Single-portion leftover reheaters
If you mainly heat a bowl of cooked vegetables or other leftovers, a solo microwave may meet that need without grill or oven functions. Check that your usual covered dish fits.
Who this choice suits
Cooks short on worktop space
In a flat, studio, caravan or small kitchen, measure the available width, depth and height. Cavity capacity alone will not tell you whether an appliance fits the space.
People using a dinner plate or wider bowl
A wider dish makes turntable diameter worth checking. Compare your dish with the dimensions of the exact microwave rather than assuming every compact model will accommodate it.
What matters when choosing
17L freestanding solo microwave
Consider it: Your usual portion fits in a small bowl or plate and you want a compact worktop appliance with direct manual controls.
Trade-off: Check the dish against the turntable and cavity; the Haden 17L example lists a 245mm turntable, which does not establish that every 17L model has the same fit.
20L freestanding solo microwave
Consider it: You normally reheat on a dinner plate or want more cavity room without choosing a combination appliance.
Trade-off: A larger cavity does not establish a larger external footprint. Panasonic lists a 255mm turntable for its NN-E28JM, but you still need to measure the exact model and your dish.
Built-in microwave
Consider it: You have a suitable cabinet or wall-unit position and want to keep the worktop clear.
Trade-off: Cabinet fit, ventilation, electrical provision and the exact model's installation instructions become essential checks.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop and dish fit | Measure appliance width, depth and height, allowing for the model's required clearances; compare your dish with the turntable and cavity. | If I have little worktop space, I need the microwave and my covered bowl to fit before extra functions matter. Around 45% of consumers put this fit first. |
| Controlled reheating | Look for selectable power and a timer you can set for your portion; leave room in the dish to stir the broccoli. | When reheating cooked broccoli, I want to stir it part-way through and check that it is hot throughout rather than rely on the timer alone. This is the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Everyday operation | Choose controls you find straightforward and check whether the turntable can be removed for cleaning. | If I use the microwave routinely for leftovers, I want settings I can operate easily and surfaces I can clean after spills. Around 22% of consumers prioritise that daily routine. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by litres without measuring
A 17L cavity does not establish the appliance's external footprint or prove that a covered bowl will turn freely. Published dimensions also need to be considered alongside the model's installation clearances.
Measure your worktop, check space for the door and ventilation, and compare your widest dish with the cavity and turntable.
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Assuming wattage makes stirring unnecessary
Higher rated output does not guarantee even heating throughout a bowl of broccoli. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust advises turning and stirring food part-way through microwave heating.
Use a microwave-safe covered dish, redistribute the broccoli during reheating and check that it is piping hot throughout before serving.
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Adding functions the reheating routine does not need
A solo microwave addresses basic reheating; grill or combination functions serve different tasks. A built-in model also requires a suitable installation rather than simply replacing a freestanding one.
Decide whether you actually need grilling or baking, and consider a built-in model only after checking the cabinet and installation requirements.
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Leaving the old microwave out of the plan
Replacing an appliance also means arranging what happens to the old one. An in-store take-back route and a home collection service are not the same arrangement.
Ask the retailer about its electrical-appliance take-back options before ordering, particularly if you cannot take the old microwave to a collection point yourself.
Relevant brands to consider
Haden
Haden's cited 70017WHT is a 17L, 700W manual solo microwave with listed dimensions of H24.1 × W43.4 × D32.9 cm.
- Its listed 245mm turntable gives you a measurement to compare with a usual bowl or plate.
- The cited Joybuy listing says this specific white model is no longer available; it is a size reference, not a current purchase option.
Russell Hobbs
The Russell Hobbs RHMM701S-N is a 17L, 700W manual model with listed dimensions of H25.8 × W45.1 × D32.6 cm.
- Russell Hobbs specifies manual dials, five power levels and a 30-minute timer for this model.
- Check your plate and bowl against the exact cavity and turntable before choosing a 17L model.
Panasonic
Panasonic lists its NN-E28JM as a 20L solo microwave measuring 443 × 330 × 258mm.
- The model's listed 255mm turntable and selectable power settings help with dish-fit and control checks.
- Confirm the installation clearances for the exact model as well as its external measurements.
Sharp
Sharp lists the YC-MS01U as a 20L, 800W manual solo microwave with five adjustable power levels.
- Manual controls provide direct time and power selection on this model.
- Check the dimensions, ventilation requirements and your usual dish rather than choosing by capacity alone.
CDA
The CDA VM551SS is described as a 17L, 700W built-in microwave for wall-unit or cabinet integration.
- Its built-in format is relevant if preserving worktop space is the priority.
- Suitability depends on the actual cabinet, electrical provision and model-specific installation instructions.
Joybuy microwaves for this use
These freestanding solo microwaves offer 20L options for routine reheating, plus a 25L option to consider if your dish needs more room. Measure each appliance and your usual covered dish before choosing for a small worktop.
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Russell Hobbs RHM2063-AH Digital Microwave, 20L, 800W, Black
For routine reheating if you prefer digital controls. The named variant has five power levels; check your covered dish and the model's required worktop clearances before buying.
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Swan SM4421WHT Digital Microwave, 20L, 800W, White
For reheating with digital time and power selection. The named variant has a 95-minute timer and five power levels; measure your covered dish and allow for door and ventilation clearance.
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Hisense H25MOBS7HUK Digital Solo Microwave, 25L, 900W, Black
Consider the 25L cavity if you use a larger dish, but check how much worktop the appliance needs before choosing it for a small kitchen. Its name specifies digital solo operation and 900W output; neither measurement replaces a dish-fit check.
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DAEWOO SDA1961 Manual Solo Microwave, 20L, 800W, Grey
For straightforward reheating if you prefer manual controls. The named variant includes a defrost function; check that your usual dish fits and confirm the exact settings and installation dimensions before buying.
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Midea MMOP01MZ-WH Solo Microwave, 20L, 700W, White
For a 20L solo option when reheating is the main task. Check the actual control layout if you have a preference, and measure your dish and the space needed around the appliance; the product name identifies MET Inverter Technology without establishing an energy-saving result.
Questions about choosing and reheating
How should I reheat cooked broccoli in a microwave?
Use a microwave-safe covered dish, stir or turn the broccoli part-way through heating, and check that it is piping hot throughout before eating. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust advises turning and stirring food during microwave heating; no particular microwave removes the need to check the food itself.
Is a 17L microwave big enough for broccoli?
A 17L microwave can suit a small bowl or plate, provided your covered dish fits and turns freely. For comparison, the cited Haden 17L model lists a 245mm turntable, while Panasonic lists a 255mm turntable for its NN-E28JM 20L model; check the exact appliance rather than relying on litres alone.
Should I choose manual dials or digital controls?
Choose the controls you find easiest for setting reheating time and power. Manual models such as the cited Russell Hobbs RHMM701S-N and Sharp YC-MS01U offer selectable power levels; digital controls are worth considering if their display or programmes help with your routine.
What should I arrange for an old microwave when replacing it?
Check the retailer's electrical-appliance take-back arrangements before ordering, especially if you need home collection. GOV.UK distinguishes in-store take-back from transport for home collection, so confirm which route the seller offers for your replacement.