Microwaves – Built-In, Freestanding & Combination Microwave Ovens

Shop microwaves for built-in and freestanding kitchens, including integrated solo microwaves, microwave and grill models, combination microwave ovens and appliances combining microwave cooking with steam. Compare installation dimensions, capacity, microwave power and cooking functions to find the right appliance for reheating, defrosting, everyday microwave cooking or use as an additional oven.

Choose Your Microwave Type

Built-In Microwaves

Built-in microwaves are designed for installation within kitchen cabinetry. Dedicated models focus primarily on microwave cooking, reheating and defrosting, with selected appliances also adding a grill for browning food.

Check the required cabinet niche carefully before ordering. Built-in microwave dimensions vary considerably, and a dedicated microwave designed for a wall unit is not necessarily interchangeable with a larger combination microwave oven.

Combination Microwave Ovens

A combination microwave oven combines microwave cooking with conventional oven functions such as fan heat and grilling. These appliances can usually operate using microwave or conventional oven functions separately, while compatible cooking modes may also be combined.

Combination microwave ovens are useful where you want microwave convenience but also need additional baking, roasting or grilling capacity. Models are available in both compact and full-height formats.

Compact Microwaves & Ovens

Many built-in microwaves and combination microwave ovens also belong to the compact ovens and microwaves category. Compact describes the installation format rather than the cooking technology, with many models designed around a nominal 45cm built-in niche and some dedicated microwaves using even shorter housings.

A full-height oven with microwave functionality belongs in the microwave range but is not a compact appliance, so always check the actual installation dimensions rather than relying on the product name.

Steam Ovens with Microwave

Selected cooking appliances combine dedicated steam cooking with microwave functionality. These differ from conventional combination microwave ovens because steam, rather than dry conventional oven heat, is one of the principal cooking methods.

Depending on the model, steam and microwave functions may be available independently or together for faster cooking and reheating.

Freestanding Microwaves

Freestanding microwaves sit on a suitable worktop or shelf without requiring a dedicated built-in housing. They are useful when replacing an existing countertop appliance or where fitted cabinetry is not available.

Freestanding models can include microwave-only cooking, grilling or additional combination functions depending on the appliance.

How to Choose a Microwave

Check the Installation Type and Dimensions

Start by deciding whether you require a built-in or freestanding appliance. For built-in models, check the manufacturer's required niche width, height, depth and ventilation requirements. Do not assume that appliances with the same nominal width will fit the same cabinet opening.

Solo Microwave or Combination Oven?

A solo microwave is suitable for microwave cooking, reheating and defrosting. A microwave with a grill adds browning capability, while a combination microwave oven adds conventional oven heating for baking and roasting.

If the appliance needs to work as a second oven, compare genuine combination microwave models rather than choosing solely by microwave capacity or wattage.

Compare Capacity

Microwave capacity is measured in litres, but usable space and cavity shape are also important. Consider the size of plates, trays and cookware you expect to use, particularly when choosing a combination microwave oven intended for baking or roasting.

Compare Microwave Power

Maximum microwave output is measured in watts. Higher output can reduce heating time, while adjustable power levels allow gentler cooking and defrosting.

Do not confuse microwave output with the appliance's total electrical connected load. Combination ovens also power conventional heating elements and may therefore have substantially different electrical installation requirements from a dedicated microwave.

Check the Cooking Functions

Depending on the model, functions can include microwave cooking, automatic defrosting, grilling, fan cooking, conventional heat, steam and combined cooking programmes. Choose according to the functions you will actually use rather than simply comparing the number of programmes.

Microwave FAQs

What is the difference between a microwave and a combination microwave oven?

A dedicated microwave primarily uses microwave energy for cooking, reheating and defrosting. A combination microwave oven also provides conventional oven functions such as fan cooking or grilling, allowing it to perform more like a conventional oven.

Are built-in and integrated microwaves the same thing?

Both terms are commonly used for microwaves designed to be installed within kitchen cabinetry. Always check the manufacturer's niche dimensions and installation instructions because built-in microwave formats vary considerably.

Are all combination microwave ovens compact?

No. Many combination microwave ovens use a compact built-in format, but full-height ovens with integrated microwave functions are also available. Compact refers to installation size, while combination refers to the cooking technologies provided.

Can a combination microwave replace a conventional oven?

Some combination microwave ovens provide genuine fan or conventional oven cooking and can handle baking, roasting and grilling as well as microwave tasks. Capacity, cooking functions and installation requirements should be checked if the appliance will be used as the main oven.

What microwave power should I choose?

The appropriate microwave power depends on how you cook. Higher maximum power can heat food faster, but adjustable lower power levels are useful for defrosting and gentler cooking. Capacity, controls and cooking modes should be considered alongside maximum wattage.

Can a microwave also include steam cooking?

Yes. Selected appliances combine microwave and dedicated steam functions. These differ from standard combination microwave ovens that combine microwave energy with conventional dry oven heat.