Microwaves: How to buy the best microwave Microwave chooser tool

Which microwave is best for you?

Our interactive guide, below, can help you decide what type of microwave will best suit you. Click on 'Microwave-only', 'Grill microwave' or 'Combination microwave' in the bar below to get started, then click on the 'i' icons to find out more about the features of each - the information will appear in the right-hand panel. 

Once you've decided what type you need, head to our microwave reviews to find out which microwaves are Best Buys. 

Microwave only (solo)

These are basic models and are sometimes known as solo microwaves, or just microwaves. They’re great for heating ready meals and soup and are a good defrosting option when set on low power. Microwave cookbooks tell you that you can cook almost anything with a microwave, but basic models that only use microwave energy won’t brown food. If you’re happy with your oven for most cooking and grilling, but feel the need for speedy cooking every now and then, a solo microwave would be all you need.

Grill microwave

Grill microwaves offer more cooking options and a more authentic cooking experience than cheaper solo microwaves. In addition to being able to heat food and drinks and to defrost with microwave energy, they also feature a grill element above the turntable. Heat from the grill allows you to brown food. And, for cooking more complex dishes, you can cook with a combination of microwave energy and heat from the grill.
Once you know what you’re looking for, visit our microwave, grill microwave and combination microwave reviews to find out which microwaves are Best Buys.

Combination microwave

A grill and the power of a convection (normal) oven means that combination microwaves provide everything that a traditional oven has to offer, with the added benefit that they can cook with microwave energy as well. If you’re looking to stretch the boundaries of microwave cooking, and want to do more than just heating soup and defrosting, a combination microwave would be a good choice. You can bake cakes in a combination microwave, and you’ll be able to cook with the heat sources independently or together.

Once you know what you’re looking for, visit our microwave, grill microwave and combination microwave reviews to find out which microwaves are Best Buys.