Tag: microwave

The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M421B is a great 900 watt solo microwave that combines excellent build quality, lots of useful features, great performance and high user satisfaction to make it one of the very best microwave 900 watt available.

This a solo microwave (meaning there’s no oven or grill) and it does the job perfectly.

The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M421B is a powerful unit coming in at 900W which comes in handy when you need to quickly heat your food. It has 5 power levels which are easy to select with 5 clearly labelled corresponding buttons on the control panel (90, 180, 360, 600, 900 Watts). This gives you a great range in cooking flexibility from a low 90W which is recommended for defrosting delicate items to a blistering 900 W best for heating up liquids.

In fact the simplicity of the control panel is one of the best features of the Bosch Series 2 HMT84M421B. You can tell it has been designed with making life as simple as possible. It comes with a pull-out rotary dial for making your selections.

The control panel makes life easy if you’re just looking for a quick re-heat option but also has 7 pre-set automatic programmes. These include options for cooking rice, potatoes and vegetables as well as defrosting meat, poultry and bread.

The microwave is also equipped with an option that allows you to select the weight of your food and let the machine do the rest.

Quite helpfully it also comes with a timer which can run up to 99 minutes which can be handy for dishes that need to be slow cooked. The long countdown is a nice feature as a lot of models only give you around 30 minutes.

A nice added bonus for the settings is the fact this model has a memory function that will allow you to create your own program. This is particularly useful if you have one dish you tend to cook or heat up regularly.

The control panel is equipped with an LED display which is clearly visible from meters away. It can also be used as a clock when not in use which can be surprisingly handy in the kitchen.

The great visibility also goes for the internal light which makes it easy for you to keep an eye on your food whilst it is cooking.

Coming in black and white options, it may not have the glitzy colours of some other models but what you get is powerful and reliable machine from a world-renowned German engineering brand.

With a 25Litre capacity it has a fairly generous capacity whilst a 315mm turntable means you can get large plates and dishes into the microwave. These features make it a great fit for families as well those looking for a solo microwave that’s larger than the average size.

Another great benefit with this unit is the fact it comes with ample information and cooking guides to help you find the best ways to make the most of the power you are getting.

Something else you don’t often see is the possibility of changing the duration of the beeping when the timer comes to an end. You can choose a short duration of 3 beeps or a much longer duration of 30 beeps.

One thing to bear in mind for where you place the microwave on your kitchen counter is that it needs a minimum of 30cm clearance above the unit.

Verdict

Overall the Bosch Series 2 HMT84M421B is one of the most highly rated solo microwaves on the market and when you look closely it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for microwave that does everything well, is built to a high standard and won’t cost you too much, look no further.

Key Features

900 watts of cooking power for quick meals
Easy to use control panel
25litre capacity
5 power levels

2 – Sharp R372WM Solo Microwave – White Microwave 900 Watt UK

The Sharp R372WM is a microwave that does what is was designed to do well and keeps things simple in the process whilst offering your excellent value for money.

Everything with this microwave is kept simple but high quality and it works brilliantly.

With 900W of cooking power, your food is cooked fast and also evenly. You’ll get a range of 11 different power levels to give you lots of flexibility when determining how much power you need for whatever you are cooking.

One of the things that users mention the most about the Sharp 372WM is just how easy it is to use. It’s always a good sign if you can quickly look at the control panel of a microwave and figure out how to get it working without needing to resort to the instruction manual though this is always a good idea to get the maximum value out of it. The Sharp 372WM falls into that category. The control panel is digital and touch control as well as relatively easy to understand.

Quite usefully it has a auto minute button which can often end up being the one that gets used most often by people just looking for a quick re-heating job. This will heat your food at maximum power (900W) for one minute at the touch of the button. You can extend the cooking time up to a maximum of 99 minutes.

There’s also a kitchen timer which can use for other jobs around the kitchen such as timing boiled eggs.

The Sharp 372WM also comes with a range of auto-cook functions which will automatically determine the best cooking mode for 6 different food groups including jacket potatoes, pizza, popcorn as well as reheating tea and coffee.

The microwave also has two defrost functions based on time and weight.

Indeed if you are like many microwave users who will only need their machine for re-heating and defrosting food then this is a perfect option.

The Sharp 372WM is 25litre capacity microwave which is a good ample size and would suit families and larger households. Indeed Sharp

The door opening mechanism adds to the ease of operation which is equipped with a push button rather than a handle. This method of door opening tends to be easier for most as it relies on far less force than a door handle.

For added peace of mind, the Sharp 372WM is equipped with a child lock.

Verdict

Overall, the Sharp 372WM is an excellent solo microwave that does its job well and offers brilliant value for money as well as a highly rated microwave. If you need a microwave that will cook, heat and de-frost your food quickly and efficiently with none of the fuss, the Sharp 372WM fits the bill.

Key Features

900 Watts
11 power levels
Digital touch pad
25litre capacity
Child lock
Type: Solo microwave
Dimensions (External): W51.3cm x 306.2 x 429.5
Dimensions (Internal): 330.0 x 208.0 x 369.0
Available Colours: (i) White and (ii) Black

#3 – Russell Hobbs RHM3003B 30L Digital 900W Combination Microwave

The Russell Hobbs RHM300B 30litre digital 900w combination microwave is a rare beauty as it does everything it is supposed to do well.

Combination ovens don’t always have it it easy as most only manage to some things well never allowing the user to get the full value of what they were supposed to be ordering (which may explain why some combination models are only slightly more expensive than their solo counterparts but that’s another topic).

The Russell Hobbs RHM300B does not fall into this trap with users rating it very highly and repeatedly commenting on how it does all three of its jobs (microwave, convection oven and grill) very well.

With 900 watts of cooking power the Russell Hobbs RHM300B gets through jobs easily and gives you a good range of 5 different power levels to get food exactly how you need it.

The combination mode will give you 4 different ways to combine the microwave cooking, grill and convection oven: (i) microwave and convection (ii) microwave and grill (iii) grill and convection oven and (iv) all 3.

The fan assisted convection oven does a great job of functioning like a traditional oven and has been rated very highly by users. It allows you to set temperatures between 140 degrees to 230 degrees in 10 degree intervals which is very useful as many other models only have large increments limiting your flexibility to match the desired temperature.

