I bought this microwave after accidently setting my last on fire, with a packet of custard (apparently there is metal within the carboard carton). I particularly was after a contemporary looking model, but given that I only have a small kitchen, it was important that the appliance was also relativly compact, as my worksurface space is precious. The actual size of this model is approximatly 46cmx36cmx28cm, thus fulfilling my first requirement, the actual capacity is 17 litres, so despite the compact size, you don't have to comprimise on what goes inside. The appliance comes in brushed aluminium, with a refelective door and a green lcd display, programmes are displayed in red, within the display. Setting the clock is simple also.

The appliance is one of the more powerful microwaves available cooking at 800watts and the kenwood name is one of reliability

It has various cooking options and varied power level (5) , as most mcrowaves do, such as various meats, potatoes, pasta etc. There is also an auto defrost programme that automtically sets the required time to defrost your item, based upon the wieght you input (most food stuffs have the wieght labelled on the packaging so this is easy to use without having to have scales). I have successfully defrosted both chicken breasts and mince this way on days where i have forgotten to take things out of the freezer. There is also a grill option, but to be honest i dont really use this function, but good to have incase the toaster breaks.

The nice thing about this microwave is that many of the buttons are in fact hidden by the door, which adds to that contemporary feel and actualy makes cleaning easy as you do not have the intricates of buttons to work around. The touch buttons are easy to use and the programmes themselves are easy to work out.

The inside of the microwave has a standard rotating glass plate that can be removed for washing and is suitable for the dishwasher. The glass plate can withstand being dropped as i have done this on more than one occassion without breaking it. As with most microwaves a light comes on during cooking time.

The kenwood microwave to summise does all the things it is suppossed to and it does them quick and well, because of the specialist programmes and power levels. I unfortunatly probobaly do not use it to its full potential, mostly just heating, but the times I have used the additional functions, am pleased with the results.

As far as the noise it produces, its quieter than some models Ive owned previously, do not really notice it is on.

Unfortunatly I cannot remember the exact price we paid as we have had the item over a year, but I think it was around the £80 mark (dont quote me on this).