The 8 best microwave ovens

If you are designing a kitchen, a microwave might not seem like the most glamorous of appliances to add to your wishlist. However, we’ve all returned home from work, starving hungry and can’t think of anything worse than slaving over a hot stove. The answer? A trusty microwave. 

Whether it’s beans on toast or a ready meal, this little kitchen gadget is our saviour on many occasion but increasingly, we are considering the look of our microwaves on top of their function.

You can get many a budget microwave option from your local supermarket, but there are a whole host of microwave ovens on the market that boast some fantastic features. 

What to look out for in a microwave oven

The higher the wattage, the quicker the cook, and if you are looking for a microwave to save space, then opt for one that has an integrated oven and grill for the ultimate speedy cooking experience. 

For basic microwaving needs, 20 litres is small but enough. However, for cooking larger dishes, we’ve found that a capacity of around 35-40 litres acts as a great substitute to a real oven. Many of the larger microwaves don’t have the traditional turntable either, to allow for bigger dishes to fit inside without compromising on even heat distribution. 

If you’re looking for a good multi-function oven, then some of the most technologically advanced microwave ovens will set you back around £200+, but if you just want a high quality microwave to heat up your soup, there are plenty of options under £100 that look great and won’t break the bank. 

This 4-in-1 microwave is a great gadget to have if you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen. It works as a steamer, a grill, an oven and is also perfect for defrosting foods, too. So 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. It comes with 15 cooking programmes so you can cook anything at the touch of a button. 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?

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. 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. A smaller capacity and wattage 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. Without a doubt the best microwave for modern kitchens, and it's friendly on the purse strings, too.

It's safe to say that anything created by Heston Blumenthal is going to be a bit ‘out there’, and the Quick Touch Crisp Microwave is no exception. This microwave oven has a million and one features (not literally) that people seem to either love or loathe. We think it’s great for preparing our favourite quick dishes with the utmost precision by using pre-set functions such as ‘baked potato’, ‘grilled cheese’, ‘melted chocolate’ and ‘baked beans’. You can also use the ‘crisp’ function to get the perfectly crispy baked potato or cheesy pasta bake, or set your own custom functions for your favourite dish. The perfect microwave for gadget lovers, and the best option for anyone who has other Sage by Heston appliances in their kitchen as it follows the same design cues as the rest of the range.

For those who don't have much counter space, but have a big family, this built-in combination microwave is the perfect solution. Featuring a 44 litre capacity and 15 pre-set programmes, 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.

If you are renovating your kitchen and are thinking of ways to save space, then consider investing in Whirlpool's built-in microwave. 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. There are a lot of integrated microwaves on the market with more functions that the average person needs; this Whirlpool option is simple, looks great and does the job. 

If you want to cook more than one thing at one time, then the Sharp 40L Combination Microwave will allow you do so comfortably. It has two shelves and works as a convection oven and grill. It has a defrost function and the grill is also perfect for cooking pizzas from frozen. With a large interior 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. The perfect microwave oven for studio flats or anyone wanting to get food cooked fast, without waiting for the oven to heat up!

For those who are looking for both aesthetics and functionality, this Swan Retro Digital Microwave is ideal for a gadget that will look good on your kitchen countertop. Although it only has a small capacity, it's basic and gets the job done nicely for all of your favourite quick and easy meals. Available in a range of different vibrant colours, you’re bound to find one to match your décor perfectly. It may not blow your mind with any cool functionality like the Sage option in our list but, if you have a colour themed kitchen, this microwave comes in blue, green, orange, cream and many more colours; perfect for style-conscious home owners.

If you have a small kitchen but can’t afford the Whirlpool Built-in Microwave, then this is a great alternative. The Hotpoint Curve Solo Microwave is the best microwave for small kitchens on our list. Although small on the outside, its 13 litre capacity can fit a standard sized dinner plate comfortably and gives a powerful and even heat. Although not as fancy as some other models, it is reliable and will stand the test of time, plus, its curved exterior makes it ideal for putting in corners - so whilst it is not a corner microwave, it will tuck neatly into the nooks of any kitchen spaces.

READ MORE:

• 5 of the best compact microwaves
• How to clean your microwave in 5 simple steps
• 6 ways to maximise space in a small kitchen