Another useful cooking features of the Russell Hobbs RHM300B is the multi-stage cooking for the microwave which will allow you to set two cooking modes into one timed cycle e.g. you could defrost some leftovers for 5 minutes and then heat them up for 7 minutes.

The Russell Hobbs RHM300B also comes with a handy 30+ seconds/quick start button where you can quickly cook your food for 30 seconds at 100% power. You can add 30 second intervals with another touch of the button up to a maximum of 95minutes.

For your defrostings needs you also get the choice timed or weight (it automatically selects the time needed based on entered weight) defrost functions.

The Russell Hobbs RHM300B is also equipped with 10 auto-cooking programmes for foods such as potatoes, pizza, popcorn and cake.

For a microwave with so many features, Russell Hobbs have managed to keep the control panel very simple with only 7 clearly labelled buttons and a rotary dial.

This 900watt microwave oven combination comes with an ample 30litre capacity which is great if you have a large family or tend to cater for large groups. It also has a 31.5cm turntable which will easily take large plates and various dishes for the oven.

In true Russell Hobbs fashions the RHM300B combination microwave looks sleek and elegant with a mirror door finish. It is available in either black or white.

The mirror door finish however, can be somewhat problematic as it can get easily smudged during use though a soft cloth should take care of that.

Some users also report that the internal oven light is not always as bright as they would like which is a surprisingly common issue amongst microwaves in general though given how well the Russell Hobbs RHM300B does pretty much everything else, it’s hardly a deal breaker and is not a universally held view.

One thing to bear in mind is the overall size and weight. At 19.9kg it is fairly heavy as microwaves go but considering you are also using it as an oven it is reassuring in many ways that it can’t be easily moved due to its weight.

With external dimensions of L52.0cmX W51.0cm XH33.5cm it has a relatively large footprint so bear that in mind when contemplating where it will be placed.

Verdict

The Russell Hobbs RHM300B offers a brilliant option if you need a combination microwave, grill and convection oven that does all of its jobs well. It looks sleek and elegant, comes in two different brilliant colours and can cater for all of your family’s cooking needs.

Key Features

900 Watts
Combination microwave, grill and fan assisted oven
31.5cm turntable perfect for large plates
30 litre capacity
External Dimensions: L52.0cmX W51.0cm XH33.5cm

#4 – The Sharp R959SLMAA

The Sharp R959SLMAAis one the best microwave 900 watt around. If you’re looking for a high capacity microwave, oven and grill with excellent features that’s easy to use then this is it.

This 900W microwave is equipped with 5 power levels giving you lots of range when cooking. You also get access to 8 preset cooking modes which help take the guesswork out of getting your food exactly how you want it. The preset options include pizza, ready meals, rice/pasta and cake.

The Sharp R959SLMAA is a combination microwave, oven and grill all in one brillaint device. This will give you lots of versatility in your cooking.

In addition to the microwave seeting, the 900W grill is equipped with quartz technology. The quartz heating elements get hot very quickly making them perfect for cooking and browning foods such as pizzas, grilled cheese sandiches and sausages.

There is convection oven with this model which can reach temperatures up to 250°C.** With ten different temperature settings ranging between 40°C and 250°C, you’ll have plenty of options for making the perfect meal for your family of 5.

To help you get the most out of your various functions the Sharp R959SLMAA also has a combination (“COMBI”) mode allowing you to combine the microwave with either the grill or convection oven. This reduces cooking time and also means your food can come out with a crispy brown finish.

One of the best features of the Sharp R959SLMAA is 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.

The Sharp R959SLMAA is designed for use on counter-tops or for built-in installation, rare versatility.

It will look great anywhere in your kitchen as the silver trim finish gives it a modern and stylish feel.

Something to bear in mind though is due to its large capacity and size it does mean that it takes up a lot of space.

So if you are tight for space in your kitchen but still need a 900w microwave then you may need to look at another option on the list.

Verdict

Overall the Sharp R959SLMAA is a well performing 900w combination microwave, oven and grill which offers lots of cooking capacity and versatility for your kitchen.

Key Features

Extra large 40 litre capacity microwave
Microwave, convection oven, grill and combination
Quick and convenient cooking with 900W of power
Modern and stylish silver with a stainless steel finish
Dimensions: Outside dimension-W55cm x H36.8cm x D53.7cm; Inside dimension W37.5cm x H27.2cm x D39.5.

Let us know your thoughts below.

Best Microwave Cooking Recipes: 3 Top And Easy Recipes

Microwaves cooking recipes can get a bad rep sometimes for making uninspired and sometimes soggy meals. But now often equipped with the latest applicable technologies, microwaves can often present a convenient and tasty way to make food. This is certainly the case with the best offerings available in flatbed combination microwaves. That’s why we’ve taking a look at microwave cooking recipes and found 3 surprising tasty recipes.

What type of food can I cook in a microwave?

In years gone-by this question would have had a relatively limited answer. At least if you wanted to cook food well. They were only some dishes that translated well into a microwave. Things like jacket potatoes which were easy and low risk would be considered microwave staples.

However, today as technology has moved on it has meant that the range of foods that can be cooked to a high quality has increased. Combination (or “combi”) machines, often bringing together microwaves with ovens, grills and in some instances steam cooking have opened up the game.

3 Best Microwave Cooking Recipes:

1 – Scrambled Eggs

This might seem like a very obvious one to start with but people are often surprised at just how good scrambled eggs turn out in the microwave. We especially like doing microwave scrambled eggs as they take such little effort which makes this a perfect choice if you want something a little extra special before your morning commute. Why not try combining some beaten eggs into a pot along with a pinch of salt, pepper, paprika and milk for a delicious breakfast treat.

1- Microwave scrambled eggs
Serves 1

Butter or oil for the dish
2 eggs
1 tbsp milk (optional)

Oil or butter the dish you are planning on using, crack in the eggs and season. Add the milk (or water if you prefer) and whisk lightly.
Microwave on high (800W or above) for 30 secs and then fork through the eggs, if they are done enough then stop cooking. If not, give them further 30-second bursts, forking between each cooking time until they are ready. Fork through at the end to break them up.

2- Sweet and Savoury Tomato and Baked Beans Soup

If you have a tiring day and you want something quick, tasty and simple, you’ll find this recipe blessing in disguise. A warm soup in wintery evening, is something you’d love. It can be prepared from your pantry ingredients (nothing out of ordinary items), supplemented by any seasonal vegetables you have. Using fresh herbs will add more flavour such has thyme, corainder or celery – you can buy herbs in pots from your local supermarket or can try this soup even without it, it will taste great anyway.

