Features

28x45x34cm. Dial controls. Turntable diameter 27cm. 17 litres. 6 power levels (119-700W). C rating.

Comments

Simple to use and produced surprisingly good results for the price. We were impressed by how evenly it defrosted mince and chicken drumsticks without cooking the edges, unlike lower scoring models, and it earned the top score for even reheating of frozen lasagne. Reheating results were only average, however, so you need to check the food is really hot in the centre at the end of labelled cooking time, adding 30-second bursts of high power until it is. As with most dial microwaves, the timer is not completely accurate, so be prepared to experiment with timings.

Stockist: 0870 4117112 www.woolworths.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Aug 07

Features

26x45x31cm. Dial controls. Turntable diameter 27cm, 17 litres, 6 power levels (119-700W). C rating.

Comments

Impressive at defrosting evenly and reheating liquid, this model was less good at reheating chilled and frozen ready meals - so, again, you'd have to check, heat longer and stir for safe results. It would be an ideal choice for a first-time user, except that the instructions lack detail. In particular, there are no cooking charts or recommendations for cooking times.

Stockist: 0845 6116111 www.morrisons.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Aug 07

Features

28x46x35cm. Dial controls with dual speed timer. Turntable diameter 25.5cm, 17 litres, 5 power levels (127-750W). E rating.

Comments

Thorough instructions with simple, clean lines. Easy and straight forward to use, but quite noisy in use. Good reheating and defrosting results, poor reheating from frozen.

Stockist: 0870 425425 www.comet.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Aug 07

Features

46.5x27.9x36cm .Touch controls, turntable diameter 25cm, 20 litres, 6 power levels (160-800W). E rating, child lock; shelf; preset timer; power save function; speedy cook.

Comments

Slightly more sophisticated model and streamlined touch controls, this model has pre-set cooking times such as 30sec, 1min and 5min, which you select at the touch of a button. Defrosting results were very good but reheating of frozen food was very poor - the centre of the lasagne did not get hot enough - so, as before, you'd need to check and add extra cooking time. A shelf is included so it's possible to cook on two levels but remember to increase cooking time by 50-60%. This model has a child lock.

Stockist: www.empirestores.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Aug 07

Features

25x43x32.5cm.Touch controls, turntable diameter 24cm, 17 litres, 9 power levels (70-700W). D rating, child lock; 9 programmes, speedy defrost and cook; 2 stage cooking.

Comments

Straightforward, logical to use microwave with two-stage cooking option. Satisfactory results with pre-set programmes, weight defrost function set too high - food starts to cook. Good reheating from frozen. Controls small but clear.

Stockist: 0870 600 1010 www.argos.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Aug 07