People who mainly reheat meals
If you have limited worktop space in your studio flat, you’ll probably want to reheat and defrost everyday portions. A basic model may be enough if you don’t need to brown food or cook using fan-assisted heat.
Who are these options for ?
People who occasionally brown or crisp food
You mainly use the microwave function but would sometimes like to brown the top of a dish without adding another appliance. A grill is designed for this ; it doesn’t provide fan-assisted cooking, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
People without a usable oven
When your cooking facilities are limited, a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking offers more options than a basic model. However, check that its dimensions, weight and installation requirements are suitable for your kitchenette.
What should you check ?
First, choose the functions you’ll use, then check the appliance’s dimensions and instructions against the space where you plan to put it. Whether it’s freestanding or built in is a separate installation decision from choosing between a basic, grill or combination model.
Basic microwave
Choose this if : you mainly want to reheat and defrost food.
Bear in mind : it doesn’t have a grill for browning food or fan-assisted cooking for oven-style results.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if : you’d also like to brown or crisp certain dishes from time to time.
Bear in mind : the grill adds a browning function, but not the fan-assisted cooking you get with a combination model.
Combination microwave
Choose this if : you’ll genuinely use the fan-assisted cooking function because you don’t have an oven.
Bear in mind : the dimensions and weight of the model you’re considering could make it difficult to install in a small space.
| Factor | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height, allowing for the door to open. Check the instructions for required clearances and ventilation. | I have very little worktop space and want to position the appliance without blocking its vents ; around 38 % of consumers would make size their top priority. |
| Simple everyday use | Check the defrost settings, how easy the controls are to read and whether the turntable is large enough for your plates. | I mainly reheat portions and defrost food, so I prefer easy-to-use settings ; simplicity would be the top priority for around 23 % of consumers. |
| Cooking functions | Tell the difference between a grill, which is useful for browning food, and the fan-assisted cooking of a combination model. Check the dimensions and accessories for the model you’re considering. | I don’t have a usable oven and want to brown food or cook in other ways, not just reheat ; around 31 % of consumers would prioritise this versatility. |
| Existing housing unit | For a built-in model, compare the housing unit with the installation diagram for the exact model, and check the socket, fixings and ventilation requirements. | My kitchenette already has a housing unit and I want to fit the appliance properly ; built-in installation would be the top priority for around 8 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity alone
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you how much space the appliance will take up. Panasonic lists a depth of 330 mm for its 20 L NN-E20JW basic model, while the 25 L Whirlpool MCP349WH combination model is 49,4 cm deep.
Measure the space and check that the door can open, then compare the external dimensions, cavity and turntable with the dishes you usually use.
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Putting a freestanding model in a built-in housing unit
A housing unit could restrict the ventilation of an appliance that isn’t designed to be installed in one. Whirlpool says not to block the vents on a freestanding model ; a built-in model must be installed in the housing unit designed for it.
Before installing an appliance in a housing unit, check the diagram and clearances required in the instructions for the exact model. For a freestanding model, use a flat surface and keep the vents clear.
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Choosing a combination model for functions you won’t use
Fan-assisted cooking won’t add anything if you only reheat and defrost food. The Whirlpool MCP349WH combination model measures 52 × 49,4 × 30,1 cm and weighs 18,6 kg — important details in a small home.
Start with the meals you usually make : choose a basic model for reheating and defrosting, a grill if you want to brown food, or a combination model if you plan to use fan-assisted cooking.
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Forgetting about dishes and containers
If a dish won’t fit in the cavity or isn’t suitable for the cooking mode you’ve chosen, it will limit how you can use the appliance, even if the stated capacity seems sufficient.
Compare your dishes with the internal dimensions and turntable diameter, then check that your containers are suitable for the cooking mode you plan to use.
Brands to consider for these uses
These models give you specific configurations to compare ; a brand name is no substitute for checking the dimensions and instructions for the model you’re considering.
Panasonic
Its basic, grill and combination models let you compare different functions without assuming they’ll all take up the same amount of space.
- According to Panasonic France, the basic NN-E20JW has a capacity of 20 L, a 255 mm turntable and dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm ; the NN-K10JW adds a 1 000 W quartz grill while also offering a 20 L capacity.
- For the 27 L NN-CD575M combination model, check its dimensions and installation instructions rather than relying on its description as a compact model.
Whirlpool
Its models provide useful information about choosing a freestanding combination microwave and the precautions needed when installing it.
- Whirlpool France says the 25 L MCP349WH has a grill and a fan-assisted cooking function.
- This model measures 52 × 49,4 × 30,1 cm and weighs 18,6 kg : check the space available and the ventilation requirements in its instructions.
Samsung
Its French support pages list models in different sizes, including a 23 L freestanding basic microwave and a 22 L basic built-in model.
- Samsung France provides manuals for the models in question, so you can check the installation requirements for the one you choose.
- For a built-in model, check the housing unit dimensions and clearances in its own instructions before deciding whether it’s right for your kitchen.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These freestanding models cover two of the uses discussed here : reheating with a basic microwave, and reheating with the added option of a grill. Compare their size and controls with the space you have and the functions you’ll use.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L black microwave with grill
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with the option to brown or crisp dishes occasionally using a freestanding appliance.
The product name indicates a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Check the instructions for the clearance required when installing it.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L titanium microwave with grill
This freestanding model is suited to people who want to reheat and defrost food, as well as use a grill.
The product name indicates a capacity of 21 L and a power rating of 800 W. Before choosing a spot for it, check the ventilation instructions and electrical specifications for this model.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L black microwave with grill
Worth a look if you want to reheat, defrost and brown food with a freestanding model.
The stated capacity is 25 L. Check the grill power in the documentation for this model, along with the clearance and electrical requirements for installation.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L basic microwave
This freestanding model may suit you if you want straightforward controls for reheating food ; check whether it has a defrost function if that’s essential for you.
The product name indicates a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Check its instructions for the clearances required, particularly above the appliance.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L black microwave
Worth considering if you prefer digital controls for reheating and defrosting.
The product name indicates a power rating of 700 W, six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. Compare the turntable diameter with your plates, and check the installation instructions and electrical specifications for this model.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 20 L microwave big enough for a studio flat ?
Yes, if you mainly use it to reheat and defrost food and your dishes fit inside. For reference, Panasonic France lists a 255 mm turntable and external dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for its 20 L NN-E20JW ; compare these measurements with your containers and the space available, allowing for ventilation.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in a housing unit ?
Don’t assume so : an appliance doesn’t become a built-in model just because it fits in the unit. Whirlpool specifically says not to block its vents ; check the instructions for the exact model to find out where it can be installed and what clearances it needs.
Grill or combination microwave : which should you choose if you don’t have a conventional oven ?
Choose a grill if you mainly want to brown or crisp food ; consider a combination model if you’ll also use fan-assisted cooking for oven-style results. Then check you have enough space : for example, the Whirlpool MCP349WH combination model is 49,4 cm deep, according to Whirlpool France.