Microwaves

A microwave is the single most-used kitchen appliance in most British households despite its limited cooking range: reheats, defrosts, and cooks the few dishes that suit microwave cooking better than other methods. Aosom UK, Cherry Lane Garden Centres and Fulfilora between them cover £1-£380 across the range. Internal capacity is the spec to focus on: 17-20L (compact, suits flats and small kitchens), 23-25L (household standard), 30-32L (family-sized, fits a dinner plate flat). Power: 700W is the budget tier and slow; 900-1000W is household standard; 1200W+ is faster but rare in domestic units. Microwave + grill + convection oven combinations push £200-£400 and replace a small oven for households short on built-in cooking space. Look for sensor cooking (auto-detects when food is heated through), child-locks for households with kids, and stainless steel interiors over plastic for longevity. Most modern microwaves are compatible with bottle-warmer and steam attachments.