Comparison: Uk Best Microwave Oven (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking to upgrade your kitchen game with the best microwave oven in the UK? Whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting dinner, or whipping up a quick snack, the right microwave can make all the difference. With so many models on the market—from sleek solo units to powerful combination ovens—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you. In this comparison, we’ll break down the top contenders based on performance, features, value, and real-user feedback to help you find the perfect fit for your home.
- Best for inverter cooking: TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
- Best for smart sensor cooking: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for compact powerhouse: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for all-in-one fryer: TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for family size sensor: TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable
- Best for 5-in-1 air fry: BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
- Best for space‑saving microwave: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for convection air fry: GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
- Best for compact menu microwave: TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
- Best for smart sensor capacity: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: Uk Best Microwave Oven
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6″ Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Black Stainless Steel
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Specification: With output power 1250 watts, input power 1350 watts. External dimensions 21.8x 19.2x 12.9 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 15.5×17.0x 10.2 inches (WxDxH); includes 13.6 inch glass turntable
- Origin Inverter Technology: This microwave oven with inverter technology, provides even heating and defrosting, enables faster cooking and more satisfying user experience.
- 6 Smart Sensor Auto Menus: Pre-programmed sensor menus for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetables and more. Smart sensor will automatically adjust power and keeps food texture.
- Sound On/Off Function: If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, pleas long press on the button “8” for 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
- Quick Start Button One touch quick access to start the countertop microwave from 1 to 3 minutes cooking at full power
- First Use Tips The microwaves keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment. Please peel it off before first use. 1 year limited warranty, please keep the packaging for contacting Toshiba after sales service and product returns.
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
- 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.
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
- 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
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)
- 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
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off Function, 1200W, 1.6 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel
- 【Better texture with sensor menus 】This 1200-watt high power countertop microwave with 10 power levels includes a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetable and more
- 【Large Capacity for a Family Size】1.6 cu. ft. capacity ; 13.6″ turntable; fitting a 13inch pizza; with one touch popcorn button as kitchen essential
- 【Position Memory Turntable】 Innovative position-memory technique resets the turntable to the initial position for more convenient and safer use
- 【Convenience Features】Auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, clock and kitchen timer
- 【Sound On/Off Function】If you wish 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.
- 【Stylish Design for Kitchen】Stylish black stainless-steel finish adds the perfect look in every kitchen
- 【Product Specs】External dimension (WxDxH): 21.77″x17.91″x12.87″, internal dimension (WxDxH): 15.51″x17.05″x10.24″,13.6″position memory turntable
- 【First Use Tips】The keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment; Please peel it off before first use.
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA
- 5-in-1 Microwave Oven: Use this essential countertop appliance for cooking in five functions: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast for all of your culinary needs.
- 10 Cooking Levels: Featuring a 900-watt output, this compact microwave has 7 auto menus, including settings for Beverage, Fresh/Frozen Vegetables, Oatmeal, Potato, Popcorn, and Frozen Pizza.
- Air Fry Presets: This small-but-mighty microwave has 11 preset air fry menus, including for cooking frozen French fries, steak fries, squid rings, chicken nuggets/wings/legs, fish sticks/fillets, cheese sticks, vegetables, and spring rolls with an easy-to-use operation.
- Speedy Cooking: Directly press the start button to cook food at 100% power for 30 seconds and press again for an additional 30 seconds.
- Child-Lock Setting: Press the stop button for 3 seconds to lock the control panel to keep little hands from clicking buttons on the appliance.
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
- 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
GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven, 1050W Countertop Air Fry Microwave with Broil & Crisper Pan, Compact Stainless Steel Design
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with the built-in air fryer that delivers fast, perfectly browned results
- CONVECTION MODE: Enjoy perfectly even browning using convection technology and an elevated rack that lets hot air flow around your food for consistent results
- BROIL MODE: Built-in broiler radiates high heat to sear, caramelize, and finish foods just like a traditional grill rack
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Rotates food throughout the cycle for even through cooking of food
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
- 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.
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,150-watt Capacity, 1.6 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
- 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: 1150 watts of power and 1.6 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
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 features should I prioritize when choosing a countertop microwave for a UK kitchen?
Look for sufficient power (900‑1250 W) to ensure quick cooking, a capacity of at least 1.0 cu ft for family meals, and sensor cooking for consistent results. Safety features such as a two‑step child lock are important, especially in homes with children. If you want versatility, consider models that combine convection or air‑fry functions.
How does the Toshiba ML‑EM45PIT with Inverter Technology compare to the Toshiba EM131A5C in terms of cooking performance?
The ML‑EM45PIT offers 1250 W of output and inverter technology, delivering more even heating and faster defrosting than the EM131A5C’s 1000 W conventional magnetron. Both have smart sensor menus, but the ML‑EM45PIT includes a larger 13.6‑inch turntable for bigger dishes. The EM131A5C is slightly more compact, which may suit smaller countertops.
Is an air‑fry combo worth the extra cost compared to a standard microwave?
Air‑fry combos like the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 model add convection and grill functions, allowing you to achieve crispy results with less oil, which can replace a separate air fryer. They typically have similar power (around 1000 W) and a comparable footprint, but the added versatility can justify the higher price if you frequently prepare fried or baked foods. For occasional use, a standard microwave with sensor presets may be more economical.
Which microwave offers the best value for a family of four?
The Toshiba ML‑EM45P (13.6‑inch turntable, 1.6 cu ft capacity, 1200 W) provides a strong balance of power, size, and features like auto‑defrost and child lock at a mid‑range price. The GE 1.6 cu ft model (1150 W) also delivers solid performance with sensor cooking and a comparable price, making either a good value choice depending on brand preference.
Do I need a microwave with a child lock if I don’t have young children?
While not essential, a two‑step child lock adds peace of mind and prevents accidental activation, which can be useful in busy households or for safety compliance. Many models, including the GE and Toshiba ranges, include this feature at no extra cost, so opting for a lock‑enabled unit doesn’t usually increase the price.
How important is the turntable size when selecting a microwave?
A larger turntable (12‑13.6 inches) accommodates bigger dishes such as a 13‑inch pizza or a whole chicken, reducing the need to rearrange food during cooking. Smaller turntables (10‑12 inches) are fine for reheating plates or single‑serve meals but may limit the size of items you can cook evenly. Choose based on the typical dish sizes you prepare.
What are the advantages of a microwave with sensor cooking versus manual power levels?
Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on humidity, delivering consistent results and reducing the risk of over‑ or under‑cooking. Manual power levels give you full control, which can be useful for specific tasks like softening butter or low‑heat simmering. Models like the GE and Toshiba offer both options, giving flexibility for different cooking styles.
Should I consider a convection or grill function in addition to microwave capabilities?
Convection and grill functions expand your cooking repertoire, allowing you to bake, roast, and achieve browning that a microwave alone cannot provide. If you often prepare casseroles, roasted meats, or want a crisp finish, a combo unit like the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 or GE’s convection microwave adds value. However, if you primarily need reheating and quick defrost, a standard microwave will be more cost‑effective.