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The Different Types of Microwaves Explained: Which One Should You Choose?

Microwaves are a kitchen essential, offering quick and convenient cooking at the push of a button. But with so many types available, how do you know which one is right for your home?

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of microwaves, what each one does, and who they’re best suited for – so you can make the right choice for your kitchen.

Why Microwave Type Matters

Choosing the right microwave oven is about more than just heating food. The type you choose can affect:

What you can cook – from simple reheats to full roasts
Your kitchen layout – freestanding vs built-in
Energy use and cost
How much counter space you need

The 5 Main Types of Microwaves

1. Solo Microwaves

Solo microwaves are the most basic type. They use microwave energy to heat, defrost, or reheat food—nothing more.

Simple and budget-friendly
Easy to operate
No grilling or baking functions

Best for: Students, small households, or anyone who just needs to reheat leftovers.

2. Grill Microwaves

A grill microwave includes a heating element that lets you brown and crisp food—perfect for melting cheese on toast or grilling chicken.

Offers microwave + grilling
Great for toasting or crisp finishes
Often includes a rack to lift food

Best for: Quick meals with a grilled finish, without needing a full oven.

3. Convection Microwaves

A convection microwave adds a fan and a heating element, so hot air circulates like in a traditional oven. This lets you roast, bake, and crisp food more evenly.

Cooks like an oven
Ideal for baking cakes, roasting veg, or even a Sunday roast
Can still reheat like a standard microwave

Best for: People with limited kitchen space or who love baking.

4. Combination Microwaves (Grill + Convection)

Combi microwaves are the most versatile. They combine microwave, grill, and convection settings for the ultimate multi-tasker.

Do everything: reheat, bake, grill, roast
Can reduce cooking times using multiple functions at once
Premium features, but more expensive

Best for: Home cooks looking for all-in-one functionality.

5. Built-In Microwaves

Built-in microwaves are integrated into your kitchen cabinetry for a seamless look. They can be solo, grill, or combination models.

Saves worktop space
Sleek, modern appearance
May require professional installation

Best for: Stylish kitchens or anyone short on counter space.

Other Specialised Types of Microwaves

Microwave Drawers – Slide-out designs that fit under the counter. Great for modern kitchens with a minimal look.
Commercial Microwaves – Heavy-duty models built for speed and volume. Ideal for restaurants or large households.

Comparison Table

To help you quickly compare the features, benefits and ideal uses of each microwave type, we’ve created a handy table below. Whether you’re after something simple or a fully-featured oven alternative, this chart makes it easy to see which type of microwave best suits your cooking needs and kitchen setup.

Type	Functions	Pros	Ideal For	Price Range
Solo	Heat, defrost	Cheap, simple	Basic use	£50–£100
Grill	Heat, grill	Adds browning	Quick meals	£80–£150
Convection	Heat, bake	Versatile	Bakers, small kitchens	£100–£200
Combination	Heat, grill, bake	All-in-one	Serious home cooks	£150–£300
Built-In	Varies	Integrated look	Modern kitchens	£200–£500

How to Choose the Right Microwave

Not sure which microwave fits your lifestyle? Ask yourself:

Do you cook full meals or just reheat?
Is space tight in your kitchen?
Do you want extra features like grilling or baking?
What’s your budget?

A solo microwave may be perfect if you just reheat meals. If you love baking or want a compact alternative to an oven, go for a convection or combi microwave. Want a clean kitchen look? Consider a built-in model.

Frequently Asked Questions

A grill microwave can brown and crisp food with a heating element. A convection microwave uses a fan and heater to bake and roast, like a traditional oven.

A combination microwave can perform many oven functions like baking and roasting, but may have size limitations compared to a full oven.

Built-in models save counter space and look sleek, but cost more and need installation. They’re ideal if you’re remodelling or want a seamless finish.

Yes. A combi microwave can cook faster and more efficiently than a conventional oven, especially when using multiple functions at once.