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Best microwaves 2024: combination, grill and solo ovens
For quick midweek meals, speedy defrosting and instant lunches, a microwave is hard to beat. Keep hungry (and impatient) kids happy by investing in the best microwave, as tried and tested by Mumsnetters.
By Anna Cook | Last updated Feb 15, 2024
An essential piece of kit for families - from quickly heating up baby food when weaning to defrosting, reheating, and cooking a ready meal in an instant, the best microwave can save you valuable time and simplify mealtimes for busy parents. And they can cook a decent jacket potato in around 10 minutes.
To help you find the best microwave for your family's needs, budget and leftovers, we've compiled a list of top models, as recommended by parents. We’ve also put together a handy buying guide to run through the differences between solo, grill and combination microwave ovens to help you find the perfect model.
Mumsnetters really know their stuff when it comes to kitchen appliances. We've got roundups of the best toasters, the best kettles, the best rice cookers, the best blenders, the best food steamers, the best air fryers and the best soup makers, all featuring buying advice and recommendations from parents who like to save time, money and faff in the kitchen.
Read next: The best things to cook in a microwave, according to Mumsnetters
Best microwaves at a glance
Best overall: Russell Hobbs RHM2076B | Buy now, £90
Best budget: Cookworks 700W P70B | Buy now, £60
Best compact: Swan Retro Digital Solo | Buy now, £75
Best combination: Panasonic NN-ST48KSBPQ | Buy now, £180
Best large: Russell Hobbs RHM3002 900W 30L | Buy now, £170
Best with dial controls: Bosch FEL020MS2B Serie 2 | Buy now, £149
Best flatbed: Panasonic NN-CF87LBBPQ 3-in-1 | Buy now, £499
Best integrated: Cookology TCM25BGL | Buy now, £240
Easiest to clean: Samsung MS23F301TFK/EU | Buy now, £159
1. Overall best microwave: Russell Hobbs RHM2076B
Price on writing: £90 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Standard | Capacity: 20 litres | Wattage: 800W | Number of programmes: 8 auto cooking and 2 auto defrost | Size: 25.8cm x 44.0cm x 35.9cm
What we like
Sleek and compact design for small countertops
Mirrored finish
Easy-to-use dial control
What we don't like
Door needs to be cleaned frequently but surface is easy to wipe
What Mumsnetters say
“I bought this Russell Hobbs microwave and it's ideal for our family. It's really easy to use, looks very modern and heats things up really well” - recommended by Mumsnet user, mrbenz
Our verdict
If you’re looking for the best microwave for a busy family, the Russell Hobbs RHM2076B is a great all-rounder.
The mirror-door finish means it's as sleek as it is functional, and there are five power levels and special programmes for pizza, fish and popcorn.
With a 20-litre capacity, a standard dinner plate can easily fit on the removable, dishwasher-safe turntable, while the child safety lock feature means that curious little hands can’t open the door. It doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as some, but when you consider the price, it’s great value for money.
Read next: The best kettles, as tried and tested by Mumsnetters
2. Best budget microwave: Cookworks 700W P70B Microwave
Price on writing: £65 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Type: Standard | Capacity: 17 litres | Wattage: 700W | Number of programmes: 9 | Size: 26.2cm x 45.2cm x 33cm
What we like
Very simple to use
Great quality for the price
Compact design for smaller kitchens
What we don't like
700 watt max power
No additional features
What Mumsnetters say
"A basic easy microwave is the Argos Cookworks range. Cheap and works perfectly. We had one and it lasted and lasted and was simple to use" - recommended by Mumsnet user, BlueMerchant
Our verdict
This 700-watt microwave more than does the job and, at under £70, it won’t break the bank.
With a 17-litre capacity, it’s compact enough to fit into small kitchens but can still comfortably accommodate a dinner plate for heating foods effectively.
As well as a child safety lock, this microwave has five power levels and a defrost option. Mumsnet users love how simple and straightforward it is.
3. Best compact microwave: Swan Retro Digital Solo Microwave
Price on writing: £75 | Buy now from Dunelm
Key specs
Type: Standard | Capacity: 20 litres | Wattage: 800W | Number of programmes: 5 | Size: 45cm x 25.6cm x 29.7 cm
What we like
Fun, stylish design
Different colour options to suit your kitchen
Very simple to use
What we don't like
Might not suit all kitchens
What Mumsnet users say
"I've got a cream Swan fridge freezer, and microwave and dishwasher! All totally fab!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, LuckyKitty13
"I have this one. So far so good! Fits Uncle Ben's rice, but the best is that it beeps every minute after ending so I never forget my coffee that I’ve heated up!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, LeftieLucy
Our verdict
Swan’s Retro Microwave combines style and substance. There are 11 pretty colours to choose from including orange, blue and lime green, and the curved silver handle is a nice touch.
It doesn’t just look great. It has five power levels and a 20-litre capacity, which is a great size for families. The turntable fits a standard-sized dinner plate, making it a great option for busy families.
If you like your appliances to match, there’s a retro kettle and a toaster too, both reasonably priced.
