Best cheap microwaves with grill worth buying in 2026 Review

If you want the flexibility of a microwave with an added grill but do not fancy paying top-end prices, there are still some smart options around. This guide focuses on cheaper microwaves with grill that keep costs sensible while staying practical for everyday use.

We have narrowed things down to a handful of models that offer good value rather than simply being the absolute rock-bottom price. That means sensible capacities, straightforward controls and designs that should cope with daily reheating, defrosting and quick snacks.

Each pick has its own strengths, whether that is stylish looks, larger capacity or stronger owner ratings. The aim is to help you find a microwave with grill that fits both your budget and your kitchen, without feeling like you have compromised too far.

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Why you can trust our budget picks

These recommendations are based on real product specifications, pricing and owner feedback, not just which models happen to be the cheapest on the page. We look closely at capacity, design and user-friendly features to work out which microwaves with grill feel like sensible everyday buys.

We pay particular attention to customer ratings where they are available, because they reveal how well a microwave copes with daily use in real kitchens. Our aim is to highlight lower-priced models that still feel robust and pleasant to live with, rather than options that look tempting on price but frustrate you later.

By weighing up cost against practicality, we focus on microwaves with grill that should warm, defrost and brown food reliably without you feeling you have cut corners too sharply.

How we chose these cheaper microwaves with grill

We started by looking at the lower end of the price range for microwaves with grill and filtered down to models that still offer sensible capacities and everyday usability. A rock-bottom price alone was not enough to make the cut.

Where owner ratings were available, we favoured models with consistently good scores, even if they cost slightly more than the very cheapest options. This helps avoid false economies, where saving a few pounds up front leads to ongoing annoyance or an early replacement.

We also considered a mix of freestanding and built-in designs so that you can choose something that suits your kitchen layout. Style and finish came into the picture too; if you are spending extra on a statement design, it needs to feel worthwhile compared with plainer, cheaper alternatives.

The end result is a small, focused list of budget-friendly microwaves with grill that balance up-front price, day-to-day performance and owner satisfaction, so you can pick the compromise that makes most sense for your home.

The cheapest microwaves with grill we recommend

Below you will find the microwaves with grill that stand out for value in 2026. Some are chosen because they pair a relatively modest price with a striking design, while others lean towards practicality and strong owner feedback.

Not every model here is the absolute lowest price you can find, but each offers something that justifies its cost – whether that is a bigger capacity, built-in fit or a more premium look for less than a full high-end oven-and-microwave set-up.

Our top pick:

Smeg Collezione MOC01EGMUK Microwave with Grill, Freestanding Small

Best budget style statement
Typically around £349 at the time of writing, offering Smeg styling for less than many of the brand’s larger ovens and hobs.
Rated 0.0 out of 5.

A compact Smeg microwave with grill that brings designer looks to smaller kitchens without straying into the highest price bracket. Ideal if you want style as well as everyday reheating power.

Pros

For a designer brand, this Smeg model comes in at a relatively accessible price, especially if you care about how your appliances look on the worktop. The compact freestanding design makes it easy to slot into smaller kitchens or student flats without reworking your layout. As a microwave with grill, it can handle everyday reheating, melting and light grilling in one neat unit, saving you from switching on a full oven for small jobs. The Collezione styling gives it a premium feel, so you get a touch of luxury even though it sits in the cheaper end of Smeg’s range.

Cons

There are currently no owner ratings available, so you are relying mostly on brand reputation rather than proven long-term feedback. Capacity information is limited, and while it is described as small, that may be restrictive for larger plates or family-sized dishes. You are paying a bit extra for Smeg styling compared with basic unbranded models, so if looks do not matter to you, a plainer microwave with grill could work out cheaper.

Ideal for...

Best suited to style-conscious buyers in smaller homes or flats who want a microwave with grill that looks as good as it performs. It is a strong choice if you want Smeg design on the counter but cannot stretch to premium built-in appliances. If you mainly reheat, defrost and grill smaller items, the compact format should suit you well. Those who entertain large groups regularly may want something with a bigger cavity.

Other great options:

Smeg Collezione MOC01SBMUK Microwave with Grill, Freestanding Small

Best cheap microwave with grill in blue
Usually about £349, so you are paying a similar amount to the other Collezione models but with a distinctive blue finish.
Rated 0.0 out of 5.

