12 Best Microwaves to Buy in 2021 | The Sun UK

MICROWAVES have been around for a long time now, and it's cheaper than ever to get something great to heat your meals without breaking the bank.

We've rounded up the best microwaves you can buy right now to make your shopping super easy.

What are the different types of microwave?

Basic/solo microwaves

Basic/solo microwaves are the type you're probably most familiar with.

They contain a rotating plate and can be used to defrost your food and heat meals through.

Basic/solo microwaves are usually the cheapest type of microwave.

Grill microwaves

Grill microwaves have the same function as basic microwaves, with the added function of a grill built into the roof of the unit to crisp up and brown your meals.

Combination microwaves

Combination microwaves can be used to heat your food through, but also contain an oven function which uses convection heating to cook your food even faster than a regular oven or microwave could do alone.

Combination microwaves are usually the largest and most expensive type of microwave.

1. Best for colourful kitchens: Swan 800W Retro Digital Microwave

Swan 800W Retro Digital Microwave, £99.99 from Swan - buy here

Who said microwaves have to be boring white?

Swan's range of retro microwaves are perfect for those seeking an injection of fun and colour into their kitchens, while still maintaining all the mod-cons, thanks to a digital display and five different power levels.

It's available in 11 shades, if pink's not your thing – we're also loving the olive green hue and vibrant mustard yellow.

Features-wise, the 800W microwave has a capacity of 20 litres (fitting a standard sized dinner plate), a 60-minute digital timer and a defrost setting in addition to the power levels.

Pair it with the coordinating kettle and toaster to truly make your kitchen stand out.

2. Best luxe-look microwave: Haden 20 L 800W Countertop Microwave

Haden 20 L 800W Countertop Microwave, £84.45 - buy here

Haden's stylish black microwave features sleek copper accents that will add a touch of elegance to any kitchen.

It features five power levels, a 60-minute digital timer and a digital display in keeping with the contemporary theme.

With a 20 litre capacity, it's perfect for smaller kitchens while still being roomy inside for heating up your favourite meals.

3. Best built-in microwave: Russell Hobbs RHBM2503

Russell Hobbs RHBM2503 Built-In Combination 900W 25L Digital Microwave, £239 from Robert Dyas - buy here

Whether you're redesigning your kitchen or updating an existing built-in, Russell Hobbs's built-in combination microwave is a must.

Featuring 900 watts of power and ten auto cook menus, the fan assisted oven is perfect when you need some more space in addition to your oven – ideal when you're cooking for lots of people.

It comes complete with a grill rack and baking tray, while the stainless steel exterior keeps things smart and classic.

4. Best small microwave: Russell Hobbs RHMM713G

Russell Hobbs RHMM713G Scandi 17L 700W Manual Microwave – Grey with Wooden Effect Handle, now £69 from Robert Dyas - buy here

If you're not looking for a microwave with humungous capacity, then this 17L microwave by Russell Hobbs is a great option.

Inspired by Scandinavian design, the grey exterior and wood effect accents will add style to any countertop, while the compact size is perfect for smaller spaces.

Armed with 700W, it has five power levels, a 30-minute timer for easy cooking and a ringer function to alert you when your food is ready.

5. Best microwave for steam cooking: Panasonic NN-CS89LBBPQ

Panasonic NN-CS89LBBPQ Combination Microwave Oven, £519 from John Lewis - buy here

Panasonic’s NN-CS89LBBPQ 4-in-1 steam microwave oven is a thing of perfection, with 1000W power, a huge 31L capacity and dual-level cooking which allows you to cook more food simultaneously on two levels – whether you're roasting, baking or steaming.

Featuring steam, convection oven, grill and microwave power, the 1300W steam cooking is the one if you're looking to try oil-free steam cooking: one of the best ways to retain the flavour and nutrients of your food.

With a 30-230C fan-assisted convection oven, 1300W flat grill and 36 auto programmes, it packs a lot in for such a compact and stylish unit. Shoppers are impressed with the performance too, and have even commented on how easy it is to clean – always a plus!

6. Best value microwave: Cookworks 700W Standard Microwave

Cookworks 700W, £54.99 from Argos - buy here

More than 5,000 satisfied customers will vouch for this microwave from Argos. It's simple, available in silver, black or white and will set you back just over £50.

It's got a 17-litre capacity and delivers 700W energy to your food.

7. Best basic microwave: Beko MOC20200C

Beko MOC20200C, £59.99 from Amazon - buy here

If you like the look of this vintage-looking microwave from Beko, you'll be pleased to learn that it performs as well as it looks.

It's got a 20 litre capacity and 800W of power for faster cooking.

On top of all that, it's a Which? Magazine best buy - what's not to love?

8. Best value grill microwave: Kenwood K20GS20 Microwave with Grill

Kenwood K20GS20 Microwave with Grill - Silver, £79.99 from Currys - buy here

Grill microwaves can be a little more expensive than basic models, especially if you opt for the built-in variety.

But this standalone unit by Kenwood won't break the bank and has a grill rack included, along with seven auto-cook programmes.

With a 20l capacity, there are roomier options out there – but as an entry-level microwave grill, you'll struggle to find better value.

9. Best value combination microwave: Morphy Richards D90D

Morphy Richards D90D, £79.99 from Argos - buy here

This Morphy Richards combination microwave has a powerful 900W microwave, 1,000W grill and a convection oven that'll go up to 190 degrees.

