Who this choice suits

Small-worktop leftover reheaters

If bowls of leftovers, including beef stew, are the main use, check the microwave’s exterior depth and installation requirements before relying on its capacity in litres.

Full-plate stew reheaters

If you use a dinner plate or substantial bowl, check the turntable diameter and interior space so the vessel can rotate without catching.

One-appliance flexible cooks

If you also want to brown or toast other foods, a compact grill microwave may be useful. That extra function is not needed just to reheat stew.

What to check before buying

Check worktop fit first, then whether your usual stew bowl will rotate; consider extra cooking functions only after those essentials are settled.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Worktop and installation fit Measure the available width, depth and height. Compare the exact model’s exterior dimensions, door-opening room and manufacturer installation instructions; plan for an accessible wall socket. I have little counter depth and need the microwave to fit where I can use it safely. Around 46% of consumers would put worktop and installation fit first.
Bowl fit and reheating controls Compare your bowl or plate with the turntable diameter and interior dimensions, allowing room to rotate. Check the available power controls against the food instructions you follow. My usual stew bowl needs to turn freely, and I want controls I can use to reheat its contents thoroughly. Roughly 36% of consumers would prioritise bowl fit and reheating controls.
Simple controls or a grill Decide whether you will use browning or toasting functions. If reheating is the main task, compare solo controls rather than treating a grill as essential. I reheat stew, but I may also want to brown or toast other foods in the same appliance. About 18% of consumers would make that choice of functions their primary concern.

Buying pitfalls

  • Buying by litre capacity without measuring the worktop

    Capacity describes the cooking space, not the counter space a microwave occupies. Panasonic UK & Ireland lists its 20L NN-ST23QMBPQ at 440 × 324 × 258mm (W × D × H), while Sharp Consumer UK lists its 20L YC-MS01U-B at 440 × 258 × 344mm (W × H × D).

    Measure your usable space and compare each model’s exterior dimensions and installation instructions, including the room needed to open the door.

  • Assuming a compact microwave will take your stew bowl

    A bowl that catches or cannot rotate may be awkward to use, even if the microwave’s stated capacity sounds sufficient. Turntable sizes differ between compact models.

    Measure the base of your usual bowl or plate, then check both the turntable diameter and interior dimensions, leaving room for rotation.

  • Stopping when the stew feels warm at the edges

    The Food Standards Agency says reheating means cooking again, not just warming food, and advises reheating thoroughly until the centre reaches a safe temperature.

    Follow the relevant food instructions, use a microwave-safe container and check that the stew is thoroughly reheated at its centre.

  • Planning to use an extension lead as the regular power source

    Electrical Safety First advises against powering a microwave through an extension lead and warns that leads can be overloaded by appliances used together.

    Choose a position with an accessible wall socket and check that a countertop microwave intended for UK use has a fused UK three-pin plug.

Compact microwave brands for reference

Panasonic

Panasonic UK & Ireland lists compact 20L solo and grill models relevant to a small-worktop search.

  • The NN-ST23QMBPQ solo model is listed at 440 × 324 × 258mm (W × D × H), with 800W output and a 255mm turntable.
  • The NN-GT23QMBPQ adds a grill in the same listed exterior size, but browning is an extra use rather than a requirement for reheating stew.

Sharp

Sharp Consumer UK lists the YC-MS01U-B for consumers considering a compact 20L solo microwave with manual controls.

  • The YC-MS01U-B is listed with 800W output, five power levels, manual dials and a 255mm turntable.
  • Its listed depth is 344mm; check that this and your usual bowl fit your kitchen routine.

Morphy Richards

Morphy Richards lists a 20L 800W Digital Microwave with Mirror Door for consumers who prefer digital controls.

  • The listed model has 11 power levels, a defrost setting and a 24.5cm glass turntable.
  • Check the exact model’s exterior dimensions and whether your stew bowl has room to rotate before choosing it for a small worktop.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a grill microwave to reheat beef stew?

No. A solo microwave is intended for heating and reheating; a grill adds browning and toasting for other foods. Choose that extra function only if you expect to use it.

Does higher wattage mean stew has been reheated safely?

No. Wattage alone does not show whether the centre is thoroughly reheated. The Food Standards Agency advises reheating food thoroughly until it reaches a safe temperature in the centre.

Can I use an extension lead for a countertop microwave?

Electrical Safety First advises against powering a microwave through an extension lead. For a countertop position in the UK, plan for an accessible wall socket and check that the appliance has a fused UK three-pin plug.

What should I use to hold stew in the microwave?

Use a container marked microwave-safe that also fits and rotates inside the exact model. Electrical Safety First advises against putting metal, foil or unsuitable food packaging in a microwave.

How should I care for the microwave after reheating stew?

Clean the microwave and turntable regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly when stew has splashed inside.