Choose a solo model for reheating, defrosting and straightforward cooking; a grill model for browning and crisping; or a combination microwave oven when you want microwave cooking alongside oven-style convection cooking and, in some models, grilling. A combination model can be useful as an additional oven or for smaller dishes when you do not want to heat a full-size oven.
For a reliable starting point, BBC Good Food’s 2026 microwave test covers solo, grill and combination microwaves across different sizes and budgets. Its assessment considered ease of use, cooking versatility, defrosting, moisture retention, additional features, size, sustainability and cleaning.
Before comparing a microwave sale or retailer listing, decide these four points:
A solo microwave is best for everyday reheating and defrosting, a grill microwave is best when you need browning, and a combination microwave oven is best when one appliance must also handle oven-style cooking. The right type depends on what you cook, how much space you have and whether you want to replace some use of a conventional oven.
| Type | What it does | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Solo microwave | Microwave cooking, reheating and defrosting | Quick meals, leftovers and simple everyday use |
| Grill microwave | Adds a grill function for browning and crisping | Food where a browned or crisp surface matters |
| Combination microwave | Combines microwave cooking with oven-style convection cooking and, in some models, grilling | Smaller dishes, baking-style cooking and an additional oven |
A combination model usually offers more flexibility, but the extra functions and larger body may not be worthwhile if you mainly heat food. BBC Good Food describes combination microwaves as suitable either as an additional oven or, for smaller dishes, as an alternative to using a full-size oven.
These recommendations come from the categories and specifications reported by BBC Good Food. They cover different priorities, from a small budget microwave to large combination appliances with steam, air-fry or convection functions.
| Model | Best for | Key specifications | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Combi Wave 3-in-1 | Combination cooking | 32 litres; 1,100W microwave power; air-fry, convection, microwave and grill functions; 51.9 × 51.3 × 31.6cm | £397.95 at Harts of Stur or £399.95 from Sage |
| Samsung MS32DG4504ATE3 | A large solo microwave for families | 32 litres; 1,000W; six settings; eco standby; deodorisation; safety lock | £129 at Amazon, £149 from Samsung or £149 at Argos |
| Sharp YC-QC254AU-B | A flatbed microwave | 25 litres; 900W; grill and convection functions; eco mode; 49 × 50.9 × 28.8cm | £169 at Currys |
| Russell Hobbs RHM1731 | Budget buying | 17 litres; 700W; five power levels; defrost function | £72.99 at Amazon |
| Panasonic NN-CS89LBBPQ | Steam cooking | 31 litres; 1,000W microwave power; 1,300W grill power; steam cooking; 12 combination options; 36 automatic programmes | £599 at Hughes and John Lewis & Partners |
| Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ | Combination cooking for families | 27 litres; 1,000W microwave power; 1,300W grill power; steam, oven and combination functions; six combination options; 28 automatic programmes | £449 at Amazon, Hughes and Peter Tyson |
| Smeg MOE34CXIUK | Style | 34 litres; 1,000W microwave power; microwave, grill/combi, convection and defrost settings | £469 at Boots Kitchen Appliances and AO |
The listed prices above are the prices reported in BBC Good Food’s test and are included to show the spread between the models. Retail prices can change after publication.
The Sage is the most versatile option in this selection, with microwave, grill, convection and air-fry functions. The Samsung is a larger microwave-only model with practical features such as deodorisation, an eco standby mode and a safety lock. The Russell Hobbs is the simplest and smallest of the group, with five power levels and a defrost function rather than combination cooking.
The Panasonic models are aimed at buyers who will use more advanced cooking programmes. The NN-CS89LBBPQ has steam cooking, 12 combination options and 36 automatic programmes, while the NN-DS59NBBPQ has steam, oven and combination functions, six combination options and 28 automatic programmes. The Smeg has the largest stated capacity in the table at 34 litres and combines microwave, grill/combi, convection and defrost settings.
There is no universally best wattage. The tested models range from 700W to 1,100W, and wattage alone does not define which model is best. A 900W or 1,000W model is not automatically the better choice if the appliance is too large, too complex or unsuitable for the dishes you normally cook.
