Best Built-In Microwaves in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 5, 2024
Do you want to optimize your kitchen space and look for a decent alternative to your old microwave oven? A built-in microwave is the best solution. Designed to integrated into kitchen cabinets or walls, this microwave won't take up your working space yet provide all the same functionality you need in an oven. Read on for five of the best built-in microwave ovens available on the market right now! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
CONTROL
POWER
AUTO COOK OPTIONS
TURNTABLE DIAMETER
CAPACITY
FEATURES
DIMENSIONS
WARRANTY
 
PROS

Apart from a grill rack, the set features a baking tray for making pizza in a convection mode. The tray boasts a quality non-stick coating, and a special tray handle prevents burns during removal.

CONS

Users have complained about the appliance being too loud.

OUR VERDICT

This microwave has no equals when it comes to cooking lots of food at once since it boasts a 32-litre capacity. With it, you will be able to cook a feast in no time flat to please your family or guests.

detailed parameters
CONTROL

LCD-display, Digital control with dial

POWER

Microwaves - 900 W
Grill - 1100 W
Convection - 2300 W

AUTO COOK OPTIONS

10 auto-cook programs

TURNTABLE DIAMETER

31.5 cm

CAPACITY

32 litres

FEATURES

5 power levels, Grill rack, Baking tray and tray handle included

DIMENSIONS

59.5 x 46.7 x 38.8 cm

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The convection mode has a power of 2500 Watts, hence you can easily cook pizza just like in an ordinary oven by using hot air: your food will be evenly cooked both on the inside and outside.

CONS

Many of the auto-cook programs are not that different.

OUR VERDICT

If you are limited in space and have no place for a lot of kitchen appliances, then make a choice in favour of this functional model from Cookology. With its help, you will be able to create any culinary masterpiece using a single device. It bakes meat and desserts equally well and, though it uses a lot of power, the results are 100% worth it.

detailed parameters
CONTROL

LCD-display, Digital control with dial

POWER

Microwaves - 900 W
Grill - 1100 W
Convection - 2500 W

AUTO COOK OPTIONS

10 auto-cook programs

TURNTABLE DIAMETER

31.5 cm

CAPACITY

25 litres

FEATURES

5 power levels, Grill rack included

DIMENSIONS

59.5 x 47.3 x 46 cm

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

Thanks to the unique cover, the door looks like a mirror when the device is not in use. Thus, when it starts working and the lights are turned on, the big window becomes transparent and allows you to watch over your cooking.

CONS

The diameter of the turntable is relatively small.

OUR VERDICT

This modern high-tech model from Russell Hobbs will fit perfectly in any stylish kitchen. Its functionality and performance will be a pleasant surprise, especially since the controls are simple and the multiple auto programs turn cooking from a chore into an easy pastime.

detailed parameters
CONTROL

LCD-display, Digital control with dial

POWER

800 W

AUTO COOK OPTIONS

8 auto-cook programs

TURNTABLE DIAMETER

24.5 cm

CAPACITY

20 litres

FEATURES

5 power levels

DIMENSIONS

59.5 x 31.6 x 38.2 cm

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The unique Jet Start feature turns the appliance on at maximum power and helps cook food faster. And the Jet Defrost provides fast and efficient defrosting.

CONS

Setting time may be somewhat tricky due to a lack of a dial.

OUR VERDICT

This affordable and user-friendly model will be a perfect fit for those who use their microwaves for warming and defrosting food, and for the occasional cooking of a simple dish. While it's not an all-in-one chef's helper, it's great at speedy preparation and will cut down on your meal prep time for sure.

detailed parameters
CONTROL

LCD-display, Digital control

POWER

750 W

AUTO COOK OPTIONS

Not specified

TURNTABLE DIAMETER

25 cm

CAPACITY

22 litres

FEATURES

4 power levels

DIMENSIONS

59.5 x 32 x 38.2 cm

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The advanced defrosting technology allows preserving all the nutrients and vitamins in the food while spending less time on this process. It's a great option for users who often cook frozen pizza, frozen vegetables and snacks.

CONS

The glass door is prone to fingerprints. 

