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Solo microwaves

Best solo microwaves for UK kitchens in 2026

Nine solo microwaves for everyday meals, tighter budgets, larger dishes and quieter kitchens, with the trade-offs that matter.

Products shortlisted
9
Last updated
4 Oct 2026

A solo microwave is a sensible purchase for reheating leftovers, defrosting ingredients and cooking quick meals. It heats with microwaves alone; choose a grill or combination model if you also want browning, baking or crisping.

The Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ is our overall choice for everyday meals. The Russell Hobbs Inspire keeps the cost down, while the RHM2017 offers straightforward digital timing. For larger plates, the 32L Panasonic provides more room; the RHFM2365B flatbed helps when a dish cannot rotate.

The Bosch suits carefully controlled, repeated cooking tasks. The Samsung is our reheating choice, the Swan Nordic puts appearance first and the Sage Compact Wave adds quieter operation and a soft-close door. Compare dish fit, controls, delivered prices and ventilation space alongside each recommendation.

Related buying guides

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Explore more focused guides in the same product family when you already know the type or feature set you want.

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Quick picks

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See the main recommendations side by side, with enough detail to decide which picks deserve a closer look.

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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 Cavity layout Width Depth Height
Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ Solo Microwave Best Overall Solo Microwave Retailer price: £99 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 19:59 BST

 20L 800W Turntable 44cm 32.4cm 25.8cm
Russell Hobbs Inspire RHM1731 Solo Microwave Best Budget Solo Microwave Retailer price: £78.99 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 19:59 BST

 17L 700W Turntable 45.2cm 35cm 26.2cm
Russell Hobbs RHM2017 Digital Microwave Best Easy-To-Use Solo Microwave Typical price: £79–£90 20L 800W Turntable 45.2cm 39.5cm 26.2cm
Panasonic Inverter Solo Microwave NN-ST65QBBPQ Best Solo Microwave For Families Retailer price: £189 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 19:59 BST

 32L 1,000W Turntable 52.5cm 38.8cm 31cm
Russell Hobbs RHFM2365B Flatbed Microwave Best Flatbed Solo Microwave Guide price: about £106 23L 800W Flatbed 47.2cm 37.7cm 29.5cm
Bosch Series 2 FFL023MS2B Microwave Best Solo Microwave For Precise Cooking Guide price: about £149 20L 800W Turntable 44.2cm 34.5cm 26cm
Samsung MS23T5018AG BESPOKE Solo Microwave Best Solo Microwave For Reheating Retailer price: £179 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 19:59 BST

 23L 800W Turntable 48.9cm 36.3cm 27.5cm
Swan Nordic Digital Solo Microwave Best Looking Solo Microwave Retailer price: £89 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 19:59 BST

 20L 800W Turntable 44.1cm 32cm 25.5cm
Sage Compact Wave Soft Close Solo Microwave Best Premium Solo Microwave Retailer price: £179 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 19:59 BST

 25L 800W Turntable 48.5cm 41.7cm 29.2cm

Buying advice

How to choose a solo microwave

Use these checks to decide which features matter before comparing individual products.

Measure the dish you actually use

Capacity in litres is a starting point; the turntable diameter and cavity shape decide whether your plate fits. The 17L Inspire suits modest portions. The 20–25L choices offer more room, while the 32L Panasonic adds a 34cm turntable for larger plates. Measure your largest regular dish, including its handles, and check that it can rotate freely. A flatbed helps when rotation is the problem, but its cavity still has limits.

Allow the ventilation space, not just the body size

Measure the appliance body, then add the exact model’s required ventilation gaps and space to open the door. These are freestanding microwaves: fitting the body into a cupboard does not make enclosed installation suitable.

Choose controls for your routine

Two manual dials can be reassuring when you want only power and time, but short bursts are harder to set precisely. Digital timing is preferable for repeated small adjustments; Bosch adds a saved favourite for a task you use regularly. Automatic programmes can be convenient, but coded menus and weight-based defrost settings need the instructions. If markings or grip matter to you, try the controls where possible rather than assuming every manual model is easy to use.

