Choose a standard microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost food day to day. A grill model is suitable for occasionally browning dishes, while a combination model with convection is worth considering if you regularly cook without a conventional oven and the installation space meets its requirements.
If worktop space is limited and you mainly prepare leftovers or frozen food, distinguish between a regular need for reheating and defrosting and a genuine need for oven-style cooking before choosing a combination model.
A combination model can be a practical choice for cooking and browning dishes during your stays, provided its depth, ventilation and installation requirements suit the available cabinet or worktop space.
When you cannot fit a microwave, oven and additional appliance, choose a combination model only if its functions genuinely meet the needs of the dishes you usually prepare.
Choose this: for reheating leftovers and defrosting food, without expecting browning or oven-style cooking.
Bear in mind: it does not cover the need to brown or roast dishes.
Choose this: if you also want to brown gratins, tarts or pizzas without moving up to a full combination model.
Bear in mind: a grill does not automatically replace convection cooking.
Choose this: if you do not have a conventional oven and plan to cook, roast or brown dishes regularly in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: check the overall dimensions, accessories, permitted installation method and ventilation clearances.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Useful functions | Compare the functions actually available: microwave, defrost, grill and, for a combination model, convection. | I want to reheat and defrost food every day; I will only add a grill or combination model if I regularly brown or cook dishes. |
| Space and cavity | Measure the width, height, depth, door clearance and space available around the appliance. Also compare the cavity with the dishes you usually use. | My appliance must fit on the worktop while also accommodating my plates and dishes without obstructing the door. |
| Ventilation and installation | Check whether the model is freestanding or built-in, then follow the clearances specified in its manual. | I want to install the appliance on a stable, unobstructed surface and not place it in an enclosed space unless the manual permits this. |
| Containers | Check the markings, temperature limits and suitability for the selected mode: microwave, grill or convection. | I want to use containers suitable for the intended cooking mode, without assuming that a microwave-safe container is also suitable for the grill. |
A combination model makes sense when its grill and convection functions genuinely form part of your routine; otherwise, its versatility may go unused.
Make a list of the meals you prepare in a week: reheating, defrosting, browning or cooking. Then choose the first category that covers this list.
Depth, available height, door opening and air clearances matter just as much as width. For example, the Whirlpool MCP349WH is 49.4 cm deep according to Whirlpool France.
Measure the entire installation space and check the requirements in the manual for the exact model before ordering.
Installation requirements differ between a freestanding model and a built-in appliance. The Whirlpool MCP349BL manual specifically requires clear space above the appliance and prohibits installation inside a cupboard.
Do not automatically install a freestanding model in a built-in space; for an enclosed niche, choose an appliance designed for this type of installation and follow its installation diagram.
Compatibility depends on both the container and the selected mode. The DGCCRF advises following the conditions of use; a microwave-safe marking alone does not confirm that an item is suitable for the grill or convection.
Check the container’s markings and temperature limits. For cling film and bags, if there is no clear statement confirming microwave suitability, do not use them in the appliance, in line with DGCCRF guidance.
The freestanding range includes grill and combination microwaves, making it useful when comparing a straightforward need for browning with a more versatile appliance for a small kitchen.
A useful option for shoppers looking for a freestanding combination model that combines microwave, grill and convection functions.
Worth considering if you want a combination model with microwave, grill and convection functions and cooking capacity and additional modes are important to your choice.
Joybuy options covering standard microwaves, grill models and combination models, so you can equip a small kitchen according to the meals you plan to prepare.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasionally browning dishes without choosing a convection combination model.
20 L, 9 power levels, 245 mm turntable and 800 W grill. Listed dimensions: 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm. The supplied manual requires at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear; also check the clearance above and the door opening.
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A straightforward option for leftovers and frozen food when your main requirements are reheating and defrosting.
20 L, 700 W, 11 power levels, defrosting by time or weight and six preset menus. Listed dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm. Check the manual for this model for ventilation clearances and installation requirements.
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For reheating, rapid defrosting and browning dishes in a 25 L cavity.
Quartz grill, touch controls, digital display, automatic programmes and weight control listed. Dimensions: 47.6 × 38.8 × 27.2 cm. Check the available rear clearance, door opening and the clearances required by the manual.
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For replacing several cooking functions when you do not have a conventional oven and have enough worktop space.
39 L, microwave, grill, convection, steam, hot air and a 36 cm turntable are listed. Dimensions: 54.4 × 52.5 × 32.7 cm. Check the available worktop space, ventilation, door opening and whether your dishes are suitable for the selected mode.
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For combining reheating, defrosting and browning without installing a separate oven.
25 L, 900 W, 1,150 W quartz grill, 28.8 cm turntable and eight automatic programmes. Dimensions: 53.6 × 43.6 × 33 cm. The specification sheet states at least 10 cm of clearance on each side and 20 cm above; avoid an enclosed space unless the manual confirms it is suitable.
Yes, if the model combines a grill and convection and you genuinely plan to use these cooking methods. For reheating and defrosting only, a standard model or one with a grill is more directly suited to the task.
Always consult the manual for the exact model. For example, the Whirlpool MCP349BL manual requires at least 30 cm of clearance above the appliance, unobstructed space around it and prohibits installation inside a cupboard; this measurement does not automatically apply to other models.
No, unless the manual explicitly allows it. Freestanding and built-in appliances have different installation requirements; choose a built-in appliance for a suitable niche and follow its installation instructions.
Use containers designed for food contact and for the selected mode, following their labelling and maximum temperature limits. The DGCCRF states that a microwave-safe marking alone does not confirm compatibility with the grill or convection.
No. Also compare the cavity dimensions, the shape of the turntable or cooking area, the door opening and the dimensions of the dishes you usually use.