How to choose a microwave oven (2026)
Quick Answer
Choose a microwave oven by matching the type, size and controls to how you actually cook, then checking that it fits your space and electrical setup. Focus first on capacity, interior usability, power level options, ease of cleaning and whether you need extra functions like grill or convection. Avoid paying for features you will not use, and always verify installation clearances and operating instructions in the manufacturer manual.
Overview
A good microwave oven is not simply the biggest or most expensive one; it is the one that suits your kitchen, your cooking habits and the kind of food you heat most often. If you mainly reheat leftovers, make porridge or defrost ingredients, a straightforward solo microwave is often enough. If you also want browning, crisping or small-oven cooking, a grill or combination model may be worth considering, but these are bulkier and usually more complex to use. Start by measuring the space where the microwave will go and think about the dishes you use most, not just the outside dimensions of the appliance. Internal layout matters because turntable size, flatbed design, shelf arrangement and door opening can affect whether your plates, storage containers and larger bowls fit easily. Also consider how often different people in the household will use it: simple controls may matter more than extra programmes. When comparing models, look for clear power settings, sensible auto programmes, easy-to-read controls, straightforward cleaning and reliable after-sales support. Read the manufacturer’s manual before buying if possible, especially for ventilation clearances, built-in suitability and cookware guidance. Choosing carefully at the start reduces frustration, wasted energy and the risk of buying a machine that is awkward to use every day.
Who this is for
Anyone choosing a new microwave for a home kitchen, shared accommodation, rental property or small office break area.
What you’ll need
- Tape measure
- Rough note of how you will use it: reheating, defrosting, simple cooking, grilling or baking
- A list of the plates, bowls or containers you use most often
- Access to the product manual or official product page
Before you start
Check whether you want a countertop, integrated or over-range style model, and confirm the available space, nearby socket location and ventilation requirements from the manufacturer. If replacing an existing built-in unit, do not assume a new model will fit the same housing without checking the official dimensions and clearance guidance.
Step-by-step
- 1
Decide what jobs the microwave needs to do
List your main uses: reheating drinks and leftovers, defrosting meat, cooking ready meals, steaming vegetables, making jacket potatoes, grilling, crisping or replacing part of your oven use. If you mostly reheat and defrost, keep the brief simple. If you want browning or baking, look at grill or combination models.
Why: The right type depends more on cooking habits than on brand or appearance. This stops you paying for functions you will rarely use.
- 2
Choose the microwave type
Compare solo, grill and combination microwaves. A solo model is the simplest option for heating and defrosting. A grill model adds top heat for browning. A combination model adds convection-style cooking and can handle a wider range of dishes, but usually needs more space and learning.
Why: Different microwave types suit different kitchens. Choosing the right category narrows your search quickly.
- 3
Measure the space and check installation requirements
Measure width, depth and height of the intended location, including any cabinet opening for built-in units. Check how the door opens, whether there is enough space to load large dishes, and whether the power cable can reach the socket safely. Read the manual for required clearances and ventilation around the appliance.
Why: A microwave that physically fits the gap may still be unsafe or inconvenient if it cannot ventilate properly or the door clashes with nearby cupboards.
- 4
Check usable internal space, not just external size
Look at the cavity shape, turntable size or flatbed design, and whether your regular dinner plates, mugs and lidded containers will fit. If possible, compare interior photos or see the model in person. For family cooking, think about tall bowls and wider casserole dishes as well as plate diameter.
Why: Quoted capacity alone does not tell you whether your actual cookware will fit or rotate properly.
- 5
Assess power and control options
Look for multiple power levels, a reliable defrost setting, easy timer controls and a display you can read quickly. Auto programmes can be useful for common tasks, but only if the controls are clear. If several people will use it, favour simple, intuitive controls over overly complex menus.
Why: Microwave cooking depends on adjusting power and time sensibly. Clear controls make better results more likely and reduce user error.
- 6
Look at cleaning, durability and daily usability
Check whether the interior is easy to wipe clean, whether the turntable and supports are easy to remove, and whether the door handle or push button feels sturdy. Consider noise, interior lighting, child lock, reminder beeps and whether fingerprints show badly on the finish.
Why: Small usability details affect satisfaction every day, often more than extra cooking modes.
- 7
Review energy use, support and warranty information
Read the official product information and manual for standby behaviour, care instructions, approved cookware guidance and warranty terms. Check that spare parts, service support and manuals are easy to find from the manufacturer.
Why: Support and documentation matter if something goes wrong or if you need installation and operating guidance later.
- 8
Shortlist and compare against your real needs
Compare a few suitable models side by side using the same criteria: type, fit, internal layout, controls, cleaning, features, warranty and support. Eliminate anything with unnecessary complexity, awkward dimensions or poor manual clarity.
Why: A structured comparison helps you choose on practical value rather than marketing claims.
Why this works
A microwave is used frequently and in a confined kitchen space, so the best choice balances cooking function, physical fit, ease of use and maintainability. Starting with your real tasks and available space prevents common buying mistakes such as choosing by appearance alone or assuming all similarly sized microwaves perform the same way.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing by external size or quoted capacity without checking whether your usual plates and containers fit inside
- Buying a combination model when you only need reheating and defrosting
- Ignoring ventilation and clearance instructions in the manufacturer manual
- Assuming a replacement built-in microwave will fit an existing housing without checking dimensions
- Focusing on gimmicky auto menus instead of simple, clear controls
- Forgetting to check whether the door opening suits the kitchen layout
Troubleshooting
You are unsure whether to buy solo, grill or combination
Base the decision on what you cook weekly. If you do not regularly need browning or baking, a solo model is usually the simplest and most practical choice.
