Small-kitchen leftover reheaters
If you usually heat one or two portions of dhal, check both where the microwave will sit and whether your usual bowl can rotate inside it. The stated litre capacity alone will not settle either question.
Who this suits
People who prefer simple controls
Manual time and power controls may suit you if reheating and defrosting matter more than automatic programmes. Check that the controls let you make the adjustments you want for your usual portions.
Small-space cooks with broader plans
If you also want to brown or grill other food, a microwave with a grill is worth comparing with solo models. Those extra functions are not needed just to reheat dhal.
What matters when choosing
Measure the available position and check the model’s ventilation instructions before choosing controls or extra cooking functions. For a turntable model, compare its diameter with the bowl or plate you normally use.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop and dish fit | Compare external width, depth and height with the intended position and the manual’s ventilation clearances. Check that your microwave-safe dish fits and can rotate freely. | When worktop space is tight, I need the microwave to fit without giving up the bowl I use for dhal; around 50% of consumers put worktop and dish fit first. |
| Reheating controls | Check how you set the time and power, and whether the cavity accommodates your usual portion and container. | For regular leftovers, I want to adjust heating without relying on a preset; straightforward reheating is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Additional cooking functions | Look at grill and combination settings only if you plan to use them for food beyond dhal. | If the same appliance also needs to brown or grill food, those functions influence my choice; around 20% of consumers prioritise this broader use. |
Buying pitfalls
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Using litres as a measure of worktop fit
Cavity capacity does not tell you how deep the exterior is. Panasonic lists its 20L NN-ST21QWBPQ at 440 × 324 × 258 mm, while Russell Hobbs lists a 17L Textures manual model at 45.2 × 35.5 × 26.2 cm, with dimensions stated as width × depth × height.
Measure the intended position, compare each model’s full dimensions and allow for the clearances in its installation instructions.
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Adding a grill for reheating alone
A grill adds browning or grilling options, but it does not remove the need to heat dhal thoroughly.
Start your comparison with solo microwaves unless you expect to use the grill for other meals.
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Assuming a reheat programme checks the centre
A selected programme does not establish that the middle of a portion has reached a safe temperature.
Follow the appliance instructions and reheat dhal thoroughly through to the centre. The Food Standards Agency advises reheating food only once.
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Using the space around the microwave for storage
Items placed against the appliance can obstruct its ventilation.
Keep the vents clear and include the required clearance when deciding where the microwave will stand.
Brands with relevant models
These brands offer models relevant to compact-space reheating; dimensions and functions still need checking for the individual model.
Panasonic
Panasonic offers compact solo and grill microwaves. Its NN-ST21QWBPQ is a 20L solo model with digital controls.
- Panasonic lists the NN-ST21QWBPQ at 440 × 324 × 258 mm, with 800W output and a 255 mm turntable.
- Its exterior dimensions are only part of the fit check; allow the ventilation clearance specified for the model.
Russell Hobbs
Russell Hobbs offers 17L manual-dial models for basic reheating and defrosting.
- The brand lists models with 700W output, five power levels and a defrost setting.
- A 17L capacity does not establish a shallow exterior: Russell Hobbs lists its 17L Textures manual model at 35.5 cm deep.
Sharp
Sharp offers 20L digital solo microwaves and manual-control models with a grill.
- Sharp lists an 800W digital solo model with 11 power levels, and a separate manual grill model with 800W microwave output and a 1000W grill.
- Choose between these models by the controls and cooking functions you will use, then check the dimensions and installation instructions for that model.
Toshiba
Toshiba lists the MV-AM20T as a 20L solo microwave with selectable power levels and presets.
- Toshiba specifies 850W output, five power levels and 12 presets for the MV-AM20T.
- Confirm the exact model’s external dimensions and required clearances before choosing it for a restricted worktop.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Common questions
Do I need a grill microwave to reheat red lentil dhal?
No. A solo microwave covers the stated reheating task; consider a grill model if you also want to brown or grill other food.
How should I reheat dhal in a microwave?
Reheat it thoroughly so the centre reaches a safe temperature, rather than judging by the warmth of the outside alone. The Food Standards Agency advises reheating food only once.
Will a 17L microwave take less worktop space than a 20L one?
Not necessarily: capacity describes the cavity, not the exterior. Russell Hobbs lists a 17L Textures manual model at 45.2 × 35.5 × 26.2 cm, while Panasonic lists its 20L NN-ST21QWBPQ at 440 × 324 × 258 mm; both sets of dimensions are width × depth × height. Compare the exact model and its required ventilation clearances.
What electrical and placement checks matter for a UK countertop microwave?
Check that the model has a UK three-pin fused plug, follow its installation instructions and keep its vents unobstructed. Electrical Safety First also advises checking the plug and socket for scorch marks.
What container should I use to reheat dhal?
Use a container marked as microwave-safe that fits inside the chosen model. Electrical Safety First advises against putting metal objects or containers not designed for microwave use into the appliance.