Swan SM22036 microwave review
Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
Considering the only downside is a slightly annoying beep, this is one of the best value-for-money microwaves you can buy, thanks to its combination of style and substance.
A microwave can be boring purchase but it doesn’t have to be, as proven by the Swan SM22036, which offers a hard to beat balance of price, style and features.
It’s part of Swan’s Nordic range and is easily one of the best looking microwaves on the market. It’s no wonder that it’s the microwave of choice for this year’s season of The Great British Bake Off.
Available in a range of striking colours – Slate Grey, Cotton White, Blue and Pine Green – the SM22036 features a realistic wood-effect dial and handle with a grippy rubber finish. The mirrored door gives the appliance a luxury feel and turns partly transparent when the microwave is in use.
Its 20L size and 270mm glass turntable mean you can comfortably fit a large dinner plate inside.
As well as being stylish, the Swan SM22036 has plenty of power available at 800W, with no less than six different levels to choose from. If you’re not sure, you can use one of eight different auto-cook functions: Popcorn, Reheat, Beverage, Pizza, Potato, Veg, Meat and Fish.
Alongside those, you can also make use of a defrost feature with settings for meat, poultry and seafood and Express to get heating quickly. There’s even a delay timer function so you can place food in the microwave and program what time you want it to come on, how long for and at what setting.
You might just need to consult the manual a few times before you’ve learned how to use all of the features.
There’s a more affordable model, theSM22035, but it has basic dials so you’re much better off with the combination of dial, buttons and LED screen for just £10 more.
Swan also hasother Nordic products, such as a kettle and toaster, if you’d like your kitchen appliances to match.
Really, the only downside to this microwave is that it’s beeping sound is quite piercing in tone and a little too loud. Still, Swan has made the SM22036 extremely quiet while it’s actually in use heating food.
Price
The Swan SM22036 has an RRP of £109.99, although it can often be found at under £100. It’s not the cheapest microwave around, but it’s good value for money considering what you get.
You can buy itdirect from Swan, as well as retailers such asAmazon,AO,CurrysandVery.
Verdict
You can spend less on a microwave but the Swan SM22036 isn’t expensive and if you want one of the most stylish models around, then it’s a great choice.
It’s not just about looks though, as it has a range of functions and power levels available. It heats very well and very quietly, too. It’s just the beeping that’s a bit annoying.
For another option, check out ourreview of the Russell Hobbs Inspire microwave.
Author: Chris Martin, Reviews Editor, Tech Advisor
Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been at Tech Advisor for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.
