In the market for the best microwave you can buy? This handy appliance can be a lifesaver when it comes to quick dinners, food you've forgotten to defrost and of course, the humble microwave meal.
Whether you're a busy person with kids in tow, a student or simply fond of convenience foods – you need a microwave. Maybe you don't actually have an oven? No shame as microwaves are beyond their years right now and these are the best models around, at the best prices!
Jump to read our tips on how to buy the best microwave. Then, find more buying advice and information over on our appliances hub. Looking for a particular type of microwave? You can jump to browse the best below:
What is the best microwave?
If you have the space on the kitchen worktop it's likely you'll be after a freestanding microwave, so for this category we wouldn't hesitate to recommend you . It can boil, air fry and steam food, it has a medium-sized capacity and it's sleek looking. Winning.
In terms of built-in microwaves, we suggest you . It has an impressive capacity of 27 litres, works as a steamer, grill and oven, and is capable of defrosting food quickly and efficiently.
And at the top of the list for the best small microwaves is our recommended . At just 20cm high and 30cm deep and wide, this 20 litre microwave is simple to use, easy to clean and it looks pretty great on a kitchen counter, too.
The best freestanding microwaves
1. Panasonic Freestanding 4-in-1 Microwave
Best combination microwave: steam and grill with this microwave for fast and easy dinners
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This 4-in-1 microwave from Panasonic is a great gadget to buy if you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen.
What can it do?
It works as a steamer, a grill, an oven and is also perfect for defrosting foods. This microwave features an auto cooking mode so that once you've set the weight of your food, the microwave automatically adjusts the power level and cooking time to suit. Also, due to the fact this appliance features a flat bed instead of a turntable, you get an extra 29 per cent cooking space for larger dishes.
Specs
This microwave has a capacity of 27 litres and it comes with 15 cooking programmes so you can cook anything at the touch of a button. It also powers at 1,000 watts.
Our verdict
If you’re looking to make healthier dinners fast but don’t have the space to add a steamer to your kitchen counter, this microwave is the best combination gadget for you. All things considered, it's good looking, easy to clean and has a no-fuss exterior. Power? Check. Multi-function? Check. Looks good? Check. What's not to love?
Browse more offerings from Panasonic at their Amazon page
2. Russell Hobbs Flatbed 23L Digital Microwave
Best microwave under £100: no frills, but looks the part and doesn’t cost the world
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The Russell Hobbs Flatbed Digital Microwave is a great budget buy for those who want a sleek looking addition to their kitchen that simply microwaves the basics.
What can it do?
This microwave has five different power levels to choose from, as well as eight auto cook menus. This microwave can also defrost.
Specs
A smaller capacity (23 litres) and wattage (800 watts) than most, but the sleek black design with mirror door and clean lines puts this microwave high in the style stakes, but for a snip of the price of many similar options on the market.
What we think...
Although it doesn’t feature the classic turntable inside, which allows for larger rectangular dishes to be placed within, we just love how easy it is to use. Without a doubt the best microwave for modern kitchens, and it's friendly on the purse strings, too.
Shop more Russell Hobbs kitchen appliances at Amazon
3. Sharp R959SLMAA 40L Combination Microwave
Best microwave grill: cook in high quantities with this high capacity microwave that's great at grilling too
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If you want to cook more than one thing at one time, then this microwave will allow you do so comfortably. And it can grill anything from frozen pizzas to meats. Students, we're looking at you!
What can it do?
It has two shelves and works as a convection oven and grill. It also has a defrost function and the grill is perfect for cooking pizzas from frozen.
Specs
With a large interior (40 litres) which is also easy to wipe clean, it's the the closest you'll get to an oven, without it actually being just an oven. It runs at a decent 900 watts, too.
Our verdict
The perfect microwave oven for anyone with a small kitchen because it saves the space of having a microwave and an oven. Put it on the countertop and live cabinet space for storage.
Shop more Sharp products at Amazon
The best built-in microwaves
1. Bosch CMA583MS0B Built-in Combination Microwave Oven
Best built-in microwave: a combination microwave ideal for big families
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For those who don't have much counter space but have a big family, this integrated microwave is the perfect solution.
What can it do?
This microwave oven from Bosch features 15 pre-set programmes including hot air cooking; hot air grilling; pizza function; autopilot; four defrost programmes and fast heat performance.
Specs
Featuring a 44 litre capacity you can expect this microwave oven to make cooking for the whole family a whole lot easier. With a grill and 900 watts of power, you can rustle up anything from a quick afternoon snack to a full on slap up meal in this bad boy.
