Ping! Dinner's served with the best microwaves available
It might not be the most glamorous of kitchen appliances, but a decent microwave is an essential item for most households. Whether you want to defrost, reheat, or nuke entire ready meals, a microwave will earn its place on your countertop. While design-wise, it's hard to get excited about microwaves, our overall pick, the Vytronix VY-HMO800 Digital Microwave Oven because it is a reliable and functional food-prepper with a large 20-litre capacity and user-friendly controls.
Best Overall: Vytronix VY-HMO800 Digital Microwave Oven
This budget option might not have the swagger of rival models, but it offers reliable functionality thanks to its 800-watt output, 20-litre capacity and easy to use controls. There's an auto defrost if you enter the weight of food, and auto cook settings with a menu that includes milk/coffee, rice, spaghetti, potatoes, fish, pizza or popcorn.
Other functionality includes three-stage cooking that will cover you from a speed defrost to a switch to microwave cooking at the appropriate time for the appropriate time.
Pros:
- Automatic defrost settings
- Multi-stage cooking function
- Intelligent auto cook function
Cons:
- Basic button controls
Best Overall
Vytronix VY-HMO800 Digital Microwave Oven
Best and budget-friendly
Vytronix's microwave delivers decent functionality at an affordable price.
Best Personalized Settings: Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) Microwave Oven
Another 800 watt/20 litre option, Toshiba's clean white microwave has pre-programmed one-touch cook menus, 11 power levels, defrost by weight settings, a large easy to read digital display and comprehensive timer abilities.
Unusually, the MM-EM20P(WH) can be programmed for two-stage cooking. So, you can cook with 80% power for 10 minutes, then 50% power for five minutes. Also, you can save three cooking procedures into the microwave's memory.
Pros:
- 11 power levels
- Up to 100 min cooking timer
- Personalisable programmes
Cons:
- Not great looking
Best Personalized Settings
Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) Microwave Oven
Superb settings
If you're a frequent microwaver, Toshiba's personalizable oven is great for advanced users.
Best for Reheating: Panasonic NN-E28JMMBPQ Microwave
Panasonic's 800 watt NN-E28JMMBPQ has five power settings that you can select to use in 30-second increments, or you can make use of the nine auto programmes including auto defrost and auto reheat for everyday food items such as curry and Chinese food.
If you use a microwave for an odd blast of heat now and again, this offers effortless operation starting from a one-button option to just nuke something, such as a cold cup of coffee, for 30 seconds.
Pros:
- Nine auto programmes
- Five power settings
- Touch control panel
Cons:
- Not flatbed tech
Best for Reheating
Panasonic NN-E28JMMBPQ Microwave
Automagic
Perfect for occasional use, this has a quick 30-second blast and auto reheat options.
Dielectric dilemma
If you use a microwave to cook often, you need to consider a model that offers stability and the ability to serve at a great price. A microwave is a convenient device that can prep your food efficiently to minimize your cook time so you can dine faster. Our overall pick is the Vytronix VY-HMO800 Digital Microwave Oven, because it is an affordable option that heats efficiently for a much-needed culinary assist.
This model is super functional with an 800-watt output and a generous 20-litre capacity. Its simple controls make warming food a breeze, with auto cook settings that include milk/coffee, rice, spaghetti, and potatoes (to name a few). So, the perfect temperature is possible for any of your desired dishes.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Amy-Mae Turner Although an amazing home cook, Amy-Mae is not unfamiliar with the good old "pierce-film-lid" school of cookery.
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