A microwave that is too small leaves you reheating dinner in batches. One that is too large can dominate a compact worktop without adding much value to your daily routine. This microwave oven buying guide focuses on the details that make shopping easier: capacity, wattage, cooking functions, installation and the features your household will actually use.
Start with how you will use your microwave
The right model depends less on the biggest specification and more on what happens in your kitchen each day. If you mainly warm leftovers, defrost ingredients and make hot drinks, a straightforward solo microwave is usually the sensible, budget-friendly choice. It is quick to operate, easy to clean and takes up less room.
For households that want more from one appliance, consider a grill microwave or a combination microwave. A grill model can brown cheese on toast, crisp a topping and finish simple dishes that would otherwise need the main oven. A combination microwave adds convection cooking, allowing it to bake, roast and cook with hot air as well as microwave energy. It can be useful in a smaller kitchen, student flat or busy family home where oven space is limited.
The trade-off is simplicity. Combination models offer more versatility, but their controls and programmes can take longer to learn. If you already rely on a full-sized oven and only need fast reheating, paying extra for functions you will not use may not be worthwhile.
Choose the right microwave type
Solo microwaves for everyday reheating
Solo microwaves are designed for the essentials: reheating, defrosting and straightforward microwave cooking. They suit anyone replacing an older appliance, setting up a first kitchen or looking for an easy second appliance in a utility room or office. Look for clear controls, enough capacity for your regular bowls and plates, and a power level that matches the speed you expect.
Grill microwaves for a better finish
A grill microwave is a practical middle ground. Along with standard microwave functions, it uses a heating element to brown and crisp food. This is helpful for jacket potatoes, open sandwiches, pasta bakes and grilled fish. It will not fully replace a conventional oven, but it gives everyday meals a more appealing finish than microwaving alone.
Combination microwaves for flexible cooking
Combination models bring together microwave, grill and convection oven functions. They can handle more ambitious cooking, from roasting vegetables to baking small trays of food. Check the internal dimensions before choosing one, as a quoted capacity does not always show whether your favourite dish will fit. Also consider where it will sit, because combination units can be heavier and need suitable ventilation around them.
Capacity: match litres to your household
Microwave capacity is measured in litres, but usable space matters more than the number alone. A 20-litre model is often enough for one or two people who use standard dinner plates and reheat modest portions. For a family kitchen, 25 to 32 litres gives more flexibility for larger plates, casserole dishes and batch cooking.
Turntable diameter is a useful figure to check alongside capacity. A roomy interior is of little help if a large plate cannot rotate freely. Measure the widest dish you use regularly, then compare it with the turntable size and internal width shown in the product details.
Flatbed microwaves are another option. Instead of a rotating glass turntable, they use a flat cooking base. This can make cleaning easier and gives you greater freedom with square or rectangular dishes. They are especially useful when you often reheat larger containers, although availability and price can vary by model.
Power and cooking performance
Higher wattage generally means faster cooking and reheating. Most household microwaves range from around 700W to 1,000W or more. A 700W model is suitable for lighter use, but cooking times on food packaging are often based on 800W or 900W appliances. You may need to add time and stir food more carefully with a lower-powered microwave.
An 800W to 900W microwave is a dependable choice for many households. It offers quick everyday performance without necessarily moving into the premium end of the range. Models above 1,000W can be useful for larger portions and frequent cooking, but power alone does not guarantee better results. Even heating, sensible auto programmes and a well-designed cavity all make a difference.
Choose a microwave with several power levels rather than relying only on full power. Lower settings are better for melting chocolate, softening butter, gently reheating delicate foods and defrosting meat without starting to cook the edges.
Controls and programmes that save time
Simple dial controls are easy to use and suit buyers who want a no-fuss appliance. Digital controls provide greater precision, often with timers, clock displays and preset programmes. Neither is automatically better. Choose the interface that feels clear enough for everyone in the home to use confidently.
Auto-cook and auto-defrost programmes can be genuinely useful when they are based on food weight. Enter the weight of chicken, fish or frozen vegetables and the microwave sets an estimated time and power level. Results will still depend on the food shape and starting temperature, so pause midway where advised and turn or stir for more even defrosting.
Useful features to compare include a quick-start button, a child lock, a kitchen timer and a memory function for frequently used settings. Sensor cooking is available on some models and adjusts cooking time based on steam or humidity. It can be convenient, but it is not essential for a microwave used mainly for reheating.
Worktop, built-in or integrated installation
A freestanding microwave is the easiest option. Place it on a stable, level worktop with the clearance required by the manufacturer, plug it into an appropriate socket and it is ready to use. It is also the most flexible choice if you move home, rearrange the kitchen or need a replacement quickly.
Built-in microwaves are designed to sit inside a kitchen unit for a neat, coordinated look. They can free up valuable worktop space, particularly in compact kitchens, but sizing is critical. Check the appliance dimensions, niche dimensions, door opening space and ventilation requirements before ordering. A built-in model should not be substituted casually for a freestanding one, or vice versa, as airflow and installation specifications differ.
For a coordinated kitchen, consider the finish as well as the fit. Stainless steel, black, white and darker glass-fronted designs each create a different look. A fingerprint-resistant finish can be a practical advantage in a busy family kitchen.
Cleaning, safety and everyday convenience
A microwave is easier to keep fresh when its interior has a smooth enamel or stainless-steel cavity and the turntable can be removed for washing. Cover food with a microwave-safe lid to reduce splatters, and wipe spills quickly before they bake onto the surface. A deodorising or steam-clean programme is a welcome extra, though regular cleaning remains the simplest solution.
Always use microwave-safe glass, ceramic or marked plastic containers. Avoid metal, foil unless the manufacturer specifically permits it, and containers with metallic decoration. For safety, never run a microwave empty, and make sure the door closes properly. If the door, seal or latch is damaged, stop using the appliance until it has been checked.
Noise can also matter in open-plan homes. Microwaves naturally produce fan and operating sounds, but control beeps vary between models. Some offer a mute function, which is useful for early breakfasts, late-night meals or households with sleeping children.
Set a budget around the features you need
Entry-level solo microwaves offer strong value when you need dependable reheating and defrosting. Moving up in price may bring a larger capacity, more power, a grill, improved finishes or additional programmes. Combination and built-in models usually cost more because they offer greater cooking flexibility and specialised installation.
Rather than choosing by price alone, compare like for like. A well-sized 800W solo microwave from a familiar brand may be a better fit than a feature-heavy model with functions your household will never select. When promotions, instant rebates or clearance offers are available, they can make it easier to step up to the capacity or cooking type you actually want.
Before you buy, measure the available space, check your largest plate and decide whether you need reheating, grilling or oven-style cooking. Then choose the model that makes weekday meals easier, not the one with the longest feature list.