A Guardian UK review published today, 4 August 2026, has identified the top microwave ovens for various needs and budgets. The review, conducted by an award-winning consumer technology journalist, tested 10 models from leading brands.
The Salter DuoWave 2-in-1 was named the best budget microwave, praised for its dual functionality as an air fryer and its performance in cooking jacket potatoes and heating water. It automatically cooked jacket potatoes in 5 minutes 20 seconds, and heated 250ml of chilled water to 73C.
For controls, the LG MH6565CPS NeoChef was recommended, offering a sleek design and impressive performance, heating 250ml of chilled water to 72C. The Samsung Combi All-In-One 32L MC32DB7746KCE3 was also noted for its app control and large 32-litre capacity, though it is one of the pricier models tested.
The testing process involved preparing microwave popcorn, cooking jacket potatoes, heating baked beans, and assessing water heating and defrosting capabilities. Poppadoms were used to evaluate even cooking, and frozen oven chips were cooked in models with air-frying features.