2 x celery sticks, finely chopped (you can use carrots or leek if you don’t have celery)

2 x Celery sticks, finely chopped (you can use carrots, zuchini or leeks if you don’t have celery)
1 x small onion chopped finely sprig of fresh thyme or a pinch of dried thyme
500ml hot vegetable stock or use chicken broth by adding one chicken stock cube in hot boiling water and stir for 2 minutes
400g tin of diced tomatoes or peeled tomatoes
400g tin of baked beans in tomato sauce

Put the celery, onion and thyme and a tablespoon of stock into a large microwavable bowl. Cover and cook on FULL POWER for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the sprig of thyme (if used), add the tomatoes and beans to
the celery and onion, add the remaining stock, a few drops of Worcestershire sauce and seasoning to taste.
Heat on FULL POWER for 5 minutes.
Puree until smooth. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

For some other microwave cooking ideas, you can look here to find some out-of-the-box microwave cooking recipes and ideas.

Exclusive Daewoo KOR6M17R Microwave Review 2023

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Daewoo KOR6M17R Microwave Review: A Great Budget Option

★★★★★

Daewoo KOR6M17R Microwave Review

The Daewoo KOR6M17R is a very good microwave that also happens to offer excellent value for money.

Despite the razzmatazz of many new microwave models, the best performers tend to be the ones that keep things simple. This is definitely included in Daewoo KOR6M17R microwave review.

By keeping things simple, Daewoo have produced an absolute winner of a microwave. If you need a microwave that will cook, re-heat and defrost your food just as it should, is easy to use and offers excellent value for money then the Daewoo KOR6M17R should be your first choice it’s our 1st choice for best budget solo microwaves.

There are times with appliances that you get lucky and get much more value out of something than the money you paid. The Daewoo KOR6M17R microwave is one of those appliances. One of the reasons the Daewoo KOR6M17R is one of the best selling microwaves on Amazon is the fact it provides plenty of bang for your hard-earned bucks. For the relatively low amount you pay compared to other models of the same size (check the latest price on Amazon), you get a very reliable microwave that does its job well and has left many users very happy.

Delivering 700Watts of power the Daewoo KOR6M17R provides quick and evenly cooked food.

You’ll get a choice of 7 power levels, including defrost, to make full use of the range of power and cater to exactly the level you need to deliver the best tasting food.

One of the things you see mentioned the most from users of the Daewoo KOR6M17R is the fact food is heated evenly. With the Daewoo KOR6M17R you won’t have to worry about cold spots. It’s concave reflex technology system means the microwaves are more evenly distributed within the cooking cavity resulting in the elimination of random cold spots.

A well functioning microwave is of limited value if its too complicated to use. Fortunately the Daewoo KOR6M17R couldn’t really be any easier; it is very easy to use and is one of the many reasons so many buyers rave about it. The main functions are based around two manual dials on the control panel. One wheel allows you to select the power level you need whilst the other lets you set the timer up to 35minutes. It couldn’t get any easier to use the machine and its simplicity is only surpassed by how well the machine goes on to do its job.

With a 20 litre capacity the Daewoo KOR6M17R would work well for smaller households or couples and single occupants. Equally it’s had great reviews from restaurant users and offices using it in their canteens.

Quite importantly, although this is a nice and compact microwave the turntable is still 25cm which means it can take a standard sized plate.

The design of the Daewoo KOR6M17R helps to complement the overall simplicity of the model. This microwave comes in white with nice smooth edges which give it a welcomed classic feel.

When you decide to buy the Daewoo KOR6M17R you’ll be getting a highly effective microwave that comes with rave reviews and a track record of great performance. For the money you pay, you are unlikely to finder a cheaper model that gives you so much value.

Key Features

700W of power for quick and easy cooking
7 power levels to cater to your needs
Easy to use, manual dials
20litre capacity
Available Colours: White
Dimensions: W44.9cm x H25.9cm x D31.8cm
Type: solo microwave

Daewoo KOR6M17R Microwave Review: Leave us your comments

What Is A Solo Microwave? Best Budget Solo Microwave UK

If you’re looking for the best budget solo microwave then you’ve come to the right place. Just because you want the what is a solo microwave doesn’t mean you should have to compromise on the quality and the performance of the microwave you are getting.

#1 – Best Budget Solo Microwave: Daewoo KOR6M17R – Best Value For Money

★★★★★

Best Budget Solo Microwave: Daewoo KOR6M17R

Top of our list for the best budget solo microwave is the truly excellent Daewoo KOR6M17R.

Despite the razzmatazz of many new microwave models, the best performers tend to be the ones that keep things simple. This is definitely the case with the Daewoo KOR6M17R.

By focusing on simplicity with little fuss, Daewoo have produced an absolute winner of a microwave. If you need a microwave that will cook, re-heat and defrost your food effectively, is easy to use and offers excellent value for money then look no further than the Daewoo KOR6M17R.

Sometimes in life you get lucky and get much more value out of something than the money you paid. The Daewoo Manual Control microwave is one of those times. One of the reasons the Daewoo KOR6M17R is one of the best selling microwaves on Amazon is the fact it offers excellent value for money. For the relatively low amount you pay compared to other models of the same size (check the latest price on Amazon), you get a very reliable microwave that performs excellently and comes very highly rated.

Let’s start with its cooking prowess. Delivering 700Watts of power the Daewoo KOR6M17R provides quick and evenly cooked food.

You get a choice of 7 power levels, including defrost, to make full use of the range of power and cater to exactly the level you need to deliver the best tasting food.

As well as food that’s cooked quickly, one of the things you see mentioned the most from users of the Daewoo KOR6M17R is the fact food is heated evenly. Nobody likes cold spots. With the Daewoo KOR6M17R that’s something you needn’t worry about. It’s concave reflex technology system means the microwaves are more evenly distributed within the cooking cavity resulting in the elimination of random cold spots.

A great cooking microwave is no use of its too complicated to use. Fortunately the Daewoo KOR6M17R has that covered; it is very easy to use and is one of the many reasons so many users rave about it. The main functions are based around two manual dials on the control panel. One wheel allows you to select the power level you need whilst the other lets you set the timer up to 35minutes. It couldn’t get any easier to use the machine and its simplicity is only surpassed by how well the machine goes on to do its job.

