Go for a mini oven when you're working with a small living space. They help you get the best of both worlds without taking up a lot of counter space. A slow cooker is ideal for preparing delicious and wholesome meals for yourself and your family. They help bring out the deeper flavours and aromas in your food whilst also being energy efficient. 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. Key specs – Type: Turntable; Dimensions: 292 x 443 x 340mm; Stated volume: 15L; Turntable diameter: 245mm; Stated power output: 700W; Convection oven/grill: No/no A microwave is one of those kitchen appliances that most of us couldn’t do without, which is why, if space is at a premium, finding the best small microwave for your kitchen is a must. In fact, whether your kitchen is large or small, sometimes it feels like the space a microwave takes up is disproportionate to the number of times it gets used. Not to mention that, these days, with all the other countertop appliances such as air fryers, blenders, mixers and multi-cookers fighting for space, our kitchen counters are getting ever more crowded and space is at a premium.

Key specs – Type: Turntable; Dimensions: 256 x 451 x 326mm; Stated volume: 17L; Turntable diameter: 245mm; Stated power output: 700W; Convection oven/grill: No/no 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’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. Key specs – Type: Turntable; Dimensions: 360 x 353 x 392mm; Stated volume: 13L; Turntable diameter: 280mm; Stated power output: 700W; Convection oven/grill: No/no It’s not the cheapest microwave around, but it has a super compact design – only 25.6cm tall, so ideal for rooms with restricted height – and also looks good on the kitchen counter. 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.

The controls come down to personal preference, if you want the most straightforward foolproof controls, look for dials. The microwaves that have one dial for time and another to select the power level are the simplest to use. But if you want to programme more accurate heating times, as well as having the option of auto-cook programmes, you will need a microwave with digital controls and a display screen, though these can be more complicated to use. Unfortunately, the size isn’t reflected in the price, which is higher than you might expect. Moreover, the timer doesn’t allow you to be very precise, and if you’re used to a digital microwave this may take some getting used to. Despite the small 15L internal volume, this microwave still squeezes in a respectable 245mm turntable, which is sizable enough to take an average dinner plate. Some reviewers have struggled to fit their plates through the door, however, so if your plates cater to larger portions, you may have to reheat leftovers in a different dish.

You work at BID, what a legend.