OUR VERDICT

If you are looking for a multifunctional microwave oven, this model from Russel Hobbs is the right choice to go for. Thanks to the grill feature, you will be able to make tasty and crusty dishes with ease, while a convection option makes the Russel Hobbs a decent and more compact alternative to a traditional oven.

detailed parameters
CONTROL

LCD-display, Digital control with dial

POWER

Microwaves - 900 W
Grill - 1100 W
Convection - 2400 W

AUTO COOK OPTIONS

10 auto-cook programs

TURNTABLE DIAMETER

31.5 cm

CAPACITY

25 litres

FEATURES

5 power levels, Grill rack, Baking tray and tray handle included

DIMENSIONS

60 x 47 x 46 cm

WARRANTY

2 years

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Russell Hobbs RHBM3201

Large Capacity

If you are looking for a reliable kitchen assistant to please your family with delicious and healthy food, look no further. This integrated microwave oven from Russell Hobbs is definitely one of the best appliances for your kitchen. The built-in device will fit perfectly in any kitchen set and become a great help to the user.

This electric device has an impressive capacity of 36 litres, thus you can reheat or cook a big amount of food. The microwave oven is also fitted with a turntable of a decent size (31.5 cm) so a big platter will fit inside easily. The number of auto-cook options won’t leave you disappointed either. Each of the ten different settings will help cook new and tasty dishes, plus you won’t have to check your food every few minutes since the device will adjust the time of the cooking automatically. However, you can do it manually if the level of doneness does not satisfy you. This combination microwave oven is working at 900 Watts, which makes it economical yet powerful enough to meet all your cooking needs. The device also has five power levels, allowing for making the necessary adjustments.

The Russell Hobbs built-in microwave is a great solution for your kitchen. The combination of stylish design and decent dimensions also make it a nice addition to any interior. Plus, the device is powerful and capacious enough to provide a tasty dinner for the whole family.

Review of Russell Hobbs RHBM3201 Built In Digital Combination Microwave 32L

Multifunctional Wall Unit

This built-in microwave from Russell Hobbs will become a great addition to the kitchen of any cooking aficionados. The handy appliance will become a great help not only in defrosting and reheating but also in cooking and grilling. If you want to surprise your nearest and dearest with delicious meat dishes, the microwave will lend a perfect helping hand for this task as it also comes with a grill rack for your convenience. The maximum power of the grill mode is 1100 Watts, which is enough to cook your meat dishes quickly and conveniently. What's more, this microwave has a convection mode. Working at 2300 Watts, this kitchen appliance will be able to replace your oven and cook any food perfectly by using hot air. That is, of course, pretty high power but it's worth the result. The manufacturer also provides a baking tray with the appliance. Thus, you can enjoy a home-made pastry at any time and without extra effort.

In conclusion, this model from Russell Hobbs is the best built-in microwave if you need a functional device for a family use. This reliable assistant will simplify your cooking process by many times and allow you to enjoy tasty dishes every day. Definitely a must-have in any household.
Russell Hobbs RHBM3201 Built In Digital Combination Microwave 32L in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00HVD86SC

 

Cookology IMOG25LSS

Powerful Oven

The Cookology Combi microwave oven is a functional appliance for any kitchen. It is quite compact, yet can still boast of high power and a few different modes. First things first, this microwave works at 900 Watts and thus it will easily defrost and warm up your food even if it's straight out of the freezer. If your dinner consists of ready-to-cook dishes from time to time, this device will make preparation even faster and easier than usual. Just as many modern microwaves, this model is fitted with a grill mode, hence it will be a great fit for meat lovers. The power of this mode is also quite decent (1100 Watts), which allows for roasting even pretty large cuts in no time. What's more, this kitchen helper has an auto reminder that beeps when it’s time to turn your food over, thus you don’t have to worry about burning it on one side at all!

And, of course, this microwave oven leaves its rivals far behind when it comes to the convection mode. This electric appliance is able to work at 2500 Watts with or without preheating, allowing you to cook and bake at the temperature between 130 and 220 degrees C. Now, the high power does mean that the electric bills aren't going to be as low as you might want but cooking via the microwave only will still save a bit of money in the long run. Hence, if you decide to purchase this model, you don’t have to worry about buying a full-on oven, which makes this device an even worthier investment.

The Cookology Combi microwave oven will become an ideal addition to your kitchen if you need a powerful and multifunctional assistant. We have no doubt that with its great performance, this device will meet all the cooking expectations of any user.
Review of Cookology IMOG25LSS Built-in Combi Microwave Oven & Grill 25L

Budget-Friendly Model

This microwave oven from Cookology can be a great help with pretty much all your kitchen chores as it's fit for defrosting, warming, baking, cooking, and grilling. However, the advantages of this appliance don’t end with that. As we mentioned before, this model is quite compact. Its capacity is 25 litres, which may not seem much, but it is still enough for cooking a meal for a small family or a single person. You can also fit it in almost any kitchen set completely effortlessly. What makes this model even more appealing is its price. Even though this appliance has a number of different modes and five adjustable power levels, it is still very affordable. Thus, it will definitely fit you to a tee if you want a compact and budget-friendly device.

