise or two!
That’s a matter of opinion, but when looking through our guide, you’ll likely find there are one or two microwave brands which we have highlighted for you.
As mentioned, we do think elements like brand appeal are very important when buying a microwave. However, it’s crucial to remember that branding isn’t everything! You’ll likely find that there are plenty of great deals out there, meaning that if you are looking for something like a convection microwave, there’s nothing stopping you looking into cheaper brands.
Just be careful! Putting too much emphasis on something like the price of a countertop microwave is likely to put you at risk of investing in poor quality tech. We’ve listed the best microwave choices out there right now. However, you may still find that there are pros and cons to each pick, which is why we have been open and honest about what’s available in our list.
If there’s a brand of microwave or kitchenware which already appeal to you, then it’s worth gravitating towards it! Trust your gut! There’s nothing wrong with getting an Amazonbasics microwave providing it does everything you need it to! No one’s going to tell you the best way to cook, so ensure you keep your options open.
Yes, of course! You’re already here, in any case! However, one of the best ways to gauge for the best microwave for you is to read reviews from verified buyers.
On online stores such as Amazon, for example, it’s easy for you to spot microwave reviews from people who have genuinely bought them. Fake reviews are very much rife nowadays, which means you’re going to need to be fairly discerning when it comes to sorting the wheat from the chaff.
That said, you should always balance buyer opinions with professional opinion, too. We’ve set up this guide to the best microwaves and microwave ovens online to give you a bit of a balance. If you have never bought a microwave before, you may wonder which features and elements are worth comparing the most.
We spend a lot of time looking into and comparing various kitchen items and cookers, and microwave options are no different. The fact is, there are always going to be a few different ways for you to cook your food, and we want to make sure you have access to all the facts you need to make a balanced choice.
Not sure what’s likely to work best for you in terms of the ideal microwave? What about cooking time? What inch turntable will you need? Have you thought carefully about the watts of power you need? As established at the start of our guide, there are always going to be plenty of things you’ll need to break down before you find the microwave for your needs.
However, finding the best microwave or range of microwaves for you doesn’t have to be so tricky. It’s something that most kitchen owners will have to go through at one time or another! However, is a stainless steel microwave always likely to be the best option?
Choosing the best microwave involves looking into a number of issues, and that is why we have listed all of our favourite features here. This makes it simple for you to skim through and find the microwave that contains the functions you require. If you already know the size of microwave you need, or are actually open to microwave size, then it makes all the more sense to look carefully through our guide.
The best microwave for one person isn’t necessarily suitable for someone else, and that is because it depends on what you require. There are numerous factors that come into play including how big your kitchen is and how much space you have to spare, what you are hoping to use the microwave for and how big your family is. That’s why cubic feet is something you should always keep in mind.
Following are some key factors you need to consider before buying a microwave.
It goes without saying that we are all in the market for a bargain and we take this into consideration when looking for the best microwaves of the year. You can pick up a quality microwave for anything north of £50, but those at the upper end will be the best in terms of performance, capacity and functions. Therefore, if you have the money and you are looking for a countertop microwave that’s going to serve you well for the years to come, don’t be afraid to dip into the higher end of the market.
Programmes – As we have come to realise, microwaves are more than a reheat option. You will be privy to programmes such as defrost, an oven, grill and even programmes for specific functions such as pizza cooking. Our microwave best list is partly based on the fact that there is so much amazing technology out there. We think if you’re not already sure which range of countertop microwaves are likely to work best for you, it’s well worth looking closer at the features and programming!
Generally, we don’t require a microwave to have tonnes of space but we advise customers to look for at least 17L volume of capacity. Size and cubic feet may well matter to some people! If you have a large household, you may need closer to 25L+. If you want to cook bigger dishes in a convection oven, it of course pays to err on the side of going bigger than most. Look for cubic foot measurement not only for how well a microwave will fit into your kitchen, but also how much food you can actively fit inside to cook.
Microwaves haven’t been created to be difficult; they are meant to add an element of ease to our culinary tasks and daily life, and that is why we look around for microwaves with easy programmes and lots of features. Think of dial controls and one touch buttons as opposed to difficult changes. Do also consider looking for stainless steel microwaves, too, as they will be easier to clean. Invest in a model with a clear view door and save having to repeatedly open the door to check on your food’s progress. Of course, the more cubic feet a microwave has, the more time it is going to take to clean your oven!
Power of microwaves can fluctuate from as little as 700W and far exceed 1000W. You can enjoy quick heating from microwaves with 800W and more. Look for one which has the power you need for your favourite tasks without too much adaptation, such as 800W for ready meals. The more powerful a microwave is, the quicker it is likely to heat up your food. Therefore, if you really want to cut down cooking time which you’d normally spend slaving over an oven, be sure to choose a good size microwave with plenty of wattage.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling to find the right microwave or microwaves for your kitchen space, it’s time to start drilling down into the finer points. In this guide, we’ve made sure to look at a great range, microwaves in various sizes, with different features and styles to help you cook up a storm in very little time. Whether you need 2.2 cubic feet of microwave cooking space, or an Amazonbasics microwave offering a little less in the way of cubic feet, we hope to have brought forward some interesting picks.
A microwave is a staple of modern kitchens. Not everyone uses a good size microwave to cook all their favourite meals, but there are plenty of great reasons to hunt down stainless steel countertop microwaves to make defrosting and reheating that little bit easier. Who knows – you might find a black stainless steel microwave that slides in nicely with your existing kitchen look.
Whether you choose a simple Amazonbasics microwave, or microwaves which offer a huge range of features and facilities, the right fit for you may well vary compared to other people’s! Use our guide to microwaves in various range options and size variations as a starting point. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and certainly don’t be afraid to look for microwaves which may not be the biggest or best-known systems on the market!
Need help looking for more than just microwaves? Make sure to take a look at our further, regular guides on the best cookers, ovens and more besides. Now you know what to look for in the best 2 to 3 cubic feet microwaves online, you can go ahead and make more confident choices! Find that fancy stainless steel microwave in two or more cubic feet and start cooking!
I had the idea for Which Kitchen Appliance? In 2016 when a friend was planning a new kitchen and asked me to help her choose her new kitchen appliances. She knew that I had trained as a chef, had a passion for cooking and an interest in interior design.
After hours and hours of trawling websites looking for a double oven, built-in microwave, hob & extractor fan the excitement that was soon waned…we were bored and frazzled. But finally, we succeeded and she got her new kitchen.
This led me to think that there must be a better way of researching kitchen appliances, if only there were somewhere that you could go and find kitchen appliance reviews and helpful hints and tips on getting the best from and look after your appliance under one roof with information that was comprehensive, easy to understand and that you could trust…and so WhichKitchenAppliance? was born. I now work full-time on WhichKitchenAppliance?