Choosing the Best Domestic Microwaves for Everyday Use

The best domestic microwaves for everyday use are the ones that match how you cook, the space you have and the size of your household. For most homes, that means choosing between a freestanding microwave that sits on the worktop and a built-in microwave that fits into a kitchen unit, then picking the right capacity, power and features.

A microwave is one of the hardest-working appliances in the kitchen. It reheats leftovers, defrosts dinner, warms the baby's milk and gets a quick lunch on the table in minutes. Browse our full range of domestic microwaves and you will see everything from simple 20 litre worktop models to built-in microwave ovens with a grill and automatic programmes.

This guide covers the questions we hear most often in our Enniskillen showroom: which type to choose, what size you need, which features are worth paying for and what a microwave costs to run.

The Main Types of Microwave Oven

A microwave oven heats food using microwaves, which make the water molecules in food vibrate and produce heat. Instead of warming the air around the food, as a conventional oven does, it heats the food directly. That is why it is so quick.

The main types of microwave are solo, grill and combination.

Solo Microwaves

A solo microwave does the basics: reheating, defrosting and simple cooking. It is the simplest and usually the most affordable option, and it suits anyone who mainly uses a microwave for leftovers, ready meals and hot drinks.

Grill Microwaves

A grill microwave adds a grilling element, so you can brown and crisp food as well as heat it. Think cheese on a pasta bake or toasted sandwiches. In our range, the Cata UB381MGBK built-in model combines a microwave with a grill.

Combination Microwaves

A combination microwave adds a fan oven to the microwave and grill, so it can roast and bake as well. Some built-in models, such as the Bosch CMA583MB0B, work as a microwave, an oven and a grill in one. A combination model can act as a second oven in a busy family kitchen, or as the main oven in a small flat. You will find solo, grill and combination options across our microwave ovens range.

Freestanding Microwaves vs Built-In Microwaves

This is the first decision to make, and it usually depends on your kitchen rather than your cooking.

Freestanding Microwaves

A freestanding microwave sits on the worktop and plugs into a standard socket. It is the easiest option to buy, the easiest to replace and you can take it with you when you move. That makes it a good fit for renters, first homes and anyone who wants to keep costs down.

The trade-off is worktop space. A microwave takes up a fair amount of room, so measure the spot where it will live, and leave space around it for ventilation as the manufacturer's instructions advise. Our range of freestanding microwaves includes compact 20 litre models from Sona and Dimplex that suit smaller kitchens well.

Built-In Microwaves

A built-in microwave fits into a kitchen unit, so it frees up the worktop and gives the kitchen a clean, fitted look. It suits people planning a new kitchen or replacing an existing built-in model.

Many built-in microwaves are designed for a 60cm wide kitchen unit. For example, the Bosch BFL523MS0B and the Neff HLAWD23N0B both measure 382mm high, 594mm wide and 317mm deep. Sizes do vary between models, so always check the installation dimensions on the spec sheet against your housing before you order.

Our built-in microwaves range includes models from Bosch, Neff, Hotpoint and Cata. If you are weighing up fitted against freestanding across the whole kitchen, our guide to freestanding vs integrated appliances will help you keep everything consistent.

What Size Microwave Do You Need?

Microwave capacity is measured in litres. A 20 litre model, which is the size of most freestanding microwaves in our range, handles everyday reheating, ready meals and family-sized portions comfortably.

If you regularly cook larger dishes, or you want a combination model to roast and bake, a larger cavity gives you more room. Check two things before you buy:

• Turntable or plate size. Make sure your largest dinner plate or dish will turn freely inside.

• External dimensions. For a freestanding model, measure the worktop space and the height under any wall units. For a built-in model, measure the housing.

Wattage: Why Power Matters

The wattage tells you how much cooking power the microwave has. Freestanding domestic microwaves in our range run at 700W or 800W.

A higher wattage generally heats food more quickly. It is also worth knowing because ready meal packaging often gives different heating times for different wattages, so knowing yours helps you follow the instructions properly.

As a rough guide:

• 700W suits lighter use: reheating, defrosting and hot drinks.

• 800W and above heats a little faster, which helps busy households who use the microwave several times a day.

You can filter by power and capacity when you compare microwaves in our range.

Features Worth Paying For

Modern microwaves come with plenty of extras. These are the ones that genuinely make everyday use easier.

Automatic Programmes

Automatic programmes take the guesswork out of cooking. On the Bosch CMA583MB0B, AutoPilot 15 lets you choose from 15 automatic programmes, add the weight of the dish and press start, and the microwave sets the cooking mode, temperature and time for you.

Digital Controls and Variable Power

A digital display with variable power levels gives you more control, for example a low setting to soften butter or a medium setting for gentle defrosting. The Dimplex 980576 and 980575 both offer digital controls, multiple power levels and auto-cook programmes.

Child Safety Lock

If you have young children, a child safety lock stops the microwave being switched on by curious hands. The Dimplex 980575 includes one.

Door Style on Built-In Models

Built-in models often use a side-opening hinged door, which is easier to reach when the microwave is fitted at eye level. The Neff HLAWD23N0B uses this design. Check which way the door opens and make sure it suits the layout of your kitchen.