Decide whether quieter use is worth the premium

If the microwave sits beside a living area or you use it early in the morning, alerts and door noise can matter as much as programmes. Sage’s mute button and soft-close door offer specific conveniences. Compare them with a less expensive model rather than assuming a premium price buys more cooking modes.

Use output power as a setting, not a quality score

700–800W covers the smaller models here and the family Panasonic reaches 1000W, but higher maximum output alone does not establish more even heating. Follow the food's timing instructions for your microwave's output and reduce power for gentler jobs where appropriate. Bosch's 800W maximum is regulated down to 600W during longer operation. Compare that qualification alongside controls and dish fit rather than treating the headline number as the whole story.

Match the microwave to the food

Soup, frozen meals, dense lasagne and defrosting can expose different strengths and weaknesses in the same appliance. Stir liquids and food that can be stirred, rearrange portions where the instructions allow it and respect standing times. Defrosting can warm or partly cook edges before the centre is ready, so monitor progress and follow the food and appliance instructions. No model here removes those checks.

Think about spills and cleaning

A removable turntable lets you clean the plate separately; a flatbed removes the plate and roller ring from the cavity altogether. Samsung's ceramic-enamel interior and Bosch's moisture-based cleaning aid offer different conveniences, but both still need wiping. Follow each model's care instructions, including whether removable parts can go in the dishwasher. A finish that shows marks may need more attention than its promotional photographs suggest.

Compare the delivered price and date

Compare the new price for the exact model and colour, including delivery charges and the promised arrival date. Used listings, membership-only prices and temporary promotions are different offers; check delivery for your address before buying.

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 Overall Solo Microwave

Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ 20L Solo Microwave

Key specs

Capacity
20L
Power
800W
Cavity layout
Turntable
Width
44cm
Depth
32.4cm
Height
25.8cm

Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ Solo Microwave

A balanced 20L choice for everyday meals

See product details

The NN-ST23QMBPQ earns its place by balancing everyday heating, a manageable worktop footprint and straightforward digital controls. Its 20L cavity is a sensible starting point for a dinner plate, a bowl of leftovers or a ready meal, while five power levels let you reduce the heat for gentler jobs. Eight automatic programmes give you alternatives to repeatedly entering a time.

Ready meals are a particular strength, but a good result still depends on the food and how you arrange it. Soup can warm unevenly when left unstirred, so pause, stir and allow the standing time rather than expecting a programme to do everything. The silver finish is restrained enough for a working kitchen without asking you to pay primarily for appearance.

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.

Amazon Price £99 Checked 4 October 2026 19:59 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

The Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ is our first recommendation for everyday single-plate meals. It balances good ready-meal heating, useful programmes and a manageable size at a much lower cost than the premium options. Soup still needs stirring.

The Inspire is the budget pick for smaller dishes; the RHM2017 has the clearer ease-of-use case. For larger family plates, compare the 32L Panasonic. Choose a flatbed only when dish rotation or access for cleaning is the real constraint.

Read the full Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ review and specifications.

Our pick Best Budget Solo Microwave

Russell Hobbs RHM1731 Inspire microwave

Key specs

Capacity
17L
Power
700W
Cavity layout
Turntable
Width
45.2cm
Depth
35cm
Height
26.2cm

The white Inspire RHM1731 is our budget choice for smaller portions. It combines useful potato cooking and chicken defrosting with a lower purchase price than the overall Panasonic. Two visible dials set power and time without a menu, and the textured white casing adds character to an otherwise basic appliance.

Its 17L cavity, 700W output and 24.5cm turntable suit modest meals. Check your plate rather than assuming the litre rating guarantees a fit. The body is 45.2cm wide, 35cm deep and 26.2cm high before ventilation gaps.

