Best Solo Microwaves UK: Four Models Compared
| Our verdict at a glance – four ways to choose Best budget digital: Russell Hobbs RHM2076B, around £69, with a digital display, 95-minute timer and eight auto-cook menus. Best larger microwave: Samsung MS23K3513AK, around £99, with a 23-litre cavity and dial-style controls. Best for small kitchens: Sharp RDS202TW, around £79.99, a handle-less 20-litre model with 11 power levels and a shallow 32.9cm depth. Best simple dial model: Hyundai HYMW80020MB, around £64.99, with two dials, a stainless steel interior and a two-year warranty. |
A solo microwave does the jobs most households actually ask of one: reheating leftovers, defrosting, heating drinks and cooking simple ready meals. There is no grill, no convection oven and no air-fry mode to learn, which keeps the price low and the controls simple. It is also why solo models remain the default choice for student rooms, small kitchens, offices and second kitchens. If you are still deciding between the main types, our guide to the best microwaves UK explains where a solo model ends and a grill or combination model begins.
The catch is that solo microwaves vary more than the spec sheets suggest. Two models with the same 800W rating can differ in capacity by three litres, in turntable size, in how easy the controls are to read and in how deep they sit on the worktop. The four models below cover the sensible ends of the market: a low-cost digital model, a larger 23-litre model from a name most buyers already trust, a compact touch-control model for tight spaces and a no-frills dial microwave for anyone who wants minimal fuss. Every price is the amount listed on Amazon UK at the time of writing, so check the current figure before buying.
Before the individual picks, it helps to know what to look for. Capacity matters most: 20 litres is enough for a dinner plate and a mug, while 23 litres gives a little more headroom for larger bowls. Wattage matters less than people expect, because most solo models sit at 700W or 800W and cook at a similar pace. Beyond that, decide whether you prefer physical dials or a digital panel, and measure the space on your worktop, including the depth and the clearance needed above and behind the unit.
Russell Hobbs RHM2076B – best budget digital solo microwave
The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B is a 20-litre, 800W solo microwave with a digital control panel, and it is listed on Amazon UK at around £69. That is a low price for a model with a clock, a 95-minute timer, five power levels, automatic defrost and eight auto-cook menus. The black finish and mirror door with a pull handle are designed to blend into most kitchens.
On paper it is a compact unit. The listing gives external dimensions of 25.9cm high, 44cm wide and 35.5cm deep, with an internal cavity of 20.8cm high, 30.6cm wide and 30.6cm deep, and a weight of 10.5kg. That internal footprint is enough for a standard dinner plate but not for very large platters or tall containers, which is the trade-off with any 20-litre model. Russell Hobbs gives a one-year guarantee.
The RHM2076B suits anyone who wants a digital display and pre-set menus without paying for a bigger or more advanced microwave. The main compromise is that five power levels is fewer than some rivals offer, so anyone who likes fine control over gentle heating may prefer a model with more steps. For everyday reheating and defrosting, it covers the basics well at a low price.
- 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 from a big brand
The Samsung MS23K3513AK is the largest of the four, with a 23-litre capacity and 800W of power, and it is listed at around £99 on Amazon UK. Samsung describes it as a solo microwave with a triple distribution system, a feature designed to spread microwave energy more evenly through the cavity. The listing also mentions an automatic cooking function, quick defrosting and deodorisation, and shows dial-style controls rather than a touchscreen.
The stainless steel cavity and extra three litres over a 20-litre model make it more comfortable for larger bowls and wider plates. The trade-off is size on the worktop. The listing gives dimensions of 37.4cm deep, 48.9cm wide and 27.5cm high, so it needs noticeably more room than the compact 20-litre models here. It is worth measuring the space before ordering, especially under wall cabinets.
This is the model to choose if you value a recognisable brand, the bigger cavity and physical controls that are quick to use without reading a manual. It costs around £30 more than the cheapest option here, and buyers who only reheat a mug or a small plate may not use the extra space. For family kitchens where dishes are larger, the difference is more likely to be noticed.
