Microwaves Price Comparison 2026
Compare 614 microwaves from Bosch, Samsung, Panasonic and more — find the best price across top UK retailers, from compact solo models to built-in combination ovens.
Few kitchen appliances reveal the gap between a considered purchase and an impulse buy quite as clearly as microwaves. At one end of the market, you'll find basic solo countertop models starting from 55 £ — perfectly adequate for reheating leftovers. At the other, premium built-in combination ovens from Bosch or Whirlpool push well past 399 £, offering convection fans, ceramic enamel cavities, and sensor cooking that genuinely replaces a second oven. The question isn't just how much to spend — it's understanding which type you actually need.
The most common mistake we see is buyers conflating solo microwaves with combination models. A solo unit heats via microwave radiation only — it will never brown a gratin or crisp a pizza base, no matter how long you run it. If you want that capability, you need a combination microwave with a grill element and ideally a convection fan. Toshiba, Samsung, and Bosch all offer strong combination options at very different price points, and it's worth comparing them carefully before committing. Our toaster ovens category is also worth a look if you're primarily after baking and browning rather than reheating.
Wattage matters more than most buyers realise. A 700W magnetron takes roughly 40% longer than a 1000W model to complete identical tasks — that's a meaningful difference if you're defrosting chicken at 7am. Most of the well-reviewed countertop models in this catalogue sit at 800W or 900W, which is the practical sweet spot. Swan and Russell Hobbs dominate the budget end with sub-89 £ options, while Panasonic's inverter technology — which delivers consistent power rather than cycling on and off — justifies its mid-range premium for anyone who cooks seriously with a microwave.
Built-in installation is a separate conversation entirely. Bosch leads this segment with an average price around twice the category median, and for good reason: these units require professional fitting, proper ventilation clearances, and a long-term commitment to your kitchen layout. If you're renovating, it's worth budgeting for installation alongside the appliance cost. For everyone else, a quality countertop model from Samsung, Panasonic, or Candy offers excellent value without the complexity. You can compare live prices across Currys, John Lewis, and AO.com for all models listed here — prices shift regularly, particularly around Black Friday and the January sales. Also worth exploring: multi cookers if you want a single appliance to handle multiple cooking methods, or air fryers if crisping and browning are your main priority.
How to Choose the Right Microwave: Type, Power, and Capacity First
With 614 models on the market ranging from 55 £ to 894 £, the microwave category is deceptively complex. Most buyers focus on price and size — but the type of microwave (solo vs. combination) and the wattage of the magnetron will define your daily experience far more than the brand name on the door.
Solo, Grill, or Combination — get this right first
This is the decision that matters most, and it's irreversible once you've bought. A solo microwave heats food using microwave radiation only — ideal for reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking. A grill microwave adds a radiant heating element for browning and crisping. A combination microwave goes further, adding a convection fan that circulates hot air like a conventional oven — you can roast, bake, and brown. Combination models typically sit above 179 £, but they genuinely replace a second oven in smaller kitchens. Don't buy a solo model expecting it to crisp anything — it physically cannot.
Wattage: the spec that determines daily convenience
The magnetron's output power directly controls how quickly and evenly food heats. At 700W, you're looking at noticeably longer cook times and occasional cold spots. 800W is the practical minimum for a household microwave — the majority of countertop models in this range sit here. 900W–1000W is worth prioritising if you defrost regularly or cook from frozen frequently; the time saving compounds across hundreds of uses. Budget models from Swan and Daewoo tend to cap at 700–800W; Panasonic and Toshiba offer 900W+ at mid-range prices.
Cavity capacity: will your dinner plate actually fit?
Standard dinner plates in the UK measure 25–28cm in diameter. A microwave with a 20-litre cavity and a 25cm turntable will accommodate most plates — but only just. If you regularly heat large dishes, casseroles, or family-sized portions, look for 23L or above with a turntable of at least 27cm. The Samsung MS32DG4504ATE3 at 32L is an outlier — genuinely useful for large households. Conversely, if counter space is tight and you mainly reheat mugs and bowls, a 17–20L model is perfectly adequate and considerably cheaper.
Countertop vs. built-in: a kitchen planning decision
Countertop models are plug-and-play, portable, and available from 55 £ upwards. They suit renters, smaller kitchens, and anyone not planning a full renovation. Built-in models integrate into cabinetry for a cleaner look and free up worktop space — but they require professional installation, proper ventilation clearances, and a long-term commitment. Bosch's built-in range averages around £517, and that figure doesn't include fitting costs. Don't buy built-in on impulse; factor in installation before comparing prices.
Interior finish: ceramic enamel vs. painted steel
Most budget microwaves use painted steel interiors, which are functional but prone to staining and harder to clean after splashes. Ceramic enamel — found on mid-range and premium models — is non-porous, scratch-resistant, and wipes clean far more easily. If you use your microwave daily, the cleaning difference is significant over time. Stainless steel interiors look premium but can be harder to maintain. For combination models used for roasting and baking, ceramic enamel is worth the extra cost.
Defrost function: weight-based beats time-based
Almost every microwave includes a defrost setting, but quality varies enormously. Time-based defrost runs at reduced power for a set duration — unreliable for irregular shapes like chicken breasts or mince, where outer layers can start cooking before the centre thaws. Weight-based defrost calculates the programme automatically based on the food's weight, producing far more consistent results. Panasonic's inverter technology takes this further, delivering genuinely continuous low power rather than cycling on and off. If you defrost meat regularly, this spec is worth paying for.
- Budget countertop (From 55 £ to 89 £) : Swan, Daewoo, Russell Hobbs, and Toshiba dominate this segment. You'll find 700–800W solo models with 17–23L cavities and basic digital controls. Perfectly adequate for reheating and occasional defrosting. Don't expect ceramic enamel interiors or weight-based defrost at this price. Best for students, renters, or a secondary kitchen.
