Who is choosing a microwave?

Small-portion reheaters

If you usually warm one or two bowls, look for power settings and a timer that make it easy to pause and stir. A compact solo microwave is a relevant starting point, provided your bowls fit.

Households using larger dishes

If custard often goes into a serving dish, or you also reheat family meals, check the cavity and turntable dimensions before choosing a model. Panasonic, for example, lists a 32L cavity and 34cm turntable for its NN-ST48KSBPQ.

Multi-function kitchen users

If the same appliance will also grill or brown food, consider a grill or combination microwave. Electrical Safety First distinguishes those added functions from the heating and reheating provided by a solo model; they are not needed solely to warm custard.

What matters when choosing?

Start with the bowl and the way you will heat its contents: controllable intervals matter for custard, while cavity size and extra cooking modes depend on what else the microwave needs to do.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Controllable warming Look for selectable microwave power levels and a timer you can set for short intervals; pause to stir rather than relying on one long cycle. If I mainly warm thick custard, I want time to stir and check it before heating further. Roughly 42% of consumers would put that control first.
Dish and worktop fit Compare your widest dish with the usable cavity and turntable, then check the appliance dimensions and required ventilation clearance. When I use a larger serving dish, it needs to fit without choosing an appliance too large for my worktop. Around 33% of consumers would make fit their primary concern.
Other cooking functions Choose grill or convection functions only if you expect to use those cooking modes as well as microwave reheating. If I also want to grill or brown food, those added functions may justify a different type of microwave. Approximately 25% of consumers would prioritise that wider use.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Buying a grill model solely for custard

    A solo microwave already handles heating and reheating. Grill and convection functions serve other cooking tasks, so they need not determine a custard-focused purchase.

    Start with the microwave controls you will use; consider additional modes if grilling, browning or baking is part of your routine.

  • Heating a thick portion without pausing

    Microwaved food can have hot pockets. NHS advice on food for babies calls for stirring and checking the temperature before feeding.

    Heat custard in short intervals, stir thoroughly and check it before serving. For stored cooked food being reheated, Food Standards Agency guidance for childminders says it should be steaming hot throughout.

  • Choosing by capacity in litres alone

    A stated capacity does not tell you whether your serving dish will sit on the turntable or whether the appliance fits your worktop.

    Measure the dishes you use and compare them with the cavity and turntable dimensions; check exterior dimensions and installation clearances too.

  • Using a container unsuitable for microwaves

    Electrical Safety First warns that metal items can spark and unsuitable materials can melt.

    Use a container labelled microwave safe and follow any limits on its label. Keep foil and cutlery out of the microwave.

Brands to consider for these microwave types

Panasonic

Panasonic lists both compact and larger solo models, giving you different sizes to compare for bowls and serving dishes.

  • Panasonic specifies five power levels for the 20L NN-ST22QBBPQ and a 32L cavity with a 34cm turntable for the NN-ST48KSBPQ.
  • Check the exact model's dimensions against your dish and worktop; a larger cavity is not necessary for individual portions.

Sharp

Sharp has compact solo and microwave-and-grill models, depending on whether reheating or broader cooking is your priority.

  • Sharp specifies a 20L cavity and 11 adjustable power levels for the solo YC-MS02U-S; its YC-MG01U-S adds a grill and combination settings.
  • The grill is relevant only if you plan to use it for tasks beyond warming custard.

LG

LG's MH6535GIS is an option to examine if you want reheating controls and a grill in one appliance.

  • LG lists a 25L cavity, 1000W microwave output, grill function and Smart Inverter power control from 1,000W to 300W for the MH6535GIS.
  • LG's statements about even heating are manufacturer claims, not a custard-specific comparison with other models.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a grill microwave to warm custard?

No: a solo microwave provides the heating and reheating functions needed for custard. Consider a grill or combination model if you will also use its additional cooking modes.

How should I warm prepared custard?

Use a microwave-safe bowl, heat in short intervals and stir between them. If you are reheating stored cooked food, Food Standards Agency guidance for childminders says it should be steaming hot throughout; for food served to a baby, NHS guidance also says to let it cool and check its temperature before feeding.

Which bowl can I use?

Choose a bowl labelled microwave safe and follow its usage instructions. Electrical Safety First warns against items such as foil and cutlery, which can spark, and unsuitable materials that can melt.

What should I check before installing a countertop microwave?

Check that its plug and fuse are suitable for UK use, that it fits the available space and that you can meet the manufacturer's ventilation instructions. Follow the appliance instructions when choosing where and how to connect it.

When should I stop using a microwave?

Stop using it if the door, seal or hinges are damaged, and seek service advice. Keep the cavity and turntable clean in line with the manufacturer's instructions so food debris does not build up.