Microwaves
9 best microwaves for UK kitchens in 2026
- Products shortlisted
- 9
- Last updated
- 4 Oct 2026
There is no single microwave that is best for every kitchen. The Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ is our starting point for ordinary reheating and single-plate meals. The 32L Panasonic NN-ST65QBBPQ gives larger family plates more room without adding oven functions. The Russell Hobbs RHM2017 offers straightforward digital timing at a modest price, while the Russell Hobbs RHFM2365B offers a flatbed solo option when dish rotation is the problem. The Sage, Daewoo, Panasonic steam model and Russell Hobbs combi add oven-style cooking for households that will use it.
The choice depends on the meals you make, the controls you prefer and the dishes that fit. Each pick has practical drawbacks alongside its strengths. A flatbed can ease cleaning and awkward dish fit without guaranteeing more even heating; a larger combination model earns its worktop space only if you regularly grill, bake, steam or air fry.
Start with microwave type and external dimensions, allowing the ventilation space in the exact instructions. For a closer comparison of everyday models, see our solo microwave guide; for added cooking functions, see our combination microwave picks.
Related buying guides
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Quick picks
Best options at a glance
See the main recommendations side by side, with enough detail to decide which picks deserve a closer look.
Best Microwave For Everyday Reheating
Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ Solo Microwave
A balanced 20L choice for everyday meals
Our first choice for everyday reheating: a compact 800W microwave with useful programmes, provided you stir soup and check that your dishes fit its 20L cavity.
- Capacity
- 20L
- Power
- 800W
- Type
- solo
Best Premium All-In-One Microwave
Sage The Combi Wave 3 in 1
32L microwave, convection oven and air fryer in one
A polished, spacious choice for households that will genuinely use microwave, oven, grill and air-fry modes from one appliance.
- Capacity
- 32L
- Power
- 1,100W
- Type
- combination
Best Family-Size Solo Microwave
Panasonic Inverter Solo Microwave NN-ST65QBBPQ
A spacious inverter model for larger meals
A 32L solo microwave with a 34cm turntable, sensor reheating and flexible power settings. Worth the extra cost for larger plates, provided you have the worktop space.
- Capacity
- 32L
- Power
- 1,000W
- Type
- solo
Best Flatbed Solo Microwave
Russell Hobbs RHFM2365B Flatbed Microwave
A 23L flatbed for awkward dishes
Choose this 23L flatbed for cookware that is awkward on a turntable and a clear floor to wipe. Heating results vary, and defrosting is a compromise.
- Capacity
- 23L
- Power
- 800W
- Type
- solo
Guide price: about £106
Best Steam Combination Microwave
Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ Steam Combination Microwave
27L flatbed combi with steam, grill and oven modes
The most appealing option for families that want steam cooking alongside microwave, grill and oven functions in a flexible flatbed cavity.
- Capacity
- 27L
- Power
- 1,000W
- Type
- Combination
RRP: £449
Best Easy-To-Use Microwave
Russell Hobbs RHM2017 Digital Microwave
20L · 800W · Silver · Digital controls
Clear buttons, a digital dial and a quick-start setting make everyday timing straightforward. Soup and potatoes are strengths, but ready meals can need extra heating time.
- Capacity
- 20L
- Power
- 800W
- Type
- solo
Typical price: £79–£90
Best Flatbed Combination Microwave
Sharp YC-QC254AU-B Flatbed Combination Microwave
25L flatbed combi for flexible dishes and easier cleaning
A versatile flatbed combi that makes awkward dishes easier to place and removes the turntable from the cleaning routine.
- Capacity
- 25L
- Power
- 900W
- Type
- combination
Guide price: about £169
Best Air-Fryer Combination Microwave
Daewoo Actuate 5-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven
26L air-fryer combi with responsive touch controls
The strongest air-fryer combi for buyers who want convincing roasting and crisping as well as capable everyday microwave performance.
