People who reheat their meals every day
If you rarely cook in an oven and mainly want to reheat and defrost food without taking up too much space, start by comparing solo models and their external dimensions.
Who are these options for?
People who cook without a conventional oven
If you want one appliance to reheat meals as well as cook, roast or bake, look at convection combination microwaves, their cooking modes and how much space they take up.
People with a kitchen housing niche
If you want to free up worktop space with a fixed installation, compare the measurements of your niche with the dimensions and installation instructions for the built-in model you’re considering.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
First decide whether you need to reheat, brown or cook as you would in an oven. Then check the available space, including ventilation clearance: the cavity capacity doesn’t tell you the appliance’s external dimensions.
| Your needs | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the external dimensions, the size of your dishes and the clearances specified in the instructions. | If I mainly reheat meals, I want to keep enough worktop space without choosing features I won’t use. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Cooking as you would in an oven | Look for a convection or fan-assisted cooking function, then check the available modes and the appliance’s external dimensions. | Without a conventional oven, I want to be able to roast or bake as well as heat a dish. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Browning and grilling | Check that the microwave has a grill, and check which accessories are included and which containers are permitted according to the instructions. | For my gratins or certain ready meals, I mainly want a golden finish, without necessarily needing convection. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise browning. |
| Freeing up worktop space | For a built-in model, compare the niche measurements with the model’s dimensions and installation requirements. | If my kitchen already has a niche, I’d rather fit the appliance there than put it on the worktop. Built-in installation would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a combination microwave for its number of functions
If you almost exclusively reheat and defrost food, you may never use the extra cooking modes. Samsung France describes solo models as suitable for these everyday tasks.
Make a note of the meals you usually prepare. If oven-style cooking isn’t one of them, start by comparing solo models.
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Relying on the capacity in litres alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you how deep the appliance is or how much clearance it needs. For example, the Panasonic France product page for the NN-C69K gives an external depth of 520 mm.
Measure the space in width, height and depth, then allow for the clearances specified for your chosen model.
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Assuming a built-in model will fit any niche
The appliance’s dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it can be installed in your space. Bosch Électroménager France states that the BFL7221B1 measures 382 × 594 × 318 mm; you’ll also need to consult its installation instructions.
Before ordering, compare your niche measurements with all the requirements in the instructions.
If the niche isn’t suitable, you may need to modify the cabinet or choose another model.
Brands to compare
Samsung
Samsung France offers solo, grill and convection microwaves, making it easy to compare these features across its range.
- According to Samsung France, solo models are designed for tasks such as reheating and defrosting, while the grill is used for browning.
- Ventilation clearances vary by model, so check its instructions rather than relying on a general measurement.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers freestanding and built-in models, with grill or combination functions depending on the model.
- According to Whirlpool France, a combination model pairs microwave functions with convection cooking. A freestanding model is easier to move than a fixed installation.
- Check the features and installation requirements of the specific model, as these descriptions don’t apply to every product in the range.
Panasonic
The Panasonic France product pages for the NN-C69K and NN-CD88 are examples of convection combination microwaves to consider if you also want to use the appliance for oven-style cooking.
- Panasonic France states that these models offer convection temperatures of up to 220 °C.
- Their external dimensions and accessories need to suit your space and the meals you plan to prepare. Their specifications don’t represent the entire range.
Bosch
The Bosch BFL7221B1 is a built-in model to consider if you need to fit a microwave into a kitchen niche.
- Bosch Électroménager France gives the appliance dimensions for this model as 382 × 594 × 318 mm and provides installation instructions.
- These measurements alone don’t confirm that it will fit your niche, so check all the requirements in the instructions.
A model to consider on Joybuy
This Hisense microwave is worth comparing if you mainly need to reheat food. If you also want to brown dishes, check the model’s features before choosing it for that purpose.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H Solo, 25 L, 900 W, black
Worth considering if reheating is your main need and you have a suitable space for it.
Stated capacity: 25 L; stated power: 900 W. Measure the available space and check the model’s ventilation requirements before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can a solo microwave replace a conventional oven?
Not for oven-style cooking: Samsung France describes solo models as being designed for tasks such as reheating and defrosting. If you want to roast or bake, look for a model with a convection function and check its cooking modes.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for your chosen model. Samsung France gives a guideline of at least 10 cm at the rear and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that these measurements can vary by appliance.
Does a commercial warranty replace the statutory guarantee?
No. In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that a commercial warranty is in addition to statutory guarantees. It states that the statutory guarantee of conformity lasts for two years for new and second-hand goods. Compare the services and exclusions of a commercial warranty before taking one out.
What should you do with an old microwave in France?
Take it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. The ministry responsible for the ecological transition lists collection points and household waste recycling centres among the available options.