Best Microwaves UK: Solo, Grill and Combination Compared
| Our verdict at a glance – which microwave type suits you Best budget solo: Russell Hobbs RHM2076B, around £69, a 20-litre digital model. Best larger solo: Samsung MS23K3513AK, around £99, with 23 litres and dial controls. Best budget grill: Toshiba MW3-AG25PFI, around £104.98, a 25-litre inverter model with grill. Best family combination: Beko MCF25310B, around £148.50, with convection oven and grill. Best premium: Panasonic NN-CT57RMBPQ, around £269.99, a 27-litre 4-in-1 with air fry. |
Microwaves look like the simplest appliance in the kitchen, yet the choice is wider than it appears. A basic solo model costs less than a takeaway for two. A grill model browns and crisps. A combination model adds a convection oven, and the newest premium models add an air-fry basket as well. Prices on Amazon UK run from around £69 to around £270 across the models covered here, and the right one depends on what you cook, how much worktop you have and how much you want to spend.
This guide compares five real models across the main types: two solo microwaves, a grill combination model, a convection combination model and a premium 4-in-1 with air frying. Every price and specification comes from the current Amazon UK listing at the time of writing. It also explains the buying factors that matter most, from capacity and wattage to controls and footprint. If you already own an air fryer or are weighing one up, it is also worth reading our best mini ovens UK 2026 round-up, since a combination microwave can overlap with a mini oven for many everyday jobs.
Whichever type you choose, measure your space first. Microwaves need ventilation clearance, and combination models in particular are deeper and heavier than most people expect.
Russell Hobbs RHM2076B – best budget solo microwave
At around £69 on Amazon UK, the Russell Hobbs RHM2076B is the lowest-priced model here. It is a 20-litre, 800W solo microwave with a digital control panel, five power levels, automatic defrost, eight auto-cook menus and a 95-minute timer. The finish is black with a mirror door and a pull handle.
The listing gives external dimensions of 25.9cm high, 44cm wide and 35.5cm deep, with an internal cavity 20.8cm high, 30.6cm wide and 30.6cm deep. It weighs 10.5kg and comes with a one-year guarantee. That makes it compact enough for most worktops while still handling a standard dinner plate.
It is the sensible choice for anyone who only reheats, defrosts and cooks simple meals. There is no grill or convection function, and five power levels offer less fine control than some rivals, but for the money it is a well-equipped solo model.
- 800W WITH 5 POWER LEVELS - Features 5 microwave power levels to tailor your cooking experience, including a convenient, defrost setting so you can cook meals straight from the freezer
- COMPACT DESIGN – (H)25.9 x (W)44 x (D)35.5 CMs microwave with 20L capacity. This microwave will fit seamlessly onto any countertop without taking up too much room
- 8 AUTO-COOK SETTINGS - Make your time in the kitchen a little bit easier by choosing from one of the 8 pre-set options to cook your food perfectly
- EASY TO USE – The 95-minute timer and easy-to-use controls will help you to stay in control of your cooking every time
- CONTEMPORARY STYLE – This contemporary microwave in black with a mirror door and pull handle will complement any kitchen style
Samsung MS23K3513AK – best larger solo microwave
The Samsung MS23K3513AK is a 23-litre, 800W solo microwave, listed at around £99. Samsung highlights its triple distribution system, which is designed to spread microwave energy more evenly through the cavity, and the listing also mentions an automatic cooking function, quick defrosting and deodorisation. The controls are dial-style rather than a touch panel.
The extra capacity over a 20-litre model helps with wider plates and larger bowls, and the listing gives dimensions of 37.4cm deep, 48.9cm wide and 27.5cm high. It needs more space on the worktop than the Russell Hobbs, so measuring first is essential.
This is the model for buyers who want a well-known brand, a bigger cavity and straightforward controls, and who do not need grilling. It costs around £30 more than the Russell Hobbs, which is worth paying only if the extra litres will be used.
