Best Microwave UK (2026)
Five countertop picks from a £70-ish dial microwave to a 34L air fry combi, matched to how you actually cook
Quick answer
- Best for most homesPanasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ – compact, simple and well featured
- Best budgetRussell Hobbs RHM2027B – two dials and nothing to learn
- Best flatbedRussell Hobbs RHFM2365B – no turntable, so big dishes fit
- Best budget combiRussell Hobbs RHM2366B – microwave, grill and oven in one
- Best 4-in-1 with air fryPanasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ – microwave, air fry, grill and oven
Looking for the best microwave UK kitchens can rely on for reheating, defrosting and the odd proper meal? Our #1 is the Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ: a compact 20L, 800W solo microwave with 11 auto programmes and a child lock that fits small worktops without feeling basic. If you just want the cheapest simple dial, choose the Russell Hobbs RHM2027B; if you want a microwave that can also grill, bake and air fry, look at the Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ.
This guide covers freestanding countertop microwaves on a normal 13A socket. Built-in and integrated models are out of scope. Prices are bands, not live quotes, and sizes, wattages and programme counts are manufacturer or listing claims. If you are also thinking about other ways to cook quickly, see our best air fryers UK and best slow cookers UK guides.
20L–34L
Capacity range across our five countertop picks, from compact solo to family-size 4-in-1
Source: Manufacturer and listing claims, researched 30 September 2026
Editor's Choice
Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ
The best microwave for most homes: small enough for tight worktops, with enough auto programmes and safety features that it never feels like a compromise.
Diagnose your problem
How to choose a microwave
Decide what it needs to do beyond reheating, then check it physically fits your worktop and your biggest dish.
Problem
Solo, combi or 4-in-1?
A solo microwave only microwaves. A combi adds a grill and convection oven so it can brown and bake. A 4-in-1 like the Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ adds air frying as well.
Recommendation
If you mainly reheat and defrost, a solo is cheaper and simpler. Go combi only if you will genuinely use the oven modes, for example in a flat with no full oven.
Problem
Measure your worktop and cupboards
The Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ is listed at 44 x 32.4 x 25.8cm (W x D x H). Combis and 34L models are much bigger, and every microwave needs some ventilation space around it.
Recommendation
Measure width, depth and the height under your wall cupboards, then check the manufacturer’s clearance guidance before ordering.
Problem
Understand the wattage
Most ready meals give times for 800W and 900W. 800W is standard for a solo; higher-powered models heat a little faster but you may need to shorten pack times.
Recommendation
Any of these picks will handle ready meals. Choose on size and features rather than chasing the highest wattage.
Problem
Turntable or flatbed?
A flatbed has no turntable, so large or rectangular dishes fit and the floor is easy to wipe. The trade-off is that flatbeds can heat less evenly than a turntable.
Recommendation
Pick the RHFM2365B if you often use big rectangular dishes; stir or rotate food halfway through for even results.
Products
Problem
Dials or buttons?
Dial controls are the easiest for anyone to use and have nothing to programme. Digital panels add auto programmes, child locks and exact timings.
Recommendation
For an older relative or a student kitchen, the RHM2027B dial model is hard to beat. For a family home, a child lock is worth having.
Products
Quick Picks
The best microwave for each kind of kitchen
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Panasonic
Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ
“The best microwave for most homes: small enough for tight worktops, with enough auto programmes and safety features that it never feels like a compromise.”
Best for
Most households that mainly reheat, defrost and cook simple meals
Skip it if
you regularly microwave large casserole dishes
Pros
- +Compact 44cm-wide footprint (manufacturer claim)
- +11 auto programmes including auto defrost
- +Child lock and Quick 30 button
- +Well-known brand at a modest price band
Cons
- −20L is tight for large family dishes
- −Microwave only, so no grill or oven
- −Touch panel is less instant than dials for some people
All specifications
| Type | Solo |
| Capacity | 20L (manufacturer claim) |
| Microwave power | 800W, 5 levels |
| Other modes | None |
| Controls | Touch panel, 11 auto programmes, child lock |
| Turntable | Yes, 255mm |
Russell Hobbs
Russell Hobbs RHM2027B
“The best budget microwave for anyone who wants to turn two dials and walk away, with nothing to programme or forget.”