At 20 litre capacity this microwave would work well for smaller households or couples and single occupants. Equally it’s had great reviews from restaurant users and offices using it in their canteens.

Crucially although this is a nice and compact microwave the turntable is still 25cm which means it can take a standard sized plate.

The Daewoo KOR7M17R comes in white with nice smooth edges which give it a welcomed classic feel.

To sum up if you opt for the Daewoo KOR6M17R you’ll be getting a highly effective microwave that comes with rave reviews and a track record of great performance. For the money you pay, you are unlikely to finder a cheaper model that gives you so much value.

Key Features

700W of power for quick and easy cooking
7 power levels to cater to your needs
Easy to use, manual dials
20litre capacity
Available Colours: White
Dimensions: W44.9cm x H25.9cm x D31.8cm
Type: solo microwave

#2 – Best Budget Solo Microwave: Russell Hobbs RHM2076S – Best For Ease of Use

★★★★★

#2 – Best Budget Solo Microwave

The Russell Hobbs RH2076 is a very close 2nd on our list for the best budget solo microwave. Simply put this is an all-round excellent offering. You get excellent value for money as your cash is stretched so far with this microwave. You’ll get microwave that cooks evenly and quickly; is super-easy to use (5 buttons and a wheel!) and to top it all off looks highly appealing.

Russell Hobbs seem to know how to make appliances that are very easy to use, perform excellently and offer really good value for money. The Russell Hobbs RHM2076 is no exception.

When we say value for money we mean getting the very best product you can at a price that would usually be reserved for items of lower performance (high quality/performance/rating vs low price). As an example of what we mean consider the fact that the Russell Hobbs RHM2076 is one of the most highly rated solo microwaves on Amazon yet also one of the lowest priced models available. This is a perfect cross of value for money.

With this very highly rated solo microwave with a digital display you get a microwave that does an excellent job of heating, cooking and defrosting your food whilst giving you a highly attractive addition to your kitchen counter. Best of all it does this whilst ensuring that you get truly great value for money.

One of the first things you’ll notice is how simple the control panel is. At a time when many new microwaves seem to come with more and more unnecessary functions, the Russell Hobbs RHM2076 gets straight to the point. A welcomed change.

It has 5 buttons and a hand-wheel for selecting weight, setting the timer and using the auto menu. With the 5 buttons you’ll be able to select the power level you need, use the defrost function, set the clock, stop/clear a cycle and lastly start or add 30 seconds to a cycle as. The interface has clearly been made with clarity and ease of use in mind.

For what is an excellent price you will get a powerful microwave with 800W of cooking strength. This is a high power output and means that your food can be cooked quickly and without fuss.

To give you the full range of the power that you will need to make the most out of your new microwave, it comes with 5 different power levels. This will ensure that you can cook your meals to the exact settings they call for.

The Russell Hobbs RHM2076 also comes with a useful auto defrost function allowing you to enter the weight of your food and then automatically calculating how much time and power is needed for defrosting. This is a handy feature as it takes the annoying guesswork when trying to figure out how long your food will need to defrost.

The Russell Hobbs RHM2076 packs style in abundance. One of the reasons it sells so well is the fact that it looks way more polished than its price would otherwise suggest. In this model Russell Hobbs have somehow managed to combine a very good microwave that also happens to look really stylish and offers great value for money all in one package.

This model comes with a black mirror finish to the door and it looks fantastic. It gives it a real modern and sleek feel that will have you feeling very good every time you consider how much you paid for it.

With a 20litre capacity this microwave provides a good amount of cooking space.

This size would suit a household with a small family down to single occupants and couples as it can fit standard dinner plates and other dishes.

Quite helpfully it has a dishwasher safe turntable which will make cleaning the microwave quite easy.

Whilst on the subject of cleaning one of the minor drawbacks of this microwave is the fact that the mirror door finish can sometimes be easy to smudge with your fingerprints. This is a fairly minor issue and can easily be wiped down. In addition you always have the handle to avoid getting the mirror grubby.

For the family users, there’s a useful child lock feature which will ensure the door can not be opened whilst the microwave is operating.

All in all we’re big fans of the Russell Hobbs RHM2076 along with many others who enjoy its ease of use, stylish presentation, excellent functionality and best of all great value for money. If you need an everyday workhorse for your heating and defrosting needs that’s highly rated but won’t cost you a ton, this is the microwave for you.

Key Features

Easy to use with just 5 simple buttons and a hand-wheel
Slick mirror finish door
20litre capacity
800W of cooking power for a wide range of needs
Available Colours: Black & Silver
Dimensions: H25.8cm x W44.0cm x D35.9cm

#3 – Best Budget Solo Microwave: Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH)

★★★★★

Not content with making excellent TVs and laptops as well as a whole host of other well-loved appliances, Toshiba put their reliable touch on microwaves.

The Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) has a lot going for it and makes it onto our list as our #3 pick for the best budget solo microwave.

Firstly let’s talk about the excellent value for money it offers. When we talk about value for money what we mean is paying for a product and finding you get a whole lot more benefits than the price you pay would otherwise suggest you should. This is definitely the case with the Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH). It’s hard to find microwaves of a similar price (check latest price on Amazon) that offer a combination of brilliant performance, compact size with great capacity, appealing design as well as rave reviews.

It’s hard not to notice how appealing the Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) looks. The white colour really suits the design and the contrasting black panel and cooking window give it a real edgy feel.

For a microwave that looks so slick and has several options on the control panel , this is surprisingly easy to use.

It has several one-touch preprogrammed menu options to help you get your favourite foods made quickly and conveniently. These include auto programmes for cooking popcorn, potatos and pizza.

In addition it quite helpfully has two defrost settings; one that auto calculates the time needed for defrosting based on weight and the other simply based on the time you want.

One of the best cooking features of the Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) is the excellent multi-stage cooking programme. This will allow you to select up to two different cooking settings in one cycle. For example you could easily cook something at 80% power for 5 minutes and then finish on 50% power for 10 minutes. The idea is that this allows you to simulate what a gas fired oven might be able to do and it works well.

The Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) is rated at 800W of maximum power and it cooks quickly and evenly. You get a full range of cooking powers with 11 different levels available from 100% down to 0%.

The Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) is equipped with a digital control panel which helps to add to its appealing exterior and gives you a range of cooking options.