- Samsung MS23K3513AK Solo Microwave, 23 Litre, Black
- Product type: MICROWAVE OVEN
- Brand: Samsung
Toshiba MW3-AG25PFI – best budget grill microwave
The Toshiba MW3-AG25PFI is a 25-litre, 900W digital microwave with a grill, priced at around £104.98. Toshiba calls it a 3-in-1: microwave, grill and combi. The listing gives grill power as 1000-1100W, and says the metal upper heating elements deliver heat directly onto the food for a crisper finish.
It also uses Toshiba’s Origin Inverter for linear power output, quotes a noise level of 57dB, and offers 10 power levels, seven auto menus, chef defrost and a memory function. The turntable is 288mm across, and the external size is listed as 36.5cm deep, 46.9cm wide and 28cm high. That is a compact footprint for a 25-litre model.
For an extra £36 or so over the Russell Hobbs, you gain a larger cavity and a grill, which is a strong upgrade for cheese on toast, browning toppings and finishing reheated dishes. It is not listed as having convection, so it will not bake like a full combination oven.
- Crispy Grill: This Toshiba grill microwave oven with 10 power levers, priovide 900W microwave power and 1000-1100W grill power, the metal upper heating elements deliver heat directly at food evenly, creating an unforgettable texture that tastes crispy outside, and juicy inside
- 3-in-1 Combination Microwave: This Toshiba combination microwave oven versatile microwave, grill, and combi is a great countertop space-saving solution, providing quick and convenient cooking in your home, you can quickly select the cooking mode to prepare any dish you desire
- Origin Inverter: The ORIGIN INVERTER Toshiba inverter microwave deliver a linear power output with a precise temperature control, It shortens heating time and saves energy, replaces noisy transformers and capacitors to reduce noise levels to 57dB, making it super quiet
- Chef defrost: The Toshiba microwave oven has professional defrost program prevents food from overheating on the outside and under heating on the inside, Power is adjusted to generate a precise power control to prevent overcooking
- Cooking Convenience: From popcorn, potatoes, frozen vegetables, hot beverages, dinner plate and meat, this Toshiba digital microwave provides you 7 auto menus,you can cook any of your family favourites from a roast chicken to crunchy vegetables and even fresh baked goods
Beko MCF25310B – best convection combination microwave for families
The Beko MCF25310B is a 25-litre combination microwave, listed at around £148.50. It offers 900W of microwave power alongside a 1950W convection oven and a 1950W grill, according to the listing, and it is controlled by a mix of dials and buttons. Beko describes an auto-cook menu with six functions.
The convection fan circulates heat around the cavity for even cooking, which helps with baking and roasting as well as reheating. The listing gives external dimensions of 44.4cm deep, 48.3cm wide and 28.1cm high, so it is a mid-sized combination model. A microwave rack is included.
It suits families who want a proper oven-style option on the worktop without moving up to a premium price. The main trade-off compared with the Toshiba is cost, and compared with the Panasonic, the absence of an air-fry mode.
- Combination - Great for when you’re in a rush, but still want great cooking results, the combination of a microwave and our convection function can help speed up your food’s cooking process. Thanks to a fan which circulates heat around the inside of the microwave, you can enjoy a perfectly quick and even finish every time.
- Large 25L - Experience the convenience of a larger cooking space with our 25L capacity microwave. Perfect for families and entertaining, this spacious interior allows you to cook bigger portions and fit larger dishes, making meal preparation easier and more efficient.
- Auto Cook Menu - Effortlessly cook your food and save time in the kitchen with the help of our auto-cook function. Offering a pre-set menu, this programme features six functions which automatically set the time and power level of your microwave to the most suitable settings. So, whether you're heating vegetables for dinner or making popcorn for movie night, cooking is simple and easy.
- Simple Controls - Enjoy effortless cooking with our user-friendly dial and button controls. Designed for simplicity and precision, these intuitive controls make it easy to select the perfect settings for all your culinary needs, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience every time.
- 900W - Experience the power of 900W for faster and more efficient cooking. This high wattage ensures your meals are heated evenly and quickly, saving you time while delivering consistently delicious results. Perfect for busy households, it makes meal preparation a breeze.
