Small-kitchen reheaters
If bread pudding is usually warmed in one serving dish, the appliance needs to fit both that dish and the measured worktop space. Panasonic and Russell Hobbs publish dimensions for the named models discussed below.
Who these choices suit
Consumers who want a browned top
A grill model is worth considering when a browned or crisper surface matters as well as warming. Check which cooking modes and accessories the particular model provides.
Consumers who prefer simple controls
Manual dials may suit someone who would rather set time and power directly than use digital programmes. The Russell Hobbs RHMM701C-N is one example with dial controls.
What matters when choosing
Measure the proposed location and your usual serving dish first. Once both can fit, decide whether straightforward microwave reheating is enough or whether a grill is useful for the finish you want.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop and dish fit | Compare external width, depth and height with your space and the model’s required clearances; check turntable diameter against your dish. | If counter space is tight, I need the microwave and my serving dish to fit before its capacity matters. Roughly 46% of consumers put worktop and dish fit first. |
| Reheating controls | Compare power settings and manual or digital controls; check cookware labelling before use. | For regular portions, I want controls I can set easily for warming rather than extra cooking modes. Around 36% of consumers make straightforward reheating their primary concern. |
| Browning the top | Check whether the model has a grill or combination mode, and read its rack and cookware instructions. | If a browned top is important to me, microwave-only heating will not provide the grill function I want. About 18% of consumers prioritise that optional finish. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging compactness by litres alone
A smaller stated cavity does not necessarily mean less width or depth. Panasonic lists its 20L NN-ST21QWBPQ at 440 × 324 × 258mm, while Russell Hobbs lists its 17L RHMM701C-N at 45.1 × 32.6 × 25.8cm.
Measure the worktop, allow for the clearances in the chosen model’s instructions and compare its turntable with your dish.
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Choosing a grill when warming is the only aim
A grill adds a way to brown the top, but ordinary microwave reheating does not require that additional mode.
Compare solo models first if you want a soft, warmed portion; consider a grill if browning is a regular preference.
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Using an awkward position without checking electrical safety
Blocked ventilation or reliance on an extension lead can make a proposed worktop location unsuitable. Electrical Safety First advises against powering a microwave through an extension lead.
Choose a position that meets the manufacturer’s ventilation instructions and permits connection to an appropriate mains socket.
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Assuming a storage container is microwave safe
Electrical Safety First warns that unsuitable containers and metal objects can cause problems in a microwave.
Use cookware clearly marked as microwave safe and follow its heating instructions.
Brands to consider for compact microwaves
Panasonic
Panasonic UK & Ireland lists named 20L solo and grill models with the same stated 440 × 324 × 258mm exterior and 255mm turntable.
- The NN-ST21QWBPQ solo model lists 800W, five power levels and Quick 30; the NN-GT23QMBPQ adds a 1000W grill and combination cooking.
- Choose between those named models by the cooking modes you will use, then check dish fit and installation clearances.
Russell Hobbs
The RHMM701C-N is a 17L manual microwave for consumers who prefer dials to digital programmes.
- Russell Hobbs lists 700W, five power levels, defrost and a 24.5cm turntable for this model.
- Its 45.1cm width and 32.6cm depth still need measuring against the available worktop; the 17L figure is not a footprint measurement.
Morphy Richards
The named 20L 800W Digital Microwave with Mirror Door offers a point of comparison for consumers interested in preset controls.
- Morphy Richards lists 11 power levels including defrost, six preset functions and a 24.5cm glass turntable for the silver version.
- Check the exact variant, its external dimensions and current availability before treating its listed features as a purchase option.
Joybuy microwaves to compare
These models offer solo microwave reheating or additional cooking modes for bread pudding. Compare each one’s worktop fit and your usual dish before choosing; the combination model is relevant if you also want a grill.
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Russell Hobbs RHM2063-AH 20L Digital Microwave, Black
A solo microwave to consider if you mainly want to warm bread pudding. Its stated 800W output and five power levels give you reheating settings to compare. Check its stated 43.95 × 35.9 × 25.8cm exterior against your worktop and the required clearances.
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Hisense H23MOBS5HUK 23L Solo Microwave, Black
Consider this solo model if you want a 23L cavity for reheating and have room for its exterior. The product name states 800W and touch controls. Compare your dish with the turntable and check the model’s required clearances.
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Midea MMOP01MZ-WH 20L Manual Solo Microwave, White
This 700W manual model is an option if you prefer direct controls for warming. Compare its stated approximate 440 × 345 × 259mm exterior with your space and required clearances, and check that your usual dish fits the turntable.
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Hisense H25MOBS7HUK 25L Digital Solo Microwave, Black
A 25L solo option to consider if your serving dish calls for more space and the worktop permits it. The product name states 900W. Check its stated 51.3 × 42.9 × 30.7cm exterior and required clearances before choosing it for a small kitchen.
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Toshiba MW3-SAC23SF(MB) 23L Air Fry Combination Microwave
Consider this combination model if you want microwave reheating plus a grill for the top. Its product name states 900W microwave power and a 1000W grill. Check the exterior dimensions, installation clearances and instructions for each cooking mode before deciding whether it fits your space.
Common questions
How can I tell whether a microwave will fit a limited worktop?
Measure the available width, depth and height, then compare them with the model’s external dimensions and required installation clearances. Check your dish against the turntable too: Panasonic lists its 20L NN-ST21QWBPQ at 440 × 324 × 258mm, while Russell Hobbs lists its 17L RHMM701C-N at 45.1 × 32.6 × 25.8cm, so capacity alone cannot establish worktop fit.
Do I need a grill microwave to reheat bread pudding?
No: a solo microwave can warm bread pudding, while a grill is an additional option if you want to brown the top. Panasonic lists a 1000W grill and combination cooking for its NN-GT23QMBPQ; follow the chosen model’s instructions for its cooking modes and accessories.
What should I check when choosing a dish and reheating food?
Use a dish clearly marked as microwave safe and follow the appliance instructions. Electrical Safety First warns against unsuitable containers and metal objects; for food intended for babies or young children, NHS guidance says to reheat it until steaming hot throughout, stir it and check its temperature before feeding.
How should I dispose of an old microwave?
Check your local authority’s electrical-waste collection options and ask the retailer about take-back rather than assuming the microwave belongs in household rubbish. GOV.UK describes the UK waste electrical and electronic equipment framework as intended to reduce electrical waste sent to landfill.