The Best Microwave To Make Cooking Simple

The best microwave combines versatile features with efficient cooking. Reheat, defrost and so much more, at the push of a button. It's an essential appliance if you’re organised and love getting ahead of the week with meal prep. That cheery ping signals that your batch-cooked chilli is ready and piping hot in just minutes. Additionally, discover the latest counter-top microwaves, packed with functionality, that go beyond just heating up meals.

Whether you’re on a tight budget and looking for a microwave under £100 or curious about flatbed appliances that forego the need for a turntable, find out about the newest models here. It’s rare to find a modern kitchen that isn’t kitted out with a microwave that is, quite honestly, the epitome of convenience. Not only that, but a microwave is one of many modern kitchen appliances to save money on bills.

Best Microwave Oven At A Glance

• Best budget microwave for ease of use: Salter Marino 800W Microwave – View on Amazon UK
• Best microwave with a grill: KENWOOD K25CSS21 Combination Microwave 25L – View on Currys
• Best built-in microwave: Bosch Serie 4 BEL523MS0B 20L Built-In Combination Microwave with Grill – View on AO.com

It’s a pickle trying to decide whether to go for a premium brand, such as Samsung or Bosch, or indeed trying to work out how many litres capacity to go for. Well, keep it simple. Our advice is to measure your largest dinner plate and look at the turntable diameter or the internal dimensions – if it’s a flatbed microwave – to ensure you can heat up a ready meal on your preferred plate.

There are stylish and colourful microwaves to choose from – because aesthetics are important too. So is usability, and it’s important to go for an appliance that has controls (either digital or dial-operated) that are right for you. Scroll to the frequently asked questions at the end of this article for more information on choosing the right microwave for your needs. Alternatively, read our expert guide on how to choose a microwave.

Best Microwave Oven

OUR VERDICT: What Is The Best Microwave?

A Modern Kitchen has chosen the Salter Marino 800W Microwave. True to Salter's tagline on the box: "Making life just that little bit easier" this appliance is simple to operate for fast and convenient hot food. In addition, this elegant blue and gold microwave is part of the Salter Marino Collection – a range of modern neutral kitchenware and appliances. In short, the Salter Marino microwave offers style and functionality at an affordable price.

FAQs: Best Microwave

What is a microwave – and how do they work?

A microwave oven is a handy gadget for your kitchen that heats food with high-frequency electromagnetic waves called microwaves. That’s why it’s called a microwave oven. If you’re concerned about radiation, you shouldn’t be. Luckily for us, microwaves are non-ionizing. This means that microwave ovens are safe to use and won’t cause any health problems. Which? has debunked some microwave "myths" which makes an interesting read.

What features should I consider when buying a microwave?

Generally, you'll need to consider cost, size, style, and function. Also, go for trusted brands that offer a lengthy guarantee. Look at the customer reviews, too, as these give an indication of longevity. You’ll want your new microwave to last a fair amount of time before replacing it.

Design

If you have a small kitchen consider a sleek or small microwave to sit on your countertop – or if you have the space then a larger shape will provide you with more room for bigger plates. Or, there are flatbed microwaves, which have rotating antennae placed below the food to heat the food - and do away with the turntable altogether.

Features and Programmes

Think about your lifestyle and how often you use this appliance. If you’re reheating a wide variety of foods for multiple people, we recommend something sturdy with a variety of pre-functioned programmes to heat up meat, vegetables, fish and even baked goods. Combination microwaves are twinned with another appliance, such as a grill or air fryer.

Energy Rating

Recently, brands are producing appliances which are better for the environment and more cost-friendly to run. The energy rating scale runs from A+++ through to G, so the running cost will - generally - be low. Cutting your energy bill in any way you can isn't a bad idea. However, energy-class A-grade microwaves tend to be more expensive to buy.

Quality

To be informed about your buying decision, check sites like TrustPilot where the merchant is reviewed. We’ve only included reputable ones here – as well as customer reviews of the microwave itself. This will help you understand if the appliance is any good and worth its money. Again, a microwave of greater quality will most likely cost more to buy.

How do microwave ovens without turntables work?

Known as flatbed microwaves, these counter-top appliances have a smooth cooking surface without a turntable. Instead of relying on a rotating plate, these microwaves use various technologies like inverter systems and rotating antennae to ensure even cooking. The interior cavity has more flexibility to accommodate different dish shapes and sizes, such as rectangular casserole dishes.

Which microwave is best for a family of four?

For a family of four, consider a microwave with a large capacity of 40 litres upwards. For a standard microwave with a turntable, the diameter of the turntable will be 32cm or more. Look for additional features, sensor cooking, multiple power levels and an easy-to-clean interior. Brands such as Panasonic, Samsung and LG offer large microwaves with extra features for around £200. Check out our round up of the best Panasonic microwaves. Or if you're a Samsung completist, read our guide on the best Samsung microwaves. Finally, ensure the microwave fits your kitchen space and meets your family's cooking requirements.

How important is a microwave turntable?

A microwave turntable is important for preventing hotspots and ensuring that food receives uniform exposure to microwaves for even cooking. While some newer flatbed models use alternative technologies to achieve even cooking without a turntable, it remains a common and effective design feature amongst budget and mid-range microwave ovens.

What should I not put in the microwave?

A microwave is not indestructible – and wasn’t built to withstand everything. Here are a few things that you definitely shouldn’t be putting in your new appliance.

Travel Mugs – Keep metal far away from the microwave - cutlery included.

Lidless Containers – To avoid any mess, cover your containers.

Hot Peppers – This may sound like a joke – but they will set on fire.

Styrofoam – Unfortunately, this will melt and release nasty chemicals into your food.

Aluminium Foil – Again – please don't put this inside your microwave. To clarify, the shiny surface is reflective – therefore, the microwaves will bounce around and then ignite. This is very dangerous.

Paper Bags – Aside from a microwave-safe bag of microwave popcorn, avoid paper bags.

Hard-Boiled Eggs – Say no to an egg-splosion.

Nothing - Without anything to heat up, the microwaves will only have one another to bounce off. In turn, they are absorbed by the appliance, causing it to combust. Avoid.

How much do microwaves cost to run?

If you’re keeping on top of the news, you already know about the tough times ahead. We can help you take back control of your bills and understand where your money is going. Though squeezing an extra £100 into your microwave budget isn’t realistic for everyone, we recommend this – as it will likely have a higher rating on the energy scale.

With a higher energy rating, comes fewer running costs. So, it’s worth thinking about.

Now – it’s time for some maths.

The cost of energy is around 28p per kWh for electricity, but this will be different for everyone. The power it takes to run a microwave differs between models – but they can range from 700 to 1000W.

You can calculate the price per use with this equation:

Microwave Power (W) x Amount of Time Used (p/h) x GBP per Kwh (0.28) / 100 = Price Per Use

For “Amount of Time”, use decimal points (e.g. 0.5 is 30 mins, 1.5 is 90 mins).

For example, if you’re running a 800W microwave for 10 minutes:

800(W) x 0.1 x 0.28 / 100 = 0.22 = 22p

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Gardens and Wellness Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in cookware. When she’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, Piper is re-watching a TV show or listening to a podcast.