Who is this for?

Everyday bowl-and-plate reheaters

If beans, leftovers and simple meals are the main jobs, a solo microwave provides the heating and reheating functions relevant to those tasks, without choosing an appliance for grilling or baking.

Shared-kitchen low-fuss users

When several people use the same appliance, understandable time and power controls and a turntable that can be removed for cleaning are useful features to check.

Households with limited worktop space

If the microwave has a fixed spot on a crowded worktop, compare its external dimensions and required ventilation clearance with that space. Check the cavity or turntable against the crockery you actually use.

What matters when choosing?

Start with the cooking tasks: Electrical Safety First describes solo microwaves as appliances for simple heating and reheating. Consider grill or convection functions only if the kitchen will also use them for grilling or oven-style cooking, then check controls, crockery fit and placement.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Simple reheating Look for a solo microwave with time and power controls that make it practical to follow food-pack instructions. If I mainly heat beans and leftovers, I want straightforward settings rather than cooking modes I will not use. Around 42% of consumers put simple reheating first.
Shared use and cleaning Check whether users can understand the controls and remove the turntable for cleaning; use microwave-safe containers. With several people using the kitchen, I want to deal with splashes and choose settings without learning complicated programmes. For around 33% of consumers, shared-use ease is the primary concern.
Worktop and crockery fit Compare external dimensions and required ventilation clearance with the available spot, and cavity or turntable dimensions with your bowls. Space is tight, so I need the appliance to fit safely while still taking our usual crockery. Worktop and crockery fit comes first for around 25% of consumers.

What should you avoid?

  • Choosing extra cooking modes for a reheating-only task

    Grill and convection functions are for tasks such as toasting, baking and browning; they do not change the basic job of reheating beans.

    Start with a solo microwave unless people sharing the kitchen expect to use those additional cooking functions regularly.

  • Assuming litre capacity guarantees your bowl will fit

    Models with the same stated capacity can have different turntable sizes and external dimensions. A capacity figure alone cannot establish crockery or worktop fit.

    Measure the available space and your usual bowls and plates, then check the exact model’s dimensions, cavity or turntable and ventilation requirements.

  • Using an unsuitable container or leaving food unattended

    Electrical Safety First warns that metal can spark and unsuitable containers can melt or damage a microwave; misuse or malfunction can also cause fires.

    Transfer beans from the tin into a clearly microwave-safe container, clean splashes according to the appliance instructions and remain present while it runs.

  • Heating beans until they are merely warm

    GOV.UK food-safety guidance treats reheating as cooking food again, not simply warming it.

    Follow the food-pack instructions, including stirring and standing directions where given, and ensure the food is steaming hot throughout.

Brands to consider for specific solo models

Beko

The Beko MOC20100BFB is a 20 litre, 700 W solo microwave with dial controls, according to the product information. It is a model to consider when simple physical controls matter more than automatic programmes.

  • This model has six power levels and a 245 mm turntable.
  • Its timer runs to 30 minutes, and it has no digital display; check whether that suits everyone who will use it.

Panasonic

The Panasonic NN-ST21QWBPQ is a 20 litre, 800 W solo model according to the product information, with touch controls and a Quick 30 function for short heating selections.

  • This model has five power settings, eight automatic programmes and a 255 mm turntable.
  • If shared-kitchen users prefer physical dials, check its touch-control layout before choosing it.

Russell Hobbs

The Russell Hobbs RHMT2004B is a 20 litre, 800 W solo model according to the product information. Its range of settings may matter if the kitchen heats foods beyond beans.

  • This model has 10 selectable power levels, six automatic programmes and a 245 mm turntable.
  • Those additional settings are not necessary for reheating beans alone; consider whether rotating users will find the controls straightforward.

Sharp

The Sharp YC-PS204AU-S is a 20 litre, 700 W solo microwave according to the product information, with touch-and-dial controls and a child lock.

  • This model has 10 power levels, a 95-minute timer and a 245 mm turntable.
  • Check whether its combined touch-and-dial controls suit the people sharing the kitchen.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Do I need a grill or convection microwave to reheat baked beans?

No. A solo microwave handles simple heating and reheating. Choose grill functions if the kitchen will also toast or grill food, or convection if it needs oven-style baking, roasting or browning.

How should I reheat baked beans or leftovers?

Follow the food-pack instructions, including any stirring or standing directions, and heat the food until it is steaming hot throughout. GOV.UK guidance distinguishes reheating from merely warming food.

Can baked beans go into the microwave in their tin?

No. Transfer the beans to a container clearly labelled microwave safe. Electrical Safety First warns against putting metal and unsuitable containers into a microwave.

What electrical checks matter in a UK shared kitchen?

Choose a microwave fitted with a suitable UK three-pin plug and fuse, and connect it directly to an appropriate wall socket rather than relying on an extension lead. Check the plug and socket for signs of damage, and remain present while the microwave operates.

How can I tell whether a microwave will fit our worktop and bowls?

Compare the exact model’s external dimensions and required ventilation clearance with the intended spot. Then check its cavity or turntable dimensions against your usual bowls and plates; litre capacity alone does not establish whether particular crockery fits.