A love letter to the microwave — the appliance of the people

A love letter to the microwave — the appliance of the people Charlie Sawyer Published November 23, 2025 8:00am Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments The humble microwave has never let me down – and they’re not about to start (Picture: Metro)

My family has a storied history with microwaves.

My once mum blew one up when she was a waitress, and I then followed in her footsteps during an ill-fated warming up of a sausage roll.

But despite my constant mishandling of my microwave, it kept chugging along. They’re sturdy, reliable. One user on Reddit boasted that she’s kept hers ticking over for 37 years. That’s a machine that’s got greater staying power than most men I’ve met.

For a lot of us, microwaves spark feelings of nostalgia. Whether my family’s (fondly nicknamed Heather, no idea why) was heating up a big mug of hot chocolate for me following a traumatising PE lesson, or priming my hot water bottle to help with my first period cramps, she was always the supporting actress in my childhood.

I was 25 when my parents moved house and decided that the kitchen sides looked tidier without Heather there. And, after an entire lifetime of companionship, it’s safe to say that I still miss her desperately.

The humble microwave has long been the centre of my universe (Picture: Getty)

Of course, we have now entered the age of the air fryer, and I fear my beloved microwave is heading the way of the bread maker — destined to become a forgotten relic.

So I’ve made it my mission, on behalf of Heather and all those like her, to sing their praises – and find out if they still have a place in our kitchens, and in our hearts.

Are people still buying microwaves?

I’ve always believed that any topic worth covering has already been featured in a Jedward tweet. And let’s just say that the pop duo feel very strongly about microwaves.

On multiple separate occasions, the former X Factor contestants felt the need to big up microwaves on X. In February 2011, they hypothesised: ‘Microwaves are like food convertors, they go in cool and come out awesome.’

This was followed by an equally important statement in 2013, which read: ‘Without microwaves, popcorn wouldn’t be as popular.’

While I won’t include every tweet Jedward have ever posted about microwaves, just know that there are many. Including this 2016 one:

Microwave popcorn is the most freshest popping corn their is! Once you pop u can't stop pic.twitter.com/t2JDWTbR5h

— JEDWARD (@planetjedward) January 3, 2016

But in 2023, despite already being around for well over a decade, the world went mad for air fryers.

Drew Barrymore was so enamoured with the product that she even released her own version: the Beautiful Air Fryer.

And, in Good Food Nation’s 2024 survey more than half of British households (58%) said they own an air-fryer, which is more than those using traditional ovens.

Have air fryers made microwaves obsolete? (Picture: Getty)

Of course, for microwave die-hards like myself, this has been cause for concern.

Thankfully, I’m here to report that while beloved, the air fryer hasn’t overshadowed the microwave (at least not yet).

In 2025, microwaves are still a household staple, with 75% of Brits still using one.

Data from Statista also states that the revenue generated in the Microwave Ovens market worldwide this year, is estimated to be the equivalent of approximately seven billion pounds.

Microwaves can handle everything

So why are they still so popular? When I decided I wanted to write this article, there was only one person with enough expert knowledge worth reaching out to: Eva Bleyer, Good Housekeeping’s kitchen appliances lab reviews analyst.

And thankfully, Eva has calmed my microwave-induced anxiety.

‘We’ve been testing microwaves in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab since 1984, and over those 40-plus years, they’ve remained a staple in many home kitchens,’ she tells Metro.

‘Known for their convenience, speed, and versatility, microwaves can handle everything from defrosting meat to popping popcorn with ease.’

They’re faster than traditional ovens for everyday tasks like heating up leftovers or adding a quick rice packet to bulk up your meal, with Eva adding how recent innovations like have only expanded microwaves’ capabilities.

Eva cites that many microwaves now have ‘inverter technology’, which use a circuit to supply a steady and constant amount of power throughout the cooking time (while conventional ones actually turn their power on and off to give the food a chance to distribute heat.)

She adds there’s also added bells and whistles such as ‘built-in air fryers or toaster ovens’ which continue to make them appealing to customers.

‘While they may feel nostalgic to some, microwaves continue to be a trusted tool for generations of home cooks. Even myself, a trained chef, will reach for my microwave throughout the week for everything from reheating leftovers to toasting nuts,’ says Eva.

The 5 best meals you can make in the microwave, based on no statistical evidence

1. Vegetable curry — perfect for the chilly days ahead of us
2. Egg fried rice — the ideal accompaniment to any meal
3. Shakshuka — a fun twist on breakfast
4. Banana bread muffin — only needs 5 ingredients!
5. Salted popcorn — yes, popcorn counts as a meal

‘Microwaves are their true authentic selves’

As I see it, the microwave serves everyone. From professional chefs like Eva to workmen on their lunch breaks, it’s the appliance of the people.

Microwaves even implore members of the public to serve their communities.

For example, Microwave Man (part internet lore, part real-life superhero) is a TikTok sensation, who shares words of wisdom while riding around a bike with a microwave attached to his head.

One of my personal favourite nuggets of advice happens to be: ‘You’re gonna go through some uncomfortable situations. Stop trying to dodge the process, because in the long run it’s going to make you better — and don’t forget that.’

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There’s no obvious reason why the microwave is so integral to his brand of therapy, but I for one am inspired.

@nathan_rickett

Desperate times by Microwave Man 🏍️ #microwave #advice #nyc #foryou

♬ original sound – Nathan Rickett

Microwaves don’t try and pretend to be something they’re not. They stand widely and loudly in your kitchen and offer you their authentic self.

And, at the risk of getting too deep, we’re living in pretty dark times, so now, more than ever, it’s important to romanticise our lives, and that includes our kitchen appliances.

While my love for the microwave isn’t going to solve the world’s problems or provide a solution to systemic sexism, it might hopefully bring a bit of happiness to your day.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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