Microwaves
There are simple built-in microwaves for a wall unit, compact combination ovens that roast and bake, and worktop models too.
The space you have decides most of the choice, so measure it first. Our guide below the products explains each type and height, then lists what to check before ordering.
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Browse microwaves by type
- Built-in microwaves: the simplest option, with or without a grill, made to sit in a wall unit or a small recess. Ideal for warming up, thawing and softening butter.
- Compact combination ovens: around 45cm tall, combining microwave, fan oven and grill. Many people use one as a second oven; in a small kitchen it can be the only one. Browse all combination ovens.
- Steam combination ovens with microwave: a compact oven that can steam, microwave and cook with conventional heat. More in steam cooking.
- Full-size ovens with microwave: a 60cm single oven that also has a microwave function.
- Freestanding microwaves: worktop models, handy when you don't want to build one in.
Which type suits you?
| Microwave | Suits | Worth checking |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in microwave | Reheating, defrosting and quick cooking. | The size of the niche, and which side the door hinges. |
| Microwave with grill | Browning and crisping as well as reheating. | Whether the grill can run at the same time as the microwave. |
| Compact combination | A second oven, or a small kitchen's only one. | Oven functions, capacity in litres and niche height. |
| Steam and microwave | Vegetables, fish and gentle reheating. | The water tank and how descaling works. |
| Full-size with microwave | One appliance doing two jobs. | The height of your housing and the electrical supply. |
Making the choice
Measure the space
Built-in models are made in a few fixed heights. Wall-unit microwaves are the shortest. Compact combination ovens stand roughly 45cm high, and a full-size oven with a microwave function is nearer 60cm. Use the niche measurements on the product page rather than the appliance's outer size.
Microwave only, grill or combination?
A plain microwave is fast and easy. A grill lets you brown a cheese topping or put some crunch back into leftovers. Step up to a combination oven and you also get fan heat, so it can bake a cake or roast a chicken on its own, or add microwave power to cut the cooking time.
Power and capacity
Watts tell you how quickly it heats; litres tell you how much fits inside. Compact combination ovens are far roomier than wall-unit microwaves, with enough space for a whole chicken.
Door and floor
Built-in microwaves usually open sideways. Compact combination ovens more often have a door that drops down, as an ordinary oven does. Inside, you'll find either a turntable or a flat base, which is simpler to clean and fits square dishes.
Programmes
Auto programmes choose the power and timing once you tell them the food and its weight, and some ovens can be run from an app. If you choose a steam model, it will have its own descaling routine.
Before you order
- Check the niche and airflow. Follow the installation sizes and ventilation gaps on the product page.
- Check the power supply. A lot of built-in microwaves simply plug in. Larger combination ovens and full-size ovens with a microwave may need a qualified electrician to wire them.
- Line them up. If it will sit next to or above an oven, choosing the same brand and range keeps the glass, handles and controls consistent. A warming or vacuum drawer below a compact model raises the stack to the height of a standard oven.
The brands we sell
Our microwaves come from . Filter by brand to find a match for your existing oven.
Buying a microwave from KDH Electrical
Each microwave comes with the full UK manufacturer's guarantee. We deliver free on orders over £600, normally within 3–7 working days. Inside our installation area we can fit a built-in model and take your old one for recycling; the prices show in your basket.
Seen it cheaper at another UK retailer? Tell us about it and our price match team will try to match the price. You can also call 01622 541312 or visit our showroom in Rochester, though please ring first to check what's on display.
Microwaves: your questions answered
Microwave or combination microwave oven: what's the difference?
A standard microwave heats with microwaves, and sometimes a grill. A combination model also has a fan oven, so you can bake and roast in it, using microwave power alongside or not at all.
Can a compact combination oven be my main oven?
In a small kitchen, yes: it will roast, bake and grill. Families who cook a lot usually fit one above a full-size single oven.
How big a niche does a built-in microwave need?
That varies. Wall-unit microwaves take the least room; a compact combination oven needs a niche roughly 45cm high. The installation sizes are on each product page.
Will I need an electrician?
Not always. Plenty of built-in microwaves plug into a normal socket, while some larger combination ovens have to be wired in by a qualified electrician. Each product page tells you.
Can I use metal in a combination microwave?
Only in the modes the maker allows. Many take metal trays when cooking on oven heat alone, but read the manual before putting metal in with the microwave switched on.
Can I match a microwave to my existing oven?
Yes, if you stay within one maker's series; the door glass, handles and control style will then line up.