Our verdict
It's integrated, so it won't stick out like a sore thumb in your nicely decorated kitchen. Also, the fact it's an oven, microwave and grill is very handy. It's big enough to use as your only oven.
See more Bosch appliances at their Amazon page
2. Hotpoint MWH122.1X Built In Microwave
Best built-in microwave on a budget: a great all-rounder for those after an affordable built-in microwave
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Looking for an easy to use, affordable but reliable integrated microwave? Theis microwave from Hotpoint gets our vote for the best built-in microwave on a budget.
What can it do?
Featuring five different power levels and a defrost function, this microwave does what it says on the tin. It heats your food quickly and efficiently, and it has a handy electronic minute minder to alert you when it's cooked.
Specs
Ideal for smaller households, this Hotpoint microwave has a capacity of 20 litres and it runs on 800 watts of power.
Our verdict
It's a no-brainer buy for those who are after something easy that simply does the job; this best integrated microwave has all the basic functions needed. It's also an affordable price.
3. Whirlpool Absolute AMW 423/IX Built-In Microwave
Best built-in microwave for small kitchens: save counter space with this built-in microwave
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If you are renovating your kitchen and are thinking of ways to save space, then consider investing in Whirlpool's built-in microwave.
What can it do?
A basic integrated microwave without any combination settings, the model heats food fast and has a Jet Start function which is perfect for reheating foods at the optimum temperature. It also has a sleek design with an anti-fingerprint surface so that your kitchen will always look gleaming.
Specs
This microwave has a 22 litre capacity and in terms of power, it runs on 900 watts.
Our verdict
There are a lot of integrated microwaves on the market with more functions than the average cook needs; this Whirlpool option is the best microwave oven for those who are after something which is simple, looks great and does the job.
Browse more Whirlpool appliances at Amazon
4. AEG MBE2658DEM Built In Microwave
Best built-in microwave for large kitchens: own larger-than-usual plates? this microwave oven's turntable is a 32.5cm for that reason
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Need a built-in microwave for your kitchen but after something a little bigger to fit more food or larger plates?
What can it do?
This integrated microwave has five different programmes and five different power levels. And it comes with a range of automatic cooking programmes. Cleverly, the machine lets you save up to three of your favourite settings to access them at the push of a button.
Specs?
Although the capacity isn't huge (26 litres), this microwave has a 32.5cm turntable for large dinner plates. Also, thanks to its decent 900 watt power level, your food will be cooked efficiently.
Our verdict
If you're after a larger sized built-in microwave then this is your best bet. However, it's worth bearing in mind the price tag difference from the and seeing if it's worth it.
Shop more microwaves at AO.com
The best small microwaves
1. Russell Hobbs Aura RHM2079A 20L Microwave
Best small microwave: a high-tech, sleek, mini-microwave for modern kitchens
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This sleek white small microwave from Russell Hobbs gets our vote for the best compact microwave, and for good reasons too.
What can it do?
This microwave is loved by users for its ease of operation, with no extra features or buttons bulking it out. It does, however, have a good range of automatic programmes to help you cook your food to perfection, and if you often buy frozen food, this microwave also has a special function that thaws food both quickly and hygienically.
Specs
At 800 watts, it’s impressively powerful for its size. Despite its compact nature, its interior is surprisingly large – there is enough room to fit a standard-sized dinner plate. It is also easy to clean.
Our verdict
A great all-rounder and our pick of the best small microwaves...
Shop more Russell Hobbs microwaves on their Amazon page
2. Swan SM22036WHTN 20L Nordic Digital Microwave
Best small microwave for countertop: this Nordic design microwave will look great on your kitchen worktop
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Looking for a microwave that won't be an eyesore in your kitchen? This microwave from Swan is ideal for those going for a Scandinavian vibe or a minimalist theme in their kitchen.
What can it do?
The Swan Nordic Digital Microwave features six different programmes to choose from. These include a defrost option, an express programme for fast cooking, a micro power setting for blasting foods such as rice and leftovers, and many more.
Specs
Ideal for small families or those who don't heavily rely on their microwave, this Swan model has a 20 litre capacity and it has 800 watts of power behind it.
Our verdict
We loooooooove the design of this microwave. Its soft touch wood effect door handle and microwave control are gorgeous and the fact it comes in white and dark grey makes it a winner in our eyes. Also, it's not outrageously expensive! Result.
