Category: Microwave Tips

We’re part of the Amazon Associates Program which means we may get a small fee if you buy from one of our links – this does not affect how much you pay for the product. Thank you if you buy through our links – we really appreciate it.

How much clearance does a countertop microwave oven need? The minimum clearance above a countertop microwave can typically range between 13cm/15cm – 30cm. However, the correct answer really depends the specific model and manufacturer; you can usually find the answer in the instruction manual that came with the microwave. Oh you don’t have it anymore I hear you say; well in that case you are in luck. Most manufacturers will post their instruction manuals online in PDF format.

As well as the clearance above the microwave, you also need to be mindful of the fact that the sides of the microwave and in some cases the back as well will need space to breathe. This is particularly true of the side with the vent. Once again the manufacturer’s instructions should steer you down the right path in this area.

How Much Clearance Does A Countertop Microwave Oven Need?

Best Microwaves Which Need 13cm Clearance

Sharp R959SLMAA

If you’re looking for a high capacity microwave with excellent features that’s easy to use then the brilliant Sharp R959SLMAA is a great bet.

Microwaves don’t really come much bigger in terms of cooking capacity than what the Sharp R959SLMAA offers. Its extra large 40 litre capacity means you can easily cater to the needs of your household and make large dishes with no trouble.

In addition the large size means it can take large dinner plates with no problem. It’s easy to see why it’s been chosen as our best microwave for family of 5.

This awesome machine is a combination microwave, oven and grill all in one brilliant device. This will give you lots of versatility in your cooking.

Read the full review of the Sharp R959SLMAA here.

Best Microwaves Which Need 15cm Clearance

Below we’ve taken a look at some of the best microwaves we’ve come across that only need 15cm clearance.

Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ

Cooks quickly and evenly? Check. Looks great? Check. Is easy to use? Double-Check? Sings lullabies? I don’t think so but I can ask?

As you would expect from one of the best (and in many estimations the best) microwave manufacturers in the world, the Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ delivers on all fronts. You get a highly effective solo microwave for your cooking and reheating needs, it looks brilliant and is well built.

Read the full review of the Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ here.

Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ

If you’re after a high grade solo microwave that will not only heat your food but eliminate the hunt for cold spots and be super-easy to clean (who isn’t?), then the Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ is a model you to pay close attention to.

Read the full review of the Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ here.

Best Microwaves Which Need 30cm Clearance

We’ve taken a look at some of the best microwaves we’ve come across that need at least 30cm clearance above the countertop unit below.

Bosch HMT75M451B

 The Bosch HMT75M451B is an excellent solo microwave. It does what a microwave should do excellently giving you a quick and easy way to cook your food exactly the way you need it. This is a great choice if you are after excellent durability in a compact design.

Read the full review for the Bosch HMT75M451B here.

Russell Hobbs RHM2064C

There are some products that come define an entire category and the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C Heritage digital microwave is one of those. This microwave does its job in an excellent fashion and with little fuss.

The Russell Hobbs RHM2064C looks and feels like it has been designed with style, ease of use, and functionality.

Read the full review of the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C here.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments. How Much Clearance Does A Countertop Microwave oven Need?

How to bake a potato in the microwave? As with most things in the microwave, it’s pretty straightforward. Potatoes are one of those foods that seem to be particularly well suited to being cooked in a microwave.

Indeed once you’ve figured out how to bake a potato in the microwave you may find yourself opting for this method rather than the oven a lot more frequently than you otherwise would. This is mostly because when it comes to a baked (jacket potato – i.e. potato with the skin left on) it can be genuinely difficult to tell whether it’s been done in the microwave or in a conventional oven in terms of taste.

How To Bake a Potato In The Microwave

So let’s get to work on how to bake a potato in the microwave.

Firstly let’s quickly cover what you’ll need in terms of ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1x Potato
• Your choice of seasoning
  • Pepper
  • Salt
  • Grated Cheese

Method

1. As with any cooking method, the first thing you want to do with your potato is make sure it is clean. So give it a good wash and scrub it down.
2. After cleaning, be sure to dry it well – this will help to avoid it steaming up too much in the microwave.
3. Next you’ll want to poke the potato with a fork.
4. Place it on a microwave safe open dish and place in the microwave on high power for 5 minutes.
5. At this stage you may want to turn over the potato. Be careful when opening the door and dealing with the potato as it will be very hot. Use some microwave safe tongs or wooden cooking spoon to turn it over. If you need to remove the dish from the microwave, be sure to use suitable oven gloves.
6. Microwave for another two minutes and then check to see if it is soft enough in the middle. You’ll know if it is soft enough as the middle should be piereced quite easily with a fork or knife. Be sure to use suitable goven gloves when removing the microwave safe dish out of of the microwave.
7. If you find it is not soft enough, pop it back in the microwave for another 45 seconds to 1 minute at a time until it is soft enough for your liking. Be sure to use suitable goven gloves when removing the microwave safe dish out of of the microwave.
8. Once you are happy with it, leave it to rest and cool down. You can then split it down the middle and add your choice of toppings e.g. salt, pepper, grated cheese or butter. Be sure to use suitable goven gloves when removing the microwave safe dish out of of the microwave.

