Microwaves
Best microwaves for UK kitchens in 2026
A practical UK shortlist covering simple solo models, compact picks and multi-function upgrades.
- Products shortlisted
- 8
- Last updated
- 15 May 2026
A good microwave should fit the way you actually cook. For some kitchens that means a simple solo model for reheating and defrosting; for others it means a larger combi appliance that can grill, air fry or help cover oven duties.
This shortlist focuses on useful specifications, retailer availability and distinct buyer needs, so you can start with the model that best matches your space, budget and cooking habits.
Related buying guides
More Microwaves guides
Explore more focused guides in the same product family when you already know the type or feature set you want.
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 Overall Microwave
Samsung MS32DG4504ATE3 Solo Microwave
32L, 1000W, Stainless Steel
Best for families that want a large, simple solo microwave without paying for combi functions.
Best Premium Combination Microwave
Sage The Combi Wave 3 in 1
32L air fryer, convection oven and microwave
Best if you want a premium microwave that can also grill, bake and handle small oven-style jobs.
Best Compact Solo Microwave
Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ Solo Microwave
20L, 800W, Silver
Best for smaller kitchens that still need clear controls and dependable everyday reheating.
Best Steam Combination Microwave
Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ Steam Combination Microwave
27L, 1000W, Black, with grill
Best for buyers who want a versatile combi microwave with steam, grill and oven-style cooking modes.
- Capacity
- 27L
- Power
- 1000W microwave, 1450W oven
- Type
- Steam combination
RRP: £449
Top offer: Amazon UK
Check price
Best Budget Microwave
Salter Toronto Solo Microwave
20L, 800W, Black
Best value pick for compact kitchens where price, simple controls and everyday reheating matter most.
Best Flatbed Microwave
Sharp YC-QC254AU-B Flatbed Combination Microwave
25L, 900W, with 1050W grill
Best for buyers who want a flatbed interior that is easier to wipe clean and more flexible for dishes.
Best Easy-To-Use Microwave
Russell Hobbs RHM2017 Digital Microwave
20L, 800W, Silver
Best for straightforward daily use when simple operation matters more than advanced cooking modes.
Best Microwave For Precise Controls
Morphy Richards Cassini Digital Glass Microwave
20L, 800W, Outer Space, 511421
Best for smaller households that want extra timing and power control in a compact solo model.
Buying advice
How to choose a microwave
Use these checks to decide which features matter before comparing individual products.
Choose the right microwave type
A solo microwave is usually enough for reheating, defrosting and simple cooking. A grill or combination microwave is worth considering if you want browning, crisping or small-oven duties from the same appliance.
Check capacity and worktop fit
Around 20L suits smaller kitchens and everyday reheating, while 25-34L gives more room for family portions and larger dishes. Check the external dimensions as well as the usable internal space before buying.
Think about power and controls
Most everyday models sit around 800W, while larger or premium models may offer 900-1100W. Clear controls, sensible presets and easy defrost settings matter more than chasing the highest wattage alone.
Flatbed or turntable
Turntable models are familiar and often cheaper. Flatbed models can be easier to wipe clean and make better use of the cavity, especially with rectangular dishes.
Only pay for premium modes you will use
Air-fry, convection, grill and sensor cooking can be genuinely useful, but they add cost and complexity. They make most sense if the microwave will regularly stand in for a small oven or second cooking appliance.
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.
Award Best Overall Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 32L
- Power
- 1000W
- Type
- Solo
- Dimensions
- 51.7 x 42.4 x 29.7cm
Samsung MS32DG4504ATE3 Solo Microwave
32L, 1000W, Stainless Steel
The Samsung MS32DG4504ATE3 is a strong all-rounder for busy kitchens, with a generous 32L capacity, 1000W power and simple controls for reheating, defrosting and larger portions.
