Single-portion reheaters
If you mainly want to heat one serving without using grill or oven functions, a compact solo microwave is the relevant type to consider. Compare its turntable with the dish you normally use.
Who each type suits
People who care about the topping
If you want an option other than microwave heating for the crumble topping, look at combination models that explicitly offer a grill or convection mode. Having those functions does not guarantee a particular result.
Frequent reheaters who prefer more controls
If you regularly adjust short heating intervals, a digital solo model with selectable power levels and a timer may suit your preferred way of using the appliance. Check the controls on the specific model rather than relying on the word “digital”.
What matters when choosing
Decide whether microwave-only heating meets your needs before comparing controls and dimensions. For any type, the appliance must accommodate both your usual serving dish and the available worktop space.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Simple reheating | Look for a solo microwave with controls you can set for short intervals; check that your serving dish fits its turntable. | I mainly want to heat one portion without using oven-style functions. Around 42% of consumers put straightforward reheating first. |
| Topping treatment | Check for an explicitly listed grill or convection mode and read the manual for suitable cookware and programmes. | A hot filling is not my only priority; I want another heating option available for the topping. For around 33% of consumers, that capability is the primary concern. |
| Space and controls | Compare external dimensions and required clearance with your worktop, then check turntable size, power settings and timer controls. | I need the appliance and my dish to fit, while keeping short reheats easy to adjust. That is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Buying and reheating pitfalls
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Choosing by cavity capacity alone
A 20L label does not tell you whether your usual bowl or ramekin fits. The cited Beko MOC20100W and Sharp YC-PS204AU-S have 245mm turntables, while Panasonic lists a 255mm turntable for the NN-E28JMMBPQ.
Measure the base of your dish against the turntable diameter. Check the appliance’s external dimensions and the clearance required by its manual separately.
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Expecting a solo microwave to have a grill
The cited compact solo models provide microwave heating, whereas Panasonic lists separate grill and convection functions for the NN-CT54JWBPQ. A solo model will not supply those additional modes for the topping.
If those modes matter to you, check the functions of the exact combination model you intend to buy. If heating the portion is the priority, a solo model remains the simpler choice.
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Using one fixed reheating time for every portion
Portion size, dish and starting temperature can affect how reheating proceeds. GOV.UK advises following packaged food instructions, including directions to stir and let food stand.
Follow the pack where instructions are supplied, and check that the centre is thoroughly hot before eating.
Relevant brands to consider
Beko
The Beko MOC20100W is an example of a compact solo microwave for straightforward reheating.
- The product information lists a 20L cavity, 700W microwave output and 245mm turntable for this model.
- It is a solo model; choose a model with explicitly listed grill or convection functions if those modes are important to you.
Sharp
The Sharp YC-PS204AU-S illustrates a compact solo route for someone who prefers more control options.
- The product information lists a 20L cavity, 700W output and 10 power levels for the YC-PS204AU-S.
- Its solo format does not replace a combination model when grill or convection capability is the deciding requirement.
Panasonic
The named Panasonic models illustrate two different appliance types: the 20L NN-E28JMMBPQ solo microwave and the NN-CT54JWBPQ combination microwave.
- Panasonic lists microwave, quartz-grill and convection functions for the NN-CT54JWBPQ, making it a feature reference for buyers considering more than microwave-only heating.
- Check current availability before treating that specific combination model as a purchase option.
Solo microwaves on Joybuy
These models cover the solo-microwave route for reheating one portion. If grill or convection heating for the topping is your deciding requirement, check a combination model with those functions instead.
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Russell Hobbs RHM2063-AH 20L Digital Microwave, Black
A solo-microwave choice for someone who wants to adjust the power when reheating a single portion.
800W output and five power levels are stated in the product name. Check the turntable against your usual dish; choose a different appliance type if you need grill or convection heating.
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Midea MMOP01MZ-WH 20L Manual Solo Microwave, White
Consider this solo model if manual controls suit the way you reheat one serving.
The product name states 700W output and MET Inverter Technology. Check the turntable size against your bowl and the installation instructions against your worktop space.
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Swan SM4421WHT 20L Digital Microwave, White
This solo model is worth comparing if you prefer digital controls for single-portion reheating.
Its name states 800W output, five power levels and a 95-minute timer. Check the turntable and external dimensions for your dish and worktop before choosing it.
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Midea SDA 20L Inverter Digital Solo Microwave, White
The stated turntable size gives you a starting point for checking whether this solo model accommodates your usual dessert dish.
The product name states 700W output and a 245mm turntable. Compare that diameter with the dish base and check the appliance’s worktop clearance requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reheat apple crumble in a microwave?
Yes. GOV.UK lists a microwave as one way to reheat food. Follow any instructions supplied with the food rather than assuming the same time will suit every portion.
How should I reheat a leftover portion?
Heat the portion until it is thoroughly hot, including at the centre. Follow any pack directions for stirring and standing; GOV.UK advises using those instructions when they are supplied.
Will a 20L microwave fit my crumble dish?
Not necessarily: cavity capacity alone does not establish dish fit. Compare your dish base with the model’s turntable diameter and check the appliance’s external dimensions and required clearance against your worktop.
Do I need a combination microwave for one serving?
No, if microwave heating alone meets your needs; a solo model can reheat the portion. Consider a combination model if you also want its explicitly listed grill or convection functions available for the topping or other cooking, without treating those functions as a guaranteed texture result.