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The 10 Best Microwaves as of June 2026

Updated June 18, 2026 ยท Reviewed by the Pickarank team ยท Prices in GBP, subject to change

We compared the best microwaves you can buy in 2026, scoring each out of 10 on performance, value, build quality and features. Here are the ten worth your money โ€” with an at-a-glance table and the current best prices.

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Our top picks at a glance

Top pick

Panasonic NN-DF386B

8.7Best overall
Check price on Amazon โ‰ˆ $180
Best value

Russell Hobbs Solo Microwave

8.4Best value solo
Check price on Amazon โ‰ˆ $70
Also great

Panasonic NN-CD58JS

8.5Best premium combi
Check price on Amazon โ‰ˆ $250

Prices were correct at the time of writing and change often โ€” tap through for today's price on Amazon.

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How we ranked these microwaves

Each pick earns a score out of 10 from weighted criteria:

  • Performance (35%) โ€” how well each microwave does its core job.
  • Value (25%) โ€” quality and features for the price.
  • Build & reliability (20%) โ€” materials, longevity and warranty.
  • Features (20%) โ€” meaningful extras that improve the experience.

At a glance: top 10 compared

Swipe across to see all columns, including Amazon links โ†’

#MicrowavesScoreBest forTypeApprox. PriceAmazon links
1Panasonic NN-DF386B8.7Best overallCombi (micro+grill+oven)$180View Price
2Panasonic NN-ST46KB8.6Best solo inverterSolo (inverter)$120View Price
3Panasonic NN-CD58JS8.5Best premium combiCombi (flatbed)$250View Price
4Russell Hobbs Solo Microwave8.4Best value soloSolo$70View Price
5Samsung MS23K35158.4Best mid soloSolo$100View Price
6Sharp Microwave with Grill8.3Best micro+grill valueMicrowave + grill$90View Price
7Hotpoint Combination Microwave8.3Best family combiCombi$160View Price
8Daewoo Retro Microwave8.2Best styleSolo (retro)$80View Price
9Tower Solo Microwave8.1Best budgetSolo$65View Price
10Amazon Basics Microwave8.0Best smart budgetSolo (Alexa)$60View Price

The full ranking

1
Best overall

Panasonic NN-DF386B

8.7Our number one pick.

Panasonic's NN-DF386B is a 3-in-1 microwave, grill and convection oven with inverter power for even cooking, a versatile do-it-all that bakes and crisps as well as reheats. It is pricier and takes countertop space, but the versatility and even cooking are excellent.

Cooking: 9.0Capacity: 8.6Features: 9.0Value: 8.6
Pros
  • Microwave, grill and oven
  • Inverter even cooking
  • Versatile
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Large footprint
2
Best solo inverter

Panasonic NN-ST46KB

8.6A superb runner-up.

Panasonic's NN-ST46KB uses inverter technology for more even reheating and defrosting in a large 32L cavity, a quality solo microwave. It is pricier than basic solos, but the even cooking and size are excellent.

Cooking: 8.8Capacity: 9.0Features: 8.4Value: 8.6
Pros
  • Even inverter cooking
  • Large 32L cavity
  • Quality build
Cons
  • No grill
  • Pricey for solo
3
Best premium combi

Panasonic NN-CD58JS

8.5Rounds out our top three.

Panasonic's NN-CD58JS is a flatbed combination microwave-oven with no turntable for more usable space, inverter power and convection baking, a premium all-rounder. It is expensive, but the flatbed design and versatility are excellent.

Cooking: 8.8Capacity: 8.8Features: 9.0Value: 8.2
Pros
  • Flatbed (no turntable)
  • Microwave, grill and oven
  • Inverter cooking
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Large
4
Best value solo

Russell Hobbs Solo Microwave

8.4A standout in the upper half.

Russell Hobbs' solo microwave covers everyday reheating and defrosting with simple controls and a decent 20L cavity at a friendly price, strong everyday value. It only microwaves, but for the basics it is excellent.

Cooking: 8.4Capacity: 8.4Features: 8.0Value: 9.2
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Simple controls
  • Good everyday size
Cons
  • No grill
  • Basic
5
Best mid solo

Samsung MS23K3515

8.4A well-rounded mid-table pick.

Samsung's MS23K3515 offers a ceramic easy-clean interior, healthy steam programs and a sleek look in a 23L solo microwave, a tidy mid choice. It only microwaves, but the cleaning and design are good.

Cooking: 8.4Capacity: 8.4Features: 8.4Value: 8.6
Pros
  • Ceramic easy-clean inside
  • Steam programs
  • Sleek design
Cons
  • No grill
  • Mid capacity
6
Best micro+grill value

Sharp Microwave with Grill

8.3Great value in the middle of the pack.

Sharp's microwave with grill adds a quartz grill for browning and crisping on top of reheating at a sensible price, good value versatility. It is mid-capacity, but the added grill is good.

Cooking: 8.4Capacity: 8.2Features: 8.4Value: 8.8
Pros
  • Microwave plus grill
  • Good value
  • Browning and crisping
Cons
  • Mid capacity
  • Basic display
7
Best family combi

Hotpoint Combination Microwave

8.3A dependable pick if the price is right.

Hotpoint's combination microwave offers microwave, grill and convection in a roomy 25L cavity with auto programs, good for families wanting an all-in-one. It is bulkier, but the capacity and versatility are good.

Cooking: 8.4Capacity: 8.6Features: 8.6Value: 8.4
Pros
  • 3-in-1 cooking
  • Roomy 25L
  • Auto programs
Cons
  • Bulky
  • Mid build
8
Best style

Daewoo Retro Microwave

8.2Solid, if outshone by pricier rivals.

Daewoo's retro microwave brings a stylish vintage look with simple dials to everyday reheating at a fair price, a charming kitchen accent. It only microwaves and is mid-capacity, but the looks and value are good.

Cooking: 8.2Capacity: 8.2Features: 8.0Value: 8.8
Pros
  • Retro styling
  • Simple dials
  • Good colors
Cons
  • No grill
  • Mid capacity
9
Best budget

Tower Solo Microwave

8.1A budget-friendly option worth a look.

Tower's solo microwave covers everyday heating with several power levels at a low price, sensible budget value. It is basic, but for value it works.

Cooking: 8.2Capacity: 8.2Features: 7.8Value: 9.0
Pros
  • Cheap
  • Several power levels
  • Compact
Cons
  • No grill
  • Basic build
10
Best smart budget

Amazon Basics Microwave

8.0Rounds out our top ten.

Amazon Basics' microwave adds Alexa voice control to a budget 23L solo, letting you start it by voice if you have an Echo, novel value. The voice feature is gimmicky to some, but for value it works.

Cooking: 8.0Capacity: 8.2Features: 8.2Value: 9.0
Pros
  • Alexa voice control
  • Affordable
  • Decent size
Cons
  • No grill
  • Needs Echo for voice

Frequently asked questions

What's the best of the microwaves in 2026?

Our top overall pick is the Panasonic NN-DF386B, which leads on our combined score for performance, value and features. The Panasonic NN-ST46KB and Panasonic NN-CD58JS are excellent alternatives depending on budget and needs.

How did we choose these?

We weight performance, value, build quality and features, drawing on hands-on use and independent testing. See the methodology box above for the full breakdown.

Are these prices accurate?

Prices are approximate UK figures at the time of writing and change frequently. Click through to Amazon for the current price.

The bottom line

If you just want the best microwaves without overthinking it, the Panasonic NN-DF386B is our top recommendation โ€” it earns the highest overall score for performance, value and features. Have a look at the current price and see what you think.

Check price on Amazon โ‰ˆ $180

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