- Capacity
- 26L
- Power
- 900W
- Type
- combination
Guide price: about £190
Best Budget Combination Microwave
Russell Hobbs RHM2366B 3-in-1 Combination Microwave
23L microwave, grill and convection oven at a lower price
A strong-value route into microwave, grill and convection cooking, with logical controls and impressive results on everyday foods.
- Capacity
- 23L
- Power
- 900W
- Type
- combination
Comparison
Compare the products at a glance
See the main details and prices side by side to narrow down the products that best match your priorities.
| Product | Price | Capacity | Power | Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ Solo Microwave Best Microwave For Everyday Reheating |
Retailer price:
£99 at Amazon
Price checked 5 October 2026 21:17 BST |
20L | 800W | solo | 44 x 32.4 x 25.8cm |
| Sage The Combi Wave 3 in 1 Best Premium All-In-One Microwave |
Retailer price:
£359.95 at Amazon
Price checked 5 October 2026 11:17 BST |
32L | 1,100W | combination | 51.9 x 51.3 x 31.6cm |
| Panasonic Inverter Solo Microwave NN-ST65QBBPQ Best Family-Size Solo Microwave |
Retailer price:
£189 at Amazon
Price checked 5 October 2026 21:17 BST |
32L | 1,000W | solo | 52.5 × 38.8 × 31cm |
| Russell Hobbs RHFM2365B Flatbed Microwave Best Flatbed Solo Microwave | Guide price: about £106 | 23L | 800W | solo | 47.2 × 37.7 × 29.5cm |
| Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ Steam Combination Microwave Best Steam Combination Microwave | RRP: £449 | 27L | 1,000W | Combination | 51.4 x 45.6 x 34.7cm |
| Russell Hobbs RHM2017 Digital Microwave Best Easy-To-Use Microwave | Typical price: £79–£90 | 20L | 800W | solo | 45.2 x 39.5 x 26.2cm |
| Sharp YC-QC254AU-B Flatbed Combination Microwave Best Flatbed Combination Microwave | Guide price: about £169 | 25L | 900W | combination | 49 x 50.9 x 28.8cm |
| Daewoo Actuate 5-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven Best Air-Fryer Combination Microwave | Guide price: about £190 | 26L | 900W | combination | 52.1 × 45 × 30cm |
| Russell Hobbs RHM2366B 3-in-1 Combination Microwave Best Budget Combination Microwave |
Retailer price:
£125 at Amazon
Price checked 5 October 2026 11:17 BST |
23L | 900W | combination | 46.9 x 41.5 x 28cm |
Full verdicts
Why these picks made the shortlist
A closer look at where each pick works best, what it gives up and what to double-check before buying.
Our pick Best Microwave For Everyday Reheating
Key specs
- Capacity
- 20L
- Power
- 800W
- Type
- solo
- Dimensions
- 44 x 32.4 x 25.8cm
A solo microwave is the sensible starting point when reheating matters more than adding another oven. The Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ balances its 20L cavity, 800W output and digital controls with useful independent everyday-heating results. It takes less room than the larger combination choices, but soup still needs stirring and large cookware may not rotate on its 25.5cm turntable.
Guide price: about £99
Key features
- 20L cavity and 800W maximum microwave output
- Five power levels with eight automatic programmes
- Touch controls for timed reheating
- 44cm wide, 32.4cm deep and 25.8cm high before ventilation space
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Price £99 | Checked 5 October 2026 21:17 BST | View at Amazon |
Pros
- A useful all-round choice for everyday reheating and ready meals
- Five power levels allow gentler heating as well as full-power cooking
- Eight programmes provide shortcuts for regular tasks
- Digital controls allow more precise timing than a mechanical dial
- A restrained silver finish and manageable 44cm body width
Cons
- Unstirred soup can heat unevenly; pause and stir
- A 20L cavity cannot guarantee room for your widest plate
- External dimensions exclude the required ventilation gaps
- Solo heating will not produce grill-style browning or oven-style crisping
Verdict
Our starting point for ordinary microwave jobs. Spend more on a combination model only if you will use its grill, oven or air-fry functions; choose the 32L Panasonic below if larger plates are the real need.