These include 6 preset cooking programmes including pizza, potatoes and popcorn.

At 800W of power the Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) gets the job done quickly and effectively. You get a wide range of 11 different power levels to give you far more flexibility in selecting power levels than you would normally on most microwaves that have 3 – 7 power levels.

If you’re in a rush or just need to quickly reheat food which how most people use the microwave, you can simply whack your food in and select the time you need between 1 to 6 minutes and select start. You can also select 30 seconds of maximum power cooking power as well. This is a great function if you simply need to heat up some food quickly.

Witha 20litre capacity this microwave would work best for smaller households as well as couples and single occupied homes.

Part of what helps the Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) to really stand out from the crowd is that although it has ample cooking capacity it is still a neat and compact unit. With dimensions of W44cm x H25.8cm x D32.5cm it leaves a relatively small footprint but still manages to fit in a standard sized dinner plate.

The Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) comes with a few nice bonuses chief among them being a child safety lock for the control panel and a clock display.

One of the best things about the Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) for long-term maintenance is the fact it’s fairly easy to clean. The paint-finish interior makes it easy to wipe down with a damp cloth and the turntable can be easily removed for washing in hot soapy water.

Overall the Toshiba MM-EM20P(WH) solo microwave provides excellent value for money from a highly reliable brand and a microwave that does it’s job very well.

Key Features

800W of power for fast and effective cooking
11 power levels
20 Litre capacity
Available colours: White
Dimensions: W44cm x H25.8cm x D32.5cm

#4 – Best Budget Solo Microwave: Russell Hobbs RHM2064C

★★★★★

#4 – Best Budget Solo Microwave: 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.

At 20litre capacity the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C is perfect for smaller households as well as single occupant homes. The 20litre capacity will comfortably take a standard size dinner plate giving you a good range of flexibility for your cooking and reheating needs at home.

Lets start with the style and that lovely cream coating. It’s not easy to pull off a cream colour in an appliance and still manage to make it look modern as well as sleek but the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C does just that. The cream finish gives it a real quality feel and is easy to match up with other products in the Russell Hobbs range like kettles and toasters.

To add to the modern look the door has an appealing mirror finish which gives the machine yet more elegance. Though mirror doors can sometimes be prone to showing smudges, this is fairly easy to clean.

One of the first things that strikes you about the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C is how easy it is to use. The control panel is limited to 5 simple and clearly labelled buttons, a hand dial for selecting time, weight and auto programmes and the door button. Control panels do not come any easier than this (well maybe except for the Russell Hobbs RHEM2301B with its staggering 4 buttons).

At 800watts the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C will cook your food quickly and efficiently. It has 5 different power levels to choose from covering the full spectrum your likely to need from “P10” which is 10% of the power through to “P100” =100%.

It also quite helpfully has an automatic weight defrost programme meaning all you need to do is enter the weight of the item you need to defrost and the machine will do the job of selecting the best defrost time saving you the headache. And just in case you don’t know the weight of your frozen leftovers from the other day or if that’s too much work for you, you can simply use the defrost function by selecting the time you need up to 95 minutes.

Another really useful feature of the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C is its “multi-stage cooking” which lets you enter two settings in one go so you don’t have to come back later after the first. So for example if you wanted to defrost some rice then cook it for 7 minutes you have the option of setting both at the start and then not needing to interfere until it’s done. This is a great function that should save you some time and fiddling about once your food has defrosted but still needs to be warmed up.

The Russell Hobbs RHM2064C comes with 8 automatic cooking programmes including settings for cooking fish, pasta, vegetables, meat, soup and pizza.

For added peace of mind in your kitchen, there’s a child lock setting which will allow you to keep the machine on lock down and stop anyone from tampering with it.

Overall this is a nice and compact unit (External Dimensions: H25.8cm x W44cm x D34cm; Turntable diameter: 25.5cm) which won’t take up too much space on your counter. Though you will need to bear in mind that you’ll need at least 20cm of clearance between the microwave and any adjacent walls. In addition you’ll need 30cm of clearance above the unit whilst the rear should be placed against a wall.

Though turntable microwaves can sometimes be tricky to clean, the plate in the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C is dishwasher safe which will make life even easier.

Overall the Russell Hobbs RHM2064C would make a classy addition to your kitchen whilst providing you with a highly rated microwave that looks great. It is one of the most well-renowned solo microwaves on the market and offers excellent value for money.

Key Features

20 Litre Capacity
800Watts of power
5 Power Levels
Available Colours: Cream
Type: Solo microwave
Mirror Finish Door
Dimensions: H25.8cm x W44cm x D34cm

#5 – Best Budget Solo Microwave: Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B

★★★★★

#5 – Best Budget Solo Microwave: Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B – Best Budget Solo Flatbed Microwave

The price of the Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B flatbed microwave may suggest this is a budget option but that’s where it stops; everything else about this microwave is premium only. That’s why it features on our list for the best budget solo microwave as our top flatbed option.

There are some microwaves that heat, cook and defrost their way through life so brilliantly you’d think they were made for it right from the start. The Russell Hobbs RHF2001B flatbed solo microwave is one of those microwaves.

As well as doing its job perfectly, it also looks amazing doing it and offers excellent value for money.

Let’s start with just how gorgeous this microwave looks. If there are more eye-catching appliances in your kitchen than the Russell Hobbs RHF2001B, then you must have hard time remembering what you went into the kitchen to do.

The Russell Hobbs RHF2001B has a smooth and contemporary design enhanced by its black mirror finish. It also has two control dials in lovely silver which standout yet complement the overall design of the front.

As if the looks were not enough, the Russell Hobbs RHF2001B does an excellent job of cooking, reheating and defrosting. At 700W it cooks food very quickly and also quite importantly evenly. This is helped by the flatbed design (no turntable) and its internal diamond cavity structure which enhances the reflecting of the microwaves and means the power is distributed more evenly. This leaves you with no more annoying cold spots.

In fact the cooking prowess of the Russell Hobbs RHF2001B is one of things that you’ll notice most frequently mentioned by users.

The flatbed design provides several advantages to the Russell Hobbs RHF2001B.

One of the best things is the fact you can get larger and more awkward shaped dishes into the microwave than you could with the same capacity turntable design.

The flat surface also makes it a lot easier to clean spills and splatters inside the microwave. No more awkward moments trying to handle and clean the glass turntable.

