Best Microwaves for 2024

Whatever your style of kitchen there will be a microwave to match, Modern or Industrial looking Stainless Steel or a more colourful choice of finish might be more appropriate for a country style kitchen. Its best to consider what style your kitchen is and pick a device that’s in keeping with the space around it. You can use your microwave to add some colour, or keep a cool look going.

If you are replacing an integrated Microwave, then you need to carefully measure the height, width and depth of the opening and ensure your new device is a good fit.

When choosing a new microwave, consider how you want to use it, and what your usually like to cook. There’s not much point buying a device with all the features if you only ever use the microwave for simple reheating. Also think about the amount of worktop space you have available and check you are happy loosing the area that the microwave will occupy.

No matter what type of microwave you end up going with, size will matter. To start, you have to consider the space available to you in your kitchen (as already mentioned). You don’t want to face the fate of bringing home a microwave you love only to realize that it won’t physically fit in the space you’ve allotted to it.

Size is, for sure, one of the most important things you have to consider when buying a microwave. Before you start browsing all of your options, it would be a good idea to clear the space available and visualise the area to be used.

Power is fairly straight forward, in that the higher the wattage, the faster the cooking time and more evenly you can expect the microwave to heat the contents inside. Usually, as long as a microwave is at least 900 watts, it should cook your food well. You can find microwaves with lower wattage that are usually cheaper, but they’ll be slower and oftentimes less reliable.

The average microwave has a working lifespan of about 7 years, but you will find that the more expensive brands are made from better components and often last longer. If it’s important to you to find a microwave that will last for as long as possible, take some time to read any reviews you can find of the model you’re considering.

Price is no doubt a important consideration when buying a microwave, but you will get what you pay for most of the time and a cheap option is likely to need replacing sooner or not meet your requirements.

All of the most affordable options will be found in the countertop category. But if your kitchen design makes a built-in microwave a more practical choice, the extra investment will be well worth it. Not only will a built-in unit save countertop space, but it will create a more elegant kitchen that improves the value of your home.

A basic countertop model could cost you as little as £100, while a fully featured integrated model could be many hundred, But you will notice the difference in style and quality.

So lets explore some options:

The SHARP YC-MG252AU-S 900W Microwave is a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance that combines style with functionality to make your cooking experience more convenient and enjoyable. With a sleek stainless steel design, this microwave not only complements modern kitchen aesthetics but also boasts a range of features that make it a valuable addition to any home.

Its 900-watt power output ensures rapid and even heating, allowing you to prepare meals quickly and effortlessly. The 25-liter capacity is spacious enough to accommodate a variety of dishes, from reheating leftovers to cooking family-sized meals. The digital display and intuitive control panel make it easy to set the desired cooking time and power level, while the one-touch presets for popular items like popcorn and beverages simplify everyday tasks.

One standout feature of the SHARP YC-MG252AU-S is its sensor cooking technology, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the moisture levels in your food, ensuring perfectly cooked results every time. The microwave also includes a child lock function for safety and a turntable for even cooking.

The Panasonic NN-K18JMMBPQ Microwave Oven with Grill and Turntable is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to meet a variety of cooking needs. With an 800-watt microwave and a powerful 1000-watt grill, this appliance offers the perfect combination of speed and precision for cooking, reheating, and grilling a wide range of dishes.

The microwave's 20-liter capacity and turntable ensure even cooking, allowing you to heat or cook your meals evenly without hotspots. The grill function adds a crispy touch to your dishes, from perfectly melted cheese on a lasagna to golden-brown toppings on casseroles.

The appliance features an intuitive control panel with various cooking presets and customizable settings, making it easy to choose the right cooking method for your food. Whether you're defrosting, reheating, or grilling, this microwave oven provides you with precise control over your cooking process.

Safety is a top priority with the Panasonic NN-K18JMMBPQ, thanks to its child lock feature, preventing unintended use. The sleek and modern design with a stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen, seamlessly blending in with your decor.

The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B 20 Litre 800W Black Digital Solo Microwave is a sleek and efficient kitchen appliance that combines style and functionality. With its contemporary black design, this microwave not only complements modern kitchen decor but also delivers a range of features that simplify cooking and reheating tasks.

This microwave boasts a respectable 800-watt power output, ensuring fast and even cooking results. Its 20-liter capacity provides ample space for a variety of dishes, making it suitable for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, or preparing quick meals. The five power levels allow you to fine-tune your cooking process, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection.

One of the standout features of the Russell Hobbs RHM2076B is its digital display and control panel. It provides easy access to the microwave's functions, including a digital clock and a timer, making it convenient for precise cooking times. The quick-start function enables you to start cooking at full power with just one touch.

Safety is also a priority with this microwave, as it comes with a child safety lock to prevent accidental use by children. The turntable ensures even cooking, and the overall design is both user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

The Toshiba 900W 23L Microwave Oven with 1050W Crispy Grill is a versatile kitchen appliance that offers a blend of convenience, power, and versatility to elevate your cooking experience. With its 900-watt microwave and a high-powered 1050-watt grill, this microwave oven is designed to handle a wide range of cooking tasks with ease.

The 23-liter capacity provides ample space for various dishes, from reheating leftovers to cooking family-sized meals. The inclusion of a turntable ensures even cooking, eliminating cold spots and unevenly heated food.

One of the standout features is the powerful 1050W crispy grill, which adds a delightful crunch to dishes like pizza, casseroles, or grilled cheese sandwiches. It's perfect for achieving that golden-brown finish on top of your favorite recipes.

The microwave features a user-friendly control panel with preset cooking functions and adjustable power levels, allowing you to tailor your cooking to the specific needs of your food. It also includes a timer and clock for added convenience.

Safety features include child safety lock to prevent unintended use. The sleek and modern design, complemented by stainless steel accents, adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

The Samsung MS23F301TFK Microwave Oven is a compact yet powerful kitchen appliance that offers convenience and versatility. With its 800-watt microwave power and a 23-liter capacity, this microwave oven is designed to cater to a wide range of cooking and reheating needs.

The 23-liter capacity provides sufficient space for heating or cooking various dishes, making it suitable for busy households and individuals alike. The microwave's turntable ensures even cooking by rotating your food, eliminating cold spots and delivering consistently heated meals.

One of the notable features of the Samsung MS23F301TFK is its user-friendly control panel with preset cooking options, making it easy to prepare common dishes like popcorn, pizza, and beverages with just a touch of a button. It also offers adjustable power levels for customized cooking, giving you precise control over your culinary creations.

The microwave's stylish black design adds a touch of modern elegance to your kitchen decor. Its compact size allows it to fit comfortably on countertops or in small kitchen spaces.

The SHARP YC-MG81U-S 900W Digital Touch Control Microwave is a kitchen powerhouse that combines advanced technology with a spacious 28-liter capacity to cater to a wide range of cooking needs. This microwave oven is designed for efficiency and precision, making it a valuable addition to any home kitchen.

With a powerful 900-watt microwave output, this appliance heats and cooks food rapidly and evenly. The generous 28-liter capacity provides ample space for cooking large dishes or reheating multiple servings, making it ideal for families and gatherings.

One of the standout features of the SHARP YC-MG81U-S is its intuitive digital touch control panel. This allows you to easily set the cooking time, power level, and access various cooking presets with a simple touch, offering precise control over your culinary creations. Whether you're defrosting, reheating, or cooking from scratch, this microwave oven ensures consistent and reliable results.

The microwave also includes a turntable for even cooking and a child lock function for safety, providing peace of mind in a busy kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design adds a touch of modern elegance to your kitchen decor.