Read next: Best blenders, as recommended by Mumsnetters
4. Best combination microwave: Panasonic NN-ST48KSBPQ Freestanding Microwave
Price on writing: £200 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Type: Combination | Capacity: 32 litres | Wattage: 1000W | Number of programmes: 25 | Size: 31cm x 52cm x 39.5cm
What we like
Huge 32-litre capacity - ideal for families
Brilliant for oven-like jacket potatoes
25 automatic settings
What we don't like
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
"I have the Panasonic combi microwave oven. It's very good and does a very good oven-like baked potato" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Toomanysleepycats
"We have the Panasonic combo oven. It allows you to bake a lasagne in a far far shorter time and tastes exactly the same" - recommended by Mumsnet user, notonthishighstreet
Our verdict
Whether it’s used as a conventional oven, a grill or a microwave, this Panasonic combination microwave offers plenty of versatility.
The 32-litre capacity means it can easily accommodate large plates and dishes, yet the slim design ensures it can still fit snugly in your kitchen.
Its large touch control panel features raised buttons, seven power levels and 25 programme settings so you can easily heat your porridge, grill a toastie and defrost a chicken (though not at the same time). Plus, this clever microwave determines the exact heat level and timing so you don’t have to.
Read next: The best rice cookers for perfect rice, as tested by families
5. Best large microwave: Russell Hobbs RHM3002 900W 30L Digital Combination Microwave with Grill and Convection Oven
Price on writing: £195 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Combination | Capacity: 30 litres | Wattage: 900W | Number of programmes: 10 | Size: 51.3cm x 49.8cm x 30.5 cm
What we like
Huge 30-litre capacity
Fast convection preheat function
Effective at cooking via all modes (convection/grill/microwave)
What we don't like
Steams up quickly when used as a microwave
Mains cable is pretty short
What Mumsnet users say
“Another vote for Russell Hobbs! We bought a combination microwave and it's really nice – very powerful and a good-quality product” - recommended by Mumsnet user, wildestdreams22
Our verdict
If you're looking for a combination microwave, this Russell Hobbs model is a great option. With a whopping 30-litre capacity, a 900-watt microwave, 1100-watt grill and a 2500-watt fan-assisted oven, it’s an ideal choice for busy families with different tastes and dining times.
This multifunctional, brushed steel microwave means you can whip up a range of meals using just one appliance. It has a child lock safety function, 10 power levels and a defrost setting.
Read next: Best juicers to buy, as tried and tested by Mumsnet users
6. Best microwave with dial controls: Bosch FEL020MS2B Serie 2 800W 20L Freestanding Microwave And Grill
Price on writing: £149 | Buy now from B&Q
Key specs
Type: Microwave and grill | Capacity: 20 litres | Wattage: 800W | Number of programmes: 7 | Size: 26cm x 44cm x 34cm
What we like
Simple dial controls
Handy preset programmes
Features a grill for toasting and browning
What we don't like
Compact capacity so may not be great for larger families
What Mumsnet users say
"I bought a basic Bosch. It has two dials, one for wattage, one for time" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Fluffycloudland77
Our verdict
Very few microwaves have a retractable dial so, if that’s a feature you like, then the Bosch Series 2 is one for you. The dial starts at one minute, and goes down by one-second units. If you want to add time you can increase it by 10-second intervals. There's no keypad, but there's a memory button for time and power.
It’s a powerful microwave (800 watts), has a 20-litre capacity and preset programmes to make using it even quicker. The 1000-watt grill function is handy for toasting and crisping dishes.
Read next: How to make cooking fun for kids at home - top tips from parents
7. Best flatbed microwave: Panasonic NN-CF87LBBPQ 3-in-1 Combination Microwave
Price on writing: £499 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Combination | Capacity: 31 litres | Wattage: 1000W | Number of programmes: 12 | Size: 43.7cm x 50cm x 39.1cm
What we like
Huge capacity - 31 litres
Very easy to clean
Effective at baking cakes
What we don't like
Bulky
Cool down fan is pretty noisy
What Mumsnet users say
"I have a flatbed Panasonic combi microwave/oven with the drop down door and it is great. Easier to clean, heats stuff evenly and bakes cakes better than my electric oven" - recommended by Mumsnet user, TheFutureMrsB
"I've also got the combi Panasonic flatbed with drop down door - bought about 4 years ago. Love it - easy to bake dishes in rectangular containers, and it's very powerful, so microwaving is much quicker" - recommended by Mumsnet user, NanTheWiser
Our verdict
If you thought a turntable was an essential feature of a microwave then think again. This Panasonic model has a flatbed which makes it far less fiddly to clean and much easier to heat up rectangular dishes as they won’t get caught on the sides. It also has two levels so you can cook more food at once.
There are 12 pre-set combinations – the microwave heats and cooks as you’d expect while the oven and grill roast and brown. All this happens simultaneously, which significantly reduces cooking (and waiting) time - perfect if you're cooking separate dishes for fussy family members.
There’s even an advanced sensor, which detects the amount of moisture released from your food and automatically calculates the perfect cooking time and power it needs. Cheaper than a personal chef!