Our pick Best Premium All-In-One Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 32L
- Power
- 1,100W
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 51.9 x 51.3 x 31.6cm
The Sage Combi Wave 3 in 1 is the premium choice for buyers who want one appliance to cover much more than reheating. Alongside its 1100W microwave, it provides convection, grilling, air frying and combination programmes in a generous 32L cavity.
Its appeal is breadth rather than bargain value. Independent assessments have praised both its cooking versatility and the clarity of its main presets, although the control panel still takes time to master. It makes most sense when the oven-style functions will be used regularly and replacing separate appliances has real value.
Typical price: £398–£400
Key features
- 32L capacity and 1100W microwave power
- Microwave, convection oven, grill and air-fry cooking
- 19 presets covering reheating, defrosting and multi-stage cooking
- Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen modes
- Turntable-off option for suitable dishes
- Quiet Mark certification
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Price £359.95 | Checked 5 October 2026 11:17 BST | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Wide range of cooking modes can replace several separate countertop appliances
- Large cavity is well suited to family portions and bigger dishes
- Clear presets make its core functions easier to access than the feature list suggests
- Independent checks found the controls and setup straightforward
- Strong option when worktop space matters more than the lowest purchase price
Cons
- Considerably more expensive than a good solo or basic combination microwave
- Deep 51.3cm body demands a substantial area of worktop and ventilation space
- The number of controls can feel complicated until the shortcuts become familiar
- A dedicated air fryer can produce better results for buyers who prioritise that function
- Oven temperatures may need adjusting from conventional recipe timings
Verdict
Buy the Sage for its all-in-one flexibility, not simply because it is a powerful microwave. It is particularly compelling for family kitchens, smaller homes without a full second oven, or anyone who wants extra cooking capacity without adding several machines.
The price, depth and learning curve are meaningful drawbacks. A basic solo model is a far better-value reheater, while keen air-fryer users may prefer a dedicated drawer appliance. If those trade-offs fit your kitchen, the Sage offers the most complete premium package in this shortlist.
Our pick Best Family-Size Solo Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 32L
- Power
- 1,000W
- Type
- solo
- Dimensions
- 52.5 × 38.8 × 31cm
Panasonic Inverter Solo Microwave NN-ST65QBBPQ
A spacious inverter model for larger meals
See product detailsThe NN-ST65QBBPQ puts its extra space into microwave cooking rather than a grill or oven. Its 32L cavity and 34cm turntable are useful when the smaller Panasonic’s plate fit is the limiting factor. Sensor reheating, inverter power and automatic programmes add convenience, though its larger body needs a suitable worktop. Owner feedback supports usability; it does not establish a controlled heating-test win over the smaller model.
Guide price: about £189
Key features
- 32L cavity, 1000W maximum output and a 34cm turntable
- Seven power levels with inverter power control
- Sensor reheating and 24 automatic programmes
- Flush touch controls with 10-second, one-minute and ten-minute time buttons
- 52.5cm wide, 38.8cm deep and 31cm high before ventilation gaps
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Price £189 | Checked 5 October 2026 21:17 BST | View at Amazon |
Pros
- 32L capacity and a 34cm turntable accommodate larger plates and bowls
- Seven power levels provide settings for gentler heating as well as 1000W maximum output
- Sensor reheating adjusts the running time using food moisture
- 24 programmes offer shortcuts for regular cooking tasks
- 10-second, one-minute and ten-minute buttons allow digital timing adjustments
- Flush touch controls are convenient to wipe clean
- Inverter power control offers an alternative to simple on/off cycling
Cons
- The 52.5cm-wide body needs more worktop room than the smaller solo picks
- A rotating plate still limits rectangular cookware and dishes with handles
- Around £189 is a substantial premium if you only heat small portions
- Automatic programmes need learning and do not remove stirring or standing-time checks
- Solo microwave heating cannot grill, brown or crisp food
- The interior light may be disappointing; one owner specifically reports poor brightness
Verdict
Choose this for larger plates while keeping to solo microwave cooking. The combination picks add more cooking methods, while the smaller Panasonic costs less and has stronger independent everyday-performance results.
