Best Microwave Ovens in the UK

If you’re in the market for a large microwave oven that can hold a bit more than average models, the Sharp YC-MG81U-S can be the right fit for you. With its 28-litre capacity and extra-large 31.5-cm glass turntable, it can easily accommodate large bowls and plates and fit a standard pizza or 2-kg chicken, which makes it ideal for 4-5-person households.

Keep note, though, that because this oven is on the larger size in terms of capacity, it's not exactly compact. At 51.2 x 30 x 39.6 cm, it needs quite a lot of room on your countertop. On the plus side, the unit is quite steady and reliable, and doesn't tend to "run away" with an open door, as it often happens to smaller models.

Being the winner of a Best Buy recommendation by "Which?", the Toshiba ML-EM23P model has definitely got its customers. It's currently one of the best-selling products on Amazon with lots of satisfied users and positive reviews. So, what makes this microwave a real crowd-pleaser?

To begin with, it's a neat and relatively compact device with a 23-litre capacity, making it a happy medium between large models for family use and tiny ones for single cooking. The turntable here isn't huge with enough clearance for large dinner plates and bowls (but no more than that).

With 800W of power behind it, the Toshiba ML-EM23P is capable of cooking food really quickly and effectively. You can choose between 11 different power levels for a broad range of heating jobs. Actually, you can set a very low heat to soften ice cream a bit or high heat for warming up leftovers in a matter of seconds.

Besides variable power levels, the oven is packed with lots of other handy features like express cooking, defrosting, 6 presets (Popcorn, Potato, Pizza, Frozen Vegetable, Beverage, Dinner Plate), and a novel multi-stage cooking programme. The latter setting allows you to programme the oven per two cycles in one. For instance, you'll be able to boil rice at 80% power for 5 minutes and then set it to simmer at 40% for 10 minutes more. Ideal for our busy life.

Heating meals might seem an easy task, but that is only at first glance. In addition to adjusting cooking time, you actually need to use different power levels for reheating your meals, defrosting vegetables, making popcorn or softening ice cream. The Toshiba ML-EM23P(BS) will make these and other cooking and reheating tasks as easy as pushing a couple of buttons. The unit has 11 power levels to choose from, so whether you need to quickly reheat leftovers, melt butter, or cook bacon, it will do the job.

To take the guesswork out of selecting an appropriate power level for most popular cooking tasks, the microwave oven offers 6 preset modes: Pizza, Popcorn, Potato, Beverage, Frozen Vegetable and Dinner Plate. On the other hand, the microwave can be preprogrammed for multi-stage cooking with different power levels and cooking times applied at each stage. Hence, you can use this functional appliance for both day-to-day cooking tasks and for following complicated recipes.

Though it is not the largest microwave on the market, the microwave oven can be recommended for family use. Offering a 23-litre capacity, it has a sturdy glass turntable that is 27cm in diameter, so there is ample room for a good-sized dinner plate. Quiet in operation, the appliance won't disturb your little one's sleep. As for the safety features, this model is equipped with a child lock.

Great at saving your time, microwave ovens also help to lower energy consumption, and hence, your electricity bills. MAFF E-rated, the 800-watt Swan SM22036GRYN will allow you to prepare your favourite dishes and save your time, effort and money. Offering a 20-l cooking capacity and a 270-mm glass turntable (large enough for a full-sized dinner plate), the microwave is great for both individual and family use.

As for the item's functionality, it has several power levels - from high (100% microwave power) for fast and thorough cooking to low (20% microwave power) for keeping your meals warm. An adjustable timer and a cooking end signal will ensure hassle-free use of the unit. To make food preparation as simple as possible, the device has 8 autocook programmes: Popcorn, Reheat, Beverage, Pizza, Potato, Vegetable, Meat, and Fish. Please, carefully follow the manufacturer's recommendations to get the best cooking results each time.

Many modern appliances have similar parameters, no wonder design is often a deciding factor in choosing a microwave oven. Inspired by Scandi minimalism, this model has stylish wood effect elements and a matte finish. The unit is available in three different colour schemes, so it will be easy to choose the one that matches your kitchen design.

The Toshiba MM-MM20P is one more basic microwave that offers excellent value for money. On purchasing it, you can get a whole lot more benefits than the retail price otherwise suggests you would. Actually, it’s hard to find a microwave with a similar price that boasts a combination of a unique white design, brilliant performance, compact size, quiet operation, as well as rave reviews.

To begin with, it’s impossible not to notice how appealing this microwave looks. Dissimilar to traditional strainless steel modes, it's made in white colour and contrasting black accents with a black cooking window, giving it a real edgy feel. It has a neat footprint (44 x 32.5cm) and can find its place just about anywhere. With that, it has ample cooking capacity and manages to accommodate a standard-sized dinner plate, bowls, and some other crockery. The overall capacity makes 20 litres and can work well for couples, single occupied homes, dorms, and small families. And what families with babies will definitely appreciate is how quiet the Toshiba microwave is. When in use, it produces just 55 dB, meaning it's ideal for new parents who don't want to disturb their tots' sleep. Another thing that makes it attractive for parents is the addition of a child lock function, a feature that we were surprised to see within its price bracket.