Typical price: £129–£149
Where to buy
Use retailer pages for the latest price, delivery and warranty details.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 1 May 2026
Pros
- Large capacity suits family use and batch reheating
- Simple controls suit everyday reheating and defrosting
- Good fit for buyers who want simplicity rather than oven-style functions
Cons
- No grill, steam or convection mode
- Defrosting may need more patience than the power rating suggests
Verdict
Best suited to buyers who want a substantial, straightforward microwave without stepping into premium combi pricing. It is not the most versatile appliance on the list, but it is the strongest all-round starting point for most homes.
Award Best Premium Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 32L
- Power
- 1100W
- Type
- Combination
- Dimensions
- 51.9 x 51.3 x 31.6cm
Sage The Combi Wave 3 in 1
32L air fryer, convection oven and microwave
The Sage Combi Wave is the premium choice for cooks who want a microwave to do more than reheat. Its combi setup covers microwave, convection, grill and air-fry style cooking in one polished countertop appliance.
Typical price: £398–£400
Where to buy
Use retailer pages for the latest price, delivery and warranty details.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 2 May 2026
Pros
- Excellent fit for premium multi-function cooking
- Large capacity and broad cooking-mode coverage
- Smart presets help with cooking, reheating and defrosting
Cons
- Far more expensive than a solo microwave
- Takes more learning than a basic model
Verdict
It is more machine than you need for basic leftovers, but it makes sense when you want one high-end appliance to handle more of the weeknight cooking workload.
Award Best Compact Solo Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 20L
- Power
- 800W
- Type
- Solo
- Dimensions
- 44 x 32.4 x 25.8cm
Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ Solo Microwave
20L, 800W, Silver
This Panasonic is the cleanest compact solo recommendation: a manageable 20L footprint, 800W power, clear controls and enough programmes for everyday reheating.
Typical price: £70–£99
Where to buy
Use retailer pages for the latest price, delivery and warranty details.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 1 May 2026
Pros
- Compact size without dropping to the smallest capacity in the category
- Straightforward controls for daily heating tasks
- Useful programme range for reheating and defrosting
Cons
- Not ideal for larger family portions
- No grill or combi cooking functions
Verdict
Start here if you want a smaller microwave that still feels dependable for daily meals, leftovers and standard dinner plates.
Award Best Steam Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 27L
- Power
- 1000W microwave, 1450W oven
- Type
- Steam combination
- Dimensions
- 51 x 46 x 35cm
Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ Steam Combination Microwave
27L, 1000W, Black, with grill
The Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ earns the steam-combi slot because it gives a broader cooking range than a solo model while staying more focused than the largest premium appliances.
RRP: £449
Where to buy
Use retailer pages for the latest price, delivery and warranty details.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 1 May 2026
Pros
- Strong upgrade path from a basic microwave
- Steam and grill modes make it more flexible for proper meals
- Useful capacity without being as oversized as the biggest combis
Cons
- Expensive if you mostly reheat leftovers
- The extra modes take time to learn
Verdict
It is the better choice if you want a microwave that can help with weeknight cooking, steaming and browning rather than simply reheating bowls and mugs.
Award Best Budget Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 20L
- Power
- 800W
- Type
- Solo
- Dimensions
- 25.9 x 44 x 33.5cm
Salter Toronto Solo Microwave
20L, 800W, Black
The Salter Toronto earns the budget slot by keeping the price approachable while still offering 800W power, compact dimensions and enough presets for basic everyday use.
Guide price: about £105
Where to buy
Use retailer pages for the latest price, delivery and warranty details.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 2 May 2026
Pros
- Good budget fit with useful basic power and capacity
- Compact footprint works for smaller kitchens
- Quieter, smarter-looking design than many low-cost models
Cons
- Control symbols may take some getting used to
- Less flexible than combi or grill models
Verdict
It is a value-first choice rather than the most polished microwave here, but it makes sense for buyers who want a compact, decent-looking model without paying premium money.