Best for
Students, older relatives and anyone who wants the simplest possible microwave
Skip it if
you want a child lock or auto-cook programmes
Pros
- +Dial controls anyone can use
- +Five power levels plus defrost
- +Dishwasher-safe glass turntable
- +Lowest price band in this guide
Cons
- −No auto programmes or child lock
- −Dial timing is less precise for short bursts
- −Mirrored door shows fingerprints
All specifications
| Type | Solo |
| Capacity | 20L (manufacturer claim) |
| Microwave power | 800W, 5 levels |
| Other modes | None |
| Controls | Two dials, 35-minute timer |
| Turntable | Yes, glass |
Russell Hobbs
Russell Hobbs RHFM2365B
“The pick for people who use big or rectangular dishes, as long as you accept that flatbeds can heat less evenly than a turntable.”
Best for
Anyone who reheats in large or rectangular dishes and hates cleaning a turntable
Skip it if
you mostly heat single plates and want the most even results for the money
Pros
- +No turntable, so large rectangular dishes fit
- +Flat floor is easy to wipe clean
- +Eight auto-cook menus and child lock
- +23L capacity
Cons
- −Flatbeds can heat less evenly, so stir or rotate food
- −Costs more than a turntable solo of the same power
- −Microwave only
All specifications
| Type | Solo, flatbed |
| Capacity | 23L (manufacturer claim) |
| Microwave power | 800W, 5 levels |
| Other modes | None |
| Controls | Digital with dial, 8 auto-cook menus, child lock |
| Turntable | No (flatbed) |
Russell Hobbs
Russell Hobbs RHM2366B
“The best-value way to get grill and oven modes in one box, ideal for a flat or a second kitchen without a full-size oven.”
Best for
Flats, studios and small households wanting to brown, grill and bake without a full oven
Skip it if
you only ever reheat and defrost
Pros
- +Microwave, grill and convection oven in one (manufacturer claim)
- +900W microwave power
- +10 auto-cook settings
- +Keeps the price band close to a flatbed solo
Cons
- −Bigger than a solo microwave
- −Oven and grill modes get the cabinet hot
- −23L is small for a full roast
All specifications
| Type | Combi (microwave, grill, oven) |
| Capacity | 23L (manufacturer claim) |
| Microwave power | 900W |
| Other modes | 1000W grill, 1700W convection oven |
| Controls | Digital, 10 auto-cook settings |
| Turntable | Yes |
Panasonic
Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ
“The premium pick when one appliance has to replace a small oven and an air fryer, if you have the worktop space for a big 34L box.”
Best for
Homes that want one appliance to reheat, crisp, grill and bake
Skip it if
your worktop is small or you already own an air fryer and oven
Pros
- +Microwave, air fry, grill and convection in one (manufacturer claim)
- +1000W inverter microwave power
- +Genius Sensor adjusts cooking automatically
- +Roomy 34L cavity
Cons
- −Much bigger and heavier than a solo
- −Premium price band
- −More modes means more to learn
All specifications
| Type | 4-in-1 combi (microwave, air fry, grill, oven) |
| Capacity | 34L (manufacturer claim) |
| Microwave power | 1000W inverter |
| Other modes | Air fry, grill, convection oven |
| Controls | Digital, Genius Sensor |
| Turntable | Yes |
Compare All Products
Side-by-side specs for quick decision-making
Swipe to compare →
| Product | Action | Capacity | Microwave power | Other modes | Controls | Turntable | Price | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQBest Overall | Solo | 20L (manufacturer claim) | 800W, 5 levels | None | Touch panel, 11 auto programmes, child lock | Yes, 255mm | £70–£100 | Most households that mainly reheat, defrost and cook simple meals | View |
 Russell Hobbs RHM2027BBest Budget | Solo | 20L (manufacturer claim) | 800W, 5 levels | None | Two dials, 35-minute timer | Yes, glass | £60–£85 | Students, older relatives and anyone who wants the simplest possible microwave | View |
 Russell Hobbs RHFM2365BBest Flatbed | Solo, flatbed | 23L (manufacturer claim) | 800W, 5 levels | None | Digital with dial, 8 auto-cook menus, child lock | No (flatbed) | £100–£150 | Anyone who reheats in large or rectangular dishes and hates cleaning a turntable | View |
 Russell Hobbs RHM2366BBest Budget Combi | Combi (microwave, grill, oven) | 23L (manufacturer claim) | 900W | 1000W grill, 1700W convection oven | Digital, 10 auto-cook settings | Yes | £110–£150 | Flats, studios and small households wanting to brown, grill and bake without a full oven | View |
 Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQBest 4-in-1 with Air Fry | 4-in-1 combi (microwave, air fry, grill, oven) | 34L (manufacturer claim) | 1000W inverter | Air fry, grill, convection oven | Digital, Genius Sensor | Yes | £300–£400 | Homes that want one appliance to reheat, crisp, grill and bake | View |
Microwave safety
Never run a microwave empty or use metal containers in microwave mode unless the manual allows it. Combi, grill and air fry modes make the inside and the door very hot, so use oven gloves. Leave the ventilation gaps the manufacturer asks for, and stir food and let it stand so it heats through evenly.
