Question 1

What is the difference between a solo and a combination microwave?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Is 800W enough for a household microwave, or should I go for 1000W?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Can I fit a standard dinner plate in a 20-litre microwave?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Are cheap microwaves from Swan or Daewoo worth buying, or should I avoid them?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What does inverter technology actually do in a microwave?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Do built-in microwaves need professional installation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Which microwave features are actually worth paying for in 2026?

Accepted Answer

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.

Microwaves Price Comparison

Bosch Serie 4 BFL523MB0B microwave Black Solo microwave Built-in 20 L 800 W

Russell Hobbs RHMD714B microwave White Solo microwave Countertop 17 L 700 W

Russell Hobbs RHMD828SS microwave Stainless steel Solo microwave Countertop 20 L 800 W

Toshiba MW3-SAC23SF(MB) microwave Black Combination microwave Countertop 23 L 900 W

Russell Hobbs RHMT2005B microwave Black Solo microwave Countertop 20 L 800 W

Russell Hobbs RHMD832B microwave Black Solo microwave Countertop 20 L 800 W

Bosch Serie 2 FFL020MS2B microwave Black, Stainless steel Solo microwave Countertop 20 L 800 W

Neff NR4WR21G1B microwave Graphite, Grey Solo microwave Built-in 21 L 900 W

Russell Hobbs RHM2044C microwave Cream Solo microwave Countertop 20 L 800 W

Russell Hobbs RHMT2005S-M microwave Silver Solo microwave Countertop 20 L 800 W

Samsung MC32DG7646CKE3 Combi Smart Microwave Oven with Air Fry, 32L

Swan SM22030LBN microwave Black Solo microwave Countertop 20 L 800 W

Swan SM22030LGRN microwave Grey Solo microwave Countertop 20 L 800 W

Microwaves Price Comparison