This Smeg Collezione microwave with grill offers the same compact practicality as the rest of the range but in a distinctive blue finish. A good pick if you want a splash of colour without going overboard on price.

Pros

The blue finish gives this microwave a distinctive, retro-inspired look that stands out from the usual black and silver boxes, which is impressive at this price point. As a compact freestanding model, it should be straightforward to position on most worktops without needing any cabinetry or professional installation. You still benefit from both microwave and grill functions, so it can warm through leftovers and add colour to the top of dishes in one appliance. For those who like coordinated kitchens, the colour makes it easy to tie in with other statement pieces without paying full designer kitchen prices.

Cons

Like the other Collezione models, there are no published customer reviews yet, so it is harder to judge long-term reliability. The compact size that makes it easy to place may also limit what dishes you can fit under the grill, especially large ovenproof plates. You are also paying partly for the eye-catching colour; if your priority is simply the lowest possible price, a more basic-looking model might save you some money.

Ideal for...

Ideal if you are putting together a colourful kitchen and want your microwave to play a part without breaking the bank. It suits singles, couples or students who want a compact microwave with grill that adds personality to the worktop. If your budget can stretch a little beyond the most basic white boxes, this gives you a more distinctive look for the money.

Smeg Collezione MOC01WHMUK Microwave with Grill, Freestanding Small

Best value minimalist look
Generally around £349, making it a mid-range price for a compact microwave with grill but good value if you want the Smeg name.
Rated 0.0 out of 5.

The white Smeg Collezione microwave with grill keeps things clean and minimalist while still feeling like a designer piece. It is a neat choice for modern kitchens where you want a premium look but a relatively modest footprint.

Pros

The white Collezione model offers a clean, minimalist aesthetic that fits especially well into light and Scandi-style kitchens, giving a premium feel without a huge outlay. Being a freestanding microwave with grill, it is simple to install and move if you change your layout later, which is handy for renters. You get the same core functionality as the rest of the range, so it will take care of day-to-day reheating and simple grilling tasks without fuss. For the money, it is a smart way to get a Smeg badge and a designer look rather than settling for a dull box.

Cons

With no real-world ratings yet, there is less reassurance than you get with the Hotpoint integrated models on this list. The minimalist white styling may show marks and stains more readily than darker finishes, so it might need a bit more cleaning to stay pristine. As with the other Smeg options, you could find cheaper microwaves with grill if you are willing to skip the designer branding and aesthetic.

Ideal for...

A good fit for minimalist or all-white kitchens where you want appliances to blend in neatly but still feel a bit special. It is best for smaller households that mainly need a reliable, smart-looking microwave with grill for everyday reheating and quick snacks. If you value clean lines and do not want a bulky or dark appliance dominating the room, this is a sensible compromise between style and price.

Hotpoint HMW47DHMBUK 40 Litre Built In Microwave With Grill

Best cheap built-in microwave with grill
Priced at roughly £379, it undercuts many built-in microwaves with grill while still offering a large 40-litre capacity.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 6 customer reviews, which is very strong for a budget-friendly built-in microwave with grill.

A generously sized 40-litre built-in microwave with grill that delivers strong owner ratings while keeping the price competitive for an integrated model. Great if you want a seamless look without paying luxury money.

Pros

This Hotpoint built-in microwave with grill offers a generous 40-litre capacity, which is impressive for the price and ideal for larger dishes or family portions. Owner feedback is very positive, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating from a small but encouraging number of reviews, which is reassuring when you are investing in integrated appliances. The built-in design helps create a seamless, modern look in your kitchen without reaching the premium prices of top-end brands. As a microwave with grill, it can handle most everyday heating and browning tasks, so you can often avoid firing up the main oven for smaller meals, saving on energy as well as time.

Cons

Although the reviews are very positive, the number of ratings is still fairly small, so longer-term reliability is not fully proven. Being a built-in model, you will usually need professional installation and cabinetry space, which adds to the overall cost compared with a simple freestanding unit. It is also more of an investment than a compact countertop microwave, so it suits those committed to an integrated set-up rather than renters or frequent movers.

Ideal for...