More Than One

The great thing with the steps above for how to bake a potato in the microwave, is that you can use the same method whether making one or more potatoes in the microwave.

You’ll just find that it will take longer of course to bake them as you need to in the microwave.

Baked Feel

One thing you may of course notice is that when it comes to potatoes baked in the microwave, they will not have that crispy and golden brown feel you’ll get from a conventional oven. If you want that golden brown look then you’ll need you oven handy for that.

One method that could still work well for you especially if you are in a rush but still want the traditional oven look is to cook your potatoes in the microwave and then finish them off in the oven or grill. This works particularly well if you split them after they’re cooked and then add your favourite toppings like grated cheese and paprika over the top and then place them in the grill or oven for a few minutes.

With this method, you get the convenience of the microwave but the look and feel of an oven made potato dish.

Poke Them Well

It may seem odd, but poking your potato before putting it into the microwave does help to make sure it cooks as you want it. It will allow steam buidling up inside the potato to escape during cooking. It also helps to avoid the potato popping in the microwave and leaving your appliance in very messy state.

Poke the potato all around with a fork for the best results.

Let Your Toppings Do The Talking

Just because your potato has been conveniently and quickly baked in the microwave, doesn’t mean its flavour has to be lacking. One of the best ways to jazz things up with a baked potato is to let loose with your favourite toppings. These could be:

• Grated cheese (cheddar works well)
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Chilli
• Crispy bacon or pancetta

What Are The Best Potatoes For Jacket Potatoes?

What are the best potatoes for jacket potatoes? The best types of potatoes for jacket potatoes are usually those labelled as “baking potatoes”. These tend to be reasonably sized and come with a floury but moist like texture. In terms of specific types King Edward and Desiree potatoes are said to work quite well for baked potatoes.

These days there are no shortage of high quality microwaves that are well priced. Indeed it’s quite common to find very good microwaves for under £100.

As microwaves have been around for decades and there’s plenty of competition amongst brands, you no longer have to spend the earth to find great qualty microwaves.

That’s why in this article we are going to take a look at the top 5 options for the best microwave for under £100.

Best Microwave For Under £100: Top 5 Options

1: Russell Hobbs RHM2076S Turbo Lite Digital Solo Microwave

When it comes to producing highly user rated microwaves, that look great and come under £100, Russell Hobbs seem to have it nailed. This is definitely the case for our number #1 pick for best microwave for under £100 – the Russell Hobbs RHM2076S Turbo Lite Digital microwave.

The Russell Hobbs RHM2076S solo microwave has several great features which deliver what you need from a microwave. It is rated at 800watts of cooking power which should give you plenty of power for getting the job done. It also comes with 5 different power levels giving you a good range of options for getting the food the way you need it.

Another useful feature is the auto-cook menus which will let you select a range of foods that can be cooked based on pre-determined criteria. This feature is equipped with 8 different food categories including fish meat and pasta. The microwave will automatically calculate the cooking time based on the weight and type of food helping to remove the guesswork for you.

As you’ll quickly note, the Russell Hobbs RHM2076S looks sleek and users have noted how it looks way more expensive than it is and we’d have to agree.

The Russell Hobbs RHM2076S comes bearing a 20litre capacity which is a typical size for microwaves. However, it’s worth noting that one of the most commonly cited drawbacks of this model from user reviews is that they feel it is smaller than they had hoped. Be sure to closely check the product dimensions prior to purchase to make sure it is suitable for you.

Additionally some users note that the door tends to pick up finger smudges quite easily though it must be said this is a common theme in microwaves with this type of mirror door finish.

Overall, the Russell Hobbs RHM2076S solo microwave offers excellent value for money for a unit that is very highly rated by users. If the sizing works for you then this is a great option for the best microwave for under £100.

2: SHARP YC-MS01U-B 800W Solo Microwave

When it comes to microwaves there are no older and more reliable names than Sharp who invented the first microwave with a turntable in the 1960s.

The Sharp YC-MS01U-B solo microwave continues that rich tradition providing a very highly rated microwave that’s a solid contender for best microwave for under £100.

The Sharp YC-MS01U-B is a sleek and solid offering. Offering up to 800 watts of cooking power it comes with 5 different power levels to give you a great range of options.

Quite helpfully it also has a defrost function.