Low cost brings compromises. Setting less than two minutes is awkward, timer markings can be hard to read and wet hands may slip on the dials. The appliance can move on its feet when you use it. Simple controls are useful, but they do not make this the easiest microwave for everyone.

Guide price: about £78.99

Key features

  • White RHM1731 with textured Inspire finish
  • 17L cavity, 700W output and 24.5cm turntable
  • Five power settings and a 30-minute mechanical timer
  • 45.2cm wide, 35cm deep and 26.2cm high before ventilation space

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £78.99 Checked 4 October 2026 19:59 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Two visible dials set power and time without programme menus
  • Useful potato cooking and chicken defrosting for modest meals
  • Five power positions cover full and reduced-power use
  • Textured white finish adds character to a simple appliance
  • A removable 24.5cm turntable can be lifted out for cleaning

Cons

  • Mechanical timing below two minutes is imprecise
  • Timer markings can be difficult to read
  • Dials can be slippery with wet hands
  • The appliance can move on its feet during use
  • 17L capacity and the 24.5cm turntable restrict larger dishes

Verdict

Buy the Inspire when keeping the cost down matters and your usual plate fits its smaller cavity. Its cooking strengths make it more than a cheap appliance with a decorative exterior.

The Russell Hobbs RHM2027B is a cheaper runner-up with a larger 20L cavity, but uneven lasagne heating, a dim light and a loose-feeling door button are bigger compromises. Compare ordinary prices separately from Prime-only promotions. For easier short-burst timing, the RHM2017 is worth the extra cost.

Read the full Russell Hobbs Inspire RHM1731, white review and specifications.

Our pick Best Easy-To-Use Solo Microwave

Russell Hobbs RHM2017

Key specs

Capacity
20L
Power
800W
Cavity layout
Turntable
Width
45.2cm
Depth
39.5cm
Height
26.2cm

The RHM2017 is a good choice when you want straightforward controls without a coarse mechanical timer. Named buttons handle power, defrosting and starting or stopping, while the digital dial lets you set the time. The quick-start function is handy for a short full-power burst.

Its 20L cavity, 800W output and 24.5cm turntable suit ordinary single-plate meals. Soup heating and jacket potatoes are useful strengths. Chilled and frozen ready meals, however, can need longer than the suggested timings, so check the centre and follow the food’s standing instructions.

Compared with the cheaper Inspire, digital timing avoids trying to judge a small movement on a manual timer. It also brings a deeper body: allow for 45.2cm width, 39.5cm depth and 26.2cm height, plus the exact ventilation gaps. The rotating plate still limits dishes with wide handles.

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.

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

The RHM2017 is the sensible step up from basic manual timing if you want controls that are straightforward to learn. It offers a more convincing everyday usability choice than paying a little more for the RHM2076B simply to get digital controls.

Choose the Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ if ready-meal heating matters more than the simplest controls. The Bosch adds a saved favourite for repeated tasks, while the Sage Compact Wave costs considerably more for quieter operation, a mute button and a soft-close door.

Read the full Russell Hobbs RHM2017 review and specifications.

Our pick Best Solo Microwave For Families

Panasonic Inverter Solo Microwave NN-ST65QBBPQ

Key specs

Capacity
32L
Power
1,000W
Cavity layout
Turntable
Width
52.5cm
Depth
38.8cm
Height
31cm

The NN-ST65QBBPQ is the family-size choice when a smaller solo microwave restricts the plates and bowls you use every day. Its 32L cavity and 34cm glass turntable provide more room than the 17–25L models here. At 52.5cm wide, 38.8cm deep and 31cm high, however, it needs a generous worktop with the ventilation gaps in its instructions added.

Seven power levels and inverter power control give you flexibility beyond a full-power blast. Sensor reheating uses food moisture to adjust the running time, while 24 automatic programmes provide shortcuts for regular jobs. The flush touch panel is easy to wipe; separate 10-second, one-minute and ten-minute buttons make timed adjustments straightforward.

