Best Microwave Oven 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

One of the most innovative microwaves around, and it created quite the buzz when released. It has also topped many Best Buy lists, including our own.

Multiwave technology gets right into the centre of the food you’re heating, so you’ll never get into it and realise that an underwhelming job has been done. It isn’t just reheating which it can do though, as many foods can be cooked from fresh too.

Whether it be halloumi, pizza or even the sausages and bacon for your breakfast, there is a dedicated setting. The Forced Air function will give results similar to roasting food in the oven, but just in half the time. It will also save you energy, as you’re not having to warm and preheat a huge oven.

It can even steam food, in case you want to make a healthier dinner. And the turntable can be stopped so it can act as more of an oven on particular settings.

The stainless steel outer is very easy to clean, and the dial and buttons are all very easy to access and use. Some of the settings really are unique to this model, such as melting and keep warm. Despite the fact it boasts a lot of settings and programmes, it is nice and easy to navigate, even for those not quite up to date with technology.

This kitchen appliance is for people who are looking for efficiency and style when it comes to their microwave.

Combining a convection oven, grill and microwave, this powerful Russell Hobbs appliance works hard for its modest price tag. Whether you want to cook some sausages, defrost last week’s leftovers or prepare your jacket potato, the 30L capacity will make everything a comfortable task.

With the microwave, there is a maximum of 900W and 5 power levels. Reheating large portions of food can be done quickly and efficiently. The oven will reach 220°C, which is plenty for most of the cooking you’ll need to undertake.

It comes with a grill rack, baking tray and a 315 mm glass turntable, so you have everything you need to get started. These are easy to clean, and the stainless steel interior of the microwave chamber allows you to wipe away splashes with ease when finished.

Child lock will keep little fingers away so the risk of accidents is greatly reduced. We’d like other colours to be available, and a longer power lead. But overall, it is a great style for a reasonable price and it is roomy inside. This Russell Hobbs model delivers on functionality and flexibility.

The Panasonic NN-CT55JWBPQ is a great compact addition to any home. It’s sleek design compliments any kitchen and works well for families, couples or those living by themselves.

This is a 1300W microwave, which offers the same power for the grill. The oven can reach 220°C and comes with 19 different auto-cook programmes. Plus, a large 27L capacity is suitable to cook a range of different meals, from mug cakes to defrosting meat.

You have very flexible cooking including a microwave, grill and convection oven. It offers a range of different settings so you can enjoy specific programmes like vegetables, fish and chips and porridge. Multiple options for reheating and defrosting all kinds of different food mean your meals are cooked evenly and taste great.

A clear touch screen control panel allows you to select programmes and settings easily, and the LCD display keeps you in control. The Panasonic NN-CT55JWBPQ comes with inverter technology so you have superior cooking and efficient defrost results.

This model is modern and sleek and is a valuable addition to any kitchen.

In need of a microwave which is small on the outside but a bit like the Tardis on the inner? This is a huge 32 litre model which should do the trick.

It isn’t just the very generous capacity which should appeal to you, either. It is one of the friendliest family models, with a child lock so the door can’t be opened at the wrong time or the settings changed. When the food is cooking, the Genius Sensor feature detects how much steam is being generated and adapts the temperatures and timings accordingly so your food is always cooked perfectly without you having to intercept or guess.

We particularly loved the Junior Menu idea, which again makes it great for family homes. The pre-programmed settings make it very easy to whip up a quick snack before bedtime or when they get home from school, and there are also dedicated options for beverages, vegetables, meat and melting/softening.

Because of the steady cooking power, there are no cooking disasters so it is perfect for anyone who really doesn’t have time for keeping a beady eye on everything at once. It has even taken inspiration from modern ovens with Easy Clean Enamel Interior, so when the baked beans splatter all over the walls, you don’t have to wipe it away ASAP nor have to chisel it away if you leave it too long.

Fancy, multifunction microwaves are brilliant. They pack a lot in. But sometimes, you just want a bogstandard machine which will reheat food, make your packet of rice or get your jacket potato going.

This microwave’s price tag is surprising given its modern, stylish exterior. A great budget buy, the roomy 23L capacity offers families and singles alike plenty of room to fit any meal. Triple distribution heating gives fast yet reliable results, which is vital as cooking your food properly is essential.

The ceramic interior is not only easy to clean but also incredibly hardy. You won’t be able to scratch it or damage it, and it is also anti-bacterial. An 800W power ability is pretty average but also perfect as it fits in with most food cooking instructions nowadays. No working out adjustments before you’re set to go.

Designed by one of the nation’s favourite appliance brands, this Samsung Solo frequently scores 5 stars in user tests and is trusted by scores and scores of Britons up and down the country. It is basic. It is budget friendly. You should definitely consider it.

The Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ is a powerful machine featuring a kitchen-friendly design. The stainless steel and black finish make it blend well with other appliances, If you want to use it as a counter top microwave.

With inverter technology, the Panasonic cooks evenly and delivers more heat performance to ensure fast cooking times. This microwave offers a range of different programmes depending on the type of food you are cooking.

The flatbed design inside this appliance makes for 30% more cooking space compared to the traditional turntable design. This way you can cook and reheat more food at once and save you waiting around. With five different auto cooking programmes you can cook anything, from soup and fish to desserts and cakes.

The digital touch screen display lets you keep an eye on your food and is easy to read. Change settings and set a programme with the touch controls located underneath the display. This option offers plenty of functional settings including comprehensive defrost, reheat and warm settings to ensure your food tastes great every meal. It is great value for money and is suited to those living in shared homes.

The Kenwood K25MMS14 is a sleek and stylish model that complements any kitchen. With 900 watts of power, it’s powerful and effective to re-heat, cook and defrost food easily. This microwave has an inbuilt LED light inside so you can see your food as it’s cooking.

The LED display is clear and lets you monitor cooking times, check and change settings and keep you in control of your cooking. When not in use, the display conveniently turns into a clock. The Kenwood K25MMS14 is spacious and boasts 25 litres of space inside so you can use it with multiple types of food from reheating drinks, a plate of food or defrosting meat.

This option offers five different power settings giving you more control over your cooking. Move through the different power functions on the buttons on the front of the appliance, and use the silver dial to change the duration to suit your cooking. This model also offers eight different cooking functions depending on the type of food you are cooking. Choose from pasta, popcorn, potatoes, vegetables and more to get the perfect cooking settings for your meal.

The Kenwood K25MMS14 comes equipped with child lock making it safe for the family home. It’s silver, stainless steel finish makes it sleek and suits any kitchen perfectly. It is well built and durable while offering unbeatable power that cooks any food evenly.

Leaving little to be desired, this Siemens is the very best when it comes to traditional microwaves. Far from being the box on your worktop that you use to reheat last night’s pizza, this microwave sports features that could change your perception of microwave cooking forever.

Our favourite feature by far is the auto cook feature, which allows the microwave to steam or even crisp your food at the touch of a button. Not only that, but the set cooking programmes allow you to make use of pre-set temperatures and cooking times to create the perfect meat or fish dish.

With a beautifully sleek and modern design, this microwave is sure to add that special something to your kitchen.

If you are looking for a convenient built-in combination microwave then the Neff C17MR02N0B is the perfect choice for you. Operating as a high-powered microwave with oven and grill functions, you can prepare a range of meals all in one place.

The 1000W power offers hassle-free cooking to your home. There’s 14 different cooking features and settings to ensure your food is cooked to perfection. The Neff C17MR02N0B also has a range of different defrost settings depending on the type of food you are cooking.

It’s clever and allows you to get cooking fast. Simply key in the weight of your food or choose the type of food you want to cook from the pre-programmed menu. Innowave technology ensures your meals cook fast and evenly. This technology reduces your energy consumption by up to 15% and cooks food 10% faster than microwaves without.

The Neff C17MR02N0B has an innovative ShiftControl panel keeping you in full control of settings and cooking functions. The 2.5 inch TFT display is crisp and clear so you can see information clearly, and a drop down door is convenient to use.

It has a whopping 45 litre capacity and so can cook a range of food, from heating up meals to defrosting a chicken. The flatbed design ensures you have even more space for cooking your favourite meals comfortably. The Neff C17MR02N0B comes equipped with a plate warming function which is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

The electriQ Built-in 34L Combi Steam offers a sleek and compact design for your whole family to enjoy. With steam cooking functions, you can all eat healthier every night while cooking some of your favourite meals.

It works very differently from the usual microwave because it uses moist air to seal in the flavour, ensuring you enjoy every bite. Steam cooking works to lock in vitamins and minerals and ensure it retains its bright and natural colours when cooked. There is no need to add any oils and butter as the steam perfectly cooks without any extra help.

This model offers four different functions so you can cook exactly the way you want to. With an inbuilt oven, grill steamer and microwave, you have full control. It is unbranded and sleek to suit any kitchen without ghastly logos on show. It is integrated, ensuring your kitchen is uncluttered and spacious, yet not suitable for all layouts. A clear LED display sits at the top of the microwave and the touch control panel makes using this microwave simple and easy.

It’s incredibly easy to keep clean thanks to the steam settings which ensure your microwave stays sparkling every day – just wipe with a cloth. A maximum temperature of 230 degrees increases safety while giving you plenty of freedom to get everything done.