Research Methodology
How We Chose These Products
This is editorial research, not a heating or energy test. We use qualitative badges and do not assign invented scores.
We compared everyday usefulness, size and footprint, cooking modes, ease of use and Amazon UK listing health for freestanding microwaves on sale in the UK. Capacities, wattages, programmes and dimensions are manufacturer or listing claims. Product order is editorial judgement.
Selection Criteria
Everyday usefulness
30% weightHow well it covers reheating, defrosting and simple cooking for most homes
Size and footprint
20% weightCapacity against the worktop space it takes
Cooking modes
20% weightGrill, convection and air fry where included, and whether they add real value
Ease of use
15% weightControls, auto programmes, child lock and cleaning
Amazon UK listing health
15% weightRatings volume, stock and seller context on 30 September 2026
Important Limitations
- •TopMagpie did not run heating, evenness or energy tests. Specs are manufacturer or listing claims.
- •No live prices: bands only.
- •Listing health was checked on 30 September 2026; stock and sellers change.
Research last conducted: · Price bands checked:
Frequently Asked Questions
People also ask about microwaves
The Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ is our pick for most homes because it is compact, has 11 auto programmes and a child lock, and sits in a modest price band. Choose the Russell Hobbs RHM2027B for the simplest budget dial, or the Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ if you want air frying and oven modes too.
20L suits one to three people and most dinner plates. 23–25L gives more room for bowls and small dishes. 30L and up suits families and combi cooking. Always measure your worktop and the height under wall cupboards first.
Yes, for most people. Ready-meal packs usually give timings for 800W and 900W, and 800W is standard for solo microwaves. Higher power heats slightly faster, so shorten pack times if yours is more powerful.
A solo microwave only microwaves. A combi adds a grill and a convection oven so it can brown, crisp and bake. Some newer models, such as the Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ, also add air frying.
They are better for large or rectangular dishes and easier to wipe clean because there is no turntable. The trade-off is that flatbeds can heat less evenly, so stirring or rotating food halfway through helps.
For small households, often yes for everyday cooking such as jacket potatoes, small roasts and bakes. A 23L combi is too small for a big family roast, and the capacity limits how much you can cook at once.
Only in the grill, oven or air fry modes, and only if the manual says so. Never use metal in microwave mode unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
Yes. Freestanding microwaves need ventilation space at the top, sides and back. Check the manufacturer’s clearance figures, especially for combis, which run hotter.
It varies with use and care. Keeping the inside clean, never running it empty and checking the door seals will help. Check the guarantee length on the listing, which is usually one or two years.
Ready to pick a microwave?
Our #1, the Panasonic NN-ST23QMBPQ, is the compact, well-featured choice for most kitchens that mainly reheat and defrost.
View #1 Pick on Amazon UKDisclosure & Editorial Policy
Amazon Affiliate: TopMagpie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme. We earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our editorial choices or the prices you pay.
No Lab Testing: We have not laboratory-tested these products. Recommendations are based on spec analysis, reviews, and editorial judgement.
Prices: Approximate bands, checked . Amazon prices change frequently – always verify the current price before purchasing. We do not invent live prices.
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