Well suited to families or keen cooks planning a fitted kitchen who want an integrated microwave with grill without going into premium price territory. The large 40-litre capacity makes it ideal if you often heat bigger dishes or cook for several people at once. It is also a strong choice if you like a streamlined look and are happy to invest a bit more in installation for a long-term, built-in solution.

Hotpoint HMW47HMXUK 40 Litre Built In Microwave With Grill

Best stainless steel built-in on a budget
At about £399, it costs a touch more than the black version but remains competitive for a stainless steel built-in model.
Holds a 4.0 out of 5 rating from 3 reviews, suggesting generally satisfied owners for a lower-priced integrated model.

This stainless steel Hotpoint built-in microwave with grill pairs a family-friendly 40-litre capacity with a sensible price. It is ideal if you want an integrated, modern look but need to keep an eye on the budget.

Pros

The HMW47HMXUK matches the 40-litre capacity of its sibling, which is a strong size for families and keen cooks at this price level. Its stainless steel finish gives a more professional, high-end appearance that can lift the look of a fitted kitchen without needing a premium-budget appliance pack. You still get both microwave and grill functions in one built-in unit, offering flexible cooking and reheating options in a relatively compact vertical space. For households that want integrated appliances on a budget, it hits a good balance between modern styling, usable space and sensible pricing.

Cons

The review score is decent but not as strong as the black Hotpoint model, and based on a small number of reviews, so it is harder to be completely confident about reliability. Installation and cabinetry requirements mean the real-world cost is higher than the headline price, especially compared with freestanding options. If you are not set on the stainless steel finish, you might find the slightly better-rated black version a more reassuring choice.

Ideal for...

Best for households that want a professional-looking stainless steel built-in microwave with grill but need to keep a firm eye on costs. The generous capacity suits family kitchens, especially if you frequently reheat casseroles or larger plates. Choose this if the integrated finish and matching with other stainless steel appliances matter to you more than having the very lowest up-front price.

FAQs

Are cheap microwaves with grill still reliable?

A lower price does not automatically mean poor reliability. Many cheaper microwaves with grill share core components with pricier ranges. The main compromises tend to be in finish, extra programmes and premium touches, rather than basic heating performance. Check owner ratings where available and stick to recognised brands if you want solid day-to-day reliability on a budget.
For one or two people, a compact model around 17–23 litres is usually enough for reheating and the odd pizza or ready meal. If you regularly cook larger dishes or share a home with three or more people, it is worth choosing something closer to 25–30 litres so plates and baking dishes fit comfortably under the grill. Bigger capacity usually costs a bit more, but it makes the appliance far more versatile.
Running costs are mainly driven by how powerful the microwave and grill are, and how long you use them for, not just the purchase price. Many budget models use similar power levels to mid-range machines, so electricity use is comparable. The main difference is that a more efficient, better-designed oven may heat slightly faster. If you are worried about bills, avoid overheating food and use lower settings when you only need to warm things through.
Cheaper models often drop premium extras such as sensor cooking, complex combination oven modes, crisp plates or very advanced touch controls. You are more likely to get simple dial or button controls and a smaller range of auto programmes. For most households, straightforward power levels, a timer and a basic grill function are enough for day-to-day reheating, melting and browning.
Often, yes. The very cheapest microwaves with grill will handle basic reheating, but spending a little more can buy you a larger cavity, neater design and a more robust feel. It may also mean better owner ratings and a more reputable brand. Over several years of use, that small extra outlay can be worth it in convenience and peace of mind.
A microwave with grill is ideal for quick meals, reheating and adding a bit of colour or crispness to the top of dishes. However, it will not fully replace the performance of a full-sized oven, especially for baking, large joints of meat or multiple trays. Think of it as a handy extra for busy days, not a complete substitute for an oven if you cook from scratch a lot.
With normal home use and basic care, a budget microwave with grill should reasonably last several years. Avoid slamming the door, keep the interior clean, and use microwave-safe cookware to reduce strain on the magnetron and grill. More expensive models may feel more solid, but a well-treated cheap model can still offer a good lifespan for the money.
Look for clear ventilation at the sides and rear, a secure door seal and an interior light so you can see food while it runs. Make sure the controls are easy to understand and that the grill rack feels stable. Buying from a reputable retailer with a proper returns policy also gives you a safety net if anything does not feel right once it is installed.

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