The extra space and controls are the reasons to pay about £189. They do not promise perfect heating: stir food where appropriate, check the centre and allow standing time. A large cavity also cannot make a dish with projecting handles rotate freely. Interior lighting may disappoint, so check visibility if watching the food matters to you.

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.

Amazon Price £189 Checked 4 October 2026 19:59 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

This is worth choosing over the smaller Panasonic when larger dishes and family portions make the extra room useful. Its 34cm turntable, sensor reheat and selectable power create a stronger family proposition than merely buying a cheap microwave with a high wattage.

For a single plate or modest bowl, the NN-ST23QMBPQ costs much less and takes up less worktop. If rotation is the problem, compare the RHFM2365B flatbed instead. The NN-ST65QBBPQ remains a solo microwave: choose a combination model if you also want browning or oven cooking.

Read the full Panasonic NN-ST65QBBPQ review and specifications.

Our pick Best Flatbed Solo Microwave

Russell Hobbs RHFM2365B black flatbed microwave

Key specs

Capacity
23L
Power
800W
Cavity layout
Flatbed
Width
47.2cm
Depth
37.7cm
Height
29.5cm

The RHFM2365B replaces a rotating glass plate with a flat cavity floor. That changes the reason to buy it: rectangular containers and dishes that cannot rotate freely can be easier to accommodate, and there is no turntable or roller ring to lift out after a spill. It combines a 23L cavity with 800W output, five power levels and eight automatic menus.

Its ready-meal results can be useful, but the flatbed design is not a promise of uniformly better heating. Results vary between foods, and defrosting is a weak point. Stir or rearrange food where possible, check the centre and respect standing times. Its controls offer a timer of up to 95 minutes, although most everyday reheating takes much less.

At 47.2cm wide and 37.7cm deep, this is a meaningful step up in worktop size from the smallest manual options. Measure the actual dish and cavity rather than assuming any rectangular cookware will fit. Check the retailer's delivery estimate carefully: a cheaper listing with a lengthy wait may be poor value if your existing microwave has failed.

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.

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
  • Amazon currently quotes a one–two-month delivery wait; check the arrival date before ordering

Verdict

The RHFM2365B is worth choosing when your usual rectangular dish cannot turn freely or you want a clear floor for wiping spills. Those are its advantages; the flatbed is not a guarantee of consistently better heating.

The 32L Panasonic offers more room for larger plates, while the Samsung is the stronger fit for regular reheating. Check the Amazon delivery date before ordering the flatbed: the present one–two-month wait makes it less suitable if you need an immediate replacement.

Read the full Russell Hobbs RHFM2365B review and specifications.

Our pick Best Solo Microwave For Precise Cooking

Bosch Series 2 FFL023MS2B

Key specs

Capacity
20L
Power
800W
Cavity layout
Turntable
Width
44.2cm
Depth
34.5cm
Height
26cm

The Bosch FFL023MS2B is a better fit for someone who wants to control a cooking task closely than someone seeking the fewest possible controls. Selectable power, an electronic setting dial and a red LED display let you make more deliberate adjustments than a coarse mechanical timer. You can save a favourite setting for a task you repeat regularly.

The 20L cavity and 27cm turntable suit many everyday plates, while seven AutoPilot programmes provide an alternative to manual settings. Those programmes use codes, so keep the instructions handy until familiar. Its cleaning aid uses moisture to loosen splashes; it still needs wiping afterwards.

The headline maximum is 800W, but Bosch qualifies the figure: longer operation is regulated down to 600W. Bear that in mind when comparing long cooking tasks, rather than assuming it sustains the maximum throughout. Defrosted chicken can also show partly cooked edges, so reduced-power settings still need attention.