- Samsung MS23K3513AK Solo Microwave, 23 Litre, Black
- Product type: MICROWAVE OVEN
- Brand: Samsung
Sharp RDS202TW – best compact touch-control microwave
The Sharp RDS202TW is a 20-litre, 800W solo microwave in white with a handle-less, flat-fronted design, listed at around £79.99. The touch control panel and LED display sit behind a black door window, and the overall look is deliberately clean and modern. It is one of the more distinctive designs among budget microwaves, and the white finish is a useful alternative to the black and silver that dominate this category.
Sharp lists 11 power levels, six cooking programmes, a 25.5cm turntable, an ECO function, defrost by time or weight and a child safety lock. The extra power levels give more control than the five found on some rivals, and defrost by weight is handy for meat and other bulky items. The listing gives dimensions of 32.9cm deep, 44cm wide and 25.8cm high, which makes it the shallowest of the four and a sensible option where worktop depth is limited.
Because the design is handle-less and flat, it is easy to wipe down, and the listing recommends wiping away condensation after cooking. The RDS202TW is best for small kitchens, flats, caravans and student accommodation, where a tidy design and a small footprint matter as much as the feature list. At under £80, it sits between the budget digital and larger Samsung models on price.
- Stylish 800 watt solo microwave oven: With a compact 20 litre capacity and a turntable inside, complete with 11 levels of cooking power and 6 cooking programmes
- Features: Full touch control electric panel, digital clock and kitchen timer, ECO function, time & weight defrost plus child safety lock
- Modern handle-less design: With a sleek finish, complemented by a black door window and control panel with an LED display
- Space saving microwave size: With a little footprint making it ideal for smaller kitchens, caravans, student homes and flats
- Easy to clean: The ideal addition to any kitchen, with easy to read digital timecooking function display and all-over flat, easy-to-wipe down design
Hyundai HYMW80020MB – best simple dial microwave
The Hyundai HYMW80020MB is a 20-litre, 800W solo microwave with two manual dials, one for time and one for power, and it is the cheapest model here at around £64.99. The listing highlights that there are no menus, buttons or clock to set, which makes it easy for anyone to use, including older relatives, children and guests in a holiday let.
It offers six power levels, a defrost function, a 24.5cm glass turntable and a stainless steel interior. The listing gives dimensions of 34cm deep, 46.5cm wide and 26.7cm high, and Hyundai backs it with a two-year warranty, which is a year longer than the Russell Hobbs guarantee. Dial microwaves also tend to be very quick to operate: turn the timer and it starts.
The obvious limitation is the lack of a digital display, auto-cook menus and a clock, so it will not suit anyone who wants pre-programmed cooking. The 24.5cm turntable is slightly smaller than the Sharp’s, which is worth remembering if you often use wide plates. For straightforward reheating, defrosting and simple cooking, the Hyundai is an inexpensive and uncomplicated choice.
- 800W Everyday Cooking Power – Reliable 800W output with 6 adjustable power levels to quickly reheat meals, cook food and defrost frozen ingredients with ease
- Simple Dial Controls – No Digital Hassle – Two manual dials for time and power make this microwave easy to use for all ages, with no menus, buttons or clock to reset
- 20L Capacity for Daily Use – Spacious interior with 24.5cm glass turntable fits standard dinner plates, bowls and containers comfortably
- Stainless Steel Interior – Easy Clean – Durable stainless steel cavity resists stains, rust and odours, allowing quick wipe-clean maintenance after use
- Defrost Function for Frozen Food – Gently defrost meat, bread and ready meals without cooking edges, saving time when preparing meals from frozen
How to choose a solo microwave
Start with capacity and worktop space. A 20-litre solo microwave is enough for one or two people and takes less room, while a 23-litre model is more comfortable for families. Check the external dimensions, and leave a few centimetres of clearance for ventilation. Turntable diameter is a useful clue to dish size, so if you often heat large plates, compare the listed diameter rather than relying on litres alone.
