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Currys EssentialsCMB21

Freestanding
Solo Microwave
Turntable

£55.99View retailers

Test score

Lowest available price

£55.99Currys

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The Currys Essentials CMB21 is a compact, no-frills solo microwave, controlled by a couple of rotary dials. We found this microwave very easy to use, but can it defrost and heat up food quickly and evenly? Find out by reading our full microwave review based on in-depth tests.

pros

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cons

What's included?

What is it?
How well does it warm up food?
How well does it defrost food?
How easy is it to use and clean?
Is there anything else I should know?
Should I buy it?

Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

KEY TEST RESULTS
Single use
Manual Defrost
Ease of use

Apr 2024Last checked by Which?
Apr 2022First reviewed by Which?
Nov 2021Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test microwaves

2 Jan 2024

Single use

How we test single use

We test how quickly and evenly microwaves heat in microwave mode and we record how much water is lost from the food during cooking. This is the overall score for microwaves heating one dish, from cold, in microwave mode.

Speed of heating

How we test speed of heating

We test how quickly the microwaves can heat up when cooking in microwave mode.

Evenness of heating

How we test evenness of heating

We check for hot and cold spots in food to make sure it's evenly cooked.

Quality of food

How we test quality of food

We test how much water is lost from food when heating in microwave mode.

Continuous use

How we test continuous use

This is the overall score for microwave heating when the microwave has previously been in use and has warmed up. We test how quickly and evenly microwaves heat in microwave mode and we record how much water is lost from the food during cooking.

Manual Defrost

How we test manual defrost

How evenly the microwaves defrost minced meat on a manual setting.

Auto Defrost

How we test auto defrost

How well the microwave defrosts using its automatic defrost program.

Steaming

How we test steaming

How well the microwave steams a meal of fish, potatoes and veg.

Grilling toast

How we test grilling toast

How widely and evenly the grill browns slices of white, crustless bread.

Baking cakes

How we test baking cakes

How well the microwave bakes fairy cakes in convection mode.

Ease of use

How we test ease of use

This includes setting the clock, opening and closing the door, loading and unloading the oven, using the power and time controls, reading the display, cleaning, and the instructions and information provided by the manufacturer.

Cleaning

How we test cleaning

How easy it is to clean inside the microwave and the exterior casing.

Quietness

How we test quietness

We test how noisy each microwave is in microwave heating and defrosting mode.

Energy consumption single use

How we test energy consumption single use

How much energy is used by the microwave to heat food when it is only used once.

Energy consumption repeated use

How we test energy consumption repeated use

How much energy is used by the microwave to heat food when it is being used in quick succession.

General
Type	Solo Microwave
Freestanding or built-in	Freestanding
Turntable or flatbed	Turntable
Colour	Black
Height	24.1cm
Width	44.5cm
Depth	33.8cm
Max plate size	26cm
Type of controls	Dial controls

Power
Stated Microwave Power (watts)	700
Number of power levels	6

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Currys
In Stock£55.99

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Currys EssentialsCMB21

Lowest available price