Commercial Chef microwaves deliver solid performance at accessible prices, but the choice between convection and standard, plus over-the-range versus countertop placement, significantly affects which model suits your kitchen. The three current options span £199.99 to £399.99, with meaningful feature differences at each price tier.
Why Commercial Chef?
Commercial Chef specialises in compact kitchen appliances designed for space-conscious homes and modest budgets. Their microwave range focuses on straightforward functionality—reliable heating, consistent power delivery, and practical capacities—rather than cutting-edge innovation. They don't position themselves as premium brands; instead, they compete on delivering dependable performance without unnecessary features or inflated prices. Their 1000–1100 watt models sit in the mid-range for household microwaves, offering enough power for daily cooking tasks without the energy draw of premium units.
Top Picks
Commercial Chef 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven, 1000w — £399.99
Best for kitchens with limited countertop space and a need for versatile cooking methods. This model combines microwave heating with convection functionality, meaning you can roast, bake, and crisp foods in addition to standard microwave reheating. The 1.7 cubic foot capacity accommodates standard dinner plates and larger dishes. Over-the-range mounting saves floor and counter space in tight kitchens. Ten power levels provide granular control over heating intensity. The convection feature justifies the £100 premium over the standard 1.7 cu. ft. model if you use oven functions regularly.
Commercial Chef 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-range Microwave Oven, 1000w — £299.99
Best for renters and homeowners seeking maximum value without convection. Identical capacity and power to the convection model, but lacks the extra oven functions—this is a straightforward, reliable microwave for heating, defrosting, and cooking. Over-the-range placement is ideal if you're installing above a stovetop and want to consolidate appliances. Ten power levels and 1.7 cu. ft. capacity match the pricier convection model, making this a sensible choice if you don't plan to use baking or roasting features.
Commercial Chef 1.6 Cu. Ft. Large Countertop Microwave, 1100-watt — £199.99
Best for budget-conscious buyers and small kitchens where over-the-range installation isn't an option. At 1100 watts (100w more than the over-the-range models), this delivers slightly faster heating, though the difference is marginal in practice. The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is marginally smaller than the 1.7 models but still accommodates most standard dishes. Countertop placement means flexibility—you can move it or store it if needed. This is the entry-level option and the clearest value pick for basic microwave tasks.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | 1.7 cu. ft. Convection Over-the-Range | £399.99 | Versatile cooking + space saving | Convection baking and roasting | | 1.7 cu. ft. Standard Over-the-Range | £299.99 | Value + space saving | Over-the-range placement, reliable heating | | 1.6 cu. ft. Countertop | £199.99 | Budget-conscious buyers | 1100w power, portability |
What to Look For
- Wattage: Commercial Chef's range spans 1000–1100 watts. Higher wattage (1100w) heats faster, but the difference is roughly 5–10% quicker cooking. For most households, 1000w is sufficient; choose 1100w only if speed matters.
- Capacity and placement: Over-the-range models free up countertop space but require existing hood installation; countertop models offer flexibility but demand counter real estate. Decide based on your kitchen layout first—capacity is secondary.
- Convection vs. standard: Convection adds £100 and enables roasting, baking, and crisping. If you regularly use your microwave for more than heating and defrosting, the convection model justifies the extra cost; otherwise, save £100 with the standard model.
- Power levels: All three models include ten power levels, giving you control over heating intensity for delicate foods or defrosting tasks. This is sufficient for household cooking.
The Bottom Line
Choose the 1.7 cu. ft. Standard Over-the-Range model at £299.99 if you want the best balance of value and functionality for most kitchens—you get the larger capacity and over-the-range space savings without paying for convection features you may not use. If your kitchen has limited counter space and you regularly roast or bake, stretch to the £399.99 convection model. If budget is tight and you don't mind countertop placement, the £199.99 countertop model is perfectly adequate for daily heating and defrosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the convection microwave worth the extra £100?
Only if you actively use roasting, baking, or crisping features beyond standard microwave heating. For most households that primarily reheat and defrost, the standard 1.7 cu. ft. model at £299.99 delivers identical performance at lower cost. Convection adds versatility but not necessity.
Which Commercial Chef microwave is best for small kitchens?
The over-the-range models (both £299.99 and £399.99) are best for small kitchens because they mount above your stovetop and eliminate the need for counter or cabinet space. If over-the-range installation isn't possible, the 1.6 cu. ft. countertop model is more compact than the 1.7 cu. ft. alternatives, though the capacity difference is negligible.
Does 1100 watts versus 1000 watts make a real difference?
Minimally. The 1100w countertop model heats roughly 5–10% faster than the 1000w models, but this translates to seconds, not minutes, for most tasks. Choose based on price, capacity, and placement rather than wattage unless speed is a priority.
Can you use Commercial Chef microwaves for defrosting?
Yes. All three models include ten power levels, which allow you to select lower settings for gentle defrosting. The convection model adds additional control through its oven functions, but standard defrosting is fully supported across the range.