Guide price: about £149

Key features

  • 20L cavity with a 27cm turntable
  • 800W maximum output, regulated to 600W during longer operation
  • Digital setting control, power buttons and saved favourite
  • Seven AutoPilot programmes and a cleaning aid

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Digital timing allows more precise short settings than a mechanical dial
  • Selectable power helps with gentler heating tasks
  • A saved favourite reduces repeated setup
  • Seven automatic programmes provide another way to cook
  • The 27cm turntable gives useful room for everyday plates

Cons

  • Coded AutoPilot programmes require familiarity with the instructions
  • Long operation is regulated to 600W despite the 800W maximum
  • Chicken defrosting can partly cook the edges
  • The cleaning aid loosens dirt but still requires wiping
  • Buy the standalone model; an accessory bundle may change the total price
  • The small viewing window makes progress harder to see
  • The stainless-steel front shows fingerprints

Verdict

The Bosch suits repeated cooking jobs where selecting the power and timing carefully matters. A saved favourite makes those regular settings quicker to recall. It is worth the step up from a manual timer when you will use that control.

The RHM2017 is less expensive and easier to learn; the Sage puts more emphasis on quiet, comfortable operation. Check the Bosch’s coded programmes and reduced output during long runs before paying extra for features you may not use.

Read the full Bosch FFL023MS2B review and specifications.

Our pick Best Solo Microwave For Reheating

Samsung MS23T5018A

Key specs

Capacity
23L
Power
800W
Cavity layout
Turntable
Width
48.9cm
Depth
36.3cm
Height
27.5cm

The Samsung MS23T5018AG/EU is our reheating pick for regular ready meals, soup and leftovers. Ready-meal heating and soup warming are particular strengths, and the clear controls are straightforward to learn. Its 23L cavity and 28.8cm turntable give ordinary plates more room than the smaller budget choices.

The 800W output also supports useful meat defrosting. A wipeable ceramic-enamel interior makes cleaning spills convenient, although it still needs regular care. A control lock prevents accidental changes to the settings; it does not promise that the door cannot be opened.

At 48.9cm wide, 36.3cm deep and 27.5cm high, it needs more worktop width than the overall Panasonic. The premium is worth considering for regular reheating, rather than for occasional small portions. Stir liquids, check dense portions and allow standing time even when using an automatic setting.

Guide price: about £179

Key features

  • 23L cavity and 800W microwave output
  • 28.8cm rotating plate
  • Ceramic-enamel interior and clearly labelled controls
  • 48.9cm wide, 36.3cm deep and 27.5cm high before ventilation space

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £179 Checked 4 October 2026 19:59 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • A useful choice for soup and ready-meal reheating
  • 23L capacity offers more space than the smallest manual models
  • 28.8cm turntable accommodates a useful range of everyday plates
  • Ceramic-enamel interior can be wiped after spills
  • Child-control lock helps prevent accidental setting changes

Cons

  • The 48.9cm body needs a reasonably wide worktop
  • A rotating plate still constrains awkward rectangular cookware
  • The control lock does not lock the door
  • Costs more than a basic two-dial microwave
  • Solo heating does not brown or crisp food

Verdict

The Samsung is worth considering if reheating is your main daily task and you want more plate room than the Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ. Successful soup and ready-meal heating, approachable controls and a ceramic interior make a useful combination.

The overall Panasonic costs less and remains the better starting point for many kitchens. At a similar price, the Sage Compact Wave adds a soft-close door and mute button. Choose the RHFM2365B flatbed instead when a dish that cannot rotate is the main problem.

Read the full Samsung MS23T5018AG/EU review and specifications.

Our pick Best Looking Solo Microwave

Swan Nordic Digital Solo Microwave — SM22036LGRYNA · Slate grey

Key specs

Capacity
20L
Power
800W
Cavity layout
Turntable
Width
44.1cm
Depth
32cm
Height
25.5cm

The grey Swan Nordic is our choice when the look of a worktop appliance matters. Muted colour and wood-effect accents give it a softer appearance than black glass or stainless steel, without reducing it to a decorative purchase. The 20L cavity, 800W output and digital timing cover ordinary heating and defrosting.

