Which shop is cheapest for microwaves?

Whichever gets it to you cheapest. At this price point delivery is a large share of the total, so the lowest listing regularly loses once postage is added — and collection often beats every delivered price.

What is the difference between solo, grill and combination?

Solo only microwaves. Grill adds a heating element for browning. Combination adds convection and can stand in for a small oven. They are different appliances, not quality tiers.

Do built-in microwaves include the trim kit?

Frequently not. It is sold separately and is not optional for a built-in installation, so check before comparing a built-in price against a freestanding one.

Cheapest place to buy a microwave in the UK

In a category this inexpensive, the delivery charge is the comparison.

Updated 25 September 2026 · 1 min read

Delivery is the deciding factor

Microwaves sit at a price point where a delivery charge is a large proportion of the total. A shop that is marginally cheaper on the appliance and charges for delivery is usually the dearer purchase, and click-and-collect frequently beats both.

This is one of the few categories where checking whether your local branch has stock is worth as much as comparing prices online.

Solo, grill and combination are different machines

A solo microwave only microwaves. A grill model adds a heating element. A combination adds convection and can genuinely replace a small oven. They are frequently listed side by side at prices that look like tiers of quality when they are actually different appliances.

What actually drives the price

Type. Solo, grill or combination — decide this before looking at prices.
Capacity and turntable diameter. The plate size matters more in practice than the litres.
Built-in versus freestanding, a large difference and not interchangeable.
Finish. Mirror and stainless versions are separate listings and move independently.

Before you buy

Decide solo, grill or combination.
Measure the space, including clearance above and behind.
Check the turntable diameter against the plates you own.
Compare totals including delivery, and check collection.
Confirm built-in models come with the trim kit, which is frequently sold separately.