Who this suits

Small-portion gravy reheaters

If you usually heat one bowl or jug, look for power and time controls you can adjust between stirs, plus a turntable that holds your vessel steadily.

People who prefer simple controls

If gravy and other everyday foods are your main uses, clear manual or digital time and power controls may matter more to you than grill programmes.

Buyers with limited worktop space

Check both the microwave’s external dimensions and whether its cavity and turntable accommodate your usual bowl, jug or plate.

What matters when buying

For gravy, start with controls that allow short heating intervals and stirring, then check that your vessel fits without taking up more worktop space than you can spare. The NHS advises heating reheated food until it is steaming hot all the way through.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Heating gravy throughout Adjustable power, short time settings and easy access for stirring. If thick gravy heats unevenly, I need to pause and stir before serving it. Around 50% of consumers put controlled reheating first.
Simple repeat use Whether the timer and power selection are clear to the people using the microwave. When reheating a small portion, I want to set another short interval without navigating extra cooking modes. Straightforward controls are the first concern for around 30% of consumers.
Vessel and worktop fit External dimensions, cavity clearance and turntable diameter against your bowl or jug. With little counter space, I still need my usual gravy vessel to fit and rotate freely. Around 20% of consumers prioritise that fit.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing by wattage alone

    An 800W rating does not mean thick gravy will heat evenly without attention. The NHS advises that reheated food should be steaming hot all the way through.

    Look for adjustable time and power settings; heat in short intervals and stir between them.

  • Assuming a 20L microwave will fit your jug

    Capacity does not tell you whether a wide or tall vessel has enough clearance to rotate.

    Measure the vessel’s base and height, then compare them with the turntable and cavity dimensions.

  • Using an unsuitable container

    Metal or foil can spark, while unsuitable plastics and foam trays can melt.

    Use a container marked microwave-safe and follow its heating instructions.

    A damaged container may need replacing.

  • Assuming similarly named models have the same controls

    A Joybuy Haden 20L, 800W listing describes nine power levels, while Haden’s own silver 20L, 800W listing describes 10. Similar descriptions do not establish that two listings are for the same model.

    Compare the full model identifier and the controls and accessories you need before ordering.

Brands and models to consider

Panasonic

Panasonic’s NN-E28JBMBPQ is a 20L, 800W solo microwave with five power settings.

  • Its listed 255mm turntable and Quick 30 Seconds control are relevant when choosing a vessel and setting brief intervals.
  • Check that the exact model and your usual bowl or jug suit your available space.

Haden

Haden lists 20L, 800W solo microwaves with different control arrangements.

  • Haden’s silver 20L, 800W model lists 10 power levels and a 245mm turntable.
  • Check the particular model: these specifications should not be assumed for every Haden microwave.

Morphy Richards

Morphy Richards lists a 20L, 800W digital microwave with 11 power levels.

  • The listed 24.5cm turntable gives you a dimension to compare with your gravy bowl or jug.
  • Check vessel clearance and whether you want the additional settings before choosing this type of control.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

How should I reheat onion gravy in a microwave?

Use a microwave-safe bowl or jug, heat the gravy in short intervals and stir between them. Check that it is steaming hot throughout before serving, in line with NHS advice on reheated food. If serving a young child, let it cool and check its temperature before feeding.

Do I need a grill or convection microwave for gravy?

No, not if reheating gravy is your main purpose. A solo microwave provides straightforward heating; consider grill or convection functions if you also need those cooking methods for other meals.

Will a 20L microwave fit my gravy jug?

That depends on the jug’s shape and the microwave’s internal clearance. Measure its base and height, then check the cavity and turntable dimensions rather than relying on the 20L capacity alone.

What electrical details should I check for a UK countertop microwave?

Confirm that the appliance has a UK 3-pin plug and fuse, as Electrical Safety First advises for countertop microwaves. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and safety instructions for the model you choose.

Can I reheat gravy in a container with foil or metal?

Use a container clearly marked microwave-safe instead. Metal and foil can spark, while foam trays and food-storage bags not intended for microwave use may melt or damage the appliance.