Like quick and easy meal times? Us too. The best microwave is one of those appliances which will revolutionise how you cook, defrost, reheat (and bake). And in our opinion they're pretty essential at all times of the year, especially now the children are back to school so you'll need a quick turn around of snacks and dinner when in demand.
Whether you're a busy person with kids in tow, a student or simply fond of convenience foods – you need a microwave around to make life easier! Maybe you don't actually have an oven? No shame as microwaves are beyond their years right now and are smarter, better-looking and more compact than ever before.
In this guide we have taken the due diligence to compare the best makes and models around for 2020. We've considered everything you will need to know to make the right decision for the household – such as capacity, ease of use, maintenance, build quality and even the colour – so you can buy with confidence.
Looking for a larger appliance to cook with? No worries: head over to our best ovens guide for easy baking and more.
Our best microwave picks for 2020
Below is our shortlist of the best small microwave, built-in microwave and free standing microwave which can all be bought from your favourite retailers. We're showing you the best prices around so, essentially, we've done all the research for you.
The best small microwave
Small microwaves are brilliant at saving space and don't miss a beat on performance. Their compact size will work with a variety of kitchen decors and, since our selection are freestanding, will sit pretty on a counter top or on a shelf where space is at a premium.
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...
2. Russell Hobbs Inspire Microwave Oven
Best small microwave for coordinating: this microwave is the latest addition in the Inspire range
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This microwave from Russell Hobbs is one which can match your kettle and toaster. Brilliant, eh?
What can it do?
This model is ideal for households who need a quick and easy to use microwave, without being too accurate with the timings. It has five power settings – Low, Defrost, Medium Low, Medium, Medium High and High – which can all be selected by turning the designated dial.
Specs
It has a handy 17ltr capacity which is large enough to put a plate of dinner in for reheating, and is powered by 700 watts. It comes in a choice of black or white in the Inspire range so you can match it with your decor, too.
Our verdict
Our Appliances Editor found this microwave super easy to use and keep clean, although finger prints did quickly build on the door and side panel. It doesn't take up much space on the counter top either, which makes it a good choice if you have a small kitchen.
Real Homes rating 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. 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.
4. 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.
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.
The best built-in microwave
A built-in microwave will not only save space but it will also fit seamlessly into an open-plan kitchen where there has been a more minimalist approach to the design. They can be neatly hidden behind a cupboard door so you won't even see it. And some of these microwaves are even large enough, and have the functions, to be an oven, so it's worth considering what you intend to use it for.
6. 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.
7. 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? This 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.
8. 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.
The best freestanding microwaves
A freestanding microwave will often sit on a kitchen work surface, or on a shelf if you have a more compact kitchen. This section includes the more high-end microwave to a budget option to help suit your needs and requirements. Need something a little smaller? Jump up to our best small microwaves section.
9. Panasonic NN-CS89 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?
This all-in-one appliance combines steam, microwave, grill and combination oven functionality to offer fast, fresh gourmet cooking at home. It also features the brand’s unique Genius Sensor technology and a wealth of Panasonic’s additional USPs including Inverter Technology, Junior Menu Functionality and 36 convenient and family-friendly automated programmes which are included for easy and quick mealtimes at any time of the day. 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 31 litres and it comes with 36 auto 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?
10. 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.
11. 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.
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).
What is the best microwave?
So, let's recap...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.
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 a microwave
- How to make a small kitchen feel bigger
