Space-first potato reheaters
If you mainly reheat one baked potato or a simple leftover meal, a compact 17–20L solo microwave is a starting point. Compare each model’s exterior dimensions and turntable with your available space and usual plate.
Who this choice suits
Low-fuss everyday users
If straightforward timing and power selection matter most, look at the controls you would use regularly. Reheat, defrost or potato programmes may be useful if you prefer presets.
Consumers prioritising heating control
If you often reheat different leftovers, adjustable power may matter more to you than the smallest footprint. Panasonic describes its inverter technology as helping to reduce hot and cold spots, but that is the manufacturer’s claim, not a reason to skip checking the food’s centre.
What to check before buying
Check the available worktop space and your usual plate first; then decide which reheating controls you would use.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop and plate fit | Compare the external width and depth, required placement clearances and turntable diameter with your space and plate. | With little worktop depth, I need the microwave to fit without ruling out my usual plate. Around 42% of consumers would put worktop and plate fit first. |
| Simple reheating | Choose between manual time-and-power controls and the particular presets you expect to use. | For everyday leftovers, I want controls I can set without extra steps. Simple, repeatable reheating would be the primary need for around 33% of consumers. |
| Heating control | Look at power settings and follow the appliance’s standing-time instructions; check that the potato is steaming hot in the centre. | When reheating a thick leftover potato, I do not want a hot outside to hide a cold centre. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise heating control and that final check. |
Common buying mistakes
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Choosing by litres alone
A 17L or 20L capacity does not tell you whether your plate can rotate with the potato on it.
Measure the plate you normally use and compare it with the turntable diameter and cavity dimensions of the exact model.
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Checking width but not depth
Even a relatively narrow microwave can take up more worktop depth than expected, and its placement instructions may require additional space.
Measure the full space and consult the model’s manual for its clearance requirements before ordering.
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Taking a hot skin as proof the centre is hot
Food Standards Agency guidance notes that microwaved food can be hot at the edges while remaining cold in the centre.
Follow the appliance’s standing-time guidance and check that the potato is steaming hot in the centre before eating. Avoid repeatedly reheating the same leftover.
Brands to consider
Cookworks
The Cookworks 17L manual solo model in the product information is a compact reference point for a small worktop.
- This model is listed at H24.3 × W44.6 × D32.3cm, with 700W output, six power levels and a defrost function.
- Its 24.5cm turntable needs to accommodate your usual plate; these dimensions do not describe every Cookworks microwave.
Russell Hobbs
The RHM1714B in the product information is a 17L solo model for consumers interested in preset controls.
- The product information lists eight auto-cook programmes for this model, including a potato programme.
- Its listed depth is 360mm, so check the worktop and required clearance rather than assuming a 17L model will fit.
Panasonic
Panasonic’s cited solo models offer different size and control options, from the compact NN-ST22QBBPQ to the larger NN-SD35QBBPQ.
- Panasonic lists the NN-ST22QBBPQ at W440 × D324 × H258mm, with 800W output and a 255mm turntable.
- The NN-SD35QBBPQ is listed at W486 × D405 × H292mm. Panasonic attributes its even-heating claim to inverter technology; that claim is not an independent performance comparison.
Joybuy microwave choices
These solo microwaves cover compact 20L options and larger models with more turntable space. For a small kitchen, compare the space each one needs before deciding whether its controls or capacity suit your usual reheating.
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Russell Hobbs RHM2063-AH 20L 800W Digital Microwave
Consider this for reheating a potato if you prefer digital controls and have room for a 20L microwave.
The product name specifies 800W output and five power levels. Check your plate against the turntable and consult the manual for placement clearances; confirm the menu list if a potato preset matters to you.
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Midea MMOP01MZ-WH 20L 700W Manual Solo Microwave
This is an option for straightforward potato reheating if you prefer manual controls.
The product name identifies MET Inverter Technology and an energy-saving mode. Measure your plate and check the turntable diameter and installation clearances for this model before buying.
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Hisense H23MOBS5HUK 23L 800W Solo Microwave
Consider this if you want a 23L model and can give it more worktop room than a compact option.
Auto defrost is named for this model. Check its dimensions and required clearances, and confirm the control type on the exact product if touch operation matters to you.
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Midea MMOP01MZ-BK 20L 700W Solo Microwave
This 20L option is relevant if you need a microwave for one potato and are comparing worktop fit.
The product name identifies MET Inverter Technology and an energy-saving mode. Check the turntable against your plate, consult the placement instructions and confirm the controls for this exact model.
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Hisense H25MOBS7HUK 25L 900W Digital Solo Microwave
Consider this larger model if plate space matters more to you than keeping the microwave compact.
The product name identifies auto defrost. Compare its full width and depth with your worktop, check the manual’s clearance instructions and confirm the programmes if you want a potato preset.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 17L microwave big enough for one baked potato?
It can be if your microwave-safe plate fits and the potato has sufficient clearance. The 17L Cookworks model in the product information has a 24.5cm turntable; measure your plate rather than relying on the capacity label.
Should I choose 700W or 800W to reheat a baked potato?
Either output can suit the task; use instructions appropriate to the actual microwave and amount of food rather than copying a time intended for another model. GOV.UK notes that cooking times vary with the food and its quantity.
How do I check that a reheated baked potato is hot throughout?
Follow the appliance’s instructions, allow standing time where directed and check that the centre is steaming hot before eating. Food Standards Agency guidance cautions that microwaved food can be hot at the edges while cold in the centre.
What after-sales support should I check before ordering?
Check the guarantee terms for the exact microwave, the retailer’s returns process and how to contact the manufacturer for support. Read the applicable terms before ordering rather than assuming that arrangements for another model or retailer will apply.