The best microwave oven brings convenience to any kitchen. Perfect for cooking, reheating and defrosting food, a microwave oven is a must-have appliance for British kitchens.
However, choosing the right microwave can feel overwhelming & some models seem overly complicated.
A solo microwave doesn’t grill or double as a conventional oven. It’s designed specifically to defrost and heat food (and drinks) quickly and evenly, with no fuss & no compromises.
As with most kitchen appliances, it’s possible to spend a fortune, only to end up with something average. Here, we have focused our research on identifying the best single-oven microwave for your kitchen.
Easy-to-Use Microwave Ovens
A microwave oven must be easy to use. Nobody wants a kitchen appliance with a range of buttons and dials that are never used. This is especially important for elderly users, where simple controls can make a big difference (more on this later).
Size is important. Manufacturers make comparisons in terms of litres. However, the external dimensions and turntable diameter are much more useful. Clearly, it must fit in your kitchen, and a turntable that’s too small for your dinner plate is more than annoying!
All the models below are excellent value for money. They perform the basics well but differ in size, power, controls, and features.
Best Easy-to-Use Microwave
Sharp
Ideal for older adults and non-rocket scientists! This Sharp microwave is easy to use, offers good value, and is highly rated by owners. It stands out for its simple controls. Rather than an array of buttons, there are two large dials. One for power and one for time.
This easy-to-use microwave is ideal for heating dinner, warming coffee, or defrosting food from the freezer.
Microwave with Simple Controls
The two dials are large enough for arthritic fingers, and the graphics are clear and concise. The door simply pulls open and shuts—there’s no hard-to-push button.
This oven won’t take up too much space on the worktop. However, the spacious interior accommodates a 270mm turntable, which is large enough for most plates. At 800 W, it’s powerful enough to cook quickly, if desired.
This microwave from Sharp does everything it should, plus it’s super easy to use.
SPECIFICATION: POWER 900w | SIZE: H293 x W485 x D410 | TURNTABLE DIAMETER 270mm | CAPACITY 23l | CHILD LOCK No | WARRANTY 1 year
Sharp 800w | See Best Price on Amazon
Easy to Use Microwave
Samsung MS23K3513AK
There’s much to like about this midsize Samsung microwave. The digital controls are less intuitive than those on the Sharp model above, but the supplied instructions are clear, and the microwave soon feels logical.
Large Turntable
Internally, it has a 23-litre capacity (matching the Sharp). However, the all-important turntable diameter is 288mm. This compares well to most models in its class—it’s certainly big enough for most dinner plates.
The digital controls are less intuitive than those on the Sharp model above, but the supplied instructions are clear and logical, and it soon feels natural.
Other features of this Samsung microwave include an easy-to-clean ceramic enamel interior. This smooth surface is easily cleaned without scrubbing and is coated to be scratch-resistant & rust-free – it will last.
How to avoid a smelly microwave
Most people keep the microwave door closed, which can cause a stale odour inside. Samsung has developed a deodorisation feature that vents air and dissipates unwanted odours. This means your new Samsung microwave will never develop an odour and will remain fresh.
Numerous owners have backed this 800w model, which comes with a two-year guarantee from Samsung and a firm recommendation verdict from Verum.
SPECIFICATION: POWER 800w | SIZE: H275 x W489 x D375 | TURNTABLE DIAMETER 288mm | CAPACITY 23l | CHILD LOCK Yes | WARRANTY 2 year
Samsung | See Best Price on Amazon
Best 1000w Microwave
Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ
Externally and internally, this Panasonic model is similar to the Samsung model above. It is rated at 1000 W, so your food will cook even faster, and it can clean itself!
Small externally but big on the inside
Rated at 23 litres by Panasonic, this microwave is an excellent mid-sized model with a large 285mm-diameter turntable. Your dinner plate & maybe even a small serving dish will fit.
What’s Inverter Technology?
Panasonic promotes its microwaves as having ‘Inverter Technology’. The benefit of this technology is that it cooks faster and more evenly (no hot spots). It works by applying even power at the right level for the duration of cooking. This compares to a traditional machine that turns the power on and off, effectively pulsing your food with microwaves. So rather than cycling between full and no power, this Panasonic microwave heats your food quickly and evenly by maintaining a consistent power level.
