The microwave is the most under-appreciated appliance in most kitchens — used multiple times a day but rarely replaced until it breaks. Three specs actually matter: wattage (900W heats faster and more evenly than 800W), cavity size (20L suits 1–3 people, 25–27L suits families), and whether you want grill or oven functions.
We've researched the top-rated microwaves on Amazon UK — comparing price, ratings, features and value for money — to give you a clear shortlist for 2026.
Best Overall — Russell Hobbs RHM2076B 20 Litre 800 W Black Digital Solo
The Russell Hobbs RHM2076B delivers solid performance at an excellent price point, making it a dependable choice for everyday microwave needs. With 800W power, a 20-litre capacity, and an impressive 4.6/5 rating from over 21,000 users, it offers genuine value for money without unnecessary frills.
- Excellent value at £89 with strong 4.6/5 rating from 21,146 verified reviews
- Solid 800W power output handles most everyday cooking tasks efficiently
- 20-litre capacity suitable for families and meal prep
- Digital controls provide precise cooking control without complexity
- Entry-level wattage may be slower for defrosting larger items or reheating multiple portions
- Solo microwave with no grill or combination cooking features
- Limited information on preset functions or cooking modes
Best Budget — EMtronics 700W 20 Litre Microwave
The EMtronics 700W microwave offers exceptional value at under £48, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers who need reliable basic heating. With a solid 4.6/5 rating from nearly 500 users, this manual control model proves that you don't need fancy features to get dependable microwave performance for everyday use.
- Extremely affordable at £47.95, making it one of the cheapest options available
- Decent 20-litre capacity suitable for standard meals and household use
- Intuitive manual control dials are simple to operate and reliable long-term
- Strong customer satisfaction with 4.6/5 rating across nearly 500 reviews
- 700W power is on the lower end, meaning slower cooking times for some foods
- No digital display or preset functions limits convenience compared to modern models
- Limited information available about build quality and durability specifics
Best Value — COMFEE' 20L Digital Solo Microwave Oven
The COMFEE' 20L Digital Solo Microwave offers solid value at under £55, delivering reliable everyday performance with a 4.4-star rating from over 1,100 users. While it lacks advanced features like convection or preset menus, it's a no-nonsense choice for basic heating and defrosting tasks in compact kitchens or student accommodation.
- Excellent value at £54.95 - one of the most affordable digital microwaves available
- Compact 20L capacity perfect for small kitchens, flats, or dorm rooms
- 700W power provides adequate heating for most everyday cooking tasks
- Digital controls offer precision timing and temperature selection
- Solo microwave with no convection or grilling capabilities limits cooking versatility
- Limited preset functions compared to mid-range alternatives
- 20L capacity may feel restrictive for larger families or meal prep
Also Great — TOSHIBA 800w 23L Microwave Oven
The Toshiba 800W microwave offers excellent value at under £90, with a spacious 23L capacity and impressive 4.6/5 rating from nearly 9,000 reviews. It's a reliable workhorse for everyday heating and cooking, though it lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or dedicated preset menus.
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio at £87.99
- Generous 23L capacity suitable for families and larger portions
- Strong customer satisfaction with 4.6/5 stars across nearly 9,000 reviews
- Digital display for easy time and power level selection
- No advanced features like sensor cooking or auto-defrost programs
- Limited wattage at 800W may result in longer cooking times compared to higher-power models
- Basic functionality with minimal preset options for convenience cooking
Quick Comparison Table
Here's how the main options compare side by side:
| Model | Price | Rating | Reviews | HGP Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Hobbs RHM2076B 20 Litre 800 W Black Digital Solo | £89 | 4.6/5 | 21,146 | 85/100 |
| EMtronics 700W 20 Litre Microwave | £48 | 4.6/5 | 495 | 85/100 |
| COMFEE' 20L Digital Solo Microwave Oven | £55 | 4.4/5 | 1,133 | 82/100 |
| TOSHIBA 800w 23L Microwave Oven | £88 | 4.6/5 | 8,973 | 84/100 |
| TOSHIBA 20 Liter 800W Digital Solo Small Microwave | £80 | 4.4/5 | 5,704 | 83/100 |
| Samsung MS23K3513AK Solo Microwave Oven | £90 | 4.5/5 | 3,474 | 82/100 |
Microwaves Buying Guide — What to Look For
Here are the specs that actually change what you can cook:
- Wattage: 900W heats more evenly and faster than 800W. For everyday reheating it's noticeable. Inverter models (Panasonic) deliver continuous 900W rather than pulsing on/off — the biggest heating quality upgrade available.
- Capacity: 20L suits 1–3 people. 25L fits a family-sized bowl or covered plate. 27L fits a whole chicken. Most people underestimate how important this is until they try to fit a large dish.
- Solo vs combination: A solo microwave reheats and defrosts. A combination model also grills and bakes — meaning it can genuinely replace a second oven in a compact kitchen.
- Auto-cook programs: Presets for pizza, potato, fish, and vegetables are genuinely useful — press one button and walk away. Budget models often lack these.
- Flatbed vs turntable: Flatbed models (Panasonic) have no carousel to wash and more usable interior space. Most affordable models still use turntables.
Our Final Verdict
For most people, the Russell Hobbs RHM2076B 20 Litre 800 W Black Digital Solo at £89 is the one to buy — the best mix of ratings, reviews and price in our comparison.
If you'd rather spend less, the EMtronics 700W 20 Litre Microwave at £48 is a well-reviewed alternative.