If you want a smaller than average microwave that can still fit a standard size dinner plate then the Russell Hobbs RHF2001B fits the bill. Though it has a nice compact footprint, you can still easily fit standard dinner plates through the door.

Something that you see mentioned frequently and that you’ll quickly notice, is how easy it is to use the Russell Hobbs RHF2001B microwave. With the two dials you can select pretty much all the functions that you’ll need to get the most out this excellent microwave.

With a 19litre capacity the Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B would be perfectly suited to smaller households as well as singles and couples.

To give you a wider range of choice this model is available in silver (Russell Hobbs RHFM2001S).

Overall the Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B is so highly rated by users as it offers excellent value for money, an easy to use interface, cooks brilliantly and to top it all off looks great. You will be hard pressed to find a better option for the best budget solo microwave with a flatbed design than the Russell Hobbs RHFM2001B.

Key Features

Flatbed design for no fuss cleaning and more space
Diamond cavity for even cooking
700W of power for great convenience
Available colours: (i) Black and (ii) Silver
Dimensions: W48.8cm x H41.4cm x D33.4cm

Best Budget Solo Microwave: Let us know what you think in the comments

Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B Microwave Review

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Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B Microwave Review

The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B solo microwave combines excellent build quality, lots of useful features, great performance and high user satisfaction to make it one of the very best options on the market.

Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B Review

The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B is a solo microwave (meaning there’s no oven or grill) and it does the job perfectly. This model would be best for those that need to mostly heat and defrost their food as well as cook items such as rice and potatoes.

Coming in black and white options, it may not have the glitzy colours of some other models but what you get is powerful and reliable machine from a world-renowned German engineering brand.

The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B is a powerful unit coming in at 900W which comes in handy when you need to quickly heat your food. It has 5 power levels which are easy to select with 5 clearly labelled corresponding buttons on the control panel (90, 180, 360, 600, 900 Watts). This gives you a great range in cooking flexibility from a low 90W which is recommended for defrosting delicate items to a blistering 900 W best for heating up liquids.

In fact the simplicity of the control panel is one of the best features of the Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B. You can tell it has been designed with making life as simple as possible. It comes with a pull-out rotary dial for making your selections.

The microwave is also equipped with an option that allows you to select the weight of your food and let the machine do the rest.

The control panel is equipped with an LED display which is clearly visible from meters away. It can also be used as a clock when not in use which can be surprisingly handy in the kitchen.

The great visibility also goes for the internal light which makes it easy for you to keep an eye on your food whilst it is cooking.

Another great benefit with this unit is the fact it comes with ample information and cooking guides to help you find the best ways to make the most of the power you are getting.

One thing to bear in mind for where you place the microwave on your kitchen counter is that it needs a minimum of 30cm clearance above the unit.

Overall the Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B is one of the most highly rated solo microwaves on the market and when you look closely it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for microwave that does everything well, is built to a high standard and won’t cost you too much, look no further.

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Key Benefits

Easy to use control panel	?
900W of power for fast and efficient heating and cooking	?
Good cooking capacity (25L) and large width for big plates	?
Dimensions: D40.8 cm x W51.3cm x H30.5cm	?

Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Combination Microwave Review

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Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Combination Microwave Review

It’s why it’s our pick for the best microwave for a family of 5 with a small kitchen.

★★★★★

There are microwaves and then there are Panasonic microwaves. Within that latter category there are some truly excellent Panasonic microwaves and the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave Oven is one of those.

Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Review

The Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ combines ample cooking space with a microwave, oven and grill. In addition you also get a well thought out design that saves you lots of counter-space. This makes the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ the perfect option if you need lots of cooking capacity but are tight for space.

If you’re simply looking for a quick and easy way to heat up your food then this machine is overqualified for your needs. However, if you want to be able to do just about everything from defrosting bacon, to perfectly reheating leftover rice, baking cakes and roasting lamb then this model could be just what your looking for.

This is a 3-in-1 combination microwave, oven and grill – giving you everything you need for cooking for your family all in one great appliance. The combination is a great space saver as well as money saver.

One of the best things about the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ is the inverter technology. Most conventional microwave ovens use a method of cooking which means the power is at 100% all the time and simply alternates between on and off during a cycle.

With Panasonic’s inverter technology on the other hand, the power is steady. For example if you set it to 50%, the power will be maintained at that level for the whole time.

This precise power controls results in foods cooked exactly how you want them and much more evenly.

The technology also means you do not have to deal with cold spots when heating food and defrosting is done a lot more efficiently.

It also cooks and heats foods much more quickly than a conventional microwave oven. These benefits are all evident with the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ.

At 1000Watts you will also have a very powerful microwave oven that can have your food cooked quickly.

In conventional microwave ovens the cooling fan is located at the back of the machine. In the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ, the fan has been moved to the top of the oven resulting in a much smaller footprint (39.5cm depth). This leaves you with far more countertop space perfect for smaller kitchens.

Internally Panasonic have found a way to give you more space as well with a 34cm turntable meaning you can get even the biggest of dishes into the oven.

Overall you get 27Litre cooking capacity which is great if you have a large family or tend to cook big meals.

The machine comes equipped with plenty of pre-set cooking programmes including a kids menu to encourage healthy eating. You simply enter the weight of the food and the oven does the rest.

Quite helpfully the control panel is wipe clean meaning even if it does get smudged or grubby whilst using, its an easy job to wipe it down.

In all we think the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ would make a great addition to your kitchen especially if you have a large family but are tight on space. It has lots of features that are well executed and it looks fantastic.

Key Benefits

Inverter cooking technology for precise and evenly cooked food	?
Large capacity (27L) for meeting your family needs	?
Small footprint – great for small kitchens or tight spaces	?
1000W of power for quick and easy meals	?
Dimensions: D39.5cm x W52cm x H31cm	?

Let us know in the comments if you found the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Combination Microwave Review helpful.

Sharp R959SLMAA Combination Microwave Review

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Sharp R959SLMAA Combination Microwave Review

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.

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★★★★★

Sharp R959SLMAA Combination Microwave Review

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 brillaint device. This will give you lots of versatility in your cooking.

This 900W machine comes with 5 power levels giving you lots of options when cooking. At the same time you also have access to 8 preset cooking modes taking the guesswork out of getting your food exactly how you want it. These include options for cooking pizza, ready meals, rice/pasta and cake.