Panasonic NN-CT57RMBPQ – best premium 4-in-1 with air fryer
The Panasonic NN-CT57RMBPQ is a 27-litre 4-in-1 combination microwave in silver, listed at around £269.99. It combines a 1000W inverter microwave, a 1300W grill, convection cooking and an air-fry mode with a dedicated basket. The listing quotes 19 auto programmes and seven power levels.
Panasonic says the cavity fits 800g of chips or a whole roast chicken, and that combination cooking can cut cooking times by up to 70%. The accessories are listed as free from PFAS and PTFE. External dimensions are 39.1cm deep, 52cm wide and 31cm high, making it the largest model here.
This is the choice for buyers who want a single appliance to replace a microwave and an air fryer, and have the worktop space for it. At around £270 it costs around four times the Russell Hobbs, so it is only worth it if the extra functions will be used regularly.
- 4-IN-1 COMPLETE COOKING SOLUTION: Combines Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Grill and 1000W Inverter Microwave in one appliance, saving 20% worktop space whilst delivering professional cooking results
- CRISPY AIR FRYING PERFORMANCE: Authentic top-fan structure and dedicated Air Fry basket deliver perfectly crisp, healthy meals with less oil, whilst the flat ceiling design makes cleaning effortless
- FAMILY-SIZE 27L CAPACITY: Wide 14.1" x 13.8" cavity fits 800g of chips or a whole roast chicken in one go, spacious enough for large casseroles that won't fit in standard air fryer baskets
- INVERTER TECHNOLOGY FOR EVEN COOKING: 1000W microwave with 7 power levels ensures gentle, even heating without cold spots or overheating, preserving nutrients and natural flavour in every meal
- COMBINATION COOKING SAVES TIME: Mix microwave, grill and convection modes to save up to 70% cooking time and 50% energy with no preheating required, perfect for busy weeknight dinners and entertaining
Solo, grill or combination: which type do you need?
A solo microwave uses microwave energy only. It is the cheapest and simplest option and does everything most households need: reheating, defrosting and cooking ready meals and vegetables. If you already have a good oven and an air fryer, a solo model is usually enough.
A grill microwave adds an upper heating element. That lets you brown and crisp, so cheese on toast, gratins and sausages become possible. It sits in the middle on price, and models such as the Toshiba above are only slightly more expensive than a good solo model.
A combination microwave adds convection, so it can bake and roast, and many can also mix microwave and convection to speed things up. This is the type to consider if space is tight and you want to reduce your use of a full-size oven. A premium combination model may add air frying, as with the Panasonic. For a deeper look at each type, see our round-ups of the best solo microwaves and best combination microwaves.
Capacity and size: how much space do you need?
Capacity is quoted in litres. Around 20 litres is enough for one or two people and fits a standard dinner plate. Models between 23 and 25 litres suit families and larger dishes. The 27-litre Panasonic is the largest here and gives room for roasting a small chicken.
Do not rely on litres alone. Turntable diameter and internal height decide which dishes fit, and external dimensions decide whether the unit fits your worktop. Combination models are typically deeper: the Beko is listed at 44.4cm deep and the Panasonic at 39.1cm deep but 52cm wide. Leave clearance around the vents, and check that any wall cabinets sit high enough above the unit.
Wattage and power levels: what really matters?
Most solo microwaves are rated at 700W to 900W. Higher wattage cooks faster, but in practice the difference between 800W and 900W is modest for daily use. Recipe and packet instructions are usually written for a particular wattage, so if your microwave is rated lower, add a little time.
Power levels matter for gentle tasks such as melting chocolate or defrosting. The Russell Hobbs offers five levels, the Toshiba 10 and the Panasonic seven. For grill and convection modes, separate wattage figures, such as the Beko’s 1950W convection and grill ratings, describe the heating elements rather than the microwave energy, so they cannot be compared directly with microwave wattage.
Inverter microwaves, such as the Toshiba and Panasonic, deliver power continuously rather than switching it on and off. Manufacturers say this improves evenness and defrosting, though the difference is most noticeable in gentle settings.
