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How to choose a microwave: volume, power, grill and built-in

This guide explains what volume and power you need, when a grill or a built-in model pays off, and compares today's models by the makers' figures and total price.

Published 8 October 2026 · updated 8 October 2026 · prices in the text are today's

Three picks by budget

From today’s verified prices: in the low, middle and top third, the product with the best forDeal score (popularity, shops, price against the average, ratings). Live prices, total with shipping.

The picks side by side

ModelTotal todayShopsShop ratingforDeal score
Budget pickSamsung MS23K3513AK/EO€10313,4 / 5 · Andrea Shop55 / 100
Best middle groundWhirlpool MCP 349 BL€24513,4 / 5 · Andrea Shop53 / 100
No compromiseBosch BFL523MS0€26523,8 / 5 · NAY69 / 100

Prices in charts

How many products sit in each price band today
10under €15016€150 – €3004over €300

Totals with shipping, verified offers only.

Bosch BFL523MS0: price since 6 October 2026
€265€2766 Oct8 Oct10 Oct

What to look at

  • Volume: 20 to 23 l is enough to reheat a plate and defrost; more suits big dishes and grilling.
  • Microwave power: 800 W is the usual standard; more power heats faster. Microwave output and the power drawn from the socket are two different numbers.
  • Type: a solo microwave only heats and defrosts, a grill model also browns and toasts. A built-in model fits into kitchen units and needs an exact opening.
  • Turntable: classic, but it limits dish size. The Gorenje BM235CLB spreads microwaves without a turntable (360°StirTechnology).
  • Interior: a ceramic or enamel surface cleans more easily than a painted one.
  • Auto programmes: on the built-in Bosch BFL524MS0 you enter the food and weight and it sets power and time itself (7 programmes).

Today's price bands

The lowest band is microwave cookware; ovens themselves start a band higher. The middle holds freestanding grill models, the top built-in ones.

Every price is a total with shipping to Czechia. When you buy through a link the shop pays us a commission; it never changes the order of offers.

Recommended models

ModelVolume and power (maker's figure)Type and featuresFor whom
Samsung MS23K3513AK (from €103)23 l, 800 Wfreestanding solo, ceramic interior, 6 power levelsreheating and defrosting, several shops
Gorenje BM235CLB (from €273)23 l, 800 W, 1,100 W grillno turntable, ceramic basebrowning, bigger dishes
Bosch BFL524MS0 (from €326)20 l, 800 Wbuilt-in, 7 auto programmes, 382 × 594 × 317 mmunits with a microwave opening

Common mistakes

  • Buying a built-in model without measuring the opening.
  • Mistaking input power (what it draws) for microwave output.
  • Paying for a grill when you only reheat.
  • Mistaking microwave cookware for an oven; it never enters the oven comparison but can show up in the category's bands.

Frequently asked questions

Are 20 litres enough?

For reheating and defrosting, yes. For big dishes and grilling 23 l or more suits better.

What does no turntable mean?

Microwaves come from the oven's base, so square or large dishes fit. Gorenje does this with 360°StirTechnology in the BM235CLB.

Built-in or freestanding?

Built-in saves worktop space and matches the kitchen but needs an exact opening. Freestanding is cheaper and portable.

Sources

Fordeal earns a commission when you buy through a link; it never changes the order of offers. Every price carries its capture time on the product page.

Products named in this guide

Today's lowest totals, shipping included, at rated shops.