Single-bowl reheaters short on space
If you mainly warm one bowl of soup, the microwave still has to fit your worktop and leave room for its door and required ventilation. Check those dimensions before comparing extra functions.
Who is this for?
People who prefer dials
A manual timer and power control may suit you better than a touch panel. Both 17L and 20L manual models are relevant, but their outside dimensions and turntables vary.
Regular leftover reheaters
Quick-start or automatic programmes may appeal if you reheat leftovers often. You still need to stir soup during heating and check that it is hot throughout.
What matters when choosing?
Start with the available worktop space, then check your bowl against the turntable. Once both fit, choose the controls you would actually use.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop fit | Compare the full width, depth and height with your space, allowing for door use and the ventilation specified in the model’s instructions. | I have limited worktop depth and cannot choose by litre capacity alone. Around 31% of consumers put the appliance’s physical fit first. |
| Bowl and plate fit | Compare your usual bowl’s base with the stated turntable diameter; check that it can rotate freely. | My microwave may fit the counter, but I need my soup bowl to fit inside it. For around 25% of consumers, dish fit is the primary concern. |
| Controls | Decide whether you prefer setting time and power with dials or using quick-start and automatic programmes. | I want a reheating routine that feels straightforward, whether that means dials or a useful preset. Control style comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Even reheating | Allow room in a microwave-safe bowl, stir during heating and check that the soup is piping hot throughout. | When reheating leftovers, I care most about avoiding cold spots and dealing with splashes. Around 19% of consumers make even reheating and clean-up their main concern. |
What should you avoid?
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Choosing by capacity alone
A litre rating does not tell you whether the microwave fits your counter or whether its turntable takes your usual bowl. The cited 17L and 20L models differ in both external dimensions and turntable size.
Measure the available space and your bowl, then check the exact model’s door-opening and ventilation requirements.
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Relying on a preset to heat soup evenly
Soup can heat unevenly, so a wattage rating or reheat programme does not establish that the whole portion is hot.
Use a microwave-safe bowl with room at the top, pause to stir and check that the soup is piping hot throughout before serving.
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Choosing programmes without considering the controls
Automatic programmes may be useful for a regular routine, while dials offer a direct way to set time and power for a single bowl.
Look at the controls on the exact model and choose the method you would use most often.
Relevant brands to consider
These model examples show why dimensions, turntables and controls are more useful to compare than brand names alone.
Panasonic
Panasonic has compact 20L solo models with touch controls and automatic programmes.
- Panasonic UK & Ireland specifies the NN-ST22QBBPQ at 440 × 324 × 258mm (W × D × H), with 800W output, a 255mm turntable, Quick 30 and 11 auto programmes.
- Those are NN-ST22QBBPQ specifications, not features or dimensions to assume for every Panasonic model. Check whether its touch controls suit your routine.
Sharp
Sharp’s YC-MS01U is a 20L manual-control option for people who prefer setting time and power directly.
- Sharp Consumer UK specifies 800W output, five power levels and a 255mm turntable for the YC-MS01U.
- Its stated depth is 344mm. Check that depth against your worktop rather than assuming a 20L model will fit.
Russell Hobbs
The manual RHMM723 offers a 17L option to consider when one bowl is the usual load.
- Russell Hobbs specifies 700W output, five power levels, a 24.5cm turntable and external dimensions of 45.1 × 35.3 × 25.6cm (W × D × H).
- Check your bowl against its turntable: its 17L cavity and 24.5cm turntable are smaller than those of the cited 20L, 255mm-turntable examples.
Joybuy microwaves to consider
These solo microwaves offer manual and programme-led options for soup reheating. Compare each model’s worktop requirements and controls with your space and routine; the 23L option also needs particular attention to its outside dimensions.
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Russell Hobbs RHM2063-AH 20L Digital Microwave, Black
Consider this model if you want to compare programmed controls with a straightforward soup-reheating routine. Its product name specifies 800W output and five power levels; check that your bowl and the required ventilation space fit before buying.
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Sharp YC-PS201AU-S 20L Manual Solo Microwave, Silver
A manual option if you prefer to set reheating time and power directly. The product name specifies 700W output, six power levels and a defrost function; check your bowl and counter space against this exact model.
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Midea MMOP01MZ-WH 20L Manual Solo Microwave, White
This manual 700W model is relevant if you want to set a simple reheating routine yourself. Confirm its turntable diameter against your usual soup bowl and follow the model’s ventilation instructions when planning its position.
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Daewoo SDA1961 20L Manual Solo Microwave, Grey
A dial-control option for single-bowl reheating, with 800W output stated in its product name. Confirm the power-setting count for this exact variant, as its product information differs, and check that your bowl fits.
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Hisense H23MOBS5HUK 23L Solo Microwave, Black
Consider the 23L capacity if your usual bowl or plate calls for more room, but measure your worktop before choosing it for a small kitchen. The product name specifies 800W output; confirm the controls for this exact variant before buying.
Common questions
Is a 17L microwave large enough for vegetable soup?
A 17L microwave can suit one bowl if that bowl fits and rotates freely. Russell Hobbs specifies a 24.5cm turntable for the RHMM723; measure your bowl rather than relying on capacity alone.
Do I need an 800W microwave to reheat soup?
No: the cited 700W and 800W models are both options for soup reheating. Adjust heating to the portion and the microwave’s instructions, and check that the soup is hot throughout rather than relying on the power rating.
How should I reheat vegetable soup evenly?
Pause to stir it halfway through heating, then check that it is piping hot throughout before serving. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust advises stirring during microwave cooking and avoiding reheating cooked food more than once in its food-safety guidance for people undergoing chemotherapy.
How much space should I leave around a countertop microwave?
Allow the ventilation space specified in the exact model’s installation instructions, as well as room to open its door. Measure the microwave’s external width, depth and height; do not assume a freestanding model can go into an enclosed gap.
What if I am replacing an old microwave?
Check how the retailer accepts a like-for-like old appliance before ordering. GOV.UK states that UK electrical-product distributors must offer in-store take-back of waste of the same type, including when the replacement is bought online or by mail order; ask the retailer separately about home collection.