Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost portions and already have an oven or hob. A grill is suitable for occasional browning, while a combination model is worth considering if you regularly prepare gratins, pizzas or cakes and are happy with a larger appliance.
For defrosting, reheating a plate of food, soup or a ready meal in a compact kitchen, first check the available space and the size of your containers. Extra cooking functions are only useful if they match the meals you usually prepare.
For occasional stays, a simple appliance may be all you need. If the property has no usable oven, consider whether a combination model will genuinely be used for cooking, rather than just reheating.
If you regularly prepare pizzas, gratins, cakes or dishes that need browning, a combination model with a grill and fan oven can bring several cooking methods together. However, allow for more space and check the usable capacity.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost, using another appliance for browning or fan-assisted cooking.
Good to know: it does not replace a grill or the fan-assisted cooking functions of an oven.
Choose this if: you also want to brown or grill food occasionally without moving to a convection appliance.
Good to know: the grill adds browning, but does not automatically turn the appliance into a complete oven substitute.
Choose this if: the appliance needs to cook oven-style dishes regularly in a property with limited equipment.
Good to know: its versatility often comes with a larger footprint and higher cost than a simple model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Available space and usable capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the door clearance and ventilation gaps. Compare the cavity, turntable or space without a turntable with the dishes you usually use. | I want the appliance to fit on the intended surface while accommodating my plates, frozen meals or dishes to be browned. |
| Cooking modes | For reheating and defrosting, a solo microwave may be enough. Choose a grill for occasional browning; look for fan-assisted cooking only if you genuinely need oven-style functions. | My meals determine the right level of equipment: ready-to-eat portions, occasional gratins or regular cooking of pizzas and cakes. |
| Installation and containers | Check the manual for the installation surface, clearances, connection requirements and any built-in installation instructions. Follow the power and time guidance shown on packaging suitable for microwave use. | I want to use the appliance without blocking its ventilation openings or using packaging that is unsuitable for the selected mode. |
| Use and maintenance | Compare the controls, automatic programmes, lock and easy-clean cavity features where these are specified for the model. | In a temporary or shared home, I prefer settings that are easy to understand and maintenance that is straightforward. |
Two appliances with a similar capacity can offer very different usable space depending on the turntable, cavity shape or absence of a turntable. A dish may not fit even when the stated capacity appears sufficient.
Measure the plates and dishes you use most often, then compare them with the cavity dimensions, turntable or usable space, as well as the external dimensions.
Grill and fan-assisted cooking functions are only worthwhile if you will actually use them. Otherwise, they may add complexity and bulk without meeting your everyday needs.
Make a list of the meals you will prepare on site: reheating and defrosting, occasional browning or regular oven-style cooking. Then choose between a solo microwave, grill model and combination model.
Whirlpool states that blocked ventilation can lead to rapid overheating. The exact requirements vary depending on the model and installation type.
Before buying, check the manual for the model you are considering. Once installed, place the appliance on a suitable surface and keep the ventilation openings clear in line with the instructions.
Anses states that intensive reheating, at a higher temperature or for a longer period, may increase the risk of substances migrating from certain types of packaging into food.
Only use containers explicitly suitable for the selected mode and follow the power and time stated on the food packaging.
In France, Whirlpool offers freestanding microwaves, grill models and combination models. The MWF259SG is a 25 L freestanding combination model without a turntable, with advertised microwave, grill, Crisp and steam modes.
Samsung offers, among other products, large-capacity combination microwaves. The MC32DG7646KKE1 is presented by the brand as a 32 L Air Fry model with multiple cooking functions.
Panasonic offers combination and multifunction microwaves. The NN-CD575M is presented in France as a compact 27 L model with a 1 000 W Inverter microwave and a 1 300 W quartz grill.
These Joybuy options mainly cover the microwave-with-grill route for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning, along with a combination model for oven-style cooking in a property with limited equipment.
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Worth considering for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a small home.
20 L, 245 mm turntable, 9 power levels and a freestanding format measuring 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm.
It does not replace a fan oven. Check that your dishes fit the turntable and leave at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear.
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This model is suitable for reheating, rapid defrosting and occasional browning.
25 L, quartz grill, automatic programmes with weight control, keep-warm function and dimensions of 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm.
It is not intended to regularly replace a fan oven. Before buying, check French electrical compatibility, ventilation clearances and the size of your dishes.
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An option for reheating, defrosting and then browning food in the same preparation cycle.
25 L, 28,8 cm turntable, 8 programmes, defrosting by weight or time, quartz grill and multi-stage cooking.
Its dimensions of 53,6 × 43,6 × 33 cm require a deep installation surface. Allow 10 cm at the sides and 20 cm above, and check the voltage and plug type of the model supplied.
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This microwave with grill is designed for reheating meals, defrosting and occasional browning during short stays.
25 L, 29,2 cm turntable, 5 power levels, 950 W grill, weight-based programmes, touch controls and EasyClean cavity.
It does not provide fan-assisted cooking for regular oven-style cooking. Check the manual for connection and ventilation requirements, then make sure your dishes fit the turntable.
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Worth considering if the appliance also needs to handle oven-style cooking in a home without a usable oven.
Microwave, grill and convection from 140 to 230 °C, 30 automatic programmes, cooking accessories, external dimensions of 55,3 × 50,5 × 32,6 cm and a weight of 20 kg.
Its size is not well suited to a very compact studio flat or to needs limited to reheating. Check the unit, door opening, clearances, voltage and plug type before buying.
Yes, if you mainly reheat and defrost portions and already have an oven, hob or another way to cook and brown food. A model with a grill or combination functions becomes worthwhile if you genuinely prepare gratins, pizzas, cakes or other dishes that require browning or fan-assisted cooking.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then allow for the door opening and clearances specified in the manual. Also compare the cavity, turntable or usable space with your usual plates and dishes: the litre capacity alone does not guarantee that they will fit.
No. Always follow the manual for the model you have bought. For freestanding appliances, Whirlpool specifically recommends a flat surface, an ambient temperature between 5 and 35 °C and unobstructed ventilation openings.
No. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions, including the power and time shown on food packaging intended for microwave use. Reheating at too high a power or for too long may increase the risk of substances migrating from certain types of packaging; use containers in accordance with their conditions of use.
The French ministry responsible for ecological transition states that 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. Repair, reuse or buying refurbished can also be considered where this meets your needs.