Comparison: The Best Microwave Uk (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the best microwave in the UK but overwhelmed by choices? Whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting dinner, or whipping up a quick snack, the right microwave can be a game-changer in your kitchen. We’ve tested and compared top models—from sleek solo microwaves to versatile combination ones—to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. No jargon, no fluff—just honest, expert-backed recommendations to make your decision simple and stress-free. Let’s find your kitchen’s new secret weapon.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for sensor smart cooking: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for compact space saver: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for powerful 2‑cuft: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for quiet small microwave: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for digital quick power: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Best for express popcorn pro: BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
- Best for 8‑in‑1 air fryer: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for festive holiday dinnerware: Spode Christmas Tree 12-Piece Dinnerware Set (Service for 4) – Made in the UK – New & Improved – Fine Earthenware Holiday Dinner Set – Microwave & Dishwasher Safe – Christmas Tableware
- Best for compact 700w: Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power
- Best for mini turntable model: BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Product Comparison: The Best Microwave Uk
Sensor Smart Cooking
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
TOSHIBA
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute Mode: If yout want to mute the buzzer of the microwave, please long press on the button “8” For 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
Compact Space Saver
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950-watt Capacity, 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 950 watts of power and 1.1 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates throughout cycles for optimum cooking
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with convenience cooking controls; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- WEIGHT & TIME DEFROST – Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39inch power cord
Powerful 2‑Cuft
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 1200watts of power and 2.0 CU. FT. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
- SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS: Automatically adjusts time and power for delicious cooking results
- WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST: Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with Instant On express cooking controls and multiple cooking modes; kitchen timer, and cooking complete alarms add convenience
Quiet Small Microwave
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartment, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Microwave output power 900 watts, input power 1400 watts. External dimensions 18.7x 14.7x 10.7 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 12.1 x 10.9 x 7.6 inches (WxDxH); includes 10.6-inch glass turntable.
- 6 Preset Menus: This compact microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potato and more.
- 11 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute Mode: If you wish to silence the beeping sound that signals the end of cooking, please long press on the button “8” For 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
Digital Quick Power
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
Chefman
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- MUTE OPTION: Silence this counter top microwave with the Audio Button, turning off any annoying beeps if you’re trying to stay quiet or not wake up your kids.
- MODERN DESIGN: This microwave countertop design fits in well alongside your other kitchen appliances. Its compact frame and sleek, black finish blend in well with any home décor. Plus, you can save power and disable the display when not in use with Eco Mode.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Don’t worry about grease or scuffs; this black microwave exterior is durable and wipes clean with a damp towel. Additionally, the glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 700W/120V-RJ55-7-V2
Express Popcorn Pro
BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 1000W, 1.1cu.ft, Black & Stainless Steel, 1.1 Cu.ft
BLACK+DECKER
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Frequency : 60 Hz
- 1000 Watts Output with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 seconds express cooking, Input power: 1600W
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 12.4” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 20.6” x 16.5” x 11.8”; Color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black
8‑in‑1 Air Fryer
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4″ Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)
TOSHIBA
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- 8-in-1 Multifuntional Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, bake(convection), broil (grill), combi., low temp., odor removal, defrost can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Microwave Combo: Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimension (WxDxH): 20.6*18.0*11.8 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH):14.0*13.2*9.5 inches, 12.4-inch position memory turntable
- Compact Size but Large Capacity & Powerful: Small Footprint as Kitchen Essential, 12.4inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12 inch pizza and 8*4 inch casserole, offers the perfect balance of size and convenience.
- Convenience Features with One-touch popcorn, easy-to-turn knobs, position memory turntable, speedy cooking, multistage cooking, clock and kitchen timer, mute function. Stylish Appearance Classic black stainless steel finishes with easy to clean stainless steel interior
Festive Holiday Dinnerware
Spode Christmas Tree 12-Piece Dinnerware Set (Service for 4) – Made in the UK – New & Improved – Fine Earthenware Holiday Dinner Set – Microwave & Dishwasher Safe – Christmas Tableware, Festive Set
Spode
- Holiday Table Tradition: Celebrate with Spode’s classic Christmas tree and gifts design, bringing nostalgic cheer and festive spirit to every meal during the holiday season.
- Complete 12-Piece Set: Includes 4 dinner plates (10.5″), 4 salad plates (8″), and 4 mugs (9 oz), ideal for serving roasts, snacks, and festive beverages during Christmas and Boxing Day.
