When it comes to kitchen essentials, a good microwave is an absolute game-changer. As someone who has spent years perfecting quick meals, testing cooking techniques, and exploring every function a microwave has to offer, I can confidently say that not all microwaves are created equal. From perfectly reheated leftovers to golden, crispy jacket potatoes and even delicate steamed fish, the right microwave can transform your cooking experience.
But with so many models on the market, how do you choose the best one? Whether you’re looking for a basic, no-fuss option or a high-tech combination microwave that bakes, grills, and air-fries, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best microwaves available in the UK, breaking down their features, performance, and real-world usability. Let’s find the perfect one for your kitchen!
Best Microwaves in UK 2025
Panasonic NN-CT56JBBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave Oven
The Panasonic NN-CT56JBBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave Oven is a powerhouse of efficiency, offering microwave, grill, and convection cooking in one sleek design. What sets it apart is Panasonic’s Inverter Technology, which ensures food cooks faster and more evenly while preserving nutrients and flavors—perfect for health-conscious cooks.
Designed with usability in mind, it features 29 auto-programmes, including dedicated settings for defrosting, reheating, and even healthy kids’ meals. The touch control panel makes navigation seamless, and the six microwave power levels allow precise cooking control. Despite its 27L capacity, the slimline design ensures it fits neatly into compact kitchen spaces.
Performance-wise, the 1300W quartz grill and fan-assisted convection oven (100-220°C) add versatility, letting you crisp, bake, and roast with ease. Combined with energy-efficient operation and a child lock for safety, this microwave is a premium yet practical choice for busy households seeking an all-in-one cooking solution.
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Toshiba 900w 23L Microwave Oven
The Toshiba 900W 23L Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen powerhouse, combining microwave, grill, and convection cooking for enhanced flexibility. Its position-memory turntable is a standout feature, ensuring that mugs and plates return to their original position after heating—reducing the risk of burnt fingers.
Designed for convenience, it offers eight cooking presets, a user-friendly control panel, and five power levels to handle everything from reheating leftovers to softening ice cream. Additional features like weight-based defrosting, child safety lock, and an energy-saving Eco mode make it a great choice for busy households looking to cut down on energy bills.
Performance-wise, the five-blade fan keeps noise levels low, and the spacious 23L capacity easily accommodates standard dinner plates. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or just warming up a quick meal, this microwave delivers even, efficient heating with smart functionality—making it an excellent all-in-one option for modern kitchens.
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Sharp digital combination microwave YC-QC254AU-B
The SHARP YC-QC254AU-B 25L 900W Digital Flatbed Combination Microwave offers a spacious, turntable-free design, making cleaning effortless while maximizing cooking space. With microwave, grill, convection, and defrost functions, it’s a versatile choice for those who need more than just reheating.
Usability is well thought out, featuring intuitive controls and multiple presets, including a particularly impressive jacket potato setting that delivers fluffy interiors with crispy skin—comparable to oven results. The included grill rack and baking tray add further flexibility for cooking and crisping.
Performance-wise, the quiet operation and efficient heat retention stand out. However, the auto-defrost function is slower than expected, sometimes partially cooking thinner sections. That said, once grilling or baking begins, food retains moisture well, producing satisfying results.
With its flatbed technology, generous capacity, and multi-functional capabilities, this microwave is a strong contender for those seeking convenience and versatility in a modern kitchen appliance.
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SHARP YC-MG02U-S 800W Digital Microwave
The SHARP YC-MG02U-S 800W Digital Microwave is a compact yet feature-packed kitchen essential, perfect for those who need versatility without sacrificing space. One of its standout features is the 1000W grill function, a rare addition in microwaves of this size, making it a great choice for those who want more than just reheating capabilities.
Usability is a strong point, thanks to intuitive touch controls and a range of preset functions including defrost, popcorn, eco mode, and even a dedicated setting for jacket potatoes. Despite its small footprint, it comfortably fits an average-sized dinner plate, making it practical for everyday use.
Performance-wise, it heats evenly and is easy to clean, though its repeated beeping may be a minor drawback for some. The security feature preventing operation before opening the door is a thoughtful touch. Overall, it’s a stylish, efficient microwave that delivers great value for its size.
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TOSHIBA 26L Air Fry Auto Menu Combo 6-in-1 900W Microwave Oven
The Toshiba 26L Air Fry Auto Menu Combo 6-in-1 Microwave Oven is a powerhouse appliance that combines a microwave, convection oven, grill, air fryer, steam, and combination cooking into one sleek unit. Its versatility makes it an excellent space-saving solution for those who want more than just a standard microwave.
Usability is a highlight, with 10 auto cooking menus and 9 air fry presets, making meal prep effortless. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, roasting chicken, or crisping up fries with less oil, the digital controls and sensor-based cooking take the guesswork out of the process. The turntable ensures even cooking without manual intervention, and the chef defrost feature prevents uneven thawing.
