Everyday reheating and defrosting
For quickly reheating leftovers, soups, drinks or ready meals with an appliance that is compact and easy to use.
What will you use it for?
Browning without an oven
For keeping reheating as the main function while also being able to brown gratins, toast or similar dishes occasionally using a grill.
Cooking regularly without an oven
For using a combination microwave to take on some of an oven’s role, with fan-assisted heat and more cooking modes, provided you have enough space.
Priorities before buying
Standard microwave
Choose this if: you reheat ready meals or leftovers and defrost food regularly.
Good to know: it cannot brown food or replicate an oven’s fan-assisted cooking.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you also want to brown or gratinate food occasionally after reheating.
Good to know: the grill does not replace an oven’s fan-assisted heat, and you will need suitable containers for the selected mode.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you need to cook regularly without an oven, as well as reheat food.
Good to know: the extra functions may come with a larger footprint; the Whirlpool MCP349WH cited by Whirlpool France is 49.4 cm deep.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Compare the width, height and depth with the measured space. Keep ventilation openings clear and check the manual for installation requirements. | I want the appliance to fit on the worktop without taking away preparation space or obstructing ventilation. |
| Useful functions | The standard mode covers reheating and defrosting; the grill is for browning; fan-assisted heat is found on combination models. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses in its buying guide. | My meals should determine the functions: I will only choose a combination model if I genuinely cook as I would with an oven. |
| Electrical supply | Check the voltage, input power and the model’s manual. Compare them with your installation if several cooking appliances are used on the same circuit. | I want to know the model’s electrical specifications before installing it in a small kitchen. |
| Containers and cleaning | Metal must not be used in microwave mode. UFC-Que Choisir states that microwave-safe plastics are not suitable for grilling or convection. | I want to be able to choose the right container for each programme without damaging the container or the cavity. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on the capacity without checking the depth
The cavity capacity does not show the appliance’s actual footprint. The Bosch FFL023MS2 and FEL023MS2 are 34.5 cm deep, while the Whirlpool MCP349WH combination model reaches 49.4 cm, according to the manufacturers’ specifications.
Measure the available height, width and depth before buying, then follow the instructions for the model you choose. The ventilation grilles must remain clear and nothing should be placed on top of the appliance, Whirlpool France advises.
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Choosing a combination model just for reheating
A standard model is designed for reheating and defrosting, a grill model for browning, and a combination model adds oven functions with fan-assisted heat, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Make a list of your meals for a week: choose a standard model for reheating and defrosting, a grill model for browning, and a combination model if you often need fan-assisted cooking without an available oven.
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Using the same containers for every mode
Microwave-safe plastic is not automatically suitable for grilling or convection; metal utensils must not be used in microwave mode.
Always check the cooking mode before choosing a container, avoid sealed containers and follow the instructions in the manual.
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Putting the appliance in household rubbish
A microwave is electrical and electronic equipment and should be taken to an appropriate collection scheme in France.
Before replacing it, consider having it repaired. Otherwise, the French ministry responsible for ecological transition states that it can be taken to a collection point, recycling centre, retailer or social and solidarity economy organisation.
Brand guide
Bosch
A freestanding range that is useful for comparing a standard model with a grill model of the same size on a small worktop.
- Bosch France’s specifications for the FFL023MS2 and FEL023MS2 state 20 L, 800 W and 260 × 442 × 345 mm.
- The FEL023MS2 adds a grill; these specifications alone do not provide an independent comparison of cooking performance.
Electrolux
A freestanding grill option to consider if you want to keep the width to around 44 cm while adding a browning function.
- Electrolux France states that the EMZ421MMK has a 21 L capacity, 800 W microwave power, 1,000 W grill power and dimensions of 262 × 442 × 345 mm.
- The texture results associated with the grill are based on the manufacturer’s information; check the manual for the exact model.
Whirlpool
A range to consider when a combination microwave needs to add fan-assisted heat, a grill and other cooking modes.
- Whirlpool France presents the MCP349WH as a 25 L combination model with fan-assisted heat.
- Its stated depth of 49.4 cm illustrates the extra space required for an appliance that does more than reheat.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
Joybuy options for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, browning food in student accommodation or a small kitchen.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a compact space.
20 L, 700 W, defrost function, grill, nine power levels and a 245 mm turntable. Stated dimensions: 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm.
The grill is for browning and gratinating, but does not replace fan-assisted cooking. Check which containers are suitable for grilling and keep the clearances stated in the product information.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L, 700 W
A simple option for everyday portions, leftovers and food that needs defrosting.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute timer and turntable. Stated external dimensions: 452 × 362 × 262 mm.
This model is not presented with a grill or convection function. Leave 10 cm of clearance on all sides and keep the ventilation openings clear.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H with grill, 25 L, 900 W
For reheating, defrosting and achieving a browned finish with a 25 L capacity.
25 L, 900 W, 11 power levels, defrosting by weight or time and integrated grill. Stated dimensions: 485 × 293 × 410 mm.
The grill does not add fan-assisted heat. Allow 20 cm of clearance at the sides and 30 cm at the rear, and do not place anything on top of the appliance.
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Heinrich's compact standard microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating and defrosting in a studio flat or on a small worktop.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute timer, defrost function, interior light and turntable. Stated dimensions: 44.6 × 36.3 × 24.3 cm.
It is not presented with a grill or convection function. Check the manual for the power requirements and clearances needed for installation.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, 700 W
A straightforward solution for reheating and defrosting with digital controls.
20 L, 700 W, 11 power levels, six pre-set menus, express cooking and defrosting by weight or time. Stated dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
No grill or convection mode is specified. Check the voltage, input power and required clearances in the manual before installation.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you measure before buying a microwave for a studio flat?
Measure the available width, height and, above all, depth, then allow for the ventilation space specified in the manual. Whirlpool France states that the ventilation grilles must not be obstructed and that no objects should be placed on top of the appliance. For comparison, the Bosch FFL023MS2 and FEL023MS2 measure 260 × 442 × 345 mm, while the Whirlpool MCP349WH measures 52 × 30.1 × 49.4 cm.
Can a microwave with a grill replace an oven?
Not on its own: the grill is mainly used for browning and gratinating. For cooking that is closer to what an oven offers, look for a combination model that also has fan-assisted heat or convection; this versatility generally requires more space.
Which containers should you avoid depending on the selected mode?
Do not use metal containers or utensils in microwave mode. UFC-Que Choisir states that microwave-safe plastic is not suitable for grill or convection functions; also avoid sealed containers because of the risk of pressure build-up.
How can you recycle a microwave in France?
First consider having it repaired where possible. For an appliance that is no longer usable, the French ministry responsible for ecological transition states that it can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, returned to a retailer, or given to a social and solidarity economy organisation.