8. Best integrated combination microwave: Cookology TCM25BGL Built-in Microwave with Grill
Price on writing: £240 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Type: Combination | Capacity: 25 litres | Wattage: 1000W | Number of programmes: 10 | Size: 59.5cm x 46cm x 40cm
What we like
Sleek and neat design
Very powerful - 1000W
Touch button door control
What we don't like
Touch controls can be difficult to read
What Mumsnet users say
"I have an integrated combi microwave. I really like the slick look and fact that my worktop is uncluttered" - recommended by Mumsnet user, opinionatedfreak
"If you’re short of work space and cupboard space, I’d have a built in one. In a small kitchen, it looks neater if it’s streamlined" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Bluevelvetsofa
Our verdict
Integrated appliances provide all the benefits of a combi microwave, but don’t clutter up your kitchen worktop or look like an afterthought.
The Cookology TCM25BGL features 10 auto functions to cook foods like pizza, fish and cake (our kind of microwave). You can also use it solely as a microwave, a grill or both so that food heats up quickly but still remains crispy.
Just bear in mind that it needs to fit the space in your kitchen and, when it comes to replacing it, size will be the first factor to consider.
9. Best easy-to-clean microwave: Samsung MS23F301TFK/EU Solo Microwave
Price on writing: £159 | Buy now from Currys
Key specs
Type: Standard | Capacity: 23 litres | Wattage: 800W | Number of programmes: 20 | Size: 27cm x 48cm x 37cm
What we like
20 auto programmes
Comes with a power steam accessory for healthy food steaming
Integrated deodoriser eliminates smells
What we don't like
Instruction manual is basic
What Mumsnet users say
"My Samsung one has a ceramic enamel interior and no issues in three years, never bother leaving the door open either. Really easy to clean too and wasn't overly expensive" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Kimblebee19
"I’ve got this one which is great and I use it a lot. I can’t see the point in paying the extra for your needs" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Comefromaway
Our verdict
As great as microwaves are, they can be pretty annoying to clean, especially when it comes to tackling bean juice splatters and lumps of porridge. Anything that makes cleaning the inside and the fiddly glass turntable easier is very welcome. Which is why we're big fans of the Samsung MS23F301TFK - it features an easy-to-wipe antibacterial ceramic lining and comes with an integrated deodoriser, designed to eliminate odours and food smells. Another handy feature is the eco mode setting which decreases the amount of power used when on standby. Clean and energy-efficient: a win-win for us.
What should I look for when choosing a microwave?
Size: Whether you want it out on a worktop or want to hide it away, the best microwave should work with your space. Check the door opens easily (some open top to bottom).
Type: If you just need to defrost and heat food then a standard microwave oven will do those jobs for you. But if you’re after something that can be used for roasting and grilling then a combination model may be better.
Cost: Combination ovens are more expensive than standard microwaves as they can do ore. The right microwave for you will depend on your budget.
Style: Looks aren’t everything, but if every appliance in your kitchen is silver you might not want a white or black microwave. Many manufacturers offer a variety of colour options.
Power: A 1200-watt microwave will be more powerful and cook quicker than a 700-watt version.
Programmes: Some cheaper models just heat up food – and, if you’re lucky, have a defrost feature. Others have programmes for different food types, which change the way the microwave works, either slowing it down or speeding it up depending on the food type – including pizza and fish settings.
Extra features: Not all microwaves have digital clocks and 30-second buttons. If these are important to you, make sure your new microwave offers these features.
What's the difference between standard, grill and combination microwaves?
While a normal oven uses a heating element that heats the air inside of the oven, a traditional microwave uses radiation to heat or cook your food. Don’t worry, the World Health Organisation says that, when used correctly, the radiation levels won’t harm you.
A combination microwave brings together the different cooking methods in one unit so you can do more than just heat or defrost. You can crisp up food, brown it and roast it as well.
Grill microwaves are part way between the two. They don’t have all the features of a combination microwave, but they do use the microwave’s power to heat up an element so you can grill food rather than just heat it.
How long should a microwave last?
The best microwaves tend to last around seven years. If you have a big family or if you use it a lot then it won’t last that long. If you look after it then you may get as many as 10 years’ use out of it.
What is the best microwave to buy?
The best microwave overall is the Russell Hobbs RHM2076B Microwave. It’s affordable, reliable and a great size for families.
The best combination microwave is the Panasonic NN-CT56JBBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave. It’s slimline and can heat up food as well as cook a tasty roast chicken in record time.
How we chose our recommendations
When it came to recommendations for the best microwaves, we searched the Mumsnet forums for posts about which combination ovens and traditional microwaves Mumsnetters raved about. We also looked at other reviews to see which models performed well across the board.
About the author
Anna Cook has been a national magazine and newspaper journalist for 15 years, and appears regularly on TV and radio talking about parenting issues. She was previously Senior Communications Manager at MNHQ and has written extensively about products designed to make parents' lives easier, from the best baby plates for weaning to the best bibs, as well as time-saving kitchen gadgets including the best toasters and the best juicers. She has two children.
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