Easy-Clean Interiors

A smooth, easy-clean cavity saves time. Some models, such as the Bosch range, also have pop-out controls that sit flush with the front, so the fascia is easier to wipe down.

What Does a Microwave Cost to Run?

A microwave is one of the cheapest ways to heat food. The Energy Saving Trust explains that a microwave heats the food directly rather than the air around it, so it cooks and reheats quickly and its cost per use is likely to be lower than many other cooking appliances.

In its lab testing, heating a 400g ready-made lasagne in a microwave cost around 5p in Northern Ireland. Energy prices change, so treat this as a guide rather than a fixed figure.

The Trust also suggests a simple habit that keeps bills down: batch cook in a full oven, then reheat portions in the microwave as you need them. Fully defrosting frozen leftovers in the fridge first also uses less energy than heating them from frozen.

If you are comparing running costs across the rest of your kitchen, our guide to cooking appliances and what to look for when upgrading covers ovens, hobs and more.

Looking After Your Microwave

A little care keeps a microwave working well for years. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your model, but these basics apply to most:

• Do not run the microwave empty.

• Keep metal, including foil and dishes with a metallic trim, out of the microwave unless the instructions say otherwise.

• Wipe the cavity regularly so food residue and grease do not build up.

• Stir food partway through and let it stand, so it heats evenly, and make sure reheated food is steaming hot all the way through.

• Stop using the microwave if the door, hinges or seals are damaged, and get it checked.

How to Choose the Right Domestic Microwave for Your Home

Here is a quick way to narrow it down:

• Renting, a first home or a tight budget: a freestanding solo microwave. Simple, affordable and easy to take with you.

• Small kitchen with little worktop space: a compact 20 litre freestanding model, or a built-in model if you have a suitable unit.

• Fitting a new kitchen: a built-in microwave, planned into the units from the start.

• Busy family kitchen: an 800W model, or a built-in combination microwave that doubles as a second oven.

• You like crisp, browned food: a grill or combination model.

Whichever you choose, our microwave collection lets you compare sizes, power and features side by side. A microwave also sits nicely alongside other small appliances such as kettles, toasters and air fryers, which you can find in our small appliances range.

Delivery, Installation and Your Old Microwave

We offer free local delivery across our Fermanagh delivery area, and free Click and Collect from our showroom in Enniskillen. For built-in models, installation is quoted case by case, and we can take your old appliance away and recycle it under WEEE regulations. You can read more on our installation and recycling page.

Our Price Match Promise means that if you find the same new, in-stock microwave cheaper online, we will look to match it.

Find Your Perfect Microwave With Mullen Domestic

Choosing a microwave does not need to be complicated. Decide between freestanding and built-in, check your space, pick the right power and capacity, then choose the features that suit your routine.

As a family-run business since 1983, with over 100,000 customers, we know how much the right appliance matters. Browse our domestic microwaves online, or call into our Enniskillen showroom, where our friendly, expert team will happily talk you through the options. You can also get in touch by phone or email for advice before you buy.

Key Takeaways

• The best domestic microwave is the one that suits your space, household and cooking habits.

• Freestanding microwaves are affordable and easy to set up; built-in microwaves free up the worktop and give a fitted look.

• Many built-in models are designed for a 60cm wide unit, but always check the spec sheet against your housing.

• A 20 litre, 700W to 800W model covers most everyday reheating and defrosting.

• A combination microwave can roast and bake, making it a useful second oven.

• Microwaves are among the cheapest ways to reheat food, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a freestanding and a built-in microwave?

A freestanding microwave sits on the worktop and plugs into a standard socket, so it is easy to set up and take with you when you move. A built-in microwave fits into a kitchen unit for a flush, fitted look and frees up worktop space, but it needs a suitable housing and careful fitting.

What wattage microwave is best for everyday use?

For most households, a microwave of 700W to 800W handles everyday reheating, defrosting and simple cooking well. A higher wattage generally heats food more quickly, which helps if you use the microwave several times a day. Check your wattage so you can follow the heating times on food packaging.

What size microwave do I need for a family?

A 20 litre microwave comfortably handles everyday reheating and family-sized portions for most homes. If you want to cook larger dishes or roast and bake, a larger combination model gives you more room. Always check that your biggest plate or dish fits the turntable.

Is it cheaper to use a microwave than an oven?

Usually, yes, for reheating and smaller portions. The Energy Saving Trust explains that a microwave heats the food directly rather than the air around it, so it cooks quickly and its cost per use is likely to be lower than many other cooking appliances. An oven is better value for batch cooking larger amounts.

Can a combination microwave replace an oven?

A combination microwave can roast, bake and grill as well as microwave, so it can work as a main oven in a small home or as a second oven in a busy kitchen. Its cavity is smaller than a standard single oven, so it may not suit large family roasts or big batch bakes.

Useful Resources

• Energy Saving Trust: Air fryer vs oven, which cooking appliance is cheaper to run? https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/air-fryer-oven-microwave-hob-slow-cooker-cheaper-cooking/