Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost, as it covers these needs without adding cooking functions you will not use. A grill model is suitable for occasional browning, while a combination microwave is worthwhile when its additional modes can genuinely replace an oven, taking its size and the installation instructions for the exact model into account.
For limited worktop space and meals that need reheating or defrosting, a solo model is often sufficient. Choose a grill model only if browning is part of how you cook. UFC-Que Choisir differentiates between solo microwaves and grill models according to this function.
If the kitchen is only used occasionally, avoid adding unnecessary appliances. A combination microwave can be a sensible choice when it genuinely needs to handle cooking in the absence of an oven.
For pizzas, gratins or dishes that need browning, compare