Microwave ovens

How to choose a microwave oven

A microwave is the kitchen's fastest helper: it reheats lunch in two minutes, defrosts dinner and browns a sandwich. To keep it a pleasure for years to come, think through four things before you buy.

• Capacity. 20 litres suits one or two people and a standard plate, 23–25 litres is the family standard, 28–32 litres takes a large bowl or a chicken. Interior size matters more than litres — check the turntable diameter (24.5–31.5 cm).
• Power. 700 W heats more slowly but more evenly; 800–900 W is the golden mean; 1000–1100 W does everything faster. Inverter technology (LG) regulates power smoothly and does not dry food out.
• Grill and convection. A grill element gives a crisp surface; convection (hot air) turns the microwave into a small oven — you can bake pizza and cake. A combination mode saves time.
• Freestanding or built-in. A built-in microwave (Bosch, CATA, Beko, Whirlpool) goes into a kitchen unit with a trim frame; a freestanding one lives on the worktop or a shelf. Measure the niche before buying: standard heights are 38 and 45 cm.
• Interior and cleaning. A ceramic or enamel cavity wipes clean more easily than stainless steel; a model without a turntable has a flat floor that takes a rectangular dish.
• Controls. Mechanical dials are simple and durable; electronics add auto programmes (defrost by weight, popcorn, drinks) and a child lock.

Microwaves in our range

Freestanding solo microwaves of 20–25 l by Midea, LG, Xiaomi, Adler, Caso and ETA Storio are the basic tool for fast reheating and defrosting — some at a very modest price. Microwaves with grill by Midea, LG, Gorenje, Candy, Cecotec and Caso brown cheese and crisp up chicken. Grill plus convection — the Caso MCG 25 Chef — replaces an oven in a tiny kitchen. Built-in microwaves from Bosch Serie 2, 4 and 8, CATA, Beko and Whirlpool in black and stainless finishes match kitchen cabinetry.

Brands

Bosch is the favourite among built-ins — precise electronics and a long life. LG offers Smart Inverter technology and even NeoChef heating. Midea has the widest choice and some of the most affordable models, Caso design ovens with a ceramic cavity, CATA built-ins with grill, while Gorenje, Candy and Beko are dependable choices at a sensible price.

Related products

For baking see mini ovens and ovens, for a quick dinner multicookers and air fryers. The full selection is in cooking and baking.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a grill? If you mostly reheat ready meals — no. If you want crispy chicken, a hot sandwich or a cheese gratin — yes, the grill is worth it.

What is the difference between built-in and freestanding? A built-in is designed for a niche, with a trim frame and front ventilation; a freestanding one must not be shut inside a cupboard because it needs air at the sides.

Is 700 W too little? For one person and reheating it is enough. For a family and for defrosting choose 800–900 W — everything goes a third faster.

Which dishes are microwave-safe? Glass, ceramics and plastic marked microwave-safe. Metal, foil and plates with a gold rim — never.

How do I clean a microwave? Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for 5 minutes — the steam softens splashes and they wipe off with a cloth.