One of the things that really stands out from user reviews of the Sharp YC-MS01U-B is how easy it is to use. And indeed when you study the user interface you can see why; just two manual dials for selecting the power and the time make it quite straightforward to use.

The Sharp YC-MS01U-B also comes with a 35 minute cooking time which could prove to be useful when the need arises.

With a 20litre capacity the Sharp YC-MS01U-B solo microwave provides a good level of cooking capacity though be sure to check the dimensions properly prior to purchase to make sure it will suit your needs.

The handle-less design of the Sharp YC-MS01U-B gives it a real sleek appearance. However, this is a feature that some users have not appreciated as they state it can make it difficult to open the door as you need to push quite firmly on it.

All in all the Sharp YC-MS01U-B is good solid option based on user reviews if you need a microwave that will do the job of heating and cooking your everyday foods with no unnecessary bells in whistles. Despite the user complaints of the door opening being difficult to operate in some instances, it’s still a great contender for best microwave for under £100.

3: Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU Solo Microwave

Samsung maintain their tradition of slick and well designed appliances with the Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU solo microwave which makes it on to the list of options for the best microwave for under £100.

As you would expect with Samsung product, it looks great from the outset with its black exterior and sleek silver door handle. Whichever way you look at it, you can’t help but get the feeling of a luxury product which is all the better as (at the current time of writing) it falls within the category of best microwave under £100.

Though one of the more expensive options in the best under £100 category, it has some unique features which help to set it apart in addition to its brilliant design.

First off is its ceramic enamel interior which aside from giving it a solid yet polished feel has a range of benefits. Chief among them is the fact that it makes the interior more stain and scratch resistant – perfect if you’re going to be making use of your microwave daily.

The other feature worthy of noting is Samsung’s stated triple distribution system which disperses microwaves from 3 different points within the cavity of the microwave rather than 1. This is supposed to produce more evenly cooked results and reduce the chances of cold spots in the food.

Another unique feature which some users have noted as being helpful is the deodiriser which will help to keep strong ordours away.

The Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU solo microwave also comes with a power defrost feature which helps with defrosting food quickly.

Something that may come in handy if you heat up or cook the same meal quite regularly is a memorisation function which will remember the cooking settings for your favourite meals.

If you’re particularly concerned with power consumption, this unit comes with an Eco mode designed to reduce consumption of power whilst on standby.

At 23litres the Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU solo microwave also offers a bit more capacity than some of the other options on the list. Though as ever be sure to check the dimensions before purchasing as some users have reported thinking it smaller than they expected.

Based on user reviews however, the main consistent disadvantage appears to be the shade of the door which means you can’t see your food inside. In addition, some users report issues with the internal light. A few reviews also make note of the machine revving up when opening the door.

Overall, the Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU solo microwave is one that has received a lot of high quality reviews from users. It offers a slick design alongside some unique and useful features. There are some noted drawbacks from users which you should take into account when considering for yourself however, all in all it is worth a look in the best microwave under £100 category.

4 – Sharp YC-MS02U-S Digital Solo Microwave

The SHARP YC-MS02U-S is another smart offering from Sharp that makes it on to the list of the best microwave for under £100.

With a smart silver and black exterior the SHARP YC-MS02U-S solo microwave offers plenty of useful features and comes with good reviews from users.

Equipped with up to 800W of microwave power and 11 different power levels, the SHARP YC-MS02U-S should offer plenty of versatility in your cooking and heating range.

Quite helpfully the unit is equipped with 8 cooking programes that cover a range of dishes including potatoes and pizza.

The handle-less door adds to the sense of a modern design whilst a digital LED display doubles as a kitchen timer or clock.

The control panel is described as a digital touch control panel though it should be noted that some users state you need to push down firmly to operate them. The point being do not expect the touch experience you get from a smartphone or tablet for example.

At a 20litre capacity the SHARP YC-MS02U-S would probably be well suited to a small household. As ever be sure to check the actual sizes and dimensions before purchasing to ensure they are suitable for your needs.

As with any product there are some drawbacks though the only one that really seems to stand out refers to user complaints of the touch buttons being hard to push though this does not appear to be a universal issue based on reviews.

All in all the SHARP YC-MS02U-S looks to offer a highly rated, solid option for the best microwave for under £100. With this unit, you get good value for money from a brand with a long-history of making microwaves.

5: Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S Easi Flatbed Microwave

Coming in at number 5 is the Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S Easi Flatbed digital microwave. This is the only flatbed microwave on the list and it just about sneaks in to the best microwave for under £100 as you are likely to get it for just under or around £100 so we thought it worth mentioning.