The 900W grill is equipped with quartz technology. The quartz heating elements get hot very quickly making them perfect for cooking and browning foods such as grilled cheese sandwiches, sausages and pizzas.

If that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a convection oven. These ovens are different to traditional models. They work by circulating heated air evenly around the interior of the oven. Unlike conventional ovens where you need to rely on the air rising, by passing hot air over the food it cooks more evenly and in a much faster time frame. It’s for these reason that they tend to consume less energy.

The convection oven can reach temperatures up to 250°C. With ten different temperature settings ranging between 40°C and 250°C, you’ll have plenty of options for making the perfect meal for your family of 5.

Quite helpfully instructions pop up on the control panel screen prompting you take action as it’s needed.

The silver trim finish gives this unit a real smart feel.

The Sharp R959SLMAA is designed for use on counter-tops or for built-in installation, rare versatility.

Due to its large capacity and size, it does mean that it takes up a lot of space.

So if you are tight for space in your kitchen then you may need to look elsewhere like the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline or (checkout our picks of the best flatbed microwaves for another option).

Quite helpfully thought the minimum clearance above the oven unit is 13cm which compares well to a lot of other microwaves which need at least 30cm. This should give you some more flexibility if you are tight for space in your kitchen.

There is also an installation kit available from Sharp that allows the oven to be fitted within a kitchen unit. The oven also has an energy save mode allowing you to save on electricity when the oven is not in use.

Overall the Sharp R959SLMAA microwave offers a number of excellent features as well as a clean look and awesome cooking power. It’s extra large 40litre cooking capacity makes it a standout option if you need ample space for your cooking needs.

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Key Benefits

Extra large 40 litre capacity microwave	?
Microwave, convection oven, grill and combination	?
Quick and convenient cooking with 900W of power	?
Modern and stylish silver finish with a stainless steel finish	?
Dimensions: Outside dimension-W55cm x H36.8cm x D53.7cm Inside dimension W37.5cm x H27.2cm x D39.5.	?

Sharp R959SLMAA Combination Microwave Review: Leave us your thoughts.

Best Microwave For Family Of 5: For Large Families

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Best Microwave For Family:

1 – Best Microwave For Family of 5 – Sharp R959SLMAA

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The brilliant Sharp R959SLMAA is our top pick for the best microwave for family of 5. If you’re looking for a high capacity microwave with excellent features that’s easy to use then this is it.

The Sharp R959SLMAA is by far the best microwave for a family of 5 that we have come across. 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 best microwave for family of 5.

We’ve also seen great reviews noting how well suited this model is for families of 5. Best microwave for family of 5? Absolutely!

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

This 900W machine comes with 5 power levels giving you lots of options when cooking. At the same time you also have access to 8 preset cooking modes taking the guesswork out of getting your food exactly how you want it. These include options for cooking pizza, ready meals, rice/pasta and cake.

The 900W grill is equipped with quartz technology. The quartz heating elements get hot very quickly making them perfect for cooking and browning foods such as pizzas, grilled cheese sandiches and sausages.

Quite helpfully instructions pop up on the control panel screen prompting you take action as it’s needed.

The silver trim finish gives this unit a real smart feel.

The Sharp R959SLMAA is designed for use on counter-tops or for built-in installation, rare versatility.

Whilst this is definitely our first choice for best microwave for family of 5, due to its large capacity and size it does mean that it takes up a lot of space.

So if you are tight for space in your kitchen then you may need to look elsewhere like the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline below or checkout our picks of the best flatbed microwaves for another option.

Check price on Amazon US

Key Benefits

Extra large 40 litre capacity microwave	?
Microwave, convection oven, grill and combination	?
Quick and convenient cooking with 900W of power	?
Modern and stylish silver finish with a stainless steel finish	?
Dimensions: Outside dimension-W55cm x H36.8cm x D53.7cm Inside dimension W37.5cm x H27.2cm x D39.5.	?

2 – Best Microwave For Family of 5 With Small Kitchen – Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline

The Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave Oven is our pick for best microwave for family of 5 with small kitchen as well as our number 2 pick for the best microwave for family of 5.

It combines lots of cooking space with a microwave, oven and grill. In addition you also get a well thought out design that saves you lots of counter-space. That’s why this is the best microwave for a family of 5 with a small kitchen.

This is a 3-in-1 combination microwave, oven and grill – giving you everything you need for cooking for your family all in one great appliance. The combination is a great space saver as well as money saver.

One of the best things about the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ is the inverter technology. Most conventional microwave ovens use a method of cooking which means the power is at 100% all the time and simply alternates between on and off during a cycle.

With Panasonic’s inverter technology on the other hand, the power is steady. For example if you set it to 50%, the power will be maintained at that level for the whole time.

This precise power controls results in foods cooked exactly how you want them and much more evenly.

The technology also means you do not have to deal with cold spots when heating food and defrosting is done a lot more efficiently.

It also cooks and heats foods much more quickly than a conventional microwave oven. These benefits are all evident with the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ.

At 1000Watts you will also have a very powerful microwave oven that can have your food cooked quickly.

Internally Panasonic have found a way to give you more space as well with a 34cm turntable meaning you can get even the biggest of dishes into the oven.

Overall you get 27Litre cooking capacity. If you have a large family (then this is one of the Best Microwave for Family of 5, it can also accomodate food for 7 or 8 people). This is one of the key reasons we think this is the best microwave for a family of 5 with a small kitchen.

The machine comes equipped with plenty of pre-set cooking programmes including a kids menu to encourage healthy eating. You simply enter the weight of the food and the oven does the rest.

Quite helpfully the control panel is wipe clean meaning even if it does get smudged or grubby whilst using, its an easy job to wipe it down.

In all we think the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ would make a great addition to your kitchen especially if you have a large family but are tight on space.

Key Benefits

Inverter cooking technology for precise and evenly cooked food	?
Large capacity (27L) for meeting your family needs	?
Small footprint – great for small kitchens or tight spaces	?
1000W of power for quick and easy meals	?
Dimensions: D39.5cm x W52cm x H31cm	?

3 – Best Flatbed Microwave For Family of 5 – Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ

The Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ flatbed microwave oven is our pick for best flatbed microwave for family of 5 and our 3rd pick for best microwave for family of 5.