Soup warming and everyday meal heating give it a practical reason to buy. The soft-touch casing is less prone to fingerprints than a glossy front, but wipe it according to the care instructions. The 27cm turntable offers useful plate room within a modest cavity.

The coded defrost settings take learning, so keep the manual handy. This grey model belongs to the SM22036LGRYN/SM22036LGRYNA family; check the colour and model at checkout, because other colours can have different prices. Appearance is the reason to choose it over a plainer appliance, not a promise of better cooking.

Guide price: about £89

Key features

  • Exact grey SM22036LGRYN/SM22036LGRYNA variant
  • 20L cavity, 800W output and 27cm turntable
  • Six power levels with electronic time-and-weight control
  • 44.1cm wide, 32cm deep and 25.5cm high before ventilation space

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £89 Checked 4 October 2026 19:59 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Muted grey colour and wood-effect accents create a distinctive look
  • Useful everyday heating and soup warming
  • Soft-touch casing is less prone to fingerprints than a glossy front
  • A 27cm turntable gives useful room for ordinary plates
  • Digital timing and six power levels provide flexibility

Cons

  • Coded defrost settings are less intuitive than a simple manual dial
  • The 20L cavity restricts large cookware
  • The exterior can show marks and needs careful cleaning
  • Check the grey variant specifically; colours can have different prices and availability

Verdict

Pick the Nordic if you want a microwave that fits the look of your kitchen and your normal plate fits its 20L cavity. It combines that appearance with useful everyday cooking, while accepting that the coded settings take practice.

The Panasonic is the better default if looks are secondary. The RHM2017 gives a clearer reason to buy for ease of use, while the Sage is the premium choice for a soft-close door and mute controls.

Read the full Swan Nordic SM22036LGRYN, grey review and specifications.

Our pick Best Premium Solo Microwave

Sage Compact Wave Soft Close silver solo microwave

Key specs

Capacity
25L
Power
800W
Cavity layout
Turntable
Width
48.5cm
Depth
41.7cm
Height
29.2cm

The Sage Compact Wave Soft Close earns its premium through everyday comfort rather than extra cooking modes. The door closes gently, the mute button silences the alerts and clearly separated buttons work with a timing dial. Reheat, defrost, beverage and popcorn shortcuts reduce repeated setup.

Heating is a strength: it warms dishes evenly without readily drying them out, and automatic defrosting is useful. Its 25L cavity gives more room than the compact budget models, but it still uses a rotating plate. Measure the dishes you regularly use and do not assume the word Compact means it will fit a narrow shelf.

The 800W body measures 48.5cm wide, 41.7cm deep and 29.2cm high before ventilation space. That depth is a real consideration on a shallow worktop. It has no grill, convection oven or multistage cooking, so the extra cost buys a more comfortable solo microwave rather than an oven replacement.

Guide price: about £179

Key features

  • 25L cavity and 800W microwave output
  • Soft-close door and a mute button for audible alerts
  • Separate shortcut buttons and a digital timing dial
  • 30-second instant start, selectable power and a control lock
  • 48.5cm wide, 41.7cm deep and 29.2cm high before ventilation space

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £179 Checked 4 October 2026 19:59 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Even heating without readily drying out meals
  • Useful automatic defrosting
  • Quiet operation and a gently closing door suit a kitchen near living space
  • Mute button lets you silence the alerts
  • Clear buttons and a dial make routine settings approachable
  • The cavity is convenient to wipe after spills

Cons

  • Costs substantially more than the smaller everyday and budget picks
  • The 41.7cm-deep body needs generous worktop depth
  • No multistage cooking to run a sequence of settings automatically
  • A rotating plate still restricts awkward dishes and handles
  • No grill or convection oven for browning, baking or crisping

Verdict

Pay for the Compact Wave if you use a microwave often and quieter operation, fewer beeps and a gentle door closure make a difference. Those conveniences come with useful heating and defrosting, rather than just a smart-looking casing.

