The Bosch Series 8 CEG732XB1B is a built-in 36-litre microwave with grill, designed to sit seamlessly above or alongside a main oven. With its sleek black glass front, TFT display and touch controls, it’s clearly pitched as a premium choice rather than an entry-level microwave.
It combines a powerful 1000W microwave with full and half-width grilling, plus Bosch’s AutoPilot 10 automatic programmes, so you can let the oven choose time and power settings for you. Hydrolytic steam-assisted cleaning and a stainless steel interior underline the focus on low-fuss maintenance.
Owners rate it around 4.1 out of 5 from a modest but useful number of reviews, suggesting most people are very happy with it, though it’s not entirely faultless. Given the high asking price for a microwave-only (with grill) unit, it’s best suited to households that value design integration and clever automation as much as raw cooking power.
This Bosch Series 8 model is ideal for medium-sized households that use a microwave every day and want it integrated cleanly into a fitted kitchen. The 36-litre capacity is generous for reheating, defrosting, steaming vegetables and cooking side dishes, and will comfortably handle large plates and casserole dishes.
It’s a strong fit for buyers planning or upgrading a premium kitchen, where matching built-in appliances and a flush, minimalist look matter. The black glass front, drop-down door and TFT display will pair neatly with other Bosch ovens in the same Series 8 family.
Because it’s priced at the premium end of the microwave market and requires hard-wiring by an electrician, it’s not really aimed at students, renters or anyone wanting a simple counter-top unit. Instead, it suits homeowners who see the microwave as a core part of their cooking setup and are willing to pay more for automation, smart controls and easier cleaning.
If you’re confident in the kitchen but like the idea of auto programmes that take the guesswork out of power levels and timings, AutoPilot 10 and the Microwave Boost function make this particularly appealing.
The 36-litre cavity is larger than many built-in microwaves, giving you space for family-sized portions and wide dishes without feeling cramped. The lack of a turntable also makes loading easier and maximises usable room.
Bosch’s AutoPilot 10 automatic programmes and weight control take the stress out of cooking and reheating. You simply select the food type, enter the weight and the microwave sets the time and power – handy if you’re not confident with microwave timings.
The Microwave Boost function is genuinely practical: you can match the wattage on food packaging and let the oven work out the correct settings, rather than constantly converting power levels.
Hydrolytic cleaning is another big plus. Using steam to soften baked-on splashes means you can wipe the stainless steel interior clean without harsh scrubbing.
The modern TFT display, touch controls and Bosch’s digital control ring give a premium feel and make it easier to navigate settings than on basic button-only models.
For a microwave with grill, the price is undeniably high, especially when some similarly priced built-in models add full fan-assisted oven functions. If you rarely use your microwave beyond reheating, you may struggle to justify the cost.
There’s no fan cooking, so this doesn’t replace a full oven. If you were hoping for a true combination microwave oven for baking and roasting, you may find the feature set a little limited for the money.
Installation requires hard wiring by an electrician and a 16-amp supply, which adds to the overall cost and may not suit all replacement scenarios.
The warranty is a fairly standard 2 years. At this premium level we would have liked to see a longer manufacturer guarantee for added peace of mind.
Day to day, the Bosch Series 8 CEG732XB1B is designed to be straightforward and pleasant to live with. The touch control panel and digital control ring make selecting programmes, adjusting time and changing power levels feel more like using a modern built-in oven than a basic microwave.
The drop-down door gives you a wide opening, which is particularly useful with a 36-litre cavity and no turntable to work around. It’s easy to slide in larger dishes, and the flat stainless steel base is simpler to wipe down than a traditional glass plate.
The internal light and clear TFT display mean you can keep an eye on progress without opening the door, and the clock and electronic timer are handy for general kitchen timekeeping as well as cooking. With five power levels up to a maximum of 1000W, you have enough flexibility to handle everything from delicate defrosting to rapid heating.
Cleaning is notably less of a chore than on many microwaves thanks to the hydrolytic function. Running a steam clean cycle to loosen splatters, then wiping them away, is a lot less effort than scrubbing dried-on food from corners and around a turntable.
The only point to bear in mind is the built-in nature: once installed, this is not something you’ll be moving or repositioning, so getting the height and location right in your cabinetry is important for comfortable everyday access.
With a maximum microwave output of 1000W and five power levels, this Bosch has enough punch for quick reheating and cooking. The relatively large 36-litre cavity means heat has more space to distribute, and the lack of a turntable suggests Bosch is using a different system to spread the microwaves, helping to reduce cold spots on large dishes.
The built-in grill adds useful versatility. You can brown the top of pasta bakes, crisp up bacon or finish off a gratin without turning on your main oven. Full-width and half-width grill options give you control over how much of the element is used, which can help save energy for smaller portions.
AutoPilot 10 is a headline feature. These automatic programmes use weight control to fine-tune time and power, so you don’t need to rely on guesswork. It’s especially handy for reheating leftovers or cooking commonly used items consistently.
The Microwave Boost function is a clever touch: being able to key in the wattage printed on food packaging and let the oven adapt settings makes life easier when instructions assume a different power level to yours. Combined with an electronic programmable timer and clear TFT display, everyday tasks like defrosting and reheating become more reliable.
On the build side, the stainless steel interior, glass front and glass control panel give a solid, upmarket feel, while hydrolytic cleaning and the safety switch-off features show thought has been given to both maintenance and safety. However, the absence of fan cooking underlines that this is still fundamentally a microwave with grill rather than a full combi oven.
At its asking price, the Bosch Series 8 CEG732XB1B sits firmly in the premium bracket for microwaves. You’re paying for an integrated, design-led appliance with a generous capacity, modern interface and convenience features such as AutoPilot programmes, Microwave Boost and hydrolytic cleaning, rather than for a long list of cooking modes.
The AO user score of around 4.1 out of 5 indicates that most owners feel they’ve had a good return on their investment, though it’s not universally praised. The limited number of reviews suggests it’s a more specialist choice, likely bought as part of a wider kitchen refit rather than as an impulse upgrade.
If you’re simply after a way to heat soup and defrost bread, there are far cheaper options that will handle the basics. But if you’re fitting out a high-end kitchen, want your microwave to match Bosch Series 8 ovens, and value automated cooking and low-effort cleaning, the premium makes more sense.
Overall, it offers respectable – though not outstanding – value for money, best appreciated when you use its smarter features regularly and care about the integrated look.
The Bosch Series 8 CEG732XB1B is a polished, feature-rich built-in microwave with grill that feels at home in a premium kitchen. Its 36-litre capacity, flat cavity, AutoPilot 10 programmes and Microwave Boost function make everyday cooking and reheating easier and more reliable, while the hydrolytic cleaning and stainless steel interior keep maintenance to a minimum.
It’s not a full combination oven and lacks fan cooking, so if you’re looking for a true second oven for baking and roasting you may want to explore alternatives. The high price and need for professional installation also mean it’s a considered purchase rather than a casual upgrade.
For homeowners investing in a coordinated Bosch setup who want a smart, spacious and easy-to-clean built-in microwave, this Series 8 model is a strong contender. If budget is tight or you only need basic microwave functions, a simpler – and cheaper – appliance will likely serve you just as well.