Our pick Best Flatbed Solo Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 23L
- Power
- 800W
- Type
- solo
- Dimensions
- 47.2 × 37.7 × 29.5cm
The RHFM2365B addresses dish shape rather than adding oven functions. Its clear 23L flatbed lets you use suitable cookware without a rotating plate and leaves fewer parts to remove for cleaning. That can be more useful than moving up to a large turntable, but independent reviews disagree on heating consistency and identify weak defrosting. Check the cavity dimensions rather than assuming every rectangular dish fits.
Guide price: about £106
Key features
- 23L flatbed cavity without a rotating plate
- 800W maximum output and five power levels
- Eight automatic menus and a timer up to 95 minutes
- 47.2cm wide, 37.7cm deep and 29.5cm high before ventilation space
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- A flat cavity floor removes the restriction of a rotating plate
- Rectangular dishes can be easier to accommodate when they do not need to turn
- No glass plate or roller ring to lift out after a spill
- 23L capacity provides more room than the 17L manual alternatives
- Five power levels and eight menus offer useful everyday settings
Cons
- Heating results vary; stir and check food rather than relying on the flatbed design
- Defrosting is not a strong reason to choose it
- The 47.2 × 37.7cm body needs a reasonably generous worktop
- Cavity shape still limits dish fit, even without a turntable
- Some retailers quote lengthy delivery waits; check the promised date
Verdict
Our flatbed solo option for awkward dish rotation and easier cavity wiping. Choose the Sharp flatbed combination below if you also need grilling or convection cooking; choose a turntable solo for a cheaper, simpler route to ordinary reheating.
Our pick Best Steam Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 27L
- Power
- 1,000W
- Type
- Combination
- Dimensions
- 51.4 x 45.6 x 34.7cm
Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ Steam Combination Microwave
27L flatbed combi with steam, grill and oven modes
See product detailsThe Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ stands out by adding proper steam cooking to a 27L flatbed microwave, grill and convection oven. The lack of a turntable makes better use of the cavity, while the drop-down door and multiple cooking modes help it behave more like a compact second oven.
Steam performance is its clearest strength, and the easy-to-handle water containers reduce some of the usual fuss. It is not flawless: the controls need learning, the window can mist up and one independent jacket-potato check exposed uneven results. Its value therefore depends on using the extra modes regularly.
RRP: £449
Key features
- 27L flatbed cavity with no turntable
- 1000W microwave plus grill, convection oven and steam modes
- 28 automatic programmes
- Combination and turbo cooking options
- Drop-down oven-style door
- Cleaning programme and removable water containers
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Steam mode adds a genuinely different way to cook rather than another reheating preset
- Flatbed cavity gives rectangular dishes more usable room and is easier to wipe clean
- Broad microwave, grill, oven and steam functions suit varied family cooking
- Water containers are straightforward to fill and empty
- Independent checks found steam cooking particularly effective for puddings
- Five-year warranty provides useful long-term reassurance
Cons
- Premium price is difficult to justify if steam and oven modes will be occasional extras
- Controls and less visible buttons take time to learn
- Window can steam up during cooking
- A jacket potato failed to cook through in one independent check
- Large body still needs careful worktop and ventilation measurements
Verdict
Choose this Panasonic when steam cooking is a real priority and you want a flexible flatbed appliance. It can cover vegetables, puddings, reheating, grilling and oven-style cooking without a turntable limiting dish shape.
It is a costly and fairly substantial machine for simple microwave duties. Buyers interested mainly in air frying should compare the Daewoo or Sage instead, while a solo model will be cheaper and easier if browning, baking and steaming are not part of the plan.
Our pick Best Easy-To-Use Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 20L
- Power
- 800W
- Type
- solo
- Dimensions
- 45.2 x 39.5 x 26.2cm
The RHM2017 is our choice for straightforward controls without the cost of a more elaborate appliance. A digital dial, clearly named buttons and quick start make everyday timing approachable. Soup and jacket potatoes are useful strengths, though ready meals can need extra heating time.
