Choosing the Right Microwave: A Practical Buying Guide

A small kitchen, a busy life, or simply a need for convenience? A good microwave is an essential appliance, not a luxury. But the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Should you opt for a simple model to quickly heat a meal, or are you looking for a versatile appliance that can also grill and bake?

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you make the right choice. In this guide, we'll lay out the facts, free from marketing jargon, so you can find the microwave that truly fits your needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Microwave

Before you choose a model, it's helpful to consider three key features. These will determine how you use the appliance in your daily life.

1. Solo, Combi, or Grill: What Do You Need?

Functionality is the first and most important choice.

• Solo Microwave: This is the basic model, designed for heating, cooking, and defrosting. A solo microwave is often more compact, simpler to use, and comes at a more accessible price point. It's ideal if you mainly heat up leftovers, soup, or ready-made meals.
• Microwave with Grill Function: This adds a grilling element to the standard microwave functions, allowing you to give dishes a crispy finish, like a lasagna or a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Combi Microwave: This is the most versatile option. A combi microwave combines the microwave function with both a grill and a convection oven feature. This means you can also bake and roast, just like in a traditional oven. It's a perfect solution for those with limited space who can't or don't want to install a separate oven.

2. Capacity: Is a 20-Litre Microwave Enough?

A microwave's capacity is measured in litres. For a household of 1 to 2 people, a 20-litre microwave is typically more than enough. It can accommodate a standard dinner plate and most microwave-safe dishes. Larger models (25 litres or more) are particularly useful for families or if you frequently prepare large casseroles in a combi model. Most models in this segment are freestanding microwaves, meaning you can place them flexibly on a countertop or in an open cabinet.

3. With or Without a Turntable?

Traditional microwaves use a glass turntable to heat food evenly. A modern alternative is the microwave without a turntable, also known as a 'flatbed' microwave. In these models, microwave energy is distributed by a rotating antenna beneath the floor of the oven. The advantage? You get more usable interior space, allowing rectangular or square dishes to fit easily. Plus, a flat bottom is much easier to clean.

Our Recommended Microwave Picks

Based on specifications and functionality, we've highlighted a few popular choices for you.

Sharp YC-QS204AE-B 20L Flatbed Microwave - Black

Why It Stands Out This model from Sharp addresses a common inconvenience: the turntable. Thanks to its 'flatbed' design, it has a completely flat interior. This not only makes cleaning significantly easier but also gives you the freedom to use dishes of various shapes.

Key Features

• Microwave without a turntable: Offers a larger usable cooking area and is easy to clean.
• 800W power: Heats meals quickly and evenly with 10 different power levels.
• 20-litre capacity: A practical size for daily use in smaller households.
• Simple controls: The semi-digital controls are intuitive and free of complicated menus.

Who Is It For? Anyone looking for maximum convenience. It's ideal for students, singles, or couples who frequently heat up meals and dislike cleaning a turntable and its components.

COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) 700W 20L Digital Microwave - Black

Why It Stands Out The COMFEE microwave proves that a compact size and extensive features can go hand in hand. This model is designed for kitchens where every centimetre counts, without compromising on user-friendliness, thanks to its handy pre-programmed menus.

Key Features

• 6 preset menus: Make popcorn, potatoes, frozen vegetables, or a hot beverage with the touch of a button.
• 11 power levels: Offers precise control for a wide range of preparations, from defrosting to full-power cooking.
• Highly compact design: With a width of 44 cm, this solo microwave fits almost anywhere.
• Express Cook mode: Instantly starts the microwave at 100% power for quick heating tasks.

Who Is It For? For the user seeking an affordable and functional microwave for a small space. An excellent choice for a dorm room, a first apartment, or as a secondary appliance in a utility room.

Siemens FF023LMB2 Combi Microwave - Black

Why It Stands Out This combi microwave from Siemens is a compact powerhouse that combines the functions of a microwave, grill, and oven. It's an all-in-one solution for those who love to cook and bake but don't have the space for multiple appliances.

Key Features

• Grill and convection function: Makes it possible to grill, bake, and prepare oven dishes.
• Cook Control 7: According to Siemens, the 7 automatic programs ensure perfect results for a variety of dishes.
• Humid Clean function: A program that, according to the manufacturer, simplifies cleaning the interior.
• Favourites button: Save your most-used setting for quick access.

Who Is It For? For the home cook with a small kitchen. If you want to do more than just heat and defrost, and enjoy making casseroles, pizzas, or a grilled chicken, this combi microwave offers the functionality of an oven in a compact size.

Looking for a Different Style?

The models mentioned above all feature a sleek, modern colour. A black microwave fits into almost any interior design. Curious about other models in this popular finish? Explore our full range.

Discover more black microwaves

Frequently Asked Questions About Microwaves

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

A solo microwave is intended for basic functions: heating, defrosting, and cooking with microwaves. A combi microwave can do all that, but it also has a built-in grill and a convection oven function, allowing you to bake and roast as well.

How many watts does a microwave need?

For a solo microwave, a power output between 700 and 900 watts is standard and sufficient for most tasks. A higher wattage generally means food heats up faster. Combi microwaves often have different power ratings for their microwave, grill, and oven functions.

Can a square dish fit in a microwave?

Yes, this is one of the major advantages of a microwave without a turntable (flatbed). Since the base doesn't rotate, you can utilise the entire space, and square or rectangular dishes will fit without any issues. In a model with a turntable, the diagonal of the dish must be shorter than the diameter of the plate to allow it to rotate freely.