Choose a basic microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions. A grill model is suitable if you genuinely want to brown or gratinate dishes, while a combination model makes sense if you plan to cook regularly using fan-assisted heat and have room for a bulkier appliance. If cooking pizzas, tarts or pastries is more important than quick reheating, also compare a compact mini oven.
You mainly want to reheat and defrost individual portions without taking up the space required by an oven. A compact, basic microwave is a sensible choice if you check its external dimensions and the required ventilation clearances.
You need to reheat, defrost and cook a few simple dishes without installing a traditional oven. A combination microwave can be suitable when you expect to use fan-assisted heat regularly.
You reheat food every day but would also like to brown certain dishes from time to time. A microwave with grill meets this specific need without aiming to offer all the versatility of a fan-assisted oven.
Start with the meals you actually prepare: reheating and defrosting, occasional browning or oven-style cooking. Then measure the available space before comparing features.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Useful functions | Check the defrosting and microwave functions for everyday use. Add a grill for browning and gratinating; choose fan-assisted heat only if oven-style cooking is genuinely necessary. | I want to reheat leftovers and defrost food without filling the kitchen with functions I will not use. If I also prepare pizzas, gratins or small cakes without access to another oven, a combination model becomes more practical. |
| Size and space | Compare the external width, height and depth, along with the door opening and access to the socket. Check the manual for the ventilation clearances required for the model you choose. | My worktop must leave enough room for the appliance and its installation. The capacity in litres describes the cavity, but does not replace the external measurements. |
| Reheating dishes | Follow the power and time instructions on the dish or its packaging. For thick foods, stir or check the food while reheating to avoid cold spots. | I want to reheat a meal evenly and use containers designed for microwave use, without automatically selecting maximum power. |
| Cleaning | Check access to the cavity and turntable, as well as the cleaning functions genuinely specified for the model. Wiping away splashes is still necessary. | I prefer an appliance that is easy to maintain after meals. In February 2024, ADEME reported that 4 in 10 French people actually followed the maintenance practices they knew for household appliances; this figure relates to household appliances in general. |
A combination model adds a grill and fan-assisted heat, but may take up more space. The Whirlpool MCP349WH, for example, measures 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm and weighs 18,6 kg.
Make a list of the meals you prepare in a typical week. If you do not regularly cook pizzas, gratins or pastries, a basic or grill microwave may be a better match for your needs.
The cavity capacity tells you neither the external depth nor the space needed around the appliance. An installation that is too tight may fail to meet the manufacturer’s instructions.
Measure the available space, depth, door opening and access to the socket, then check the manual for the clearances required for the exact model.
Anses states that excessive reheating can increase the migration of substances present in certain types of packaging. It also points out that reheating for too short a time can result in uneven heating.
Use compatible containers, follow the heating instructions for the dish and check the temperature in the centre of thick portions before eating.
Residue can build up inside the cavity and on the turntable. The cleaning functions advertised on some models do not replace routine maintenance.
Wipe away splashes promptly, clean the turntable according to the manual and choose a cavity whose cleaning-friendly components are clearly described.
Bosch’s freestanding microwave range includes basic models and models with a grill, making it possible to compare two levels of functionality in a similar external format across certain models.
Whirlpool offers freestanding microwaves with grills and combination models, including the 25 L MCP349WH with fan-assisted heat.
Moulinex represents a freestanding electric mini oven option for people who prioritise oven cooking in a small space.
This Joybuy selection brings together basic microwaves and models with a grill for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, browning and gratinating in a small kitchen.
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For everyday reheating and defrosting, with occasional browning and gratinating.
20 L microwave with 700 W, nine power levels, defrosting and an 800 W grill. Stated dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. Check the manual for the clearance required above the appliance; no fan-assisted heat is specified.
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An option for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning and gratinating in one appliance.
25 L cavity with quartz grill, rapid defrosting, automatic programmes, touch controls and an advertised EasyClean interior coating. Stated dimensions: 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm. Check the ventilation requirements in the manual; fan-assisted heat is not specified.
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For reheating or defrosting larger portions and gratinating without a traditional oven.
25 L, 900 W model with grill, eleven power levels and defrosting by weight or time. Stated dimensions: 485 × 293 × 410 mm. The instructions require 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the back; no fan-assisted heat is specified.
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Suitable for reheating, defrosting and gratinating if your worktop is deep enough.
25 L microwave with a 1 150 W quartz grill, defrosting by weight or time, eight programmes and a stainless-steel interior. Stated dimensions: 53,6 × 43,6 × 33 cm. Allow at least 10 cm on each side and 20 cm above; fan-assisted heat is not specified.
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A basic microwave designed for reheating and defrosting where space is limited.
20 L, 700 W model with eleven power levels, six menus, express cooking and defrosting by time or weight. Stated dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm. Check the clearances in the manual; neither a grill nor fan-assisted heat is specified.
Yes, if your main uses are reheating and defrosting. Que Choisir states that these functions cover everyday needs; however, a basic model does not offer a grill or fan-assisted cooking.
Choose a grill model for occasional browning or gratinating. Consider a combination model only if you also plan to cook foods that require fan-assisted heat, such as certain pizzas or pastries, and you have enough space for it.
No. Compare the exact external dimensions with your available space, particularly the depth, then check the manual for the ventilation clearances specific to the model you choose.
Follow the power and time stated on the packaging and use a compatible container. Anses recommends following these instructions; also check that thick dishes have heated through to avoid cold spots.
Do not use metal in a microwave, including tins. For plastics, use only packaging or containers explicitly designed for microwave use and follow their heating instructions.