24 months ago, just before Christmas my microwave needed replacing, I had owned my previous one for about five years and having to buy a replacement had been on the cards for a while.

My local Asda has a very good range of electronic/small white goods, so I popped to Asda one evening to see what they had in their range.

I was not interested in buying an expensive, branded model - not my style in the slightest, I am of the school of thought that a cheaper model will do the job perfectly, and as long as it looks clean, new and fresh then I am happy.

I chose the Asda's own brand 700 watts, 17 litre digital model. This was my second digital microwave, so I felt that even though the brand was different to my previous one, it should be similar to use.

Asda.com today (31st January) has this model on sale, it is currently £35, rather than £39.96 - I think when I bought it, I paid £40, so the price has not changed a great deal. Something to consider though, if bought from Asda online, you would have to take delivery fee's into account, delivery currently £2.95 - although Asda do have a click and collect service, so if you are local to a store it would probably be cheaper to collect when in stock.

The microwave is lovely and bright white, with a digital keyboard, totally wipeable and easy to keep clean.


There are ten power settings on this model, although I have to admit here that there are eight more power settings than I ever use!

I use the "Full Power" and the "Speed Defrost" and both of these settings perform perfectly.

To use the full power, place your item into the microwave, with the appropriate cover on it and prick it where necessary, on a microwavable plate and then press the start button... one press is 30 seconds, two presses one minute and so on....

Personally I only use the microwave for warming dishes up, so I only tend to use it for three or four minutes.

The speed defrost setting is similar, I press the speed defrost button - followed by "5" then "0" then "0) and it defrosts for ten minutes.

There are other settings to use, 10 second, 1 minute, 10 minute, Drink, Jacket Potatoes, Reheat, Power Level, Timer, Cook, Cook by Weight - I have used these settings, but like anything else - you get used to doing things a certain way and there is no need to change (If it aint broke, don't fix it mentality!)

This model also has a child-lock - but I am slowly learning to trust my hubby in the kitchen, so do not need to worry about this facility - however this is very useful for those with toddlers and enquiring minds!

It has a 17 litre capacity, which I would say is small to medium sized and is 700 watt output, which is not the biggest output in the microwave world, but considerably more than adequate..

Like all microwaves, it has a removable glass plate, that can be cleaned easily..

In conclusion - no need to buy a fancy brand, this Asda model is great