Panasonic CT57 Slim Combination Microwave Oven & Grill with Turntable, 27 Litres, 1000 W Power, 29 pre-set menus, Silver

Product Information

Key specs – Type: Turntable; Dimensions: 440 x 359 x 258mm; Stated volume: 20l; Turntable diameter: 255mm; Stated power output: 800W; Convection oven/grill: No/No This combi microwave might be billed as a slimline model but it’s worth noting that this is in comparison to previous models – it’s still pretty deep and a bit of a worktop hog. However, it earns its place there, offering a generously sized cavity, 1300W quartz grill and 100-220°C fan-assisted oven cooking. As a microwave, it works well, with 29 automatic programmes as well as a defrost programme that aims to thaw food more evenly. We tried it with frozen bread and while our slices still had the odd cold spot, the white was soft and the crust didn’t dry out. And the grill turned our bread into a perfect cheese toastie. Meanwhile, the smooth ceramic interior is designed to be easy to clean and not to scratch or get discolored over time. The exterior of the microwave has a stainless steel finish and electronic touch pad controls.

The Panasonic microwave small but mighty (950W) stainless steel microwave won’t take up much of your space but cooks your food fast and evenly, with some unique smart features that make it a great buy. Surprisingly, high wattage and a high price tag don't always deliver a quality product. To find the right microwave for you, consider the following:It’s not the most compact microwave on the market but what this neat model does well is that it’s about the same size as most solos, but includes a grill. It’s perfect if you want a golden-brown topping on a cottage pie or a crisp baked potato – easily achieved by combinations of microwaves and grilling. It’s straightforward to use, and if you’re a fan of auto-cook programmes, you will be pleased to know that it also comes with plenty of choice. In addition to the five power levels there are three auto-weight defrost settings, as well as eight auto-cook settings. So whatever you’re heating or defrosting, there are enough settings available to ensure you get the perfect result every time. Available in color ways of Blue, Cream, Red and Yellow, this vibrant microwave oven can breathe life into any kitchen. However, the trade-off on its colorful appearance is a lower-than-average power wattage of just 700W and minimal features. But, if you don't use your microwave often, then this might not matter to you. One of the most overlooked pieces of information in your user manual is the warranty, and some microwave manufacturers offer a longer warranty specifically for the magnetron. Many manufacturers give you an all-encompassing warranty that covers all parts for the same amount of time. While we don’t have any on this list, it’s also worth noting that some combis are available as built-in models too. Settings

Despite its compact size, the MWH 1311 B has a 280mm turntable and has a total capacity of 13l, which should suffice for most. However, due to its size, don’t expect to fit a large-sized plate or a tall bottle of baby milk inside.Another simple but clever feature that we like about the LG NeoChef LMC0975ST is its hexagonal stabilizer. This makes the microwave turntable much more solid and less likely to tip - most microwaves just have a three-point stabilizer. Microwave controls range from push buttons and dials to touch-sensitive buttons, sliders and even screens with menus. Those controls might be clearly labelled in English or have cryptic icons. A combi microwave might have all the features you want and be efficient, but if it’s difficult to use without reaching for the manual, it’s all for nought. The best microwaves to buy 1. Russell Hobbs RHM2031: The best budget microwave with a grill The 25.5cm turntable is big enough for most average dinner plates, so it’s perfect for reheating leftovers and the 20-litre volume is a good size for everyday tubs and dishes. There are five power settings to choose from including defrost and the timer goes up to 35 minutes which far exceeds the amount of time most people microwave for.

Not only is this microwave compact, it’s also very easy to use. The six power levels are clearly displayed on one dial at the front, while the time is selected on the second dial. There are no complicated digital controls to master; in fact, it’s unlikely you will need to browse the instruction manual at all. The smallest microwave size (0.5 cubic feet) is made to fit most 10-inch dinner plates –but that’s all. So you won’t be able to reheat leftover foods in large casserole dishes without decanting them to a smaller plate or dish. Toast lovers, take note though, the grill element may not be as powerful as conventional grills meaning it may be slower to brown your bread than an oven or a toaster. But microwaves don’t need to be huge, especially if you’re only using it for the odd ready meal or to reheat leftovers. There are plenty of smaller, more compact microwaves that take up less space and do just as good a job as the bigger, fancier models. Just don’t expect to get extras such as a grill or convection oven function – these features make microwaves bigger, so you won’t see them in smaller models. It performs well in our tests, though, there’s no oven or grill to be seen – it’s a conventional microwave.The joy of freestanding microwaves – also known as solo microwaves – is that you simply pop them onto a spare counter, plug them in and press 'start'. If you’re torn between this style and a combi, our buying guide is here to help with a detailed breakdown of each type’s pros and cons. What's the best microwave to buy right now? The size of a microwave is measured in cubic feet. In our guide, we’ve included compact microwaves that range from 0.7 cubic feet to 1.2. But generally speaking, a compact microwave can range from 0.5 cubic feet to 1.3 cubic feet.

While solo microwaves are the more affordable choice, if you are after increased cooking capabilities, combination microwaves are undoubtedly a savvy investment.On the plus side, though, the two dial controls mean it’s still fairly easy to use. It’s well loved by reviewers, who praise the compact size and the way it fits into awkward corners. For lots of people, the space-saving design will be worth paying extra for.