Bosch vs Hotpoint Microwaves

Bosch is the freestanding choice here, with four Series 2 800-watt models from £129 to £169, including the 20-litre FFL020MS2B in stainless steel at £129. Hotpoint leans towards built-in microwaves, from the HPMK12CXUK class 2 built-in model with grill at £250 to the HCT9A9PHTSBUK class 8 compact oven with microwave at £899. The cheapest Hotpoint costs £121 more than the cheapest Bosch, and the top Hotpoint is £730 more than the top Bosch, so the decision depends largely on whether you need a freestanding or built-in unit.

Bosch's Series 2 models share 800 watts, five power levels, an electronic clock timer and a 20-litre capacity. The FFL023MS2B and FEL023MS2B add an LED display and AutoPilot 7 automatic programmes, and the FEL023MS2B includes a grill function. Bosch's wider range is known for stainless steel build quality and quiet operation of up to 40dB. Hotpoint's microwaves focus on built-in practicality. The HMD44MBUK at £325 offers 1000 watts with a quartz grill, and the HMD44MXUK and HPMK12CXUK add grill functions too. Its range also includes Multi-Wave cooking and child locks.

Bosch suits people who want a dependable freestanding microwave for a small kitchen, a student flat or a second home, where a 20-litre capacity covers reheating and simple cooking. Hotpoint suits fitted kitchens, where a built-in microwave or combination oven fits neatly into a tall cabinet. The HMD44MBUK is a 1000W built-in model with a grill, and the HCT9A9PHTSBUK is a class 8 combination oven for households that cook more. Built-in models need a suitable housing, so check cabinet dimensions before ordering.

Bottom line: choose Bosch if you need a freestanding 800-watt microwave from £129 and built-in fitting is not required; choose Hotpoint if a built-in microwave with grill, from £250, or a class 8 combination oven at £899 fits your kitchen design.