A family microwave needs at least 25 litres of capacity to fit a large casserole dish, and the right combination model can replace your grill and second oven entirely. These 8 picks range from £178.78 to £449.00, all suited to UK 240V mains, with flatbed and turntable options to suit different worktop depths.
What to look for
01Capacity: how many litres does a family actually need?
For a household of four or more, aim for at least 25 litres. A 23-litre cavity sounds generous until you try to fit a 28cm casserole dish inside. The Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ tops this list at 34 litres, large enough for a full-size roasting tin. The Sharp R860SLM and both Cookology built-in models sit at 25 litres, which comfortably handles a family-size bowl of pasta or a large frozen lasagne. If you regularly cook for six or more, or batch-cook at weekends, prioritise 27 litres and above. Bear in mind that a bigger cavity also means a wider footprint: the Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ is a countertop unit, so measure your worktop before ordering. Built-in models like the Cookology BMOG25LNBH are designed for a standard 59.5cm-wide cabinet, which fits most UK fitted kitchens.
02Wattage and cooking speed on UK 240V mains
Microwave wattage determines how quickly food heats through. On UK 240V mains, a 1000W microwave will reheat a bowl of soup in roughly 90 seconds; a 900W model takes closer to two minutes. Most combination models in this guide run at 900W to 1000W for microwave power, with separate grill elements rated higher. The Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ and NN-CD88QSBPQ both deliver 1000W with Inverter Technology, which varies power continuously rather than cycling on and off. That matters for defrosting: Inverter models thaw chicken breasts more evenly, reducing the risk of cooked edges and icy centres. If speed is your priority, choose a 1000W Inverter model. The Sharp R860SLM at 900W is still perfectly capable for everyday reheating and grilling, and its flatbed design means no turntable to wash up.
03Combination cooking: microwave, grill, convection and steam
A basic solo microwave only reheats. A combination model adds a grill element, a convection fan, or both, letting you brown a chicken breast or bake a jacket potato with a crisp skin. The Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ goes furthest, adding an air fryer function to its 34-litre cavity, which means you can crisp chips or reheat pizza without a separate appliance. The Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ adds a steam function, useful for vegetables and fish, and particularly good if you live in a hard-water area because the steam reservoir is removable and easy to descale. If you just want microwave-plus-grill for browning cheese on pasta bakes, the Cookology BMOG25LNBH at £199.99 covers that without the complexity. Match the combination type to how your family actually cooks, not to the longest feature list.
04Built-in versus countertop: fitting a UK kitchen
Built-in microwaves slot into a standard 59. 5cm-wide cabinet, keeping worktops clear. The two Cookology models (BMOG25LNBH in black, BMOG25LIXH in stainless steel) are designed exactly for this, and at £199.99 each they are among the more affordable built-in combination options available. Countertop models give you more flexibility: you can move them, and they are usually cheaper to replace. The Sharp R860SLM and the Panasonic range all sit on the worktop. If your kitchen has a dedicated microwave housing, a built-in unit looks tidier and frees up counter space, which matters in the typically compact UK kitchen. If you are renting or want flexibility, a countertop model is the practical choice.
05Price and 90-day value: when to buy
Microwave prices fluctuate significantly. The Sharp R860SLM has a 90-day low of £95.35 against a current price of £178.78, suggesting it drops sharply in sales. The Panasonic NN-CT55JWBPQ has dropped as low as £225.00 from its current £399.99, a saving of £175.00. If you are not in a rush, tracking the 90-day low on any of these models is worthwhile. The Cookology built-in models have held at £199.99 with a low of £119.99, so a sale price is possible. The Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ has a tighter range, from £324.00 to £379.00, suggesting it does not discount as heavily. Set a price alert on Amazon or check John Lewis and Currys for price-matching before you commit.
Our top picks
Best for families who want an air fryer and microwave in one unit.Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ 4-in-1 Combination Microwave Oven
At £379.00 (90-day low £324.00), the Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ packs a 34-litre cavity, 1000W Inverter Technology, air fryer, grill, and convection into a single countertop appliance. The Genius Sensor adjusts cooking time automatically, which is genuinely useful when reheating uneven portions for children. For a family that wants to declutter the worktop without losing cooking versatility, this is the most capable option in the range.
Best value combination microwave for everyday family reheating.Sharp R860SLM Combination Flatbed Microwave Oven
The Sharp R860SLM currently costs £178.78, but its 90-day low of £95.35 means it is worth watching for a sale. The 25-litre flatbed cavity removes the turntable entirely, so there is nothing to lift out and wash after a soup spillage. At 900W with a grill and convection function, it handles everything from reheating school-night dinners to browning a gratin. A solid, no-fuss choice for families on a budget.
Best built-in microwave for UK fitted kitchens on a mid-range budget.Cookology BMOG25LNBH Integrated Combination Microwave in
The Cookology BMOG25LNBH is designed for a standard 59.5cm-wide cabinet, fitting neatly into most UK fitted kitchens. At £199.99 (90-day low £119.99), it offers 900W power, a 25-litre cavity, grill and convection functions, a child lock, and a 31.5cm turntable. With a 4.6-star average from 68 reviews, it is the highest-rated model in this guide. For families replacing an ageing built-in unit without a full kitchen refit, it is a practical, well-priced option.
Best mid-range countertop combination microwave for growing families.Panasonic NN-CD58JSBPQ 1000W Combination Microwave NN-CD58JSBPQ-Steel
The Panasonic NN-CD58JSBPQ delivers 1000W across a 27-litre stainless steel cavity at £294.96, down from a 90-day high of the same price but with a low of £189.00. It combines microwave, grill, and convection in a compact countertop footprint, making it a practical step up from a solo microwave without the outlay of the larger Panasonic models. Rated 4.2 stars from 113 reviews, it has a strong reliability record for everyday family use.
Frequently asked
What size microwave do I need for a family of four?
For a family of four, a 25-litre cavity is the practical minimum. It fits a large bowl, a standard casserole dish, and most frozen ready meals designed for four portions. If you regularly cook joints of meat or large pasta bakes in the microwave, step up to 27 litres or more. The Panasonic NN-CD88QSBPQ at 34 litres is the largest in this guide and handles a full roasting tin with ease.
Is a combination microwave worth the extra cost for a family?
Yes, if you use the grill or convection functions regularly. A combination microwave lets you brown cheese on a pasta bake, crisp the skin on a jacket potato, or bake a small cake without heating a full-size oven. For families cooking multiple meals a day, the time and energy saving is real. If you only ever reheat leftovers, a solo microwave at a lower price point is sufficient. The Cookology BMOG25LNBH at £199.99 is a cost-effective entry point for combination cooking.
What is the difference between a flatbed and a turntable microwave?
A turntable microwave uses a rotating glass plate to distribute microwave energy evenly. A flatbed model uses a fixed floor and a different antenna arrangement to achieve even heating without rotation. Flatbed models, such as the Sharp R860SLM, are easier to clean because there is no plate to remove, and they can fit larger, square dishes that would catch on a turntable rim. Both types heat food effectively at equivalent wattages.
Do I need to descale a combination microwave if I live in a hard-water area?
For standard microwave and grill functions, descaling is not required. However, if your model includes a steam function, such as the Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ, limescale will build up in the water reservoir over time, particularly in hard-water areas like London, the South East, and the East Midlands. Follow the manufacturer's descaling schedule, typically every one to three months depending on usage, using a proprietary descaler or a diluted citric acid solution.
Can a built-in microwave fit a standard UK kitchen cabinet?
Most built-in microwaves are designed for a 59.5cm-wide cabinet, which is the standard unit width in UK fitted kitchens. The Cookology BMOG25LNBH and BMOG25LIXH are both specified at 59.5cm width. Before ordering, measure the internal width, height, and depth of your housing unit and compare against the product dimensions. Also check whether your cabinet has a trim kit or requires one, as some housings need a frame to fill the gap around the appliance.