Flatbed microwaves, unlike the turntable type in position 1 to 4, do not have a spinning plate in the middle. These microwaves without a plate are termed flatbeds and have some key benefits. One of the most significant being the fact you can get larger dishes into a similar sized microwave than you could with a turntable style microwave. They can also be easier to clean especially with spills as some users have noted. Indeed the ease of use is something that gets mentioned time and again in user reviews.

The Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S Easi Flatbed really does focus on keeping things as easy as possible. With only 4 buttons to operate the microwave, it’s certainly the simplest microwave design we have come across.

The 4 buttons mean you can microwave, defrost, start and stop/cancel a cycle. It does away with any unnecassirly complicated auto cook options or power levels. This is great as the reality is most people who use microwaves only ever use them on one power setting.

The Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S Easi Flatbed is equipped with an internal diamond cavity like structure which is stated should improve the distribution of the microwaves. This should then result in more evenly cooked food.

In terms of drawbacks the most persistently noted one appears to be the internal light which can sometimes fail and seems difficult to rectify. Though they also note it doesn’t impact the operation of the microwave, it’s still something to consider.

Overall, the Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S Easi Flatbed microwave offers a great way into flatbed microwaves at a good price point. Flatbed microwaves have several benefits over traditional models and tend to be more expensive. However, the Russell Hobbs RHEM2301S Easi Flatbed appears to offer good value for money alongside some high ratings from users.

There are no shortages of features in microwaves but one of the most notable are microwaves with ceramic interior.

Below we’ll take a look at what is ceramic enamel in microwaves as well as some of the benefits of this type of coating. Lastly we’ll consider some of the best microwaves with ceramic interior.

What Is Ceramic Enamel in Microwaves?

Ceramic enamel in microwaves refers to microwaves that are lined with a hard smooth enamel coating.

Advantages of Microwaves With Ceramic Interior

Here are some of the main advantages of microwaves with ceramic interior.

Easy To Clean

One of the main advantages of ceranmic enamel coating in microwaves is that they are easy to clean. The hard but smooth surface makes them quite straightforward to wipe down with a damp cloth.

A major reason for this is that they are very smooth surfaces. This kind of property would clearly be very helpful in a microwave which is likely to see a lot of splatter and spillages from foods.

Scratch Resistance

Another major property which makes microwaves with ceramic interior attractive is the fact they tend to be highly highly scratch resistant.

This makes them attractive as a coacting for microwaves as they tend to see a lot of action which could cause them damage.

It Looks Good

Ceramic enamel interior microwaves may also be preferred to stainless steel for example because they may look better.

As they are smooth and more scratch as well as stain resistant this may result in them looking more attractive over a longer period which is appealing to both users and manufacturers.

Microwaves With Ceramic Interior

Let’s take a look at some of the best microwaves with ceramic interior.

1 – Toshiba MV-AM20T(BK) Microwave Oven With Ceramic Interior

When it comes to microwaves with ceramic interior, the Toshiba MV-AM20T(BK) offers a slick and highly user rated choice. This makes the microwave far easier to clean as well as more scratch resistant than other types of surfaces. It also means that the coating suffers less from staining.

The Toshiba MV-AM20T(BK) offers some great features. With 800W of power you get good cooking range as well as 5 power levels. In addition, you get a 20 litre capacity which typically provides good capacity for smaller households.

Quite helpfully you get 12 different auto programmes to cook your favourite types of foods including pizza, potatoes and popocorn. The Toshiba MV-AM20T(BK) also comes with multi-stage cooking allowing you to run multiple cooking programmes e.g. deforst and then cook.

In terms of drawbacks there are a few notable ones from user reviews. One of the most common ones seems to be users struggling to read the writing on the buttons on the control panel. In addition some users have noted pools of condensation after use. Lastly though it is advertised as 850W some users state this is actually 800W and this is backed up by the user manual so be sure to double check your needs.

All in all the Toshiba MV-AM20T(BK) offers a great option if you need a microwave with a ceramic enamel interior that’s comfortably under £100.

2 – Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU Solo Microwave With Ceramic Enamel

Samsung being Samsung even their microwaves look they were made for a high-end superhero movie. As far as microwaves with ceramic interior go, this wonderfully named Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU solo microwave is a great shout.

The ceramic enamel interior gives it a slick and smooth finish which is highly scratch resistant and very easy to clean. Indeed the benefits of the ceramic enamel interior is one of the most notable features that comes up time and again. Users seem to very much appreciate being able to clean it down with a simple damp cloth.

As well as the ceramic enamel interior, users seem to like the way the Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU microwave goes about its job often noting that food is cooked evenly throughout. This is likely helped by Samsung’s triple distribution heating system which emits microwaves from 3 seperate points rather than the standard 1, resulting in better cooked food and the elimination of random cold pots.

A unique deoorising system helps to get rid of odours which is a welcome addition to the microwave given the amount of use most will get.

