7 best microwaves — stylish picks that look too good to hide in a cupboard · June 2026

The matte black finish and blue LED display make this Samsung look more like a luxury coffee machine than a kitchen appliance — it's one of those rare microwaves that genuinely elevates a worktop rather than cluttering it. At 23L it handles family-sized portions without drama, and judging by the reviews, Samsung's build quality tends to hold up well over time.

That mirror-finish front panel is almost deceptive — people walk past and don't immediately clock it's a microwave. Touch controls keep the face completely clean, and at 800W it should cover everyday reheating without breaking a sweat. Solid pick if you want the premium look without the premium price.

If your kitchen has any personality to it — vintage, eclectic, café-style — the Swan Retro is the obvious shout. Chrome detailing against the black body gives it genuine charm rather than trying-too-hard kitsch. It's also the most affordable in this list, which honestly feels like a bonus rather than a compromise.

That warm grey with wood-effect trim is very much where kitchen design is heading right now, and this Russell Hobbs nails it. Worth noting it's the smallest here at 17L and 700W, so it's probably best matched to a one- or two-person household — but next to a Smeg kettle or wooden cutting board, it'd look completely at home.

The bigger, more powerful sibling to the Toshiba 20L — 900W and 23L means bulkier dishes, faster heating, and a bit more versatility in what you can actually cook. The mirror body scales well at this size and keeps the same understated feel. It's the priciest here at £115.71, but if you use a microwave seriously, the extra headroom seems worth it.

That fully mirrored door has a clean, almost architectural quality to it — nothing fussy, nothing that'll date quickly. Ten power levels is more granularity than most people will ever need, but it means you're probably covered for anything. A solid middle ground between budget and genuinely premium.

Samsung's Triple Distribution System is their fix for the classic 'cold spot in the middle' problem — one of the most common complaints about standard microwaves, based on reviews across the board. Same price as the matte black Samsung in this list, so it trades a little visual drama for arguably more practical heating performance. Still looks clean and modern, just in a quieter way.