Performance-wise, the ORIGIN INVERTER technology delivers precise, consistent power while reducing noise and saving energy. This all-in-one solution is ideal for busy kitchens, offering quick, healthy, and flavorful results with minimal effort. A true game changer for modern cooking.
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Russell Hobbs RHM1731 INSPIRE 17 Litre Microwave
The Russell Hobbs RHM1731 INSPIRE 17L Microwave is a compact yet stylish choice for small kitchens, offering five power levels and an efficient defrost function at an affordable price. Despite its budget-friendly design, it delivers impressive cooking results for everyday meals.
Usability is straightforward, featuring a manual dial timer rather than digital controls. While this keeps things simple, it lacks precision for short cooking times, requiring users to adjust the dial manually. The non-slip feet could be more effective, as the microwave tends to shift slightly on smooth countertops.
Performance-wise, the defrost function is a standout, thawing a whole chicken breast in just five minutes—faster than many competitors. Cooking results are consistent, with the jacket potato test yielding crisp skin and a fluffy interior. For those seeking an attractive, space-saving microwave with solid performance, the RHM1731 is a strong contender in the entry-level market.
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COMFEE’ 700W 20L Microwave Oven
The COMFEE’ 700W 20L Microwave Oven is a compact, budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without unnecessary complexity. Ideal for students, small families, or kitchens with limited space, it offers straightforward functionality with five power levels for tasks like reheating, defrosting, and cooking simple meals.
Usability is a key strength, featuring easy-to-read controls and rotary knobs, making operation effortless even for those who prefer a no-frills microwave. The quick defrost function by time or weight ensures food thaws evenly without overheating, while the interior light and glass turntable help maintain visibility and even heating.
Despite its small 20L footprint, it can accommodate dishes up to 9 inches, making it surprisingly practical for everyday use. With a sleek, modern white design and built-in child lock, it’s both stylish and safe. At this price point, it’s a great value-for-money microwave that prioritizes simplicity and efficiency.
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Samsung MS23K3513AW Solo Microwave
The Samsung MS23K3513AW is a stylish 23L solo microwave that combines premium aesthetics with practical functionality. Its CERAMIC INSIDE™ coating sets it apart, offering a scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean interior that won’t discolour over time—ideal for long-term use.
Usability is straightforward, with intuitive controls and features like ECO Mode, which reduces standby power consumption to save energy. The Deodorisation function is another standout, quickly eliminating lingering food odours—particularly useful after heating strong-smelling dishes.
While the microwave performs well across various tasks, setting the power levels isn’t as intuitive, requiring a glance at the manual for clarity. Despite this minor learning curve, its sleek design, durability, and energy efficiency make it a compelling choice.
Performance-wise, it delivers consistent, even heating, making it reliable for everyday cooking, reheating, and defrosting. For those seeking a modern, low-maintenance microwave with a few smart extras, this is a solid option.
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Bosch Series 2 FFL023MS2B
The Bosch Series 2 FFL023MS2B is a sleek yet robust 800W microwave designed for efficiency and ease of use. Its push-button door and non-slip feet add convenience and stability, making it a reliable choice for busy kitchens.
With seven auto presets, it simplifies common tasks like defrosting meat, cooking vegetables, and preparing rice. However, the preset labels (P1–P7) require referencing the manual, which can be a minor inconvenience. Fortunately, the ability to save custom settings helps streamline future use.
Performance-wise, it delivers even defrosting, thawing chicken in just six minutes with minimal overheating. Cooking results are consistent, though it lacks a preset for jacket potatoes—requiring some trial and error. The adjustable power levels (90W–800W) offer great flexibility, catering to various cooking needs.
While the fingerprint-prone surface and small window are slight drawbacks, this model excels in customization and reliable performance, making it a solid addition to any kitchen.
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Beko Solo Retro Microwave MOC20200B
The Beko Solo Retro Microwave MOC20200B blends vintage aesthetics with modern convenience, making it an eye-catching yet functional addition to any kitchen. Despite its compact size, it offers a 20-litre capacity, making it a great fit for smaller households or tight spaces.
Usability is a key strength, with five power levels, a quick start button, and eight preset cooking options, ensuring effortless meal preparation. The defrost function speeds up meal prep, while the intuitive controls make operation simple, even for beginners.
Performance-wise, this 800W microwave delivers even heating and reliable results, whether reheating leftovers or cooking from scratch. While its smaller size may not suit those needing extra space, it excels in efficiency, offering consistent performance with minimal effort. Plus, with four stylish colour options, it adds a touch of personality to any kitchen. Ideal for those seeking a compact, reliable, and stylish microwave.
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