Another not often seen feature is a memory function which will allow you to log your favourite cooking power and time for the dishes you cook most often.

One of the few drawbacks of what are otherwise glowing recommendations from users is the view that food can be hard to see through the microwave door. This is also not helped in instances where users complain of issues with the internal light. In addition some users make note that the microwave briefly comes on as you open the door.

Overall, the Samsung MS23F301TAK/EU offers a great high quality choice if you want a microwave with ceramic enamel interior.

3 – Sharp YC-MG81U-S Digital Touch Control Microwave – Combination Microwave With Ceramic Enamel

★★★★★

The Sharp YC-MG81U-S offers a great option if you want a combination microwave with ceramic interior as it also has a grill function.

The ceramic enamel coating offers a highly scratch resistant internal surface which is easy to clean as well as looking quite attractive. Indeed this is something that is often noted in glowing user reviews.

The Sharp YC-MG81U-S is equipped with an 900W microwave and 1100W grill which can be run as (a) microwave only (b) grill only and (c) microwave & grill.

The microwaves comes with 11 different power levels offering you a great range of flexibility with the 900W of power. There’s also 8 auto cook programmes for a range of foods such as potatoes and frozen vegetables.

At 28 litres the Sharp YC-MG81U-S offers excellent capacity that would suit larger households more than the other models on this list. The turntable is an ample 31.5cm meaning it can also take larger sized plates than the other models.

In terms of drawbacks, what seems to stand out from critical user reviews is issues with the display after some use though it must be noted this does not appear to be a universal issue. In addition, some users have highlighted their irritation at the beeping which can continue every few minutes after a time sequence is done.

Overall, the Sharp YC-MG81U-S may offer a good option if you need a microwave and grill combination at a reasonable price.

---

Microwaves With Ceramic Interior: Tell Us What You Think

Combination microwaves have become more common place in recent times. A number of different brands offer combination microwaves at various prices points. If you’ve never come across them know you may be wondering; what are combination microwaves? You may also be thinking – are combination microwaves any good?

Below we’ll try to answer these questions by looking at:

• What are combination microwaves?
• Are combination microwaves any good?
  • Pros
  • Cons
• Best Combination Microwaves

What Are Combination Microwaves?

Combination microwaves are those that combine a mixture of different functions into one machine which can include a microwave, grill and oven. There are a range of different types of combination microwaves most commonly:

• Microwave and Grill
• Microwave and Oven
• Microvave, Grill and Oven

Are Combination Microwaves Any Good?

Now we know what combination microwaves are, we need to address another important question – are combination microwaves any good?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of combination microwaves to help us address that question.

Pros

Multiple Functions In One Machine

Clearly the best part of the combination microwaves is that they provide multiple appliances all in one machine. Rather than having to buy a separate microwave, grill and oven you can get them all in the one package.

This could save you potentially if you opt to rely on the combination microwave for all 3 appliances.

Even if you still have a separate oven, a combination microwave can be a great option if you only want to reheat thinsg quickly but also get them brown without having to switch your main oven on.

Could Save You Space and Energy In Your Kitchen

As combination microwaves can have up to 3 appliances in 1, you potentially save space in your kitchen.

With just one unit which can serve 3 different purposes you have the potential to save on the footprint taken up in your kitchen.

In addition, you could also end up saving on energy consumption by using the one appliance for multiple tasks rather than also relying on a conventional grill/oven especially for quick small jobs e.g. grilled cheese sandwiches.

Flexibility In Your Cooking

Another great benefit of combination microwaves is that they give you more flexibility when you are cooking and reheating your food.

This could come in especially handy when you need to cook a meal that has multiple phases e.g. boil potatoes and then roast them before crisping them in a grill. You could potentially do all 3 in one appliance rather than having to switch between the cooker, oven and potentially grill.

This flexibility makes combination microwaves a popular choice for kitchens and homes with limited space and those people who are short on time but want more than just a heated microwave meal.

Cons

Can Be More Expensive

As combination microwaves have more functions, they typically tend to be more expensive than their solo counterparts.

Though this is to be expected it’s still worth considering.

Not As Much Choice

Another minus point on the sheet for combination microwaves is the fact that it can be hard to find ones that are as highly rated by users as their solo counterparts. It doesn’t mean there aren’t some highly rated models out there (see list below) but it simply means, at least from what we can see, there are fewer options than there are for solo microwaves.

This is particularly the case when it comes to flatbed options.

So, are combination microwaves any good? Overall though there are both pros and cons of combination microwaves, there’s nothing to suggest that they can’t be very good. It really comes down to the model you go for and what you actually want and need from a microwave.

What’s The Best Combination Microwave?

Let’s take a look at what’s the best combination microwave and see which ones come into contention.