Its 20L cavity and 24.5cm turntable suit modest plates; the 39.5cm body depth needs checking on a shallow worktop. It does not grill, brown or bake, so choose a combination microwave if those are functions you will use.
Typical price: £79–£90
Key features
- 20L cavity and 800W maximum microwave output
- Digital timing dial with clearly named control buttons
- Quick-start setting for a short full-power burst
- 24.5cm removable glass turntable
- 45.2cm wide, 39.5cm deep and 26.2cm high before ventilation space
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Straightforward buttons and a digital dial are easy to learn
- Short timings are easier to set than on a coarse mechanical timer
- Useful soup heating and jacket-potato cooking
- Quick start reduces setup for a brief full-power burst
- Five power levels offer gentler settings as well as full power
Cons
- Chilled and frozen ready meals can need extra heating time
- The 39.5cm-deep body needs more room than some small solo models
- A 24.5cm turntable can restrict large plates and dishes with handles
- Automatic cooking still requires suitable food weights and instructions
- No grill or convection cooking for browning and crisping
Verdict
Choose the RHM2017 for straightforward everyday timing. The overall Panasonic remains the better starting point for ready meals; our solo microwave guide also compares the cheaper manual Inspire and premium Sage Compact Wave.
Read the full Russell Hobbs RHM2017 review and specifications.
Our pick Best Flatbed Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 25L
- Power
- 900W
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 49 x 50.9 x 28.8cm
Sharp YC-QC254AU-B Flatbed Combination Microwave
25L flatbed combi for flexible dishes and easier cleaning
See product detailsThe Sharp YC-QC254AU-B uses a flat floor rather than a rotating glass plate, giving rectangular dishes more freedom and leaving fewer parts to remove for cleaning. It combines that practical layout with 900W microwave power, grilling, convection cooking and 14 presets.
Its precise timer, solid accessories and strong jacket-potato result add to the appeal. The trade-off is size: the body is deep and bulky, and the defrost setting is not quick. It works best for buyers who will make regular use of the flatbed space rather than simply wanting the smallest possible combi.
Guide price: about £169
Key features
- 25L flatbed cavity with no glass turntable
- 900W microwave with grill and convection cooking
- 14 preset programmes
- Defrost, reheat and energy-saving modes
- Precise digital timer
- Supplied grill and oven accessories
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Flat floor is easier to wipe clean than a turntable mechanism
- Rectangular and awkwardly shaped dishes make better use of the cavity
- Microwave, grill and convection modes offer useful flexibility
- Accessories feel sturdy and well matched to the appliance
- Timer allows unusually precise control
- Independent checks produced a particularly good jacket potato
Cons
- Large footprint needs considerably more worktop depth than many 25L models
- Costs more than a straightforward turntable microwave
- Defrost programme was slow in independent checks
- Flatbed convenience does not make the appliance itself compact
Verdict
Buy the Sharp when dish flexibility and easier cleaning are more valuable than a compact footprint. The flatbed layout is genuinely helpful for casserole dishes and other shapes that can catch on a turntable.
It is not the cheapest route to microwave, grill and convection cooking, and slow defrosting is disappointing. Even so, its combination of usable space, clear timing and versatile cooking modes makes it the strongest flatbed choice in this shortlist.
Our pick Best Air-Fryer Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 26L
- Power
- 900W
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 52.1 × 45 × 30cm
Daewoo Actuate 5-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven
26L air-fryer combi with responsive touch controls
See product detailsThe Daewoo Actuate is the most convincing choice here for combining microwave convenience with useful air-fryer cooking. Its 26L cavity, five functions and 28 presets cover everyday reheating as well as roasting, crisping and combination meals.
Independent checks produced strong results with roast chicken, sausages, soup, jacket potatoes, ready meals and defrosting, supported by a responsive panel and unusually clear illustrated instructions. Browning was less successful for macaroni cheese, and the fixed turntable restricts some dish shapes, but its overall cooking range is impressive.