To wrap the whole thing up, the Cookology microwave oven is a powerful appliance that will please any user with its performance, price and sizes. You should definitely consider buying this model if you want to enjoy tasty dishes at any time.
Cookology IMOG25LSS Built-in Combi Microwave Oven & Grill 25L in the use
Last updated price £199.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B010TL17JM

 

Russell Hobbs RHBM2001

Stylish Appliance

If you are looking for a stylish appliance to fit in your kitchen set, this built-in microwave oven is the top choice. It definitely has no competitors when it comes to the looks. This device is fitted with a glass door which looks like a mirror thanks to the unique cover. However, when the appliance is working, you can easily monitor the process of cooking thanks to the lights that turn on automatically and turn the mirrored surface into see-through glass. The dimensions of this built-in microwave oven are quite compact. The diameter of the turntable is only 24.5 cm, which is not that much compared to the other models in our shortlist. The capacity of the unit is relatively small as well (20 litres), so you better not count on fitting a lot of food in bulky bowls into this microwave. However, if you don’t need to cook or reheat all that much, this appliance will do just fine.

This small built-in microwave oven will fit a bachelor's or a small family's household perfectly. Made of stainless steel in a grey colour, this lovely model will look gorgeous in any modern kitchen. Furthermore, if you are limited in space, the Russell Hobbs built-in microwave oven doesn’t require that much of it, which makes it a perfect solution for any kitchen.
Review of Russell Hobbs RHBM2001 Built In Digital Solo Microwave 20L

Decent Performance

Although we've praised it a lot, the stylish design is not the only thing this built-in microwave oven from Russell Hobbs has going for it. Even though the size of this appliance is rather small, its cooking performance is still quite good. With the ability to work at 850 Watts, the process of food warming will be quite quick yet the electricity bill won't go up too much. The device is fitted with a digital control panel with a dial, which is placed on the front panel. Using it, you can choose one out of five power settings, if you want to make sure that your dish is cooked at the right temperature. Moreover, you can select one of the auto-cook programs from the eight existing ones. That way you can set it and forget it, leaving the microwave to roast meat or boil some soup for you. Hence, if you don’t want to spend an hour standing by the stove, this appliance is a great option that will provide you with a tasty dinner. Thus, as you can see, this microwave oven is also very user-friendly and using it is easy even if you have no culinary chops.

By and large, the Russell Hobbs built-in microwave oven should be your first pick if you're looking to buy a small kitchen device with a good performance. It will doubtlessly simplify your cooking process substantially. And we have to say, for such a number of advantages, it is the best value for the money.
Russell Hobbs RHBM2001 Built In Digital Solo Microwave 20L in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £165.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IJZZF12

 

Whirlpool AMW490IX

Simplicity and Convenience

If you are looking for an easy to use device that will tackle all the tasks of a microwave oven yet take up little space in your kitchen, look no further. The Whirlpool Built-in Microwave Oven will meet all your cooking expectations. If you intend to use your appliance for defrosting or warming, this model will do perfectly fine. The device is fitted with an LCD display and a digital control located on the front panel. However, because of the lack of a dial, setting a cooking timer may be somewhat tricky. The fact that all the buttons are placed above the door, gives this oven a more interesting and stylish look. What's more, since this microwave's body is painted black, it will fit pretty much any kitchen interior and add a bit of a refined look to your home. Plus, it is equally easy to clean on the inside and on the outside though the black finish does make stains more visible.

The capacity of this wall unit is about 22 litres, which will be just enough to fit and reheat a dinner made for a few people. And the turntable with the diameter of 25 cm will allow you to place any average-sized plate or bowl inside. With such a compact appliance you won’t have to wrack your brains over placement choices.

The Whirlpool Built-in Microwave Oven is a simple device for everyday use. It will become a great help in cooking or will easily provide you with warm pre-cooked meals. So if you are not chasing the high-end microwaves with the cutting-edge technologies, consider buying this uncomplicated device.