Technology should make life easier. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. This Panasonic has a self-clean function. Pop a bowl of water inside with a little lemon juice, press the Aqua Clean button and your microwave will self-clean & deodorise – brilliant!
This Panasonic microwave is easy to use, robust, and powerful. Owners rave about it, and if you’re willing to spend an extra few quid, you won’t be disappointed.
SPECIFICATION: POWER 1000w | SIZE: H279 x W488 x D395 | TURNTABLE DIAMETER 285mm | CAPACITY 23l | CHILD LOCK Yes | WARRANTY 1 year
Best Large Microwave UK
Panasonic NN-ST48KSBPQ
If you’re looking for a large-capacity, high-power microwave, this is it. Significantly larger than most home models, this oven has a 32-litre capacity. It will take up more space on your worktop, but not excessively.
What’s important is that the turntable has a 340mm diameter. Easily accommodating any dinner plate and, perhaps more significantly, most serving dishes.
Large Capacity Microwave
Rated at 1000 W, it’s spacious and powerful. And with Inverter technology, food cooks quickly and evenly. This works by applying consistent power rather than conventional pulsing on/off microwaves. Plus, an auto setting lets you select what you are cooking and press start. The internal sensors will adjust the power and time based on the steam levels inside.
There are numerous models on the market to avoid. Many have bigger external dimensions and smaller internal spaces. However, if you want a large turntable for large dishes, choose this Panasonic model.
SPECIFICATION: POWER 1000w | SIZE: H310 x W525 x D388 | TURNTABLE DIAMETER 340mm | CAPACITY 32l | CHILD LOCK Yes | WARRANTY 1 year
Panasonic | See Best Price on Amazon
What’s the best microwave for an elderly person?
For many older adults, an easy-to-use microwave oven makes food preparation much easier. With the right model, you can microwave something straight from the freezer, warm leftovers, or simply reheat a cup of coffee. It offers convenience and, in some cases, makes cooking doable.
Numerous factors must be considered. Early dementia means easy-to-use and familiar controls. Arthritic fingers need controls of a reasonable size. Clear numbers and graphics can reduce strain for people with poor eyesight. Plus, time-limited duration and an audible beep add a genuine safety benefit.
Easy-to-use controls are good for everyone
Microwaves often have a baffling number of buttons and controls. However, most of us have a few favourite settings or simply follow the recommendations on the packet. Therefore, a microwave should be easy to use. This is especially important for anyone who finds technology intimidating.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use microwave, the Sharp model ticks more boxes than any other we found. It has two good-sized dials, one for power and one for time. Plus, the door opens and closes with a simple pull (no hard-to-press button). Nothing is overdesigned; everything just works. This Sharp microwave is super easy to use and also great value for money.
Simple, Easy to Use Controls & Settings
A good microwave must be easy to use. However, microwave technology has not advanced much in recent years. Essentially, you need two adjustments: time and power. Some machines seem to make this incredibly complicated. Nobody should be required to learn a programming language to warm a bowl of soup!
Choosing the Right Microwave Oven for You
Spending big can get you a higher wattage and more power, but this doesn’t necessarily translate to a better appliance. We have compared 100s of models, checked details with experts, scrutinised specifications and listened to owners in order to recommend the best microwave ovens. Here’s the basic version of our checklist (number 2 is often overlooked)…
- External Dimensions – Will the oven fit on your countertop?
- Turntable Diameter – Is it big enough for your favourite plate?
- Power: The higher the wattage, the faster it will cook (usually).
- Features – Eg: Inverter technology (more on this later)
- Durability – Is it easy to keep clean and will it last?
- Ease of Use – Perhaps the most important
UK VERDICT 2025
The Sharp microwave wins our Best Buy for ease of use and value for money. With two dials and a pull-to-open/push-to-close door, it’s super easy to use. Plus, it’s reasonably powerful & won’t take up too much room on your worktop.
Spend a little more to get greater capacity, additional features, and more power. The Samsung microwave is a good choice for most kitchens. Alternatively, if you need maximum speed and internal capacity, opt for the large Panasonic.
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