Keeping a microwave clean is one of the more thankless kitchen jobs, but 3 of the models here make it significantly easier with removable glass turntables that go straight into your dishwasher. At prices between £67.95 and £69.99, these 800 W solo microwaves suit most UK countertops and standard 600 mm kitchen layouts.
What to look for
01Removable turntable and interior coating
The single most important maintenance feature in any microwave is a removable glass turntable. All the solo models here use a standard 245–270 mm glass plate that lifts out and fits in the bottom rack of a full-size dishwasher. Pair that with a smooth, non-textured interior cavity and wiping down splashes takes seconds rather than minutes of scrubbing. Look for interiors described as 'easy clean' or coated with an acrylic or ceramic finish, which resists grease better than bare steel. If you live in a hard-water area (much of the South East and Midlands), limescale deposits inside the cavity are a real issue; a smooth coating lets you wipe them away with a damp cloth and a little white vinegar without scratching the surface.
02Wattage and boil time on UK mains
Every microwave in this guide runs at 800 W on the UK's 240 V mains supply. That is the practical sweet spot for a solo countertop model: powerful enough to heat a bowl of soup in around 2 minutes or defrost 500 g of mince in under 10 minutes, yet not so power-hungry that it trips older ring circuits. Lower-wattage models (600 W or 700 W) take noticeably longer and can leave cold spots in denser foods. If you are replacing an older 700 W model, expect to reduce cooking times by roughly 15 per cent.
03Capacity and countertop footprint
Both the Russell Hobbs and Toshiba models here offer a 20-litre cavity, which comfortably fits a standard dinner plate (up to 28 cm diameter) and a 1-litre jug. The external footprint is typically around 440 mm wide by 340 mm deep, leaving room on a standard 600 mm deep worktop without blocking the splashback. If your kitchen is compact, check the height too: most 20-litre solo models sit at around 255–260 mm tall, which fits under most wall-mounted cupboards. Going larger (25 litres or above) adds bulk without much practical benefit for a one- or two-person household, and the turntable becomes harder to lift out for cleaning.
04Power levels and defrost accuracy
More power levels give you finer control, which matters most when defrosting or gently reheating delicate foods like fish or leftover rice. The Toshiba MM-EM20P offers 11 power levels compared with 5 on the Russell Hobbs RHM2076 and the Toshiba MM-MM20P. In practice, 5 levels covers the majority of everyday tasks, but if you regularly defrost meat or cook from frozen, 11 levels lets you step down in smaller increments and avoid partially cooking the edges while the centre remains frozen. Automatic defrost (present on all models here) uses weight-based calculation to set time and power automatically, which is more reliable than guessing manually.
Our top picks
Best for everyday reheating and quick clean-upsRussell Hobbs RHM2076S-AZ 20 Litre 800
At £69.99 (down from a 90-day high of £79.00), the Russell Hobbs RHM2076S-AZ delivers 800 W across 5 power levels in a 20-litre cavity with a smooth, easy-clean interior. The removable glass turntable fits a standard dishwasher bottom rack.
Best budget entry if you catch a price dropRussell Hobbs RHM2076B 20 Litre 800
Functionally identical to the silver RHM2076S-AZ, the black RHM2076B has hit a 90-day low of £23.00, making it one of the cheapest 800 W microwaves available on Amazon UK. At its current price of £69.99 it is level with its sibling, so set a price alert and buy on a dip. The same dishwasher-safe turntable and easy-clean cavity apply, and the black finish hides fingerprints better on a dark worktop.
Best for precise defrosting and recipe presetsTOSHIBA 20 Liter 800W Digital Solo
The Toshiba MM-EM20P costs £67.95 and steps up to 11 power levels, giving noticeably finer control when defrosting chicken breasts or reheating rice without drying it out. Six one-touch preset recipes reduce guesswork, and the digital display is clear and easy to read. The 20-litre cavity and removable glass turntable clean just as easily as the Russell Hobbs models, and the current price sits at its 90-day low.
Frequently asked
Are microwave turntables dishwasher safe?
In most 20-litre solo microwaves, yes. The glass turntable plate is made from tempered borosilicate glass and is rated for dishwasher use. Place it on the bottom rack, away from sharp utensils that could chip the edge. The plastic roller ring that sits underneath the plate is also usually dishwasher safe, though checking your specific model's manual is worthwhile. Avoid putting either component through a very high-temperature cycle repeatedly, as thermal stress over time can cause micro-cracks.
What is the best way to clean the inside of a microwave?
The quickest method: fill a microwave-safe jug with 300 ml of water and a tablespoon of white vinegar, then run the microwave on full power for 5 minutes. The steam loosens dried-on food, and the vinegar neutralises odours. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth immediately after. For stubborn spots, a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water applied with a soft cloth works without scratching the easy-clean coating. Remove and wash the turntable in the dishwasher at the same time.
Is 800 W enough for a microwave in the UK?
For most households, yes. An 800 W microwave on the UK's 240 V supply heats a standard portion of soup in roughly 2 minutes and defrosts 500 g of mince in under 10 minutes. Higher-wattage models (900 W or 1000 W) cook faster but are larger and more expensive. For a one- to four-person household, 800 W is the practical standard.
How do I stop my microwave smelling?
Smells build up from food splashes that are not wiped away promptly. Three steps help: 1. Clean the interior after any splatter using the steam method above. 2. Leave the door ajar for 10 minutes after use to let moisture escape. 3. Place a small bowl of bicarbonate of soda inside overnight to absorb lingering odours. If the smell persists, the turntable or roller ring may have absorbed grease; run both through the dishwasher on a normal cycle.