Guide price: about £190
Key features
- 26L capacity with microwave, air-fryer and combination cooking
- Five cooking functions and 28 presets
- Responsive touch-screen control panel
- Ten power levels
- Supplied grill basket and baking tray
- Clear illustrated operating instructions
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Air-fryer mode performed well with roast chicken and sausages in independent checks
- Strong results across soup, jacket potatoes, ready meals and defrosting
- Clear diagrams make a multi-function appliance easier to learn
- Touch controls are sleek and responsive
- 26L cavity balances useful cooking room with a smaller footprint than many premium combis
- Broad programme choice supports quick meals as well as more ambitious cooking
Cons
- Turntable cannot be switched off for larger rectangular dishes
- Macaroni cheese did not brown as well as expected in independent checks
- Air-fryer tray is not dishwasher-safe
- Still larger and more complicated than a solo microwave
- Buyers focused mainly on air frying may prefer a dedicated drawer appliance
Verdict
Choose the Daewoo if air frying is the extra function you are most likely to use. It offers a better balance of air-fryer performance, microwave basics and approachable controls than many multi-function machines.
The tray needs hand washing and the turntable cannot be stopped, so it is not the most flexible cavity. A dedicated air fryer may still suit enthusiasts better, but households trying to reduce the number of appliances on the worktop get a capable all-round package at a more accessible level than the Sage.
Our pick Best Budget Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 23L
- Power
- 900W
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 46.9 x 41.5 x 28cm
Russell Hobbs RHM2366B 3-in-1 Combination Microwave
23L microwave, grill and convection oven at a lower price
See product detailsThe Russell Hobbs RHM2366B brings microwave, grill and convection cooking into a more affordable 23L appliance. Its 900W microwave, ten presets and logical controls cover the essentials, while the grill rack and oven mode make browning and small-batch baking possible.
Independent checks were notably strong for soup, jacket potatoes, chilled meals, frozen meals, roast chicken and grilling. The compromises are a cavity with some dirt traps and fixed temperatures on automatic grill and convection programmes, but neither undermines its value for buyers moving beyond a solo microwave.
Guide price: about £119
Key features
- 23L capacity and 900W microwave power
- 1000W grill and 1700W convection oven
- Ten automatic cooking presets plus defrost
- Five microwave power levels
- Removable glass turntable
- Supplied grill rack
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Price £125 | Checked 5 October 2026 11:17 BST | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Adds grill and convection cooking without premium combi pricing
- Logical controls are easier to learn than many multi-function rivals
- Removable turntable simplifies cleaning
- Independent checks produced excellent soup and jacket-potato results
- Chilled and frozen ready meals heated very well
- Roast chicken and grilled food performance was strong for the price
Cons
- Interior has crevices that can trap splashes and crumbs
- Cooked food cooled slightly quickly after heating
- Automatic grill and convection temperatures are fixed, so only time can be adjusted
- 23L cavity is less suitable for large family dishes than 27-32L combis
- Turntable layout is less flexible than a flatbed for rectangular cookware
Verdict
This is the best-value choice when a solo microwave is too limited but a premium combi is unnecessary. It handles everyday microwave jobs well and adds credible grilling and convection without an intimidating control layout.
The smaller 23L cavity and fixed programme temperatures reduce flexibility compared with the Sage, Panasonic and Sharp. For buyers who want useful oven-style functions at a more attainable price, the Russell Hobbs offers the most persuasive set of trade-offs.
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Buying advice
Helpful advice before you choose
Use these guides to settle the trade-offs that matter before comparing the recommendations.
Solo vs combination microwaves: which should you buy?
Solo microwaves are the simple, affordable choice for reheating and defrosting. Combination microwaves cost more, but add oven-style cooking for browning, baking and small meals.
Read advice
What size microwave do I need?
Choose the right microwave size by matching litre capacity to your plates, worktop space, household size and whether you want a simple solo model or a larger combi microwave.
Read advice
Flatbed vs turntable microwaves: which is better?
Flatbed microwaves give you more usable space and easier cleaning, but a normal turntable is still the best-value choice for many kitchens. Here is how to decide.
Read adviceMore buying guides
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