This excellent model is equipped with Panasonic’s inverter technology giving you evenly cooked food with less power usage than conventional microwave ovens. Your food will come out evenly cooked with no annoying cold spots. The inverter technology allows you to control the power to get the food exactly how you want it

The inverter technology coupled with 1000Watts of power means you can cook your food quickly and evenly.

Quite helpfully the Panasonic NN-SF464MBPQ comes equipped with 5 power levels from gentle defrosting through to cooking full on dishes.

It has an incredible 18 auto programmes which gives you a wide range of options when it comes to making your food exactly how you like it without any of the guess work.

The control panel is touch operated which makes the unit feel all the more slick alongside the overall neat design. This combined with the stainless steel silver finish gives it a modern feel that would be welcomed in most kitchens.

It also makes cleaning quite straightforward as you can just wipe down the flat surface. The flatbed base also makes the job of cleaning relatively easy.

This is a solo microwave take a look here if you’re after the best flatbed combination microwaves meaning there’s no grill or oven function. This would suit a household that uses the microwave predominantly for heating and defrosting food rather than cooking complex meals. It would also work well for meals such as rice, pasta, jacket potatoes and the like.

The flatbed design means there is no turntable leaving with you with much for space for large awkward dishes that otherwise would not fit.

This model also features a child lock which is particularly useful if your family includes young children.

You’d have to look hard for drawbacks to this machine and the best you’d come up with is possibly a slightly dim LED light when in operation but this really is scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Overall this is an excellent Panasonic product if you are looking for a flatbed microwave that will cook your food evenly and efficiently, is easy to clean and get to grips with. It is our pick for best flatbed microwave for family of 5.

Key Benefits

Flatbed design giving you more space and an easier time cleaning	?
Inverter cooking technology for precise and evenly cooked food	?
Plenty of cooking capacity (27Litre)	?
1000W of power for quick and easy meals	?
Dimensions: D42.2cm x W52.9cm x H32.6cm	?

4 – Best Microwave For Family of 5 – Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ Premium Combination Oven

If you like your food cooked in the future then you’ll love the high grade Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ premium combination microwave oven. The Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ Premium Combination Flatbed Microwave Oven is our 4th pick for the best microwave for family of 5 and our top option for best microwave oven for family of 5.

One of the most advanced combination microwaves oven on the market, the NN-CF873SBPQ is a real high grade option for a family of 5 if you have the budget.

It has a 1000W inverter microwave alongside an excellenct convection oven and a 1300W quartz grill. This machine really does have it all covered when it comes to the cooking needs of your family of 5. With this model you can microwave, roast, bake and grill your way to the perfect dinner.

When you’re trying to make multiple dishes with an oven, the Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ will have you covered. It has a brilliant convection oven allowing you to cook on two levels at the same time letting you get dinner made for the whole family in one go. This is one of many reasons why it’s on our list for the best microwave oven for family of 5. The convection oven works by circulating heated air evenly around the interior of the microwave. Unlike conventional ovens where you need to rely on the air rising, by passing hot air over the food it cooks more evenly across all levels and in a much faster time-frame.

To make the most of the versatility you have with cooking options, the model comes with an enamel shelf, a wire shelf and a glass shelf.

The Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ has a flatbed design which means there is no turntable, unlike the traditional microwaves. Doing away with the turntable leaves you with far more space inside the microwave meaning you can fit larger sized dishes and more awkward shapes into the unit.

In total you are dealing with a 32Litre capacity unit which gives you a good amount of space for catering to your family.

You’ll enjoy the modern feel of the touch operated control panel, even if you may need to read up on the various icons. The touch panel is incoporated to the ultra slick glass front door. The exterior really does look like it has been designed with luxury in mind and the overall feel of the Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ is likely to attract attention in your kitchen for its looks as well as its cooking prowess.

When it comes to easy cleaning, this unit has you covered. The back and top surfaces use ‘Catalytic Self Cleaning Plates’ meaning once you are done cooking, you can simply take a cloth to the grease on these surfaces and wipe them away. The sides of the oven have an easy to clean top coating all of which meaning cleaning the microwave is much easier task than traditional ovens. These features combined with the flatbed design make cleaning a much more straightforward prospect.

Overall the Panasonic NN-CF873SBPQ Premium Combination Oven is a fantastic microwave oven and sits well on our list of the best microwave for family of 5. It combines a highly effective convection oven with a grill as well as a flatbed microwave with a sleek and modern design. There are less expensive alternatives on the market that may not do everything quite as well but if you’re budget can stretch this far then this definitely one to look at.

Key Benefits

Cook on two levels at the same time with convection oven	?
1000W microwave for fast and easy meals	?
Large cooking capacity (32Litre)	?
Flatbed design for easy cleaning	?
Dimensions: D43.8cm x W49.4 cm x H39cm	?

5 – Best Solo Microwave For Family of 5 – Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B

The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B solo microwave combines excellent build quality, lots of useful features, great performance and high user satisfaction to make it on to our list of best microwave for family of 5 as our pick for the best solo microwave for family of 5.

Coming in black and white options, it may not have the glitzy colours of some other models but what you get is powerful and reliable machine from a world-renowned German engineering brand.

This is a solo microwave (meaning there’s no oven or grill) and it does the job perfectly. This model would be best for a large families that need to mostly heat and defrost their food as well as cook items such as rice and potatoes.

It makes it easy if you’re just looking for a quick re-heat option but it also has 7 pre-set automatic programmes. These include options for cooking rice, potatoes and vegetables as well as defrosting meat, poultry and bread.

It is also equipped with a dial that allows you to select the weight of your food and let the machine do the rest.

Quite helpfully it also comes with a timer which can run up to 99 minutes which can be handy for dishes that need to be slow cooked. A nice added bonus for the settings is the fact this model has a memory function that will allow you to create your own program. This is pearticuarly useful if you have one dish you tend to cook or heat up regularly.

The control panel is equipped with an LED display which is clearly visible from meters away. It can also be used as a clock when not in use which can be surprisingly handy in the kitchen.

The great visibility also goes for the internal light which makes it easy for you to keep an eye on your food whilst it is cooking.

Another great benefit with this unit is the fact it comes with ample information and cooking guides to help you find the best ways to make the most of the power you are getting.

One thing to bear in mind for where you place the microwave on your kitchen counter is that it needs a minimum of 30cm clearance above the unit.

Overall the Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B is one of the most highly rated solo microwaves on the market and easily makes our list for the best microwave for family of 5 as the best solo option.