The microwave fits the worktop but the kitchen still feels cramped
Check door swing, loading space and rear or side ventilation needs. A physically smaller or differently shaped model may work better than one with similar capacity.
Controls look confusing across many models
Prioritise models with clear labelled buttons or straightforward dials, readable displays and an accessible manual. Skip features you cannot understand at a glance.
You are replacing an integrated microwave
Use the manufacturer’s built-in dimensions and installation guide for the exact model. Do not rely on visual similarity or retailer summaries alone.
Compare your options
Solo microwave
Best for: Reheating, defrosting and straightforward everyday cooking
Pros: Simpler to use, usually easier to clean, fewer features to go wrong
Cons: Does not brown or crisp food like a grill or oven-style function
Grill microwave
Best for: Households wanting reheating plus some browning or finishing
Pros: More versatile than solo, useful for topping and crisping some foods
Cons: More complex, interior can be harder to clean, still not a full substitute for an oven
Combination microwave
Best for: Smaller kitchens or users wanting microwave, grill and oven-style cooking in one appliance
Pros: Most flexible option, can handle a wider range of dishes
Cons: Usually bulkier, more expensive, steeper learning curve
Turntable design
Best for: Standard home use with familiar round dishes
Pros: Common and widely available, simple heating approach
Cons: Large or awkwardly shaped dishes may not rotate well
Flatbed design
Best for: Users with square dishes, larger trays or awkward containers
Pros: More flexible internal floor space, no turntable to remove for cleaning
Cons: May reduce model choice and can be less familiar to compare
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo microwave | Reheating, defrosting and straightforward everyday cooking | Simpler to use, usually easier to clean, fewer features to go wrong | Does not brown or crisp food like a grill or oven-style function |
| Grill microwave | Households wanting reheating plus some browning or finishing | More versatile than solo, useful for topping and crisping some foods | More complex, interior can be harder to clean, still not a full substitute for an oven |
| Combination microwave | Smaller kitchens or users wanting microwave, grill and oven-style cooking in one appliance | Most flexible option, can handle a wider range of dishes | Usually bulkier, more expensive, steeper learning curve |
| Turntable design | Standard home use with familiar round dishes | Common and widely available, simple heating approach | Large or awkwardly shaped dishes may not rotate well |
| Flatbed design | Users with square dishes, larger trays or awkward containers | More flexible internal floor space, no turntable to remove for cleaning | May reduce model choice and can be less familiar to compare |
Alternatives
- A small countertop oven or air fryer if you mainly want browning and crisping rather than microwave heating
- A built-in steam oven or compact oven if you are redesigning a kitchen and want a more integrated cooking setup
- Keeping a basic microwave and using the main oven or grill for occasional finishing tasks
Pro tips
- Take one of your largest dinner plates and a tall mixing bowl measurement when comparing models.
- Read the manual before buying if available; it often reveals whether the controls are sensible and whether installation is straightforward.
- If several age groups will use the microwave, test whether common tasks can be done without needing the manual every time.
- A flat, easy-clean interior can matter more in daily life than extra automatic programmes.
- If you batch-cook or use large lidded containers, prioritise cavity shape and door opening over headline features.
Safety notes
- Follow the manufacturer’s ventilation and installation instructions to reduce overheating risk.
- Use only microwave-safe cookware as stated by the cookware and appliance manufacturer.
- Do not choose an integrated installation unless the model is specifically designed for it.
- If the microwave will be used by children, look for a child lock and make sure users understand safe reheating practices.
- Do not use a damaged microwave with a door that does not shut properly; seek service advice from the manufacturer or an authorised repairer.
Legal & regulatory notes
Electrical appliance safety, plug types, installation rules, recycling and warranty rights vary by country. Follow local product safety requirements and use official recycling routes for waste electrical equipment where required.
What this guide does not cover: This guide helps you choose a microwave oven but does not compare specific brands or models, provide exact dimensions or power figures, or replace the installation instructions for any individual appliance.
Cost considerations
Solo microwaves are generally the least costly to buy and replace, while grill and combination models usually cost more and may be more expensive to repair. A cheaper model that is awkward to clean or too small for your usual dishes can be poor value over time, so weigh purchase cost against usability, support and expected lifespan.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher-power microwave always better?+
Not always. Higher power can heat food faster, but usability depends just as much on even heating, sensible power levels, cavity size and easy controls. Check the manufacturer information and reviews for how the appliance suits your cooking style.
Do I need a combination microwave instead of a normal one?+
Only if you will genuinely use the extra cooking modes. If your main jobs are reheating, defrosting and basic microwave cooking, a solo model is often the more practical choice.
What matters more: litres or turntable size?+
For many households, actual usable space matters more than the quoted capacity figure. Turntable or flatbed layout, cavity shape and door opening often tell you more about whether your dishes will fit.
Can I put a countertop microwave inside a cabinet?+
Only if the manufacturer specifically says it is safe and gives installation guidance for that arrangement. Many countertop models need free airflow around them and are not suitable for enclosed spaces.
Are automatic programmes worth having?+
They can be useful for common tasks, but they are not essential. Clear manual controls for time and power are often more important than a long list of preset options.
Sources & references
Guidance on this page is traced to documented sources. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- US Food and Drug Administration · government
Supports general microwave safety considerations and the importance of using properly functioning appliances with intact doors and seals.
Core buying principles change slowly, but model features, installation guidance and available designs vary regularly by manufacturer.