Bosch Series 2 800W Freestanding Microwave - Black / Silver vs Series 2 800W Freestanding Microwave - Stainless steel — Comparison

The Bosch FEL023MS2B and the Bosch FFL023MS2B are colour variants of the same Series 2 microwave, with 800W, 20 litres, five power levels, defrost, a timer, an LED display, AutoPilot 7 and an integral cooling fan. The FEL023MS2B is black and silver at £169, while the FFL023MS2B is stainless steel at £149. Apart from finish and price, the two are the same machine.

In daily use both do the same job. The 800W output suits everyday reheating and defrosting, and both have a rotary dial with membrane keys and a start button. Neither has steam, auto cook or preheat programmes, so they suit people who want uncomplicated reheating rather than presets. Buyers describe the controls as easy to learn, and say the compact size, at around 14kg, suits small worktops and fitted cupboards.

Some buyers find the buttons stiff to press on both models. The stainless steel model draws a few specific comments: one buyer found the end-of-cycle beeps repeated and fiddly to change, although they can be turned down, and another found the door awkward for left-handed users. Some buyers miss the time display and interior light of earlier Bosch models.

Bottom line: choose the stainless steel FFL023MS2B if you want the lower price and a steel finish to match other appliances, and choose the black and silver FEL023MS2B if you prefer the darker look and do not mind paying £20 more.