The Bosch FFL023MS2B costs less and has a saved favourite for repeated settings. The Samsung MS23T5018AG/EU is an alternative for regular soup and ready-meal reheating, with a ceramic-enamel interior. For occasional small portions, the overall Panasonic is the more economical starting point.

Read the full Sage Compact Wave Soft Close review and specifications.

Questions

Solo microwave FAQs

Straight answers to the questions that usually come up before buying.

What is a solo microwave?

A solo microwave provides microwave heating for reheating, defrosting and simple cooking. It does not include a grill or convection oven, so it cannot brown or crisp food in the same way. If those functions matter, compare a grill or combination microwave before buying.

Which solo microwave is the best starting point?

The Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ is our balanced starting point for ready meals and single-plate cooking. Choose the Inspire for a tighter budget, RHM2017 for straightforward controls, the 32L Panasonic for larger plates or RHFM2365B for a dish that cannot rotate. Samsung suits regular reheating; Sage adds a soft-close door and mute button. Check your dishes and available space before deciding.

Is a 17L or 20L microwave big enough?

A 17L cavity suits modest portions and smaller plates; 20L, 23L and 25L models give more room. Litres alone cannot tell you whether a particular dish fits. Check the turntable diameter, internal width and depth, and clearance for handles. Larger family plates may justify the 32L Panasonic, but its turntable still needs to rotate.

Is a flatbed microwave better than a turntable model?

A flatbed can make rectangular cookware easier to accommodate because the dish does not need to turn, and the clear floor is convenient to wipe. It still has cavity-size limits, and flatbed design alone does not prove more even heating. Choose it for dish fit and cleaning convenience rather than assuming it improves every cooking task.

Should I choose manual dials or digital controls?

Manual dials suit buyers who want direct power and time settings without menus. Their timers can be coarse for short bursts, and markings or grip are not equally good on every model. Digital controls make small timing adjustments easier and can offer saved settings or programmes, though coded menus take learning.

Why does my food heat unevenly?

Large, dense or unevenly arranged portions can warm at different rates. Stir or rearrange food when the instructions allow, use the appropriate power and timing, check the centre and allow the specified standing time. A turntable, automatic programme or flatbed does not remove the need to follow those steps.

Can I put one of these microwaves inside a cupboard?

These are freestanding countertop microwaves. Follow the exact model's installation instructions and required ventilation gaps; fitting the body into a space is not sufficient. Choose an appliance designed and approved for built-in installation if that is what your kitchen requires.

Does a child lock make the door childproof?

A control lock generally prevents settings or operation being changed; it is not a promise that the door locks. Check the exact model’s instructions and keep hot food and containers away from children.

Is the lowest advertised price always the best offer?

Compare new-appliance prices for the exact model and colour, including delivery charges and the promised arrival date. Used items, bundles, membership-only prices and temporary promotions are different offers. Check retailer availability for your address before deciding, especially when collection or third-party delivery is involved.

Calculators

Use calculators before you choose

Sense-check size, cost and practical fit before comparing the recommendations.

Plug-in energy meter beside an air fryer and oven for a running-cost comparison

Calculator

Air fryer vs oven running cost calculator

Estimate how much common kitchen appliances cost to run by changing the power, cooking time and electricity price.

Reviewed 20 June 2026 Open calculator
Open microwave with dinner plate and tape measure on a kitchen worktop for size checking

Calculator

Microwave size calculator

Estimate the litre capacity, turntable size and counter-space trade-offs before you compare microwave picks.

Reviewed 10 July 2026 Open calculator

Buying advice

Helpful advice before you choose

Use these guides to settle the trade-offs that matter before comparing the recommendations.

Microwave on a kitchen worktop beside a dinner plate and measuring tape
Guide Microwaves

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.

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Black countertop microwave showing an 800W power display beside covered dishes on a kitchen worktop
Explainer Microwaves

What wattage microwave do I need?

Choose the right microwave wattage for everyday reheating, defrosting and simple cooking without overpaying for power you will not use.

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