The microwave is an underrated addition to any kitchen. Often maligned as the culinary weapon of choice for lazy or unwilling-to-learn chefs, the microwave is undoubtedly there to ensure that meal-making is quick and easy. Sure, you won't make Michelin star-rated cuisine but that's kind of the point. Sometimes quick and easy is exactly what you need. Never underestimate the need for convenience.
Whether you're out of ideas, short on time, or just taking it easy, the microwave is there to make sure you're well fed. If in doubt, opt for the microwave, whether you're warming up last night's leftovers or you need a fancy a ready meal in two minutes.
There's a huge range of microwaves out there. It's great to have options, but — a bit like look at meal options too — much choice can become a problem. How are you supposed to know which model is right for you and your kitchen? This is where we can help. We've put together a helpful guide and a round-up of the best models. Read on and the best choice should jump out at you and go "ping".
Are there different types of microwaves?
You're likely to come across a few different types of microwaves when shopping around for the best model. There are three key types of microwaves:
Solo Microwave — This is the most basic microwave type of microwave. It can defrost and heat your food, and that's it.
Grill Microwave — A small step up from the solo microwave, with a grilling element that can, wait for it, grill your food.
Combi Microwave — The ultimate in microwave cooking, with the ability to grill, bake, and even roast. So it's essentially a conventional oven in microwave form.
You're likely to encounter microwaves with even more advanced cooking features, like the ability to steam and air fry, but these are the essential categories.
What is the best wattage for a microwave?
A microwave with a higher wattage should cook your food more quickly and efficiently. It doesn't always work out that way though. You're better off reading reviews — particularly comments regarding cooking speed and efficiency.
What are the most important features in a microwave?
There are plenty of things to consider when buying a microwave, and keeping a few features in mind throughout the purchasing process can make things a lot easier. These are the most important features in a microwave:
Power — Most microwaves give you the choice of a range of power levels, which is useful when you're switching up your meals. This might be a surprise to some, but you don't need to blast every item in your microwave at maximum power.
Preset programs — Some models that offer programs that automatically adjust the power and cooking time based on what food you've got in there.
Defrosting — It seems like an obvious feature because almost all microwaves are equipped with a defrost function. But the quality of this feature can vary. Cheaper microwaves may have just one defrost setting, whereas others will have accurate defrost timings for specific food types and the weight of food.
Convection cooking — This simulates oven cooking by using an additional heating that circulates heat evenly. Convection cooking is the thing that usually determines whether your microwave is a combi microwave or not, as a combi microwave combines regular microwave cooking with convection cooking or other methods.
Inverter technology — This delivers a consistent power level so your food cooks evenly. This allows the microwave to cook at different power levels, giving you precise temperature control no matter what type of meal you're cooking. This prevents the age old problem of microwaved food that's hot on the outside and cold in the middle.
Safety — Have you got kids? You may benefit from a microwave with a child lock option. This locks the control panel, giving you some much needed peace of mind. There are already so many dangerous items in the kitchen, so it's good to know that the microwave isn't something to worry about.
Keep these features in mind when shopping for your next microwave.
What is the best microwave for your kitchen?
We've tried to make the purchase process easier by lining up a selection of top microwaves from top brands. There should be something for everyone and every budget. We recommend taking your time and properly considering all the options.
These are the best microwaves in 2025.