- The sweet spot (From 89 £ to 179 £) : This is where the market gets interesting. Beko, Toshiba, and Samsung offer 800–900W combination models with grill functions, digital presets, and better interior finishes. The Toshiba MW3-SAC23SF(MB) at 900W with combination cooking is a standout value proposition here. Suitable for most households who want more than basic reheating.
- Mid-range and built-in (From 179 £ to 399 £) : Panasonic, Samsung's smarter models (including air fry combination), CDA built-in units, and entry-level Bosch built-ins occupy this band. Inverter technology, sensor cooking, and larger cavities become standard. The Samsung MC32DG7646CKE3 with air fry at 32L is a compelling option. Built-in countertop models from Beko and CDA also appear here.
- Premium and professional built-in (Over 399 £) : Bosch, Whirlpool, and Hotpoint's top-tier built-in combination ovens. Expect 44L cavities, 900W+ power, ceramic enamel interiors, and seamless kitchen integration. The Bosch CMA583MB0B at 44L with combination cooking is the category benchmark. Genuinely replaces a second oven — but factor in professional installation costs on top of the appliance price.
Top products
- Swan 800W Digital Microwave (Swan) : The most-compared model in the category and the best-value entry point for basic reheating — but don't expect more than that. 800W is decent, yet the painted steel interior and time-based defrost show where corners have been cut.
- Toshiba MW3-SAC23SF(MB) microwave Black Combination microwave Countertop 23 L 900 W (Toshiba) : The standout value pick in the combination segment — 900W, 23L, grill and convection in one unit at a mid-range price. Excellent for households who want browning capability without spending on a premium brand.
- Samsung MC32DG7646CKE3 Combi Smart Microwave Oven with Air Fry, 32L (Samsung) : A genuinely versatile appliance — 32L cavity, air fry function, and smart connectivity make this one of the most capable countertop models available. Worth it if you want to reduce the number of appliances on your worktop; overkill if you just reheat.
- Bosch Serie 2 FEL023MS2B microwave Black, Stainless steel Combination microwave Countertop 20 L 800 W (Bosch) : Bosch build quality at a relatively accessible price point for the brand. The 20L cavity is on the small side for a combination model, and 800W is modest — but the finish and reliability are hard to fault. Best suited to smaller households wanting a premium feel.
- Bosch CMA583MB0B microwave Combination microwave Built-in 44 L 900 W (Bosch) : The category benchmark for built-in combination microwaves — 44L cavity, 900W, and Bosch's premium finish. Genuinely replaces a second oven. The price is high and installation adds further cost, but for a full kitchen renovation this is the model to beat.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a solo and a combination microwave?
A solo microwave heats food using microwave radiation only and cannot brown or crisp — it's limited to reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking. A combination microwave adds a grill element and often a convection fan, enabling browning, crisping, and even baking. If you want to finish a gratin, crisp bacon, or roast a small chicken, you need a combination model. Solo microwaves are cheaper and simpler, but buyers frequently regret not upgrading when they realise the limitation.
Is 800W enough for a household microwave, or should I go for 1000W?
800W is sufficient for most everyday tasks — reheating meals, cooking vegetables, and defrosting smaller items. However, 900W–1000W makes a noticeable difference for defrosting larger cuts of meat, cooking from frozen, or heating dense dishes like lasagne. The time saving is roughly 20–30% compared to 800W, which adds up significantly over daily use. If your budget stretches to a 900W model, it's worth the upgrade.
Can I fit a standard dinner plate in a 20-litre microwave?
It depends on the turntable diameter, not just the cavity volume. A 20-litre microwave with a 25cm turntable will fit most standard dinner plates (25–27cm), but only just — and larger plates or oval dishes may not rotate freely. If you regularly heat full dinner plates or large bowls, look for a model with a 27cm or 32cm turntable. Always check the turntable specification, not just the litre capacity.
Are cheap microwaves from Swan or Daewoo worth buying, or should I avoid them?
They're worth buying if your needs are genuinely basic — reheating coffee, defrosting bread, warming soup. Swan and Daewoo offer reliable 700–800W solo models at very competitive prices, and for light use they're perfectly adequate. Where they fall short is defrost quality (time-based only), interior durability (painted steel), and longevity under heavy daily use. If you cook with your microwave rather than just reheat with it, spending more on a Panasonic or Samsung will pay off over time.
What does inverter technology actually do in a microwave?
Inverter technology delivers continuous microwave power at reduced levels, rather than cycling the magnetron on and off at full power. Standard microwaves set to 50% power actually run at 100% for half the time — which can overcook edges whilst leaving centres cold. Inverter models (Panasonic is the best-known example) maintain genuinely consistent low power throughout, producing more even results for delicate tasks like defrosting fish or softening butter. It's a meaningful upgrade for anyone who uses the microwave for actual cooking.
Do built-in microwaves need professional installation?
Yes — built-in microwaves require professional installation in almost all cases. They must be fitted into cabinetry with precise ventilation clearances, and incorrect installation can restrict airflow, overheat the unit, and void the manufacturer's warranty. Budget for installation costs on top of the appliance price when comparing built-in models. Bosch and Hotpoint's built-in ranges are excellent, but the total cost of ownership is significantly higher than a countertop equivalent.
Which microwave features are actually worth paying for in 2026?
Three features genuinely justify a higher price: inverter power supply (for consistent, even heating), weight-based auto-defrost (far more reliable than time-based), and a ceramic enamel interior (dramatically easier to clean over years of use). Sensor cooking is useful but not essential. Smart connectivity and app control, on the other hand, add cost without meaningful benefit for most users — we'd skip those and put the budget towards wattage or cavity size instead.