Shop more Swan products at Amazon
3. Swan SM22030BLN 20L Retro Digital Microwave
Best microwave for small family: small and good-looking for interior design lovers
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The style-conscious will love this retro-looking small microwave from Swan. And it's great for small families thanks to its range of features, high wattage and great-sized capacity.
What can it do?
It features a range of settings for different temperatures and even for defrosting food, with a 60 minute digital timer for ease of use.
Specs
It comes in a range of different colours and it has a 20 litre capacity but, despite its size, it packs a punch when it comes to power (800 watts). The turntable provides even heat distribution when warming up meals so you can expect quick and easy cooking in this microwave.
Our verdict
For those who are looking for both aesthetics and functionality, this digital microwave is ideal. The best small microwave for families going for a retro look in their kitchen, we think.
Shop more Swan products on their Amazon page
4. Swan SM3080N 20L Microwave
Best small silver microwave: whether you're cooking popcorn, potatoes or pizza, this microwave has a function for it, and it's silver!
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Ideal for those who are limited on space but still are after a feature-packed microwave, this design from Swan can cook and defrost any food item you can fit inside.
What can it do?
This Swan microwave has 10 different power levels to choose from and eight different programmes including popcorn, rice, milk/coffee, spaghetti, fish, pizza and more. Its defrost programme also hygienically thaws food ready for cooking.
Specs
Ideal for small to medium size households, the microwave is 20 litres, has a 25cm cooking plate and it powers at 800 watts.
Our verdict
A great option for those who are looking for something that's small in size but makes an easy job of cooking, this microwave by Swan is a great pick for parents as it's easy to use when in a rush, it features a range of auto programmes for those who are busy and it works quickly and effectively to get food cooked.
5. Russell Hobbs RHMM701C 17L Microwave
Best small microwave for office: a great pick if you don't want your microwave to stick out like a sore thumb
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Available in black, cream, red or rose gold, this microwave fro Russell Hobbs is our pick of the best microwave for those after something that has no frills and gets the job done.
What can it do?
This manual microwave pretty much does what it's supposed to do. It's not an oven combi and can't grill, but it can warm up your food with ease in minutes. It also has a choice of five power settings and a defrost function.
Specs
It’s one of least powerful picks on our list at 700W, but users have said it’s great for reheating dishes as and when needed. It could make a good choice of microwave for a studio flat or maisonette due to its small size (although bear in mind the interior capacity is only 17 litres). The glass plate, however, is 25cm in diameter, which should accommodate most standard dinner plates.
Our verdict
Its cute, retro design might be just what you’re looking for. If you're after something to simply get the job done, this is it.
Shop more microwaves at Robert Dyas
6. Hotpoint MWHF206B 20L Microwave
Best black small microwave: compact on the outside but large on the inside, this HotPoint model has all the space you need
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Looking for a black microwave to fit snug into your kitchen? We can highly recommend this microwave from Hotpoint, which is bigger than it looks inside.
What can it do?
It features an auto cook function to take the guesswork out of cooking everything from veg to fish, and it also has an auto clean function and an easy wipe interior to make your life a little easier. As well as reheating and defrosting, the microwave can grill and crisp food, including tray bakes – your dinners, now made easier.
Specs
This Hotpoint microwave features Flat Bed Technology to create more space for your plates, dishes and other crockery, and although it only has a 20 litre capacity, it actually has the same usable space as a 25 litre capacity microwave because it doesn't have a turntable. In terms of power, the microwave is 800 watts.
Our verdict
This microwave does the job and more. It's ideal for those who want a large microwave but not an integrated model; and its handy features make an easy job out of cooking.
Shop all Hotpoint products at AO
How to buy the best microwave
Where to buy the best microwave
Here are a few factors to consider when you are choosing the best microwave for you home and lifestyle.
Wattage
The higher the wattage, the quicker the cooking. Anything less than 700 watts and you may as well use the oven.
Capacity
A 20 litre microwave is small but will do. For cooking larger dishes, 35 to 40 litres is a better option.
Size
The average for a small microwave is 30cm x 35cm – but always check the inner capacity – and whether your dinner plates will fit in.
Integrated, combi or freestanding?
If you are looking to free up kitchen space, opt for one that's integrated or has microwave, oven and grill functions (these are known as combis).
More on cooking...
- If you're on the lookout for more kitchen appliance recommendations, head to our appliance hub page for plenty of advice
- How to clean your microwave in 5 simple steps
- 6 ways to maximise space in a small kitchen