1 – Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) Microwave and Grill

Type	Microwave + Grill Combination
Power	Microwave – 850 – 900W; Grill – 1050W
Capacity	23 Litre

First on the list is the Toshiba Microwave Oven MW2-AG23PF(BK) microwave and grill which provides great value for money as well as being highlighted rated by users.

It comes as a combination of microwave and grill allowing you to cook and heat your food then finish it off in the 1050W grill for a crispy look. The microwave itself is rated at 850 – 900W of power which should allow you to get through most dishes efficiently.

At 23 litres you’ll have some good capacity to take care of your cooking needs though be sure to check the overall dimensions carefully prior to purhcase to make sure it will suit your needs. Some users have noted it was smaller than they thought so it is something to bear in mind.

The Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) microwave and grill also comes with a unique turntable memory-position which returns your turntable to the position it was in when you started the cycle. This is aimed at helping with taking things out of the microwave safely.

2 – Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave 

Type	Microwave + Grill Combination
Power	Microwave – 1000W; Grill – 1300W; Oven – 100 – 220°C
Capacity	27 Litre

There are few names that are deemed as reliable as Panasonic when it comes to microwaves. The Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave helps to live up to that billing offering a unit that comes very highly rated by users with lots of useful features.

The Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ combination microwave comes with a triple header of inverter microwave, convection oven and a quartz grill.

The Panasonic inverter technology is designed so that rather than the microwave power intermittingly going on and off as most microwaves do, it remains consistent throughout a cycle resulting in more evenly cooked food. This also comes in handy when it comes to defrosting food in an even and consistent manner.

The unit is equipped with a 1000 watts microwave backed up by a 1300W Quartz grill and a fan assisted convection oven ranging from 100 – 220°C. The microwave benefits from 6 different power levels giving you a good range of options whilst the grill has 3 different power settings.

In all there are a whopping 29 different auto programs to help you get the best of your food.

At 27litres you’ll have plenty of space to cook your meals. The turntable diameter is also an ample 34cm which should help with getting larger dishes in.

In addition, the clever design of the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline combination microwave means you’ll have more counterspace than you would typically get with other microwaves of a similar capacity. This is because unlike most fan assisted microwave ovens which have the fan at the back, the Slimline has the fan at the top saving counterspace and also opening up space internally for you to fit in otheriwse awkward dishes.

Conclusion: What Are Combination Microwaves?

So, what are combination microwaves? We’ve now hopefully helped to clarify what combination microwaves are, whether they are any good and some of the best options you have.

---

What Are Combination Microwaves: Tell Us What You Think.

With so many fancy microwaves available these days with all singing and dancing features, you can be forgiven for yearning for those simple microwaves with dial controls. There’s something wonderful about microwaves with rotary dial controls and how easy they can make your life.

Below we are going to take a look at some of the best options available for microwaves with dial controls.

Note: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect how much you pay for the product.

Microwaves With Dial Controls

1 – Daewoo KOR6M27R Manual Control Microwave

★★★★★

Dial Controls	Yes
Power	800W
Type	Solo Microwave
Capacity	20 Litre
Power Levels	7
Colours Available	White; Silver; Black

The Daewoo KOR6M27R Manual Control Microwave is one of the most highly rated microwaves with dial controls around. As well as offering wonderful simplicity in its operation it also delivers consistent performance at an affordable price based on user reviews.

The ease of use and good performance of the Daewoo KOR6M27R manual control microwave are things that really do stand out from user reviews.

With 800W of cooking power you should be able to get through your needs efficiently and with 7 different power settings including defrost, you’ll have a range of options at the turn of the dial.

Next you’ll have a timer that can go up to 35 minutes which should hopefully suit your needs when it comes to heating and cooking your favourite foods. Setting the timer couldn’t be any simpler either as it is based on the turn of the second rotary dial control.

Daewoo’s stated Concave Reflex System works to try to ensure that the microwaves are more evenly distributed within the cavity aiming to cook food more evenly.

With a 20 litre capacity this microwave would work well in smaller households.

Amongst what is fairly universal high praise from users, one thing to note is that the size may be smaller than some expect. As such it is a good idea to double-check the dimensions before you purchase to make sure you get what you need.

Overall this is a perfect option for someone looking for microwaves with dial controls that will deliver consistent results with no frills. It is a basic option and one that delivers on what it needs to; heating and cooking your everyday foods.

2 – Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) Micorwave and Grill With Dials

★★★★★

Dial Controls	Yes plus 2 buttons
Power	850 – 900W
Type	Combination; microwave & grill
Capacity	23 Litre
Power Levels	5
Colours Available	Black

If you need a microwave with dial controls that looks more than just a basic microwave then the Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) may be a good fit for you. If you need a microwave with dials that also has a grill function then this is most definitely one you need to pay attention to.

The Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) is a 850 – 900W microwave with dial controls and a grill function rated at 1000 – 1050W. It combines the speed and efficiency of a microwave with the browninig and crisping action of a grill to give you a flexible combination cooking.

This slick looking microwave comes with two rotary dial controls as well as two simple buttons for stop/cancel and start/+30 seconds. One dial is for choosing the various functions available whilst the other lets you set various parameters including the time.

The Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) comes equipped with 5 power levels to give some flexibility when cooking as well as 8 auto programmes for making your favourite foods such as pizza, pasta and fish. There’s also a handy speedy cooking function that will let you cook foods at 100% power for increments of 30 seconds up to a total of 95 minutes. This can be quite useful when you consider most people only ever use their microwave for reheating foods.

Defrost functions by weight and time are also included. For added peace of mind in your home should you need it, the Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) also comes with a child safety lock function.

The Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) comes with a 23 litre capacity – be sure to check the dimensions to ensure they fit your needs.

Users seem to be generally happy with the Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) based on reviews with some noting how effective the grill feature is.

One area that does let down the Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) is just how poorly laid out the instruction manual is. This is particularly important for microwaves with dial controls because you are often reliant on just the symbols to tell you what the options are. However, as some users note there are a number of symbols displayed around the dials that are not defined in the instruction manual.

In summary, the Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) offers a great choice if you are searching for microwaves with dial controls that also feature a grill option. It offers combination cooking from a strong brand at a good price.

3 – Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B Flatbed Microwave With Dial Controls

★★★★★

Dial Controls	Yes plus 2 buttons
Power	700W
Type	Solo Microwave
Capacity	19 Litre
Power Levels	5
Colours Available	Black

If you want the awesome benefits of a flatbed microwave but the simplicity that typically comes with microwaves with dial controls, then the Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B flatbed microwave may be your best bet.

The Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B is a highly user rated microwave in its on right but if you specifically want dial controls and a flatbed design then this could be a real winner.

This unit has two dials with two buttons at the bottom for stop/cancel and start/+30 secs/confirm. This configuration makes it very easy to use as many buyers have commented on.

The first dial allows you to select the power setting you need whilst the second has options for the timer, weight and auto menu of which there are 8 options.

This flatbed microwave comes with 700W of power in addition to 5 different power levels. The internal design of the microwave is termed as a diamond cavity structure which aims to helps distribute the microwaves more evenly within the cooking cavity for more evenly heated food.

As well as great performance, the Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B appeals to so many users because of its flatbed design. Flatbed microwaves do not have a turntable fitted in the middle which means they have more space than would otherwise be the case with a similar sized turntable microwave. Flatbed microwaves tend to also be easier to clean as any spillages can be simply wiped from the flat floor as opposed to a turntable base which can be tricky to clean up.

At 19 litres this microwave would probably be best suited to smaller households for everyday cooking and heating needs.

Some users have noted that at 700W it is not the most powerful which makes sense as most microwaves are between 600 – 1100W so 700W is on the low end. Be sure to keep this in mind when deciding on your own purchase. In addition, some users have complained that the dials are quite shiny which can make the writing around them difficult to read.

Overall, when it comes to microwaves with dial controls, the Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B microwave is a great option if you also want a flatbed design that is also highly rated by users.

---

Microwaves With Dial Controls: Tell us what you think.

Microwave ovens have been common place in kitchens around the world since the 1970’s or so and can now be relied upon to do a range of cooking tasks in the kitchen.

But if you’ve never used one before or are considering buying one you may be wondering what are the uses of microwaves?

Below we will take a look at some of the most common uses of microwaves in homes, offices and businesses around the world to give you an idea of how they may be useful.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect how much you pay for the product. 

What Are The Uses of Microwaves?

Reheating Food

One of the biggest uses of microwaves is for simply reheating cold food. It’s been found that the majority of microwave users simply make use of their machines for reheating last night’s leftovers. This is a great way to make sure that you don’t waste food and is also very handy for foods that may not do so well with being reheated on the stove.

Another very good application when it comes to reheating food is doing so for things that would otherwise need the main conventional oven to be switched on just for reheating which can be time consuming and expensive. For example if you have leftover cheesey lasgna but you don’t want to reheat it in the oven, you can use a microwave.

Indeed there are some microwaves that also have an oven setting in addition to the classic magnetron microwaves.

Cooking Food

As well as simply reheating food, microwave ovens can also be used to cook food from start to finish. Some of the most popular foods to cook in the microwave include potatoes, rice and pasta.

With domestic microwaves ranging typically from 600 to 1200 watts of power, they can do an excellent job of cooking food in a quick and efficient manner.

There are a number of microwave models that come with auto programmes that will automatically choose the best settings for cooking certain types of food. These can be very useful as they take out the guessing game when trying to find the best settings.

