Siemens built in microwave ovens are microwave-only models from the iQ500 and iQ700 series, made to fit a wall unit or tall housing. They have no grill or convection function. Instead they focus on defrosting, reheating and quick cooking, so they suit kitchens where the main oven handles roasting and baking. Every model has a side-hinged door that opens with a button instead of a handle. This keeps the front flush and makes the door easy to open at eye level.

Size and power are the main differences. Capacities run from 20 to 25 litres, with a maximum power of 800 or 900 W, and the 25-litre iQ500 model has a 31.5 cm turntable for wider dishes. The iQ500 models give you five power levels and seven automatic programmes, which take the guesswork out of defrosting. The iQ700 model adds a TFT display and inverter heating, which delivers steady power instead of switching on and off, helping with gentle defrosting and even reheating. Cleaning also varies. Some models have humidClean or hydrolytic cleaning: you heat a cup of water with a drop of washing-up liquid to soften dirt so it wipes away easily. Others are cleaned by hand.

To narrow the choice, start with capacity. The 25-litre cavity takes larger family dishes, and the compact models suit occasional reheating. Then decide whether the iQ700's clearer display and finer power control are worth having. If you'd like to grill or bake as well, compare Siemens built in combi microwaves, or browse all Siemens microwaves and the full Siemens appliance range.