Start with a basic microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions. A grill model is suitable if you regularly brown or gratinate food, while a combination model is only worth considering if it needs to replace some of the functions of an oven and you have enough space. Before buying, measure your worktop, check the property inventory and consult your accommodation’s rules.
You live in a studio flat, an equipped room or a shared house, and mainly want to reheat, defrost and simplify meals without adding an oversized appliance. A basic model is usually the first option to consider.
You have limited cooking equipment and also want to brown or cook food beyond simply reheating it. Compare grill and combination models according to how often you will genuinely use these functions and how much space you have available.
First check whether an oven or microwave is listed in the inventory, then consult the property manager’s rules before adding an electrical appliance.
Start by identifying the meals you usually eat, then check the available space and the equipment already provided in your accommodation.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Useful functions | Check whether reheating and defrosting are enough. Choose a grill model for frequent browning or gratinating; compare the fan-assisted cooking functions of a combination model if you need to cook as you would in an oven. | I mainly reheat simple dishes and defrost portions. If I regularly gratinate food, a grill model may be worthwhile. |
| Space and portability | Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the clearances specified in the manual. Also compare the weight if you move frequently. | My appliance needs to fit on a small worktop and be easy to move out at the end of the tenancy. |
| Equipment already provided | Check the signed inventory and make sure the supplied appliances work. In furnished accommodation, ANIL states that the minimum equipment includes, among other things, cooking hobs and an oven or microwave. | I want to avoid buying a duplicate. A combination model only makes sense if it genuinely replaces another cooking function. |
| Containers and cleaning | Choose containers suitable for the selected mode. Avoid metal and gold trim in microwave mode; plastic is not suitable for grill or convection functions, according to UFC-Que Choisir. | I need to be able to use the appliance every day while following the safety instructions and without attempting makeshift repairs. |
Grill and fan-assisted cooking functions are only useful if they match the meals you usually prepare. A combination model can also be heavier and deeper than a basic appliance.
List the meals you eat over a week: if you mainly reheat and defrost, compare basic models first. Choose a grill or combination model only when you have a confirmed need for cooking.
A purchase may duplicate equipment in furnished accommodation, where an oven or microwave is part of the minimum provision. Some halls and residences also have their own rules.
Check the signed inventory, test the supplied appliance if there is one, and ask for the house rules before ordering additional equipment.
The cavity capacity alone does not tell you the depth, weight, door opening, accessories or worktop space required. For example, a 25 L combination model may be almost 50 cm deep and weigh 18.6 kg.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, allow for the clearances stated in the manual, then compare the exact model’s dimensions and weight.
Metal, gold trim and some plastics can cause problems depending on the mode selected. The DGCCRF points out that electrical equipment can present risks including electric shock, burns and fire.
Follow the manual, use containers suitable for the selected mode, unplug the appliance before cleaning and leave all technical work to a qualified professional.
In France, Samsung offers solo, grill and combination microwaves, both freestanding and built-in.
Whirlpool has a presence in France with freestanding microwaves, including grill and combination models.
In France, Panasonic offers grill and combination microwaves; some models combine microwave, grill, convection and air-frying functions.
Joybuy options for reheating, defrosting or gratinating food in a studio flat, student room or small kitchen.
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For reheating and defrosting everyday portions in a studio flat or student room.
Dimensions 44.6 × 36.3 × 24.3 cm, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute timer and defrost function.
Check the required ventilation clearances; this model is not suitable for browning or gratinating.
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For reheating, defrosting and gratinating in one freestanding appliance.
Dimensions 47 × 26 × 37 cm, microwave, grill, defrosting and weight-controlled programmes; 950 W grill.
The grill does not replace fan-assisted cooking; do not use plastic containers with this mode.
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A freestanding option for reheating, defrosting and gratinating everyday portions.
Dimensions 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm, weight 11.2 kg, 700 W, grill, defrosting and nine power levels.
Allow for ventilation clearances and avoid plastic containers when using the grill function.
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For a small kitchen or room where reheating and defrosting are the priorities.
External dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm, 700 W, 11 power levels, six programmes, express cooking and weight- or time-based defrosting.
No grill or convection function is listed; check the space and clearances specified in the manual.
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For everyday reheating and defrosting in accommodation where space is limited.
Freestanding appliance measuring 48.9 × 27.5 × 37.4 cm, net weight 12 kg, six power levels, 29 programmes and rapid defrosting.
No grill or fan-assisted cooking function is listed; check the property inventory before buying.
Not before checking the inventory and confirming what equipment is already provided. ANIL states that the minimum equipment in furnished accommodation includes, among other things, cooking hobs and an oven or microwave; also check that the supplied appliance works properly.
Ask for the house rules and the property manager’s written instructions, as any restrictions may depend on the establishment and room. Also check the information provided about the electrical installation whenever an inspection is applicable.
No. Avoid steel containers and utensils, as well as porcelain decorated with gold trim, when using microwave mode. According to UFC-Que Choisir, plastic should only be used in microwave mode, not with grill or convection functions; do not use a sealed container.
Do not put it in your household rubbish. You can take it to a collection point or recycling centre, return it to a retailer or give it to a social and solidarity economy organisation. The ministries responsible for the environment state that the “1-for-1” take-back scheme applies to household electrical appliances, with no minimum retail floor area.
No. The DGCCRF states that the CE marking represents the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable regulatory requirements before the product is placed on the European market. It is neither a certification mark nor sufficient on its own to determine whether a model suits your space and needs.