Auto cook programs Enter the type and weight of food, and the microwave will automatically set the time and power needed to cook it. Premium models can offer up to 30 programs, including specialised ones for popcorn or roasts. Some models at this price will come with other extras such as delayed start and multi-stage cooking (to automatically switch between heating modes such as defrosting and heating). Microwaves come in all sizes, ranging from small, compact models to large, bulkier machines that will take up much more space. Half of those we’ve tested need at least 30cm above them, but we’ve found plenty that only need between 10cm and 20cm. Large door Wide-opening or dropdown doors make it much easier to get heavy or hot dishes in and out of the microwave, especially if you have reduced strength or dexterity.

Auto defrost Most microwaves offer an auto-defrost setting that uses bursts of low heat to defrost based on the weight of the food. Some come with settings for specific foods. If your turntable is on the grimy side, simply remove it and wash with warm soapy water – or pop it in the dishwasher if your model permits. These models are proven to be energy efficient and come from brands that stay fault-free for longer, so shouldn't need replacing very often. or Medium High Reheating single-serving leftovers, casseroles, stews, ribs, and foods with cheese. You can also use it to warm milk but be sure to stir it every 15 seconds so you don't end up with a thin film on top.You may need to cook your food for longer than recommended to make sure it’s piping hot all the way through. Are microwaves energy efficient? or Low The best choice for defrosting large items such as whole poultry and fish, and dense meat. Also good for softening butter or melting chocolate. Our Eco Buy models are also excellent at the key tasks, scoring 65% and above, so you get the best of both worlds.

Look for a microwave with a selection of auto programs (to automatically set the weight and time for specific foods), digital displays and easy-to-use push-button or touch panel controls.Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, white vinegar and sliced citrus fruits (lemon, lime or orange) Keeping your microwave clean will help to reduce energy costs too because bits of food, grime, and spills will add a couple more seconds to the cooking time of your food.

Head to our guide to microwave brands to discover those that Which? members recommend. Are high-powered microwaves better than low-powered? Basic microwaves tend to be the smallest; some combis measure almost twice the size of the smallest solo and grill microwaves we’ve tested. Combis usually have a much bigger capacity than standard machines. The average combi can fit a 35cm-wide dish inside, compared with 29cm for a typical solo model. Clearance space Pizza function This tends to work better with grill or combi microwaves, as the grill helps to crisp the pizza base and brown the top. Some models come with ‘crisper plates’ which can also be used for quiches. You'll get better results if you use a frozen pizza and pre-heat the oven and plate for four or five minutes first. Because of these strict criteria, less than 10% of the microwaves we've tested get an Eco Buy recommendation.

Microwaves are a good way to cut your energy costs as they use significantly less energy than other cooking appliances.

Multi-step programming This allows you to program different cooking modes in sequence, to automatically switch between defrosting and cooking your dinner, for example. or Medium Low Simmer foods such as chilli, sauces, rice and cereal on this setting. You can also use it to defrost smaller items - many microwaves use Medium Low as the ‘auto defrost’ setting.Sometimes called 'solo' microwaves, these are the most basic. They're great for simple tasks such as warming soup, heating ready meals or defrosting food. or High Ideal for anything with a high water content and the best setting for steaming. It’s also good for reheating ready-made meals, soups, canned foods, cold coffee and tea, mince or tender meat, poultry, fish, cooked pasta, and most vegetables. or Medium Good for warming dense foods, meals requiring a slower cooking time or that can’t be stirred. You can also use this setting for slow-cooking drier or bigger joints of meats such as ham or pork and whole poultry.