- Crafted in the UK: Made from durable earthenware, this collectible set is part of the renowned Spode Christmas Tree collection, designed to elevate traditional holiday gatherings.
- Gift-Worthy Presentation: Makes a standout gift or heirloom set for family, collectors, or anyone who cherishes a beautifully festive holiday table filled with timeless charm and tradition.
- Care Instructions Included: Dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe; designed for regular use during the holiday season while maintaining the vivid tree and present motif.
Compact 700W
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock – Black
Farberware
- CONVENIENT MICROWAVE: Prepare quick and easy meals in a snap with our powerful microwave. It packs 700 of output power and features a range of settings for press-and-go speed.
- POWERFUL SETTINGS: This microwave has ten power levels with multi-stage cooking. You can fully customize your cooking with six one-touch options, including popcorn, potato, and pizza. Defrost by weight or by time settings to make quick work of any task.
- PERFECT SIZE: Measuring 0.7 cu ft, this microwave is the ideal small-space solution that offers full-sized cooking in a compact space. It features an easy-to-clean interior and exterior and is perfect for the home or office.
- ALL YOU NEED: This microwave has a clear LED display with a kitchen timer and clock that lets you easily keep track of time. Easy-to-view interior lighting lets you keep an eye on your dish, and a child safety lock adds additional security.
- FARBERWARE: From weeknight favorites to family feasts they’ll never forget, Farberware helps today’s families craft the meals that make memories and bring everyone together.
Mini Turntable Model
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
BLACK+DECKER
- Pre-programmed buttons for popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage and dinner plate.Voltage : 110 Volts.Rated Input Power(Microwave):1050W
- 700 Watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer, 30 Seconds Express Cooking
- Large LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, child safety lock, interior light, removable 10” glass turntable
- Push-button door release for easy access
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.3” x 13.0” x 10.2”
- UL approved. One year limited
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What key specifications should I compare when choosing a microwave?
Focus on wattage, interior capacity, and the number of preset or sensor cooking options. Higher wattage (e.g., 1000‑1200 W) cooks food faster, while a larger cubic‑foot rating gives you more room for dishes. Also check dimensions to ensure the unit fits your countertop space.
How does microwave power affect cooking performance?
Microwave output power determines how quickly and evenly food heats; a 1000‑1200 W model will defrost and reheat faster than a 700‑W unit. Higher power also improves browning and crisping when using convection or air‑fry functions. However, very high power can overcook delicate foods if not monitored.
Which models offer the best value for small kitchens?
For compact spaces, the Toshiba ML‑EM09PA (0.9 kW, 0.7 cu ft) and the Chefman 700 W microwave provide a good balance of features and price. Both include multiple presets, child‑lock safety, and easy‑defrost functions without taking up much counter area. Their lower price points make them attractive for apartments or dorm rooms.
How important are child‑lock and safety features?
Child‑lock mechanisms prevent accidental activation, which is crucial in households with young children. Most models, such as the GE 950‑W and 1200‑W microwaves, include a two‑step lock that can be disabled when not needed. Look for additional safety cues like interior lights and sturdy door latches for added peace of mind.
What are the benefits of sensor cooking versus manual presets?
Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on food humidity, delivering more consistent results and reducing the risk of over‑cooking. Models like the Toshiba EM131A5C and GE 1200‑W offer sensor technology alongside manual presets for flexibility. Manual presets are still useful for quick, repeatable tasks like popcorn or pizza reheating.
Is a larger capacity worth the extra countertop space?
A larger cavity (2.0 cu ft) lets you cook whole chickens, large casseroles, and multiple plates at once, which is handy for families or entertaining. The trade‑off is a bigger footprint, as seen with the GE 1200‑W microwave. If you regularly need that volume, the convenience outweighs the space cost; otherwise, a 0.7‑1.2 cu ft model may be more practical.
How do air‑fryer combo microwaves compare to standard microwaves?
Air‑fryer combo units, like the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 model, combine microwave, convection, and air‑fry functions, allowing healthier cooking with less oil while still offering rapid microwave heating. They typically have similar wattage (around 1000 W) but a higher price and slightly larger dimensions. If you value versatility and want to replace both a microwave and a countertop air fryer, the combo can be a cost‑effective choice.