Samsung MG23K3575 review

The MG23K3575 is one of Samsung’s microwave ovens, being part of its 2016 range. It looks very similar to older models that are being discontinued, but the lack of a refreshed appearance is no bad thing. Although the black and chrome look won’t suit everyone, it is undeniably smart – especially with its gently curved edges.

The MG23K3575 doesn’t just coast by on its looks. It’s one of the quietest combi microwaves we’ve seen, measuring a consistent 55dB with the combi grill-microwave program in use. I used this program to brown a slice of bread, a task it accomplished in a short six minutes. Although there was a moderate amount of unwanted blackness in one corner, it was otherwise even with a rich dark brown colour.

The auto defrost program was ambitiously short, running at just two minutes and leaving a distinctly still-frozen piece of chicken. Setting the timer manually at six minutes produced far more even results with only some slightly scruffy overcooked bits at the edges.

A second fresh chicken breast was cooked through on the auto microwave-grill combi program in just under eight minutes. Although reasonably quick, the edges were noticeably dried out. Once again, you can actually achieve better results setting the timer manually. Shaving a minute or two off the cook time produced far moister results all round while saving you time too.

Samsung’s combi excelled in our jacket potato test. The temperature across the whole spud was remarkably even, going from 89.2 to 87.1 and 86.9 degrees celsius going lengthways across the potato. Few other microwaves we’ve seen to date come close to such consistency in temperature.

I don’t have any complaints about the MG23K3575’s controls. Although the buttons have icons, they also have clear text labels. Combine these with the dial and selecting auto cook programs and inputting times was very easy.

The MG23K3575’s small size might put off cooks with many mouths to feed, but its compact dimensions mean it should be able to fit in all but the most cramped galley-like kitchens. If you need long cook times then you’ll be pleased by the maximum time setting of 99 minutes – the longest I’ve seen so far on any microwave.

There’s a lot to like about the Samsung MG23K3575, but the timings on many of its auto programs seem off. If you’re happy to take control manually, then it’s a good buy. Bear in mind though that there are other budget microwaves that are just as easy to use and perform almost just as well. If you’re nonetheless taken with the MG23K3575, it’s a sound buy. For alternatives see our Best Microwaves.