13 & 14 Litre Microwave Ovens – Which Are the Best in the UK?

The smallest microwaves are usually 13 or 14 litre models. On this page, we've chosen our top three picks for microwaves in this category to help you make the right choice.

At SmallMicrowave.co.uk, we focus on microwaves with a capacity of less than 20 litres (aside from combination microwaves which are larger). But if you're looking for the smallest appliances, the 13 and 14 litre categories are most likely to meet your requirements.

14 litre microwaves tend to be low-powered and with restrictive interior capacities (although some are bigger than you think due to clever engineering). They are usually manual models without advanced features - but make up for this with a very compact design and low price tag.

On this page, we've listed the three best 13 and 14 litre microwaves. Each of these models can save a lot of space compared with bulkier alternatives, yet can still cook, reheat and defrost food effectively.​

Which are the Best 14 Litre Microwaves?

Our RankingImageProductPowerCapacityExternal WidthExternal DepthExternal HeightView Price
#1!Daewoo QT1600W14 litres42.4 cm31.6 cm22.5 cmView Price
#2Daewoo QT3600W14 litres42.4 cm31.6 cm22.5 cmView Price
#3Hotpoint Curve Solo700W13 litres39.2 cm35.2 cm36.0 cmView Price

 #1  Daewoo QT1

The best 14 litre microwave is the excellent Daewoo QT1

Who Should Buy:

The Daewoo QT1 is an easy choice for the best 14 litre microwave. It's stylish, highly compact and great for cooking and reheating.  Click here to view its price.

Key Features:

  • Capacity: 14 litres
  • Power: 600W
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 42.4 x 31.6 x 22.5 cm

One of our favourite microwaves is the Daewoo QT1, so it's an easy choice for our list of the best 14 litre microwaves. It's a manually controlled microwave that's highly compact, so it'll save space while still managing to hold a 25cm dinner plate.

​Like most smaller microwaves, the QT1 isn't as powerful as the average home appliance. It has a 600W power output, so be prepared that cooking takes noticeably longer than more powerful options. Despite this, it still cooks relatively quickly and evenly.

It's a no-frills microwave, so don't expect advanced features. There are seven power levels, however, which is more than most compact microwaves. Other features include a defrost setting and 35 minute timer.

As you can see from the photo, the QT1 is designed to blend in with its surroundings. With its entirely white ​exterior it's not going to win awards for unique design, but it's a sleek model that'll look good in almost any kitchen.

If you're looking for a 14 litre microwave for a small kitchen, caravan or motorhome, we don't think you can go wrong with the QT1. It's not a flashy or advanced microwave, but it provides outstanding value and a space-saving design.​

Type: Freestanding Solo | Brand: Daewoo

 #2  Daewoo QT3

The Daewoo QT3 is an alternative to the bland colour scheme of the QT1

Who Should Buy:

If you want a microwave that's more colourful than the bland QT1, the QT3 is a great option. It has the same specification but with an attractive pink design.  Click here to view its price.

Key Features:

  • Capacity: 14 litres
  • Power: 600W
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 42.4 x 31.6 x 22.5 cm

The QT3 is another popular microwave from Daewoo - and for good reason. This model has all the features and space-saving design of the QT1, but with a more interesting pink/white colour scheme. The microwave also has circular dials for selecting cooking level and time.

In terms of features, it has 600W power output, six cooking levels and a power saving mode. There's also the option of defrosting food - although it's a manual model so doesn't have auto-cook programmes.

But if it's the same as the QT1, who should buy it? The simple answer is choose the one that most appeals to you. If you want a microwave that stands out or complements your existing kitchen, choose the QT3. For a safer option, or if you don't think pink would match your existing decor, go for the QT1.​

Type: Freestanding Solo | Brand: Daewoo

 #3  Hotpoint Curve Solo

The curved back of the Hotpoint gives it a unique design

Who Should Buy:

With its curved design, the 13L Hotpoint is a fantastic space-saver. It's more expensive than the other options on this list though.  Click here to view its price.

Key Features:

  • Capacity: 13 litres
  • Power: 700W
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 39.2 x 35.3 x 36.0 cm

The final model on this list is also one that we're hesitant about including. The Hotpoint Curve Solo has an interesting design that helps save even more space than the average compact microwave. It's more expensive than the Daewoo models, however, and is relatively new so it's difficult to judge its reliability. Even so, it's one of the top 13 litre microwaves and could be a great option if you need to save space.

Let's start with the basics. It's a 700W microwave with a 13 litre interior capacity. This capacity is misleading though, as the curved design means it can actually fit a 28cm turntable. This is larger than the Daewoo QT1 so you can use bigger dinner plates. Other features include a two-dial control system and 5 power levels.

The curved design also means it can fit into corners better than a standard microwave. This doesn't mean the design is right for everyone though. While it's a few centimetres less wide than the Daewoo, it's considerably deeper and taller. So the best option depends on where you're going to put your microwave.

There's no doubt that the Hotpoint Curve Solo has some unique benefits for a 13 litre microwave. It lacks advanced features, but if you need a microwave to fit in a corner it could save a lot of space.

Type: Freestanding Solo | Brand: Hotpoint

Conclusion

13 or 14 litre microwave ovens can be a great option if you need to save space. There aren't many models available in this size range, especially since Whirlpool stopped producing freestanding microwaves, but the ones on this list are probably all you need.

Do you have any questions about the microwaves in this category? Or do you want to leave feedback? Feel free to use the comments form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!​