Finding Your Perfect Solo Microwave: Our Top Recommendations for 2026
A microwave is a cornerstone of the modern British kitchen, but choosing the right one can feel unnecessarily complicated. With so many models, features and sizes, it's easy to get lost in technical specifications. If your primary needs are straightforward—reheating leftovers, defrosting ingredients and warming snacks—then a solo microwave is likely the most practical and efficient choice.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you find the right appliance without the marketing jargon. This guide focuses on what truly matters: matching a microwave's capacity, power and features to your daily routine and kitchen space. We will look at some carefully selected models that deliver on performance and reliability for everyday tasks.
How to Choose the Right Solo Microwave
Before diving into specific models, let's cover a few key factors to consider. Getting these right will ensure your new countertop microwave is a help, not a hindrance.
1. Capacity: Match the Litres to Your Lifestyle
A microwave's internal space is measured in litres (L), and this is the most important indicator of how much you can fit inside.
- 17-20 Litres: A small microwave in this range is ideal for individuals, students or couples. It's perfect for reheating single plates of food, warming a mug of soup or defrosting small portions. A 17L microwave is also a great space-saver for compact kitchens, student accommodation or office break rooms.
- 21-29 Litres: This is the sweet spot for most small families. A 23L microwave can comfortably accommodate larger dinner plates and wider bowls, making it a versatile appliance for daily meal preparation.
- 30 Litres and Above: If you have a large family or often cook for guests, a 32L microwave or larger is a wise choice. These models can handle big casserole dishes and family-sized containers, making them a true family microwave.
2. Power: Watts and What They Mean for You
Power, measured in watts (W), determines how quickly and evenly your food heats up.
- 700W: A 700W microwave is perfectly adequate for basic tasks like reheating drinks, warming pastries and defrosting. While it might take slightly longer than more powerful models, it gets the job done reliably.
- 800W-900W: An 800W microwave offers a noticeable boost in speed, making it an excellent all-rounder for a microwave for reheating and cooking ready meals efficiently.
- 1000W and Higher: These high-power models heat food very quickly and are particularly effective for cooking larger quantities or dense foods. They often provide more even heating, reducing the chance of cold spots.
3. Key Features: Simplicity is Often Best
For a solo microwave, the focus should be on core functionality. Look for a reliable microwave with a defrost function, as this is one of its most useful features. Consider the controls: simple knobs are intuitive and durable, while digital displays may offer more precise timing and pre-set programmes. Finally, think about cleaning. Models with ceramic enamel interiors are often easier to wipe down and more resistant to scratches.
Our Top Recommendations for Solo Microwaves in 2026
Here are a few models that stand out for their performance, design and suitability for different household needs.
Haden Classic Solo Microwave - 17L, 700W
Why It Stands Out: The Haden Classic embodies simplicity and reliability. Its straightforward mechanical knob controls remove any guesswork, making it incredibly easy to use for anyone. The compact footprint is its greatest asset, fitting neatly into tight spaces without sacrificing the ability to handle standard dinner plates.
Pros:
- Intuitive Operation: Two simple knobs for time and power—no complex menus.
- Compact Design: The 17L capacity and small frame make it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
- Dedicated Defrost: A clear, separate defrost setting simplifies thawing frozen food.
- Classic Look: The sleek black microwave finish and push-button door offer a timeless aesthetic.
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for students, individuals living in small flats or as a secondary microwave for an office. It’s for the user who values no-fuss functionality for essential heating and defrosting tasks.
View Details for the Haden Classic 17L Microwave
Samsung 23L Solo Microwave - 800W
Why It Stands Out: This Samsung microwave strikes a perfect balance between modern features and everyday practicality. The Triple Distribution System is a significant feature, designed to circulate microwaves more effectively for even cooking and reheating. Its durable ceramic interior also makes post-meal clean-up much simpler.
Pros:
- Triple Distribution System: Promotes even heat distribution to minimise cold spots.
- Ceramic Enamel Interior: Scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
- Balanced Capacity & Power: The 23L size and 800W power are a great combination for couples and small families.
- Helpful Functions: Includes a deodorisation mode to keep the interior fresh and an Eco Mode to reduce standby power consumption.
Who is it for? Ideal for small to medium-sized households that need a reliable, efficient microwave for daily use. It’s a great step-up model for those who want faster heating and easier maintenance without paying for complex grill or convection features they won't use.
View Details for the Samsung 23L Microwave
Samsung 32L Solo Microwave - 1000W
Why It Stands Out: For busy, larger households, this 32L Samsung microwave is a powerful workhorse. The generous capacity can handle large dishes with ease, and the 1000W of power ensures that reheating and defrosting are done quickly and efficiently. Like its smaller counterpart, it features the Triple Distribution System and a durable ceramic enamel interior.
Pros:
- Large 32L Capacity: Accommodates large plates, casserole dishes and family-sized portions.
- High Power Output: 1000W for fast, even heating and defrosting.
- Triple Distribution System: Ensures consistent results across larger volumes of food.
- Premium Build: The ceramic interior is durable and antibacterial, according to Samsung and the sleek design fits well in modern kitchens.
Who is it for? This is the definitive family microwave. It’s built for households that rely on their microwave daily for preparing meals, reheating multiple plates at once and defrosting large cuts of meat or family-sized frozen meals.
View Details for the Samsung 32L Microwave
Looking for More Options?
The models highlighted here represent a great starting point for different needs, but every kitchen is unique. If you're looking for a different size, colour or feature set, there are many other excellent choices available.
Explore our full range of Solo Microwaves to find your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a solo microwave?
A solo microwave is the most basic type of microwave oven. Its sole function is to heat and defrost food using microwaves. It does not have the additional grilling, convection or steaming functions found in more complex "combination" models. This makes it simpler to use, more affordable and ideal for users who primarily need to reheat, warm and thaw.
Is 800W enough for a microwave?
Yes, an 800W microwave is more than sufficient for most everyday kitchen tasks. It provides a good balance of speed and efficiency for reheating meals, cooking ready meals and defrosting food. While a 1000W model will be faster, an 800W appliance is a solid and popular choice for the average household.