Who is this for?

Single-portion reheaters

If you usually warm one bowl of cooked peas or a small leftover portion, straightforward controls and space for your microwave-safe bowl matter more than extra cooking modes.

Family-meal reheaters

If the peas share a plate with the rest of a meal, check that the plate fits and can turn inside the microwave, as well as whether the appliance fits your worktop.

Multi-function kitchen users

If you also intend to grill, brown, bake or roast other foods, those meals—not the peas alone—may give you a reason to consider a grill or combination microwave.

What matters when choosing?

Start with the dish you use and the space available, then decide whether you need anything beyond microwave reheating.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Small-portion reheating Look for usable power settings and a timer, and check that your microwave-safe bowl fits. When I warm one bowl of peas, I want controls that let me heat it in manageable intervals and stir before checking it. Around 50% of consumers put straightforward small-portion reheating first.
Dish and worktop fit Compare the cavity and turntable with your usual dish, and the external dimensions with your available space. If peas are part of a plated meal, I need the whole plate to fit without taking up too much worktop space. For around 30% of consumers, that fit is the primary concern.
Additional cooking modes Decide whether you will regularly use grilling or oven-style cooking for other food. I want to know whether I would use the extra modes for meals beyond reheated peas. That choice comes first for around 20% of consumers.

Buying pitfalls

  • Buying extra cooking modes for reheating alone

    Which? distinguishes solo microwaves, which heat and defrost, from grill and combination models with additional cooking functions. Those functions are not needed simply to warm cooked peas.

    Choose a solo model unless you expect to use grilling, browning, baking or roasting for other dishes.

  • Judging fit by litre capacity alone

    A stated capacity does not tell you whether your usual bowl or dinner plate will fit on the turntable, or whether the appliance will fit on the worktop.

    Measure your dish and available space, then compare them with the model’s turntable, cavity and external dimensions.

  • Using an unsuitable container

    Electrical Safety First warns against putting metal objects in a microwave and advises using microwave-safe containers; unsuitable materials can create a safety risk.

    Transfer the peas to microwave-safe glass, ceramic or a container labelled for microwave use, following any instructions on the container.

  • Heating without stirring or staying nearby

    Microwave heating can leave uneven temperatures in a portion. For food being served to a baby, NHS guidance specifically calls for stirring to remove hot pockets.

    Stay nearby while reheating and stir the peas before checking they are hot throughout. For a baby portion, follow NHS guidance to heat until steaming hot throughout, then cool and check its temperature before serving.

Brands to consider

Panasonic

Panasonic lists compact solo, larger solo and compact grill microwaves relevant to different dish sizes and cooking needs.

  • Its NN-ST21QWBPQ solo model has an 800W microwave output, five power levels and a 255mm turntable, according to Panasonic’s specifications.
  • Its grill or larger-capacity models add options that may be unnecessary if you only reheat a small bowl of peas.

Samsung

Samsung’s MS23K3513AK is a 23L solo microwave for buyers considering more cavity capacity.

  • Samsung specifies Quick Defrost for the MS23K3513AK alongside its solo microwave functions.
  • Check the model’s actual dimensions and your dish size rather than assuming that its 23L capacity guarantees a suitable fit.

Russell Hobbs

Russell Hobbs lists 20L, 800W solo microwaves with manual or digital controls.

  • Its listed 20L models offer five power levels and defrost settings; the stated turntable or plate capacity provides a useful dish-fit check.
  • A compact cavity still needs checking against larger plates, and these solo models do not add grill or convection cooking.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Do I need a grill microwave to reheat cooked peas?

No, a solo microwave provides the heating function needed for cooked peas. Consider a grill or combination model if you will also use its additional modes for other meals.

How should I reheat cooked peas in a microwave?

Use a microwave-safe bowl, heat for intervals suited to the portion and appliance, and stir before checking that the peas are hot throughout. For a baby portion, NHS guidance says to heat until steaming hot throughout, stir well, then cool and check the temperature before feeding.

Is a 20L microwave large enough for a bowl of peas?

A 20L model can be sufficient if your usual bowl fits its turntable and cavity. Check the dish against the model’s measurements, particularly if you also reheat peas on a dinner plate.

What should I check when buying a countertop microwave for UK use?

Check the plug and the space needed for the appliance as well as whether your cookware fits. Electrical Safety First advises that a countertop microwave for UK use should have a standard UK 3-pin plug with a fuse; built-in models have different installation requirements.