Buying a microwave

Buying guide
Close-up of modern microwave oven interior and control dial, showing grill, oven and auto cooking settings.
Close-up of modern black microwave oven interior and control dial, showing grill, oven and auto settings panel

Which microwave do I need?

Fast and reliable, microwaves are energy-efficient and economical for your home. They've become much more multi-functional too, often incorporating a grill or fan oven.

Standard microwaves
Samsung countertop microwave oven with digital display, black glass door and silver control panel on white background

If you…

  • Simply want to cook ready meals, soups or vegetables

  • Save space on your worktops

  • Need a simple and intuitive design

Then consider a microwave only.

Microwaves with grills
Stainless steel microwave oven with digital display, control dials and push buttons, front view on white background

If you…

  • Don’t have a lot of worktop or appliance space

  • Want to grill fish and meat easily

  • Crisp or brown the outside of your food

Then consider a microwave with a grill.

Combi microwaves
Panasonic countertop microwave oven with black glass door, touch control panel and stainless trim on white background

If you…

  • Prefer to cook healthy recipes, particularly with lots of vegetables and fish

  • Want to reduce cooking times by using steam

  • Find traditional countertop steamers aren’t big enough 

Then consider a combi microwave with steam.

Integrated microwaves
Built-in black and stainless steel microwave oven with digital touch controls and interior fan, front view

If you…

  • Need to free up worktop space

  • Want a seamless look

  • Require a multifunctional oven

Then consider an integrated microwave.

TIP

When ordering, check the machine dimensions to be sure that you have both sufficient access to enable us to deliver the machine to the space where it’s being installed, and that it will fit that space.

Modern built-in stainless steel Hotpoint microwave oven in grey concrete kitchen units with minimalist decor

Features to consider

Accessories
  • Microwave-safe trays, dishes, steamers and egg poachers can give you more cooking versatility
Automatic cooking and defrosting
  • Considers the weight of the food and works out the time needed to cook it safely
Chaos defrost
  • Uses random pulses of microwave energy to reduce the usual defrosting time
Control panel

  • Dials ensure smooth and easy operation, allowing you to alter settings without interrupting the cooking

  • Exact timings are best set by touch and electronic buttons

Linings

  • Microwave ovens are much easier to clean than conventional ones

  • Premium models also feature catalytic or pyrolytic liners, which are self-cleaning

Multiple-sequence cooking

  • Automatically changes the power levels during cooking

  • Ensures the best cooking time, for example, defrosting and then cooking food

Power

  • Measure in watts, ranging from 800W to 1100W

  • The higher the wattage, the quicker your food will cook

Preset programmes

  • Take the guesswork out of cooking

  • Settings for popular foods and for reheating and defrosting

Sensor cooking

  • Automatically detects moisture in the food and the oven's humidity 

  • Adjusts the power levels and cooking time accordingly

  • Ensures your meal won’t dry out

Size

  • Capacities vary from about 17L to over 32L

  • For a family-size microwave, consider at least a 27L size - this will have a larger turntable and extra interior height

Turbo reheat
  • An added boost of power - great for reheating soups or baked beans
Heating category
  • A-E categories, with E taking the least time to heat food
Turntable

  • Some microwaves come without a turntable

  • If you usually cook trays of food, it’s easier to reheat your food without a turntable as there’s more space

  • For microwaves with a turntable, look out for the diameter size in the product description

Ordering

Standard delivery is £19.95. Next and named-day delivery is also available.

Most of our microwaves are available to Click & Collect - great for when you need one in a hurry.

Microwave basics

Looking after your microwave

Do's

  • Use microwave-safe containers or tableware only - ceramics, glassware and some plastics are fine

  • Leave any covered food vented when cooking it, so the steam can escape

  • Stir the food halfway through the cooking time. This will help to reduce any possible ‘cold spots’

  • Leave the food to stand for 2 minutes once it’s cooked, as the heat will continue to spread through the food

  • Keep your microwave clean, as a dirty oven will cook more slowly and unevenly

  • Check with your doctor if you have a pacemaker - some older ones may still be adversely affected by proximity to a microwave

  • Consult the manufacturer’s directions if you’re unsure

Don'ts

  • Use any metal containers or objects - even twist-ties

  • Clean with scouring pads, steel wool or other abrasives

  • Press Start on your microwave when it's empty, as the microwaves will bounce off the interior walls and could cause damage

  • Sterilise baby bottles or other food utensils in the microwave

Microwave ovens guarantee

We include a minimum 2-year guarantee on all microwaves.