Controls, features and extras worth paying for
Dials are quick and simple, as on the Samsung and Beko. Digital panels, like those on the Russell Hobbs and Toshiba, add clocks, auto menus and more power levels. Auto-cook programmes save guesswork but many owners use only the timer and defrost setting, so do not pay extra for programmes you will not use.
For combination models, check which accessories are supplied. A grill rack or microwave rack is essential for grill and convection cooking, and some models include a baking tray. Look at the guarantee too: one year is common, and it is worth reading the terms on Amazon UK.
Finally, note that metal racks and trays must only be used in the modes stated in the manual. Use microwave-safe dishes in microwave mode, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for combination cooking.
Running costs and energy use
Microwaves are among the cheaper appliances to run for short jobs. A rated output of 800W does not mean 800W drawn from the socket, because the appliance uses more electricity than it delivers as heat, but a five-minute reheat still uses only a small fraction of a unit of electricity. Because you are heating only the food rather than a large oven cavity, a microwave will usually cost less than a conventional oven for small portions.
Combination modes work differently. Grill and convection elements draw considerably more power than the microwave itself, so the figures on the listing, such as 1950W for the Beko convection and grill, show why long convection sessions cost more to run than a quick microwave reheat. Combination cooking, where microwave and convection work together, is designed to shorten cooking times, which can offset some of that extra draw. Check your own tariff and use the appliance sensibly for the best results.
Getting the most from your microwave
A few habits make any microwave work better. Stir or turn food halfway through, because microwaves heat unevenly, and let it stand for a minute afterwards so the heat spreads. Cover dishes loosely to stop splatter and retain moisture, and use dishes that are labelled as microwave-safe. Arrange food in a ring rather than a mound, with thicker parts towards the outside of the plate.
Cleaning is simple if done regularly. Wipe the cavity after use, as the Sharp listing suggests for condensation, and remove the turntable and roller ring occasionally for washing. On models with a grill or convection mode, clean spills before the next use, since baked-on residue can smoke when the element heats up. Keep the vents clear and never run the microwave empty.
Which microwave should you buy?
For everyday reheating, the Russell Hobbs RHM2076B at around £69 is the best-value solo model, and the Samsung MS23K3513AK at around £99 is the roomier alternative. If you want to grill, the Toshiba MW3-AG25PFI at around £104.98 is the cheapest step up. For baking and roasting on the worktop, the Beko MCF25310B at around £148.50 is the family-sized combination option, and the Panasonic NN-CT57RMBPQ at around £269.99 is the premium choice that adds air frying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a solo and a combination microwave?
A solo microwave only heats with microwaves. A combination microwave also has a grill, convection oven or both, so it can brown, bake and roast as well as reheat.
Is a 20-litre microwave big enough?
For one or two people, yes. A 20-litre model such as the Russell Hobbs at around £69 fits a standard dinner plate. Families or anyone using large dishes may prefer 23 to 25 litres.
Can a combination microwave replace an oven?
For small and medium meals, often. A model such as the Beko at around £148.50 has a 1950W convection oven in a 25-litre cavity. For big roasts or multiple trays, a full-size oven remains more practical.
Is 800W or 900W better?
The difference is small for daily use. 900W models cook a little faster, but 800W is fine for reheating and defrosting. Adjust packet timings if your microwave is a lower wattage than the instructions assume.
Is the Panasonic 4-in-1 worth around £270?
Only if you will use the air-fry and convection modes regularly, and have space for a 52cm-wide appliance. For occasional reheating, a solo model is far cheaper.
The final word
Choose the microwave to fit what you cook and where it will sit. The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B at around £69 and the Samsung MS23K3513AK at around £99 cover everyday needs. The Toshiba MW3-AG25PFI at around £104.98 adds a grill, the Beko MCF25310B at around £148.50 adds convection for family cooking, and the Panasonic NN-CT57RMBPQ at around £269.99 adds air frying. Check the current price and stock on Amazon UK before you buy.
Related guides
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