Review of Whirlpool AMW490IX Built-in Microwave Oven 22L

Economical Microwave

The Whirlpool Built-in Microwave Oven can become a great help in any kitchen. It may not be as powerful as other models in our shortlist, yet the power of 750 Watts should probably be listed as an advantage since it makes the device way more economical. However, you have nothing to worry about: your food will still be cooked evenly and relatively fast. The appliance is also easy to adjust to fit your current needs. The oven comes with four power settings, so you can choose the perfect temperature for your meal. With all that in mind, we can conclude that even though this model won’t be able to replace a full-on stove or oven, it can tackle cooking a simple dish from time to time, which can be just enough to satisfy many users, especially single people who don't need to cater for a whole family.

All things considered, it is fair to say that this appliance from Whirlpool will easily do all the basic cooking tasks. Defrosting and warming will become quick and easy, plus it will please you with a tasty and healthy meal “from scratch” from time to time. Thus, it is definitely a worthy investment for those who don’t crave a device for creating culinary masterpieces but want to simplify the cooking.

Whirlpool AMW490IX Built-in Microwave Oven 22L in the use
Last updated price £2,050.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00546RAXU

 

Russell Hobbs RHBM2503

3 Appliances in 1

The biggest advantage of built-in microwaves is that they can replace a lot of other kitchen appliances and save you a lot of useful space in the kitchen. The RHBM2503 is a decent model from Russell Hobbs that comes at an affordable price, despite the popularity of the brand, and doesn't trail behind conventional ovens in terms of functionality.

This microwave provides 900 watts of power, so, you can heat and defrost your foods pretty fast. In addition, advanced defrosting technology ensures quick thawing that allows sealing all the essential nutrients and vitamins in your meals while spending less time on this process. This option will be especially appreciated by those who often cook frozen pizzas, chilled vegetables and snacks.

Apart from standard features like heating and defrosting, this device also has a grill feature that works on a higher power setting of 1100 watts. And a wire rack included in the set makes grilling easier and more convenient. Other than that, the model also boasts a convection function that puts it in a row with traditional ovens in terms of cooking efficiency. Operated on 2400 watts, the fan-assisted convection option ensures more even and quicker heat distribution inside the oven, thus, speeding up the cooking process. What's more, you can even combine microwave, grill, and convection to roast, crisp, and brown your dishes to perfection.

The next thing we like about this model is that it comes with 10 auto-cook modes to take the guesswork out of the cooking process. There are also 5 power levels, so, you can select the most optimal temperature for your dishes. To control your device, use a dial knob and buttons on the front panel of the body. For your convenience, the setting you selected will be displayed on the LCD screen.

Review of Russell Hobbs RHBM2503 Built In Digital Combination Microwave

For the Whole Family

As for the capacity, the microwave oven from Russell Hobbs will perfectly suit average families. The volume of 25 litres paired with a pretty large 31cm turntable is ideal for bulk cooking and family-sized meals. It is also the right size to accommodate larger plates and pans. The downside (if your kitchen is small) is that it is quite bulky: with the overall dimensions of 60 x 47 x 46 cm, it will take pretty much space in your kitchen furniture.

Moving on, we like the design of the oven. It has a silver-coloured stainless steel exterior that looks stylish and will perfectly mash with other steel appliances and kitchenware in your kitchen. A mirrored glass door looks elegant and eye-catching too. However, keep note that it requires frequent wiping since fingerprints and stains are more visible on it.

In short, if you need a functional and budget-friendly microwave oven that can replace a conventional oven, this model from Russel Hobbsis a good choice to go for. Hands down, it is one of the best appliances for your kitchen you can get for this money.

Russell Hobbs RHBM2503 Built In Digital Combination Microwave in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £248.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IJZZF0I

 

What Is a Built-in Microwave?

Normally, when remodeling the kitchen, we want it both to look stylish and to be functional. Built-in kitchen appliances are specifically designed to serve that purpose. Built-in microwaves are one of the most popular in this category. Unlike free-standing countertop models, they require installation. Usually, they can be embedded into kitchen cabinets, islands, or simply built into a wall. Hence, built-in microwaves are meant predominantly for the use in permanent residences and are not the best option for dormitories, offices, and rented dwellings. The biggest benefit of the built-in models is a free countertop space they provide. Even if your kitchen counter is too narrow for a high-capacity microwave, you can afford a larger model if you go for a built-in design.

In general, built-in microwaves include over-the-range units that are installed over the cooktops and also functioning as range hoods, cabinet models that can fit virtually any space, and drawer microwaves which are great for open area kitchens and studios. By functionality, built-in models are pretty much similar to countertop units and will let you both cook and reheat meals.

