Who is this for?

Worktop-space-first reheaters

You mainly warm custard or small leftovers and have little counter space. The microwave’s outside dimensions, door opening and ventilation clearance matter as much as its stated capacity.

Texture-control reheaters

You want to select a gentler power setting, heat for a short interval and stir before deciding whether the custard needs longer.

One-appliance kitchen consolidators

You would use grilling or convection cooking as well as reheating, and are considering whether one appliance could take the place of another in your kitchen.

What matters when choosing?

Compact solo microwave

Choose it when: Warming small portions is the main job and worktop space is tight.

Trade-off: A solo model does not add grill or convection cooking, and a small capacity does not guarantee a shallow footprint.

Inverter or sensor-reheat solo microwave

Choose it when: You want to consider model-specific reheating controls alongside the usual manual settings.

Trade-off: These features do not establish a space saving. Panasonic’s cited NN-ST65 is a 32L model; check the dimensions of any model you consider.

Combination microwave

Choose it when: You will also use grill or convection cooking, potentially in place of a separate appliance.

Trade-off: Which? describes these as additional cooking functions; they are not needed simply to warm custard.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Worktop and bowl fit Compare the model’s outside dimensions, door opening and ventilation clearances with the intended position. Check that your microwave-safe bowl fits the cavity and, if fitted, can turn freely. With little counter space, I need room for both the appliance and the bowl I actually use; around 42% of consumers put physical fit first.
Gentle heat control Look for selectable power levels and a timer you can set for short intervals; check the food label or recipe for reheating instructions. If the custard needs another short burst, I want to stop, stir and reassess rather than commit to a long cycle. Around 33% of consumers prioritise that control.
Functions you will use Compare solo models for reheating; consider grill or convection functions if you will use them for other dishes. When I mainly warm custard and leftovers, I would rather keep the controls straightforward. For around 25% of consumers, avoiding unused functions is the primary concern.

Buying pitfalls

  • Choosing by litre capacity alone

    Capacity does not tell you how far a microwave projects onto the worktop or how much space its open door and vents need.

    Measure the intended position, then compare it with the exact model’s dimensions and manual clearance instructions.

  • Choosing combi functions for reheating alone

    Grill and convection modes broaden what a microwave can cook, but they are not necessary for warming custard.

    Start with solo models unless you expect to use those other modes regularly or in place of another appliance.

  • Using an unsuitable container

    Electrical Safety First cautions against metal, foam trays and plastics not designed for microwave use. It also advises against leaving food cooking unattended.

    Use a clearly microwave-safe bowl or jug, check the relevant food instructions and stay nearby while reheating.

  • Blocking vents to make the appliance fit

    Restricted ventilation can contribute to overheating; an extension lead shared with other high-power appliances can also be overloaded.

    Allow the clearances specified for the model, keep its top and vents unobstructed, and choose a position within reach of a suitable wall socket.

Relevant brands to consider

Russell Hobbs

A reference point for compact solo models: the product information lists the RHM1725B with a 17L capacity and 700W maximum microwave power.

  • The cited model gives you a specific small-capacity option to compare with your bowl and available worktop space.
  • Check that model’s external dimensions, controls and required ventilation space rather than assuming they apply to other Russell Hobbs microwaves.

Sharp

Relevant if you prefer the direct time and power selection offered by a manual solo microwave.

  • A manual-control model may suit a routine of short heating intervals and stirring.
  • Check the controls and dimensions of the exact Sharp model; brand name alone does not establish either.

Panasonic

Relevant if you are considering inverter or sensor-reheat controls rather than a compact manual solo model.

  • Panasonic describes inverter reheating features for its 32L NN-ST65; assess those features for the named model rather than assuming the same behaviour across its range.
  • A 32L appliance may be difficult to accommodate in a very small kitchen, so compare its footprint and clearances before deciding.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a solo microwave enough to reheat custard?

Yes, a solo microwave covers straightforward reheating; grill and convection functions are for additional cooking tasks. Use a microwave-safe vessel, follow the food label or recipe, and heat in short intervals, stirring between them.

Should I focus on wattage or power settings for custard?

For heating in short, controllable intervals, check that you can readily select the power level and set the timer on the exact model. Maximum wattage alone does not tell you whether its controls suit that routine.

Can I put a microwave on an extension lead?

Positioning it near a suitable wall socket avoids relying on an extension lead, particularly one shared with other high-power appliances. Electrical Safety First highlights the risk of overloading a lead; also follow the microwave manufacturer’s electrical and placement instructions.

What safety details should I check before buying?

For a countertop microwave, check the supplied plug and the model’s placement and ventilation instructions before ordering. Electrical Safety First says countertop microwaves should have a UK three-pin plug fitted with a fuse, and advises keeping vents unobstructed during use.