You'll struggle to get a better price on a standalone combination microwave, although some users noted that the fan was a little loud when it got going.

10. Best overall combination microwave: Panasonic NN-CD87KSBPQ

Panasonic NN-CD87KSBPQ, now £309 from Currys - buy here

If you're looking for a combination microwave that performs well in every category, look no further.

The Panasonic NN-CD87KSBPQ can handle almost any job you throw at it, with its whopping 34-litre capacity.

Its 1,000W microwave, 1,300W grill and oven function are all incredibly powerful, meaning you won't be waiting long for your food to get to temperature.

Users only found a few downsides with this microwave, including finding it a little tricky to clean because its door doesn't open as wide as other models.

But besides that, almost everyone who bought this Panasonic was a happy customer.

11. Best design - Morphy Richards Microwave Accents Colour Collection

Morphy Richards Microwave Accents Colour Collection, £72.99 from Amazon - buy here

If you're looking for a solid stylish machine, you'll struggle to find much better than the Morphy Richards Microwave, especially for its price.

We love its 1950s style and, although red is our favourite, it's actually available in five colours.

Aside from looking cool, the Accents Microwave is also able to cook delicious meals with the press of a button thanks to its eight preset functions as well as its defrost option.

12. Best for small kitchens - Bosch Series 2 Freestanding Microwave

Bosch Series 2 Freestanding Microwave, £149 from Amazon - buy here

If you're looking for a compact microwave that is easy to use, this one should do the trick.

This freestanding microwave features five power levels and eight automatic programmes and a 24.5cm turntable, it's perfect for small kitchens.

The stainless steel interior can be wiped clean effortlessly and it also features a memory function as well as 99-minute timer, so you can relax whilst your food cooks.

What should I look for in a new microwave?

Cost shouldn't be your only consideration when buying a new microwave.

You'll also want to check things like capacity, as some models are good for re-heating small plates, but might not be able to handle larger dishes.

Power, measured in Watts (W), is also important as it dictates how quickly a microwave can heat food.

It's also useful to have a large viewing window on your microwave so you can check on the progress of your meal without opening it up.

What are the best microwave features?

As well as the basics, you'll want to make sure your new microwave has features that work for you.

Programmes that calculates defrosting times based on weight and ingredients are common and useful.

It's a good idea to examine a microwave before you purchase as well to make sure you can get on with the buttons and mechanisms.

It's also worth familiarising yourself with the manual of a new microwave, otherwise you might end up missing out on features you never knew your microwave had.

What other types of microwave are there?

There are a number of types of microwave available to purchase alongside traditional, standalone rotating microwaves.

Flatbed microwaves don't have a rotating element, so you can fit even more inside them, although they tend to be more expensive.

Also, you can buy a variety of built-in microwaves for your kitchen, although these tend to be more expensive than other models and require fitting.

How to clean a microwave

There are plenty of natural ways to clean a microwave, without resorting to heavy chemicals.

The acidity of white vinegar makes it a great cleaning choice for softening and tackling stains and dried food. Simply add two tablespoons to a microwavable jug or bowl along with water, and pop it into the microwave until the water begins to boil. Once it's boiled, leave the jug or bowl in the microwave for a couple of minutes to allow it to steam. This will loosen the food and grime, and you can then tackle the cleaning easily with a cloth or sponge.

You can also do the same by adding half a lemon to the water (great for adding a fresh scent), or two tablespoons of baking soda to help eliminate odours.

What is the best microwave brand?

There are some really strong contenders out there for microwaves. We rate Morphy Richards, Russell Hobbs, Panasonic and Bosch.

What is the best microwave to buy?

Honestly, there's no definitive answer. It all depends on the specifications you're after; whether you want something cheap and basic or a combination microwave with all the bells and whistles. There are some great options out there for every budget. Priced at £54.99 from Argos, the Cookworks 700W microwave is the cheapest of our picks and offers great value, along with more than 5,000 satisfied customer reviews.

Meanwhile, we've crowned the Panasonic NN-CD87KSBPQ our best overall microwave thanks to its massive 34-litre capacity, 1,000W power and grill and oven function.

Where to buy a microwave

Head to the likes of Argos, Currys, AO, and John Lewis, which all have an extensive selection. You can also try supermarkets like Aldi, Tesco and ASDA which also all offer own-brand options that can be really affordable and well-performing.

How does a microwave work?

Microwaves heat and cook food by exposing it to – you guessed it – microwaves, which is essentially electromagnetic radiation transmitted in waves or particles. The waves are absorbed by the food's water molecules, which heat up thanks to the electric field of the microwave which causes the molecules to rotate and rub against each other.

Can you put metal in the microwave?

It's best to avoid putting any metal in the microwave: the metal reflects the microwaves instead of absorbing them, which can cause a fire hazard.

How to make scrambled eggs in the microwave

Believe it or not, some people swear by making their scrambled eggs in the microwave!

Simply crack the eggs into a microwavable bowl, add a splash of milk and season with salt and pepper. Whisk it up just like you would if you were adding them to the pan and then microwave for 30 seconds, before stirring with a fork.

If the eggs still need to scramble some more, just microwave them for additional 10-second bursts until you're satisfied (and remember they'll continue to cook for a bit once you take them out). Simple!