Use wattage as a guide to microwave output, then follow the cooking instructions for the appliance. The Russell Hobbs in the comparison has 700W, the Sharp has 900W, the Samsung, Panasonic and Smeg models have 1,000W, and the Sage has 1,100W. BBC Good Food’s test also found that the higher-wattage Samsung did not necessarily cook food faster than a 900W model.
Power levels matter as well as the headline wattage. A model with several settings gives you more control over gentler cooking, reheating and defrosting. Inverter technology is another feature to look for: it maintains more consistent power during cooking, which can produce more evenly heated and moister food.
A combination microwave oven and grill is worth considering when you want one appliance to reheat, microwave-cook, brown and carry out oven-style cooking. Combination models vary: some combine microwave and convection cooking, while others add a grill, steam cooking or air-fry function.
The Sage Combi Wave 3-in-1 combines air-fry, convection, microwave and grill functions. The Panasonic NN-CS89LBBPQ adds steam cooking, 12 combination-cooking options and 36 automatic programmes. The Smeg MOE34CXIUK offers microwave, grill/combi, convection and defrost settings, with a 34-litre capacity and 1,000W microwave power.
Choose a combination model if you will use those functions often or need an additional oven for smaller dishes. Choose a solo model if your routine is mainly reheating and defrosting: the additional controls, capacity and cost of a combination appliance may then add little value.
Capacity should match the dishes you already use. The models in the recommendations range from 17 litres to 34 litres. A smaller microwave can suit compact spaces and basic portions, while a larger cavity gives you more room for bigger plates and dishes. Compare the stated capacity with the appliance’s external dimensions before choosing a place for it.
A flatbed microwave has no rotating turntable. The Sharp YC-QC254AU-B is the flatbed recommendation in the BBC Good Food test and has a 25-litre capacity, 900W microwave power, grill and convection functions, an eco mode and dimensions of 49 × 50.9 × 28.8cm.
Capacity is not the only practical consideration. Look at the door opening, control layout and cleaning access. BBC Good Food included ease of use and cleaning in its assessment, and these details affect how practical the appliance feels after purchase. A compact solo microwave may be easier to use daily than a larger model whose extra programmes are rarely needed.
Prices in the BBC Good Food recommendations run from £72.99 for the Russell Hobbs RHM1731 to £599 for the Panasonic NN-CS89LBBPQ. That range reflects meaningful differences in capacity, cooking functions and features, rather than simply a change in colour or design.
When searching for an Argos microwave, microwave oven at Asda, Currys microwave, Tesco microwave or B&M microwave, compare the complete specification as well as the headline price. Capacity, microwave power, functions, dimensions, delivery or collection terms and returns information can all affect the value of an offer.
The same approach applies to a microwave oven sale, a Currys microwave sale or an Argos microwave oven sale. For clearance products, compare the product condition, included accessories and warranty information. A low price is most useful when the appliance also has the function, capacity and cooking power you require.
There is no single replacement for every microwave task. A conventional oven or toaster oven can handle oven-style cooking, while an air fryer can cover some crisping and roasting tasks. A frying pan can reheat or cook food on the hob, a steamer can cook certain foods gently, and an electric kettle can provide hot water for drinks or some prepared foods. These alternatives suit particular tasks rather than replacing the microwave in every kitchen.
A multi-function appliance can combine several of these roles. The Ninja CRISPi Microwave, Air Fryer & Oven combines microwave, air-fryer and oven functions and is listed at £359.99. It is an example of a buyer choosing several cooking functions in one appliance instead of buying separate countertop machines.
There is no single best brand for every buyer. BBC Good Food’s recommendations vary by purpose: Sage for combination cooking, Samsung for a large solo model, Russell Hobbs for budget buying, Panasonic for steam cooking and Smeg for style. The important comparison is the appliance’s functions, capacity, power and controls alongside the brand name.
A solo microwave is the best fit for reheating, defrosting and simple cooking. A grill microwave suits food that needs browning or crisping. A combination microwave is the most flexible choice when you want microwave speed alongside convection, grilling or other oven-style functions.
Usually, yes. “Microwave oven” is the full product name and “microwave” is the common shortened term. A listing for a combination microwave oven indicates a model that may also include grill, convection-oven, steam or air-fry functions.
For more detailed product comparisons, the BBC Good Food microwave test explains how the tested solo, grill and combination models performed across cooking, defrosting, cleaning and ease of use.
