Everyday reheating in a kitchenette
You mainly reheat and defrost portions, and don’t need to replace an oven. A solo model covers these needs without adding a browning function.
Which model suits each need?
Small dishes you want to brown
You want to grill or brown some meals, but don’t need convection for most of your cooking. A grill model is the right choice for this different use, as described by UFC-Que Choisir.
Accommodation without access to an oven
You want to cook dishes in the style of an oven because there isn’t one available in your accommodation. If so, check the convection functions on the combination model you’re considering, as well as how much space it will take up.
What sets the models apart?
The space available and the facilities you can already use will determine what you can install and what you still need to cook. Then compare the functions you’ll actually use.
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost meals, and have another way to cook food in the oven.
Limitation: it can’t brown or grill food like a model with a grill.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you also want to brown or grill some dishes, without expecting the appliance to offer the functions of a fan oven.
Limitation: having a grill doesn’t mean the model has a convection function.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you don’t have access to an oven and genuinely expect to cook dishes that need the model’s convection functions.
Limitation: these functions mean you’ll need to check the appliance’s size, accessories and available settings more carefully.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday use | Make a list of the meals you’ll reheat or defrost, and check whether you can use another cooking appliance. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food from time to time, these functions matter more than browning; around 36 % of consumers would prioritise them. |
| Space and installation | Measure the external dimensions, check how the door opens and note the clearances required in the instruction manual. | In a narrow kitchenette, I need to be able to open the door and keep the vents clear; almost 29 % of consumers would put this first. |
| Browning | Check whether the model has a grill and which settings can be used with its accessories. | If I regularly cook dishes that need grilling, a browned finish matters more than convection; around 21 % of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Oven-style cooking | Confirm that the combination model has convection and that its cavity is suitable for the dishes you plan to cook. | Without access to an oven, I also want to cook dishes in the style of an oven; around 14 % of consumers would make this their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying a combination model when you already have access to an oven
A combination model offers additional cooking settings, but how useful they are depends on the meals you’ll actually prepare in your accommodation.
Make a note of what you usually cook and whether you can really use an oven or shared kitchen. If you mainly need to reheat and defrost, compare solo models first.
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
The cavity capacity alone won’t tell you whether the microwave will fit on your worktop, whether the door will open or whether there’ll be enough space around the vents.
Before ordering, compare the external dimensions, turntable and clearances specified in the model’s instruction manual.
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Assuming every cooking appliance is allowed in Crous accommodation
The Crous network’s guide distinguishes between permitted microwaves and other cooking appliances that are subject to restrictions. It also says not to use multiway adaptors.
Check the rules for your accommodation and make sure you can plug the appliance in as required before buying.
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Using a metal accessory on the wrong setting
The rack supplied for use with the grill may not be suitable for microwave mode.
Follow the instruction manual for each setting and accessory. Only use metal in microwave mode if the manufacturer explicitly says it’s safe to do so.
Brands to know
Samsung
Samsung’s French range of freestanding microwaves separates its models into Solo, Grill and Combination options.
- This makes it easier to find the function that suits the meals you prepare.
- Compare the dimensions and functions of the specific model rather than assuming the whole range will suit your kitchenette.
Panasonic
Panasonic’s range includes the NN-GD35 with grill, and the NN-CT55RW with convection and grill.
- These two models let you consider separately whether you need browning or convection cooking.
- These functions aren’t available on every Panasonic microwave, so check the model number, accessories and space required.
Brandt
The Brandt GE2626W is a freestanding microwave with grill and a stated cavity capacity of 26 L.
- This model gives you a point of comparison if you’re looking for a grill and a 26 L cavity.
- Its internal capacity doesn’t mean you can skip checking the external dimensions and ventilation clearances.
Valberg
The Valberg MWO 20 GM K343C is a 20 L grill model marketed by Electro Dépôt for reheating and browning dishes.
- Its grill function is suited to occasional grilling, without assuming it also has convection.
- Check that its controls and dimensions suit your habits and the space you have in mind.
Microwaves for these needs
This Joybuy selection includes solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as models with a grill if you’d like to brown dishes. If you want to cook food in the style of an oven, check separately that the model has a convection function.
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Samsung MS23K3513 Solo Quick Defrost, 23 L
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning. The model name indicates a 23 L capacity and Quick Defrost function; check the dimensions and ventilation clearances in the instruction manual.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI Titanium, 21 L, 800 W
Worth a look if you want to reheat, defrost and brown some dishes. This freestanding model is listed as 21 L and 800 W; check the space required and the voltage shown on its rating plate to make sure it’s suitable for your installation.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W, black
Consider this if you want to brown or grill food occasionally, but aren’t looking to replace a fan oven. This model with grill is listed as 20 L and 700 W; measure the space available, leaving the clearances specified in the instruction manual.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter with grill, 25 L, 900 W, Titanium
Worth considering if you want an appliance that combines reheating, defrosting and browning. This freestanding model with grill is listed as 25 L and 900 W; check its dimensions, required clearances and rating plate to make sure it’s suitable for your installation.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L, 700 W
Worth a look for reheating and defrosting if you don’t need a browning function. It has a stated capacity of 20 L and power of 700 W; make sure you allow for the required clearances when deciding where to put it.
Frequently asked questions
Are microwaves allowed in Crous accommodation?
The Crous network’s guide says microwaves are allowed, unlike certain other cooking appliances that aren’t provided with the accommodation. Check the rules for your accommodation before buying to find out about any conditions of use.
Can you plug a microwave into a multiway adaptor in Crous accommodation?
No. The Crous network’s guide says not to use multiway adaptors and to limit the number of electrical appliances plugged in at the same time. Check where the socket is and follow your accommodation’s guidance before deciding where to put the appliance.
Where should you put a freestanding microwave?
Place it on a flat surface without blocking the vents. Check the instruction manual for the exact clearances and connection requirements; the cavity dimensions alone won’t tell you how much space you need.
What protection applies if a microwave bought in France is faulty or not as described?
For new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual in France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. If the product doesn’t conform to the contract, contact the business you bought it from and keep the documents that identify the model you purchased.