Grilling Food

As well as just essentially boiling food via the classic microwave setting, microwave ovens can also be used to grill food. There are a number of models available on the market that combine a classic microwave with a grill function and in some cases as a convection oven as well.

The grill function on a microwave can allow you to brown your food after it’s been microwaved or simply grill it from start to finish. They’re usually fitted with quartz heating elements.

Roasting/Baking Food

As mentioned above there are many microwave models that also have convection ovens in addition the microwave and grill setting. These can be used to roast or bake your food. In some cases you may even opt to go for a convection microwave oven in place of a conventional oven especially if your home is tight on space.

Slow Cooking

There are some microwaves that can be set to cook for as long as 99 minutes. This can be quite a useful feature if you need to do some slow cooking. Though of course dedicated slow cookers can be set to cook for 5/6 hours plus if needed, microwaves can still give you the option of cooking for long periods of time at low heat levels.

Clocks and Timers

An often understated use of domestic microwaves is the fact they can actually be used as kitchen clocks. A lot of microwaves will have a digital display that stays on even when not in use and that displays the time of day. This can be quite handy when you’re in the kitchen and need to mintor the time.

The other function this allows is to use the microwave digital display as a timer which would once again when it comes to making food.

Conclusion: What Are The Uses Of Microwaves?

As we can see there are a number of potential uses of microwaves around the home. Microwaves can make a great addition to the kitchen as they are so versatile and can help with a number of different tasks.

---

What are the uses of microwaves?: Tell us your thoughts.

What year was the microwave invented? 1946. That’s the simple answer; the microwave was invented in 1946, just after the conclusion of the Second World War.

Percy Spencer is credited with coming up with the technology that is now used in millions of homes around the world.

The original microwave technology was based on radars developed during WWII. Originally termed radar range, the classic microwave that we’ve come to know however, did not begin to take shape for many years later.

Where Was The Microwave Invented?

Percy Spencer, the original inventor of the microwave, was based in Massachussets, United States. He worked for Raytheon which was a contractor for the Department Of Defence. The technology used to power radar during World War II was based on magnetrons which later became the basis for microwave ovens and still are to this day.

When was the first microwave oven sold in stores?

The first set of commercial microwaves released in the 1950’s were far too large to be used at home. It was not until the 1960’s when microwaves that could be feasibly used in the home began to surface.

What Year Was The Microwave Invented For Home Use?

Microwaves for the home were developed as early as the 1950’s but were quite expensive for the average household.

In the 1970’s Sharp introduced low cost microwave models that grew in popularity and spread across the globe.

Even to this day, Sharp remain a significant player in the microwave market. In the UK they are the 3rd most popular brand behind Panasonic and Samsung.

What Did The First Microwave Look Like?

The first commercial microwaves produced in the 1940’s and 1950’s were significantly larger than those in use today. Some were as tall as a fully grown adult male and were quite bulky as they were designed to be used in commercial settings rather than homes.

Microwave Timeline

• 1946: Technology application for the microwave credited to Percy Spencer
• 1950’s: First commercial and domestic microwaves released
• 1960’s: Microwaves for home use become somewhat more widely available
• 1970’s: Microwave sales begin in the UK
• 1980’s to now: Microwave usage across the globe grows significantly
  • 1994: 67% of UK households owned a microwave
  • 2018: 93% of UK households owned a microwave

Microwave Vital Statistics

Since they were sold for household use in the 1960’s microwaves have gone on to play a big part in kitchens around the world. Below we take a look at some of the most interesting statistics on microwaves:

USA

• 13.9 million microwaves were forecast to be sold in the US alone in 2019.
• $2.95 per consumer unit was spent on microwaves by renters in 2018.
• $10.88 per consumer unit was spent on microwaves by home owners in 2018.
• $345.3 million was spent on microwave cookware in 2019.
• In a survey in 2017, 61% of respodents said they would purchase their smart microwave again.

Source: Statista

UK

• As of 2018, 93% of UK households owned a microwave. This figure was up from 1994 when 67% owned a microwave.
• In 2018, around 373,000 people in the UK spent £150 or more on microwaves in the prior 12 months
• In the UK in 2018, the following 3 were most used microwave brands:
  • Panasonic – 5 million users
  • Samsung – 2.4 millions users
  • Sharp – 2.3 million users

Source: Statista

Global

• In 2013, the microwave market was worth an estimated $247million in India
• LG were the leading brand for microwaves in India in 2013
• In 2018, 490,000 microwave units were sold in the Netherlands
• In 2015, Italy exported some 28,000 microwave units to Spain

---

What Year Was The Microwave Invented?: Tell Us Your Thoughts

---

Looking for a new microwave? Take a look at some of our favourite models.