Award Best Flatbed Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 25L
- Power
- 900W
- Type
- Flatbed combi
- Dimensions
- 49 x 50.9 x 28.8cm
Sharp YC-QC254AU-B Flatbed Combination Microwave
25L, 900W, with 1050W grill
The Sharp YC-QC254AU-B stands out for buyers who want a flatbed design rather than a traditional turntable, while still getting grill and convection flexibility.
Guide price: about £169
Where to buy
Use retailer pages for the latest price, delivery and warranty details.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 2 May 2026
Pros
- Flatbed interior avoids cleaning around a turntable
- Combination cooking modes give it more range than a solo model
- Useful accessories and precise timer control
Cons
- Larger footprint than many compact solo microwaves
- Defrosting is not its strongest mode
Verdict
It is a sensible specialist pick if easy cleaning and usable internal space matter more than having the smallest countertop footprint.
Award Best Easy-To-Use Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 20L
- Power
- 800W
- Type
- Solo
- Dimensions
- -
Russell Hobbs RHM2017 Digital Microwave
20L, 800W, Silver
The Russell Hobbs RHM2017 is the simple-controls pick: a familiar 20L solo microwave with easy operation, 800W power and enough automatic settings for low-friction daily use.
Typical price: £79–£90
Where to buy
Use retailer pages for the latest price, delivery and warranty details.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 1 May 2026
Pros
- Straightforward operation and familiar format
- Sensible low-cost alternative to more complicated models
- Helpful auto-cook and defrost settings
Cons
- Cooking consistency is not as strong as the leading solo picks
- No grill or combi cooking modes
Verdict
It is not the most consistent or feature-rich microwave in the shortlist, but it is a practical choice when ease of use matters more than advanced cooking modes.
Award Best Microwave For Precise Controls
Key specs
- Capacity
- 20L
- Power
- 800W
- Type
- Solo
- Dimensions
- 26.2 x 45.2 x 35cm
Morphy Richards Cassini Digital Glass Microwave
20L, 800W, Outer Space, 511421
The Morphy Richards Cassini is a good choice for buyers who want more timing and power control in a compact solo microwave.
Guide price: about £130
Where to buy
Use retailer pages for the latest price, delivery and warranty details.
Featured offer
Amazon UK
Last checked: 2 May 2026
Pros
- Wide range of power levels for more controlled cooking
- Compact format with intuitive digital controls
- Distinct colour options for buyers avoiding plain black or silver
Cons
- Small turntable limits larger plates
- Instructions may need checking for some settings
Verdict
It is best for smaller households that want flexible settings and a brighter design, while accepting that the turntable is not as generous as larger models.
Questions
Microwave FAQs
Straight answers to the questions that usually come up before buying.
Is a combi microwave worth it?
A combi microwave is worth it if you will use grill, convection or air-fry style modes regularly. If you mainly reheat drinks, leftovers and ready meals, a simpler solo microwave is usually better value.
What capacity microwave do I need?
A 20L microwave is usually enough for one or two people and smaller kitchens. Families, batch cooks and anyone using larger plates or casserole dishes should look closer to 25-34L.
Does higher wattage always mean better cooking?
Not always. Higher wattage can heat food faster, but evenness, controls and usable presets also matter. An 800W microwave with clear settings can be easier to live with than a more powerful model with awkward controls.
Are flatbed microwaves better than turntable models?
Flatbed microwaves are easier to clean and can fit awkward dishes more easily because there is no glass plate. Turntable models are usually cheaper and still work well for standard plates and bowls.
Should I buy a microwave with air-fry or oven modes?
Only if you will use those modes often. They can save space and help with quick meals, but a multi-function combi microwave costs more and takes more learning than a basic solo model.
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
What to check before buying kitchen appliances on Prime Day
Use Prime Day as a focused buying window for kitchen appliances: shortlist the right model, check the saving, confirm seller and return terms, then buy with confidence.
Read adviceMore buying guides
Compare related products next
Useful next stops if you are weighing up nearby categories or planning a connected purchase.