Next, decide on controls. Digital touch panels such as the Sharp offer more power levels and programmes, and show a clock. Dials, as on the Hyundai and Samsung, are quick and hard to get wrong. Auto-cook menus save guesswork for popcorn, potatoes and frozen meals, though many people end up using only the timer and the defrost setting. Finally, consider the guarantee: one year is standard, and two years, as on the Hyundai, is a small bonus.
It is also worth asking whether a solo model is really the right type. If you want to brown food, crisp toppings or bake, a grill or combination model will do things a solo microwave cannot. Our guide to the best microwaves UK guide compares the types, and the combination round-up covers models that also convect and grill.
Getting the most from a solo microwave
Solo microwaves heat unevenly by nature, so a few habits help. Stir or rotate food halfway through, cover it loosely to hold in moisture and let it stand for a minute afterwards so the heat spreads. Use dishes labelled microwave-safe, and avoid metal, foil and containers with metal trim.
Power levels are worth using. Defrosting at a lower level thaws food gently instead of cooking the edges, and melting chocolate or butter at a lower setting reduces the risk of scorching. A model with more power levels, like the Sharp with 11, gives finer control, while a dial model such as the Hyundai offers six broader steps.
Cleaning is easiest when done little and often. Wipe the cavity after use, take out the turntable and wash it occasionally, and leave the door ajar to air the interior. Keep the vents clear, and never run the microwave empty, as this can damage it.
Which solo microwave should you buy?
For most buyers, the Russell Hobbs RHM2076B is the simplest recommendation, offering a digital display and a full set of everyday functions for around £69. The Samsung MS23K3513AK is the better choice for larger dishes and buyers who prefer a well-known brand. The Sharp RDS202TW suits tight spaces and anyone who wants a modern look with 11 power levels, and the Hyundai HYMW80020MB is the cheapest way to get a straightforward, easy-to-use microwave with a longer warranty.
None of these models is designed for grilling or convection cooking. If that matters, look at a combination microwave instead, and factor in the larger footprint and higher price.
Frequently asked questions
What is a solo microwave?
A solo microwave heats food using microwaves only. It cannot grill, brown or bake, but it is cheaper and simpler than grill or combination models, and it handles reheating, defrosting and basic cooking well.
Is 800W enough for a solo microwave?
Yes. Around 800W is common for solo microwaves, and it is sufficient for reheating, defrosting and cooking ready meals. Food may need a little more time than in a higher-wattage model, so follow the times on the packaging, which are often based on 800W or 900W ovens.
Is a 20-litre or 23-litre microwave better?
It depends on the dishes you use and the space you have. A 20-litre model, such as the Russell Hobbs at around £69, is enough for most plates and mugs and is easier to fit onto a small worktop. A 23-litre model, such as the Samsung at around £99, offers a little more room for large bowls but takes up more space.
Do I need auto-cook menus?
Not necessarily. Auto-cook menus are convenient for popcorn, potatoes and frozen meals, but many owners rely mainly on the timer and defrost function. A simple dial model such as the Hyundai at around £64.99 is perfectly adequate if that describes you.
Which solo microwave is best for a small kitchen?
Look at depth and width as well as capacity. The Sharp RDS202TW is listed at 32.9cm deep, making it the shallowest of the four models above, while the Hyundai and Russell Hobbs models are also 20-litre units. Always measure your worktop and leave room for ventilation.
The final word
A solo microwave is a small purchase, but the right one depends on space, controls and how you cook. The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B at around £69 is the best all-round value, the Samsung MS23K3513AK at around £99 is the roomier choice, the Sharp RDS202TW at around £79.99 is the compact touch-control option and the Hyundai HYMW80020MB at around £64.99 is the easiest to use. Check the current price and stock on Amazon UK before you buy, and see the wider best microwaves UK guide guide if you are unsure whether a solo model is enough.
Related guides
If you are still deciding, these related Kitchen Kit guides are worth a look:
