People reheating single portions
If you usually warm one bowl or jug of custard, look for controls that let you stop and stir between short heating intervals. NHS advice on microwave reheating highlights the need to stir food to remove hot pockets.
Who is this for?
People sharing a kitchen
When several people use the same microwave, straightforward timing controls, a removable turntable and a routine for wiping splashes make day-to-day use easier. The appliance also needs a suitable position near a wall socket.
People with limited worktop space
If the communal worktop is crowded, compare the microwave’s external dimensions as well as its capacity. Check that the bowls and plates you normally use fit on the turntable and can rotate freely.
What matters when choosing?
For custard, prioritise controllable reheating, then check whether the microwave is practical to share and fits its intended position.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled custard reheating | Look for several selectable power levels, a clear timer and room for a microwave-safe bowl to rotate. Plan to stop and stir between short intervals. | If I regularly warm a small portion, I want to stir it before the edges become much hotter than the centre. Around 42% of consumers put controlled reheating first. |
| Shared-kitchen use | Check that the controls are easy to follow, the turntable can be removed for cleaning and the intended position has a suitable direct wall connection. | When several of us use the appliance, I need timing that is easy to repeat and splashes that are straightforward to clean. Shared-kitchen usability comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Worktop fit | Compare the exact model’s width, depth and height with the available position; check turntable size against your usual dishes. | With little communal counter space, I need the microwave to fit without choosing one too small for our bowls and plates. Worktop fit is the primary concern for around 25% of consumers. |
What should you avoid?
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Assuming wattage or a programme replaces stirring
Microwave-reheated food can have hot pockets. NHS guidance advises stirring to remove them, so neither a higher power rating nor an automatic programme is a reason to serve custard without checking it.
Choose controls that allow short heating intervals, stir the custard thoroughly between intervals and check its temperature before serving.
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Choosing a spot that requires an extension lead
Electrical Safety First warns against powering a microwave through an extension lead, particularly where other high-power appliances could overload it.
Choose a worktop position where the microwave can connect directly to a suitable wall socket.
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Comparing capacity without measuring the worktop
Capacity in litres does not tell you whether a microwave fits its intended position or whether your dishes can rotate inside it.
Measure the available space and compare the exact model’s external dimensions and turntable size before choosing.
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Leaving splashes for the next person
Custard left on the cavity or turntable adds to the cleaning needed in a shared kitchen. Electrical Safety First recommends regular cleaning to prevent food debris building up.
Agree to wipe splashes after use and clean the turntable in line with the appliance instructions.
Relevant brands to consider
Panasonic
Panasonic lists both compact and larger solo microwaves relevant to this choice.
- The NN-E27JW is listed as a 20L, 800W model with five power levels and external dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm.
- The 23L NN-SD27HS has a larger listed footprint of 488 × 395 mm. Panasonic’s even-heating claim for its inverter model is not a reason to skip stirring custard.
Russell Hobbs
The RHM2076S is a digital solo microwave with features relevant to repeated shared-kitchen use.
- Russell Hobbs lists a 20L cavity, 800W output, five power levels and a removable, dishwasher-safe 25.5 cm glass turntable.
- Its listed 44.5 × 35.6 × 25.8 cm dimensions still need checking against the intended worktop position; preset programmes do not replace stirring custard.
Tower
The T24042BLK is a manual-control solo microwave for people who prefer dial-based operation.
- Tower lists a 20L cavity, 800W output, six heat settings, a 30-minute timer and a glass turntable.
- Check that the manual controls suit everyone sharing the kitchen, and wipe custard splashes after use.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How should I reheat custard in a microwave?
Heat custard in a microwave-safe bowl or jug in short intervals, stirring thoroughly between them and checking it before serving. NHS guidance on reheating baby food advises stirring microwave-heated food to remove hot pockets; that uneven-heating precaution is relevant to custard too.
Do I need a grill or combination microwave for custard?
No: a solo microwave suits the primary task of reheating custard. Electrical Safety First distinguishes solo models used for simple heating and reheating from grill and convection models intended for other cooking tasks.
Can I use an extension lead for a shared-kitchen microwave?
Choose a position with a suitable wall socket instead. Electrical Safety First advises against powering a microwave through an extension lead and warns of overload when high-power appliances are connected.
What should I check before buying a countertop microwave for a kitchen in Great Britain?
Check for a standard fused UK 3-pin plug, a suitable direct wall connection and dimensions that fit the intended position. Electrical Safety First gives the plug and connection advice; the Office for Product Safety & Standards describes the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 as setting requirements for electrical equipment placed on the Great Britain market, rather than a consumer registration requirement.