If you plan a complete kitchen renovation and would like to furnish it with custom cabinets, we recommend you turn your attention to our selection of built-in refrigerators, another space-saving appliance that will perfectly fit even in quite limited kitchen spaces.

What Features to Compare

If you are looking for a new cooking appliance for your kitchen, there is a number of characteristics you should check before buying. If we are talking about microwaves, built-in models are not that different from free-standing ones. So, we would like to list all the aspects you should keep in mind when buying a built-in microwave oven.

Functionality

First things first, when buying any kind of device, you should decide in advance what purposes you want to use it for. The general function of a microwave oven is to warm and defrost food. However, some people also want to use it for cooking. There are many models on the market that will make this process a breeze, sparing you time for leisure or other household chores. Such kitchen assistants come with diverse auto cook options. The number of them can vary depending on the model. With them, your food will always be delicious, and you won’t have to worry about your dish being over- or undercooked.

Usability

Next, don’t forget to pay attention to the usability features. The power of the unit affects the duration of the cooking process. So, when buying a microwave, decide for yourself what is important to you: quick operation of the device or economic electricity consumption. The power of built-in microwaves usually varies in the range from 700 to 1500 Watts. With regard to the materials, the cover of the inner service will determine how good the heat will be distributed inside the oven. Plus, not all materials are easy to clean. Ceramics, for example, is more demanding in terms of maintenance than enamel. That's why it is important to consider these things too. Finally, microwave ovens (both countertop and built-in models) may incorporate different types of controls, so you should decide right away which one you prefer more, mechanical or electronic.

Capacity

The capacity of an oven may be of importance, especially for big families. The good news is, there are differently-sized models available in the market so you can choose the most suitable one depending on your needs. If you have a large family, go for models offering 35-40 litres; and if you are limited in space and need something more compact, there are 20-25l models available.

Dimensions

The dimensions of an oven directly depend on its capacity. When it comes to built-in ovens, they are made to be more compact, but they still need space, so when buying a microwave oven, make sure that it will fit your space. On average, the length of a built-in microwave is around 60 cm and the depth starts at 30 cm.

Additional Features

Finally, check out what other features are included in the oven. The most popular of them are convection and grill options. Plus, models with grill often come with a grill rack and a grill spit included in a set, which allows them to function as a conventional oven.

Did you know?

In the past couple of decades, microwave ovens became an irreplaceable addition in almost any kitchen. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colours, yet their functionality doesn’t vary that much.

Thanks to these handy devices, you don’t have to spend long hours near your stove, since reheating food now takes only a few minutes. And even the iciest goods can be soft and ready for use in a very short time. A lot of high-end microwave ovens come with additional features, allowing you to grill meat, bake pastry, and even cook various dishes. And, what impresses even more, these electric appliances become more and more powerful with every new model. Thus, it won’t be that surprising if, in a few years time, they completely replace full-on grills, stoves, and ovens.

Being such multi-functional devices, microwaves can tackle many kitchen tasks. However, we would like to draw your attention to some other ways how (apart from cooking) you can use your device for different household chores.

Sanitize sponges

If you are tired of constantly wasting money on buying new sponges, your microwave oven can help you give them a second life. Fill a bowl with some water, dish soap, and a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice, soak your sponge in it and microwave from one to two minutes on high power. This tip will also be handy for all the makeup lovers. You can easily clean your beauty blender or whatever makeup sponge you have without damaging them using this method.

Get everything out of your mascara

Speaking of makeup, your microwave oven will also help you get every drop out of your favourite product. If your mascara is dried out, microwave it for about 30 seconds on high power, and it will be as good as new. However, be careful and don’t overheat it or the tube might melt. We would also recommend putting a glass of water in the microwave as an extra safety measure.

Melting non-food products

You can safely use your microwave for melting non-food products. Whether it's candle wax for DIY crafts or a sugaring paste for hair removal, your kitchen assistant will do everything quickly and effortlessly. Yet again, don’t forget about safety: it is better to stop, check, and turn the device on again a few times in order to avoid damaging your appliance. So, take your time.

Bring old post stamps back to life

If you want to reuse an old post stamp or you simply made a mistake and placed it incorrectly, there is a solution. Put a few drops of water on the stamp and microwave the envelope for 20 seconds on a medium power: it will come off straight away.

As you can see, a microwave oven is a versatile device that can become an irreplaceable help in any household and it's useful for more than just cooking and heating food. So, we would highly recommend purchasing one if you haven’t done that already, and you will immediately see how convenient it is.

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Publish Date: 2018-10-22 09:30:53