Best microwaves 2023: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

The best microwaves give you hot and tasty food every time. But not all models are up to scratch – we've found plenty that struggle with basic tasks, such as defrosting and steaming.

So we've handpicked our favourites, including our top solo model, combination microwave and the best option with a grill. Each has gone through our rigorous lab tests, so you can be sure it won't scupper your supper.

To see all the models we've tested, see our microwave reviews.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the tables below. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Best microwaves for 2023

We test every microwave to see how good it is at heating, defrosting and steaming, as well as measuring how noisy it is and how easy it is to use.

These are the best we've tested.

Best solo microwave

Best combination microwave

Read our guide to the best combination microwaves.

Best microwave with grill

Video: how to buy the best microwave 

Watch our video to help you decide which type is right for you.

Microwave types explained

There are three main types available:

Microwave-only models (solo microwaves)

Sometimes called 'solo' microwaves, these are the most basic. They're great for simple tasks such as warming soup, heating ready meals or defrosting food.

They tend to be cheap and compact, so can be a good option if you just want to complete simple tasks more quickly than in a conventional oven. But they don't brown food, so they're unable to compete with ovens on grilling or roasting meat.

Pros

• Cheapest type
• Good for simple defrosting, heating and reheating  
• Usually less bulky than a combi microwave
• Lots of models to choose from

Cons

• Limited functionality – you can’t roast or brown food
• Tend to have smaller capacity than a combi

Go to our solo microwave reviews to see all those we've tested.

Combination microwaves

Combination (or combi) microwaves can roast, crisp and brown, just like conventional ovens. 

They tend to be the most expensive type, though, but they're also the most flexible. The grill and convection heating (fanned hot air) functions mean they can cook and brown your food, often much more quickly than a conventional oven.  

Pros

• Offer extra cooking options over and above basic microwaving
• Can cook in the same way as a conventional oven
• Can be quicker than using your main oven, especially if you combine cooking modes
• Usually have lots of extra auto functions and features
• Tend to able to fit more inside than other types of microwave

Cons

• More expensive than other types
• Bulkier than a regular microwave
• A more basic model may suffice if you simply want to heat and defrost food
• Less cooking capacity than a conventional oven

Go to our combination microwave reviews to see all those we've tested.

Microwaves with grill

These combine normal microwave cooking with a grilling element. They can perform all the tasks you'd expect from a standard model, such as defrosting ready meals and reheating leftovers, and the grill function can also brown food. 

You can use the grill and microwave cooking functions separately or combine them, for example, to brown the top of a shepherd’s pie while microwaving it. They usually come with a metal rack so food is closer to the grill.  

Pros

• Can crisp and brown food, as well as heat and defrost
• Compact – usually the same size as a solo microwave
• Cheaper than a combi model
• Often come with a metal rack so food is closer to the grill

Cons

• Don't offer convection heating, which helps a microwave cook like an oven
• Usually more expensive than a solo model

Go to our microwave with grill reviews to see all those we've tested.

More options to choose from

All three types of microwave are available as either:

Flatbed or turntable

Flatbed microwaves don't have a traditional turntable and use a different technology to distribute heat evenly.

The big advantage of a flatbed is that you get extra cooking space, as you can squeeze in bulky or oblong containers without having to leave room for them to rotate.

There are also fewer places for cooking grime to collect. On average, you'll pay more for a flatbed model, though.

To see which are brilliant at heating evenly, head to our flatbed microwave reviews. 

Freestanding or built-in

For each type of microwave, you can either buy a freestanding or built-in model (also known as integrated).

Freestanding models sit on your countertop, whereas built-in options slot seamlessly into your kitchen units, for example above your oven.

Built-in models are much more expensive than freestanding options, though.

See all our built-in microwave reviews.

Best microwave features to consider

Despite their relatively straightforward purpose, microwaves can vary considerably in terms of features and accessories.

Here are some of the key features to look out for. 

• Auto cook programs Enter the type and weight of food, and the microwave will automatically set the time and power needed to cook it. Premium models can offer up to 30 programs, including specialised ones for popcorn or roasts.
• Auto defrost Most microwaves offer an auto-defrost setting that uses bursts of low heat to defrost based on the weight of the food. Some come with settings for specific foods.
• Child lock Some digital models come with lockable control panels.
• Clear labelling Controls should be clearly labelled with a large font size. Digital displays should be brightly lit and easy to read. If you're visually impaired, consider one that beeps when you make a selection.
• Clear viewing window Combined with a bright interior light, this makes it easy to check on food. Watch out for reflective door finishes or window grids that are hard to see through, though.
• Large door Wide-opening or dropdown doors make it much easier to get heavy or hot dishes in and out of the microwave, especially if you have reduced strength or dexterity. 
• Multi-step programming This allows you to program different cooking modes in sequence, to automatically switch between defrosting and cooking your dinner, for example.
• Pizza function This tends to work better with grill or combi microwaves, as the grill helps to crisp the pizza base and browns the top. Some come with ‘crisper plates’.
• Touch-panel controls These take far less effort to press than push-button controls. If you do go for button controls, they should be large, easy to press and not too close together.

Looking for energy-efficient meal ideas? See BBC Good Food's top microwave recipes.

What size microwave should I buy?  

Microwaves come in all sizes, ranging from small, compact models to large, bulkier machines that will take up much more space.

Basic microwaves tend to be the smallest; some combis measure almost twice the size of the smallest solo and grill microwaves we’ve tested.

Arguably more important than external size is internal capacity – we've found microwaves of the same size can vary massively in terms of usable space.

While manufacturers do generally state the internal capacity, this doesn't actually tell you what size dishes you'll be able to get inside.

Combis usually have a much bigger capacity than standard machines. The average combi can fit a 35cm-wide dish inside, compared with 29cm for a typical solo model.

Clearance space

All microwaves need some clearance space around them to allow air to ventilate, but the amount needed varies. So consider where yours will be placed and check this before you buy.

Half of those we’ve tested need at least 30cm above them, but we’ve also found plenty that only need between 10cm and 20cm.

Many also need 10cm to 20cm space at the back and sides. However, if you’re short on counter space it’s worth looking around as we’ve found some that only need a 5cm gap around them, or none at all.

You can check clearance space for specific models by finding the user manual online or contacting the manufacturer directly.

If you don't have the room for a microwave, our electric grill reviews can help you find a space-saving alternative.

How much does a good microwave cost? 

Don't assume you need to pay the earth to get a decent microwave. 

We’ve found models across all price brackets that offer a good range of features and do what they're meant to do brilliantly. 

Less than £50

Cheap microwaves costing less than £50, from the likes of Asda and Tesco, will be pretty basic. They tend to be on the small size and are likely to be microwave-only (solo) models with limited settings. 

This makes them very easy to use, but you won’t usually get much in the way of auto cook or defrost programs (see features to look out for, below). 

For simple heating and defrosting jobs, cheaper brands can be every bit as good as more expensive options. We've found plenty of great machines starting from just £45.

For around £100

Look for a microwave with a selection of auto programs (to automatically set the weight and time for specific foods), digital displays and easy-to-use push-button or touch panel controls.

Some models at this price will come with other extras such as delayed start and multi-stage cooking (to automatically switch between heating modes such as defrosting and heating).

Cheaper grill and combination microwaves are available for around £100.

For around £200

Features to look for include self-cleaning catalytic linings and pull-down, oven-style doors, which make it easier to take out very hot dishes. Accessories you might find useful include crisper plates and steamer accessories.

For £300-plus

Models at the pricier end of the spectrum are likely to be built-in models. 

If not, they should have standout features, such as one-touch sensor cooking, which works out what's needed for you – all you need to do is put your food in and press the start button – or a built-in steamer.

Head to our guide to microwave brands to discover those that Which? members recommend.

Are high-powered microwaves better than low-powered?

A microwave's power is measured in watts – and generally, the higher the wattage, the faster your food cooks. 

Our tests have shown that a higher wattage isn’t always a good indicator of microwave performance, though. We've found 700W microwaves that can cook food as well and as quickly as 1,000W microwaves.

It's worth remembering that not everything needs to be microwaved on full power for the best results. Choosing a solo model with adjustable power levels will give you the flexibility to blast on full power for quickly reheating liquids such as soup or to defrost mince gently without cooking it.

Microwave heating categories

A microwave’s heating category is rated from A to E, and will tell you how quickly or slowly your oven will heat food. Microwaves in category E will heat your food more quickly than microwaves rated A. You’ll find your oven’s rating on the front, usually on the door. E is the most common rating.

All the microwaves we've tested have been given a heating category of E by the manufacturer, which means they're supposed to cook at between 741 and 800W, but this isn’t always the case. 

We test the performance of microwaves against their power ratings and have found they’re not always accurate – differences of 5% to 10% are commonplace.

You may need to cook your food for longer than recommended to make sure it’s piping hot all the way through. 

Eco Buy microwaves

You'll save money and help reduce your home's environmental impact if you buy an Eco Buy microwave.

These models are proven to be energy efficient and come from brands that stay fault-free for longer, so shouldn't need replacing very often.

Our Eco Buy models are also excellent at the key tasks, scoring 65% and above, so you get the best of both worlds.

Because of these strict criteria, less than 10% of the microwaves we've tested get an Eco Buy recommendation.

To find out which make the grade, head to our microwave reviews and filter by 'Eco Buy'.

Where to buy a microwave

Popular online retailers that sell microwaves.

• Argos Microwaves range from £55 to around £800, and include brands such as DeLonghi and Samsung. Click & Collect from your local store is available free of charge, or home delivery starts from £2.95.
• George at Asda Stocks more than 40 microwaves online, including combi, digital and manual options. As well as its own George Home range, it mostly stocks a large selection of Russell Hobbs models such as the RHMM713B-N. Cheaper options start at less than£50, while the most expensive retail for up to £185.
• Currys has a huge online stock of around 250 microwaves from more than 25 brands, such as Bosch and Kenwood. Expect to spend anything from £65 to more than £1,000 for high-end combination or smart models, and you can sometimes pick up kettle, toaster and microwave bundles on certain products.
• John Lewis sells both own-brand and branded microwaves, listing some products such as the Panasonic NN-E28JBMBPQ as bestsellers. Prices start from £75 for more basic models, while pricier options can set you back well over £1,000. Home delivery is free on orders over £50, or you can opt for next or named-day delivery from £6.95.