Indesit vs Sage Microwaves

Indesit and Sage serve different kitchens. Indesit's fitted range is anchored by the 40-litre IP252RXUK built-in at £369 and the MWI125GX grill at £199, while Sage's countertop line starts at the Compact Wave Soft Close at £179. Sage's Combi Wave 3 in 1 is priced from £349 and adds an air fry function to its 32-litre cavity. Indesit's cheapest grill microwave, the MWI120GX, is also £179, the same price as the Compact Wave.

The Compact Wave gives 800W in 25 litres, the same cavity as the MWI125GX, which has 900W and a grill. The Sage model's advantage is a soft close door and six auto button programmes. The Combi Wave's 1100W output and air fry function make it a substitute for a separate air fryer, while Indesit's grill approach handles browning but not air frying. Indesit's built-in models, including the 22-litre IM K12 at 750W, are meant for housings rather than countertops, so the two brands rarely meet in the same kitchen.

Indesit suits budget-minded buyers with a fitted kitchen or a need for a grill, and the 40-litre built-in gives a large cavity for family cooking. Sage suits people who want a premium countertop appliance that replaces an air fryer and mini oven, saving worktop space. Renters and people with small kitchens often find a Sage unit easier, since it needs no installation. The Combi Wave has a larger footprint, so measure worktop depth first.

Bottom line: choose Indesit if you need a built-in or grill microwave, such as the IP252RXUK at £369 for 40 litres, to fit a kitchen housing. Choose Sage if you want air frying and soft close convenience on the worktop, starting with the Compact Wave at £179 or the Combi Wave from £349.