If you mainly warm custard, choose a combination microwave only if you will also use its grill or convection cooking functions; a solo microwave can cover basic reheating. For a combination model, prioritise selectable microwave power and manual timing, then check its external dimensions and required clearances against your worktop. A larger cavity or extra cooking modes are worthwhile only if you have room for them and expect to use them.
If custard and other small portions are your main use, look for selectable microwave power and timing you can set yourself. Measure the space available before choosing a combination model over a solo microwave.
If you also want to grill or use convection cooking for small dishes, a combination microwave brings those functions into one appliance. Check that its exterior, door movement and required clearances suit the intended position.
If air frying, grilling and convection cooking will be regular tasks, additional modes may be useful. Give the appliance’s worktop requirements as much attention as its list of functions.
Start with the microwave controls needed for small portions, then measure the available worktop space. Consider additional cooking modes after those two checks.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled warming | Look for selectable microwave power and manual timing. Follow the custard packaging or recipe instructions for your portion and appliance. | If I mainly warm small portions of custard, I want control over power and time rather than relying on an automatic programme. Around 33% of consumers put controlled warming first. |
| Worktop fit | Measure width, depth and height, then check door-opening space and the exact model’s clearance instructions. | When preparation space is tight, I need the appliance to fit without crowding the counter. Worktop fit comes first for around 42% of consumers. |
| Additional cooking modes | Decide whether you will regularly use the grill, convection or air-fry functions, and check the controls those modes require. | If I also cook small dishes without using the main oven, I may accept more controls and a larger appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise those additional functions. |
Capacity does not tell you whether a microwave fits a narrow or shallow counter. Russell Hobbs lists its 23L RHM2366B at 469mm wide and 415mm deep; Panasonic lists its 27L NN-CT55 at 520mm wide and 395mm deep.
Measure the dimension that limits your space, then check door movement and the model manual’s placement clearances.
Air frying and connected controls do not replace microwave power selection when warming custard. They matter more if you will use them for other cooking tasks.
Decide which modes you expect to use regularly before accepting a larger appliance or more controls.
A larger exterior can take worktop space needed for food preparation.
Panasonic’s energy and cooking-time comparisons come from its own tests against specified ovens and dishes; they do not establish the result for every recipe or competing model.
Use the exact model’s dimensions, settings and instructions to assess how it fits your cooking needs.
The NN-CT55 is a 27L combination model for buyers considering microwave, grill and convection cooking on a restricted worktop.
The freestanding RHM2366B combines a 23L microwave with grill and true fan-assisted oven functions.
The 32L MC32DG7646CKE3 is aimed at buyers who expect to use microwave, grill, convection and air-fry functions.
These countertop combination models offer microwave warming alongside other cooking modes. Compare their controls and confirm each model’s dimensions and placement requirements for your kitchen.
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Consider this model if you want a countertop combination microwave for warming small portions as well as other cooking tasks.
The listed variant has a 25 Litre capacity and 4-in-1 designation. Measure your counter and check the manual’s ventilation and placement clearances before buying.
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Consider this model if you want microwave warming alongside the additional cooking functions named for this 5-in-1 variant.
Its stated capacity is 26L. Confirm its full exterior dimensions, placement clearances and the cooking modes you intend to use before choosing it for a small counter.
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Consider this model if you want a 23L combination microwave and expect to use its additional cooking modes.
The product name lists 900W and a 1000W grill. Check the exterior dimensions and required clearances for your counter; app-based controls also require the relevant setup.
No. A solo microwave can handle basic reheating; choose a combination microwave if you will also use grill or convection cooking. Which? describes those cooking functions as the distinction from regular microwave cooking.
Measure the available width, depth and height, allow room for the door to open, and check the exact model manual for placement and ventilation clearances. Litre capacity is not a substitute for exterior measurements.
Not on its own. Panasonic lists five microwave power settings for its 1000W NN-CT55, while Russell Hobbs lists five for its 900W RHM2366B. Select settings appropriate to the food and follow the packaging or recipe instructions for your portion and appliance.
Samsung says the applicable Smart Control and SmartThings features on the MC32DG7646CKE3 require Wi-Fi, a Samsung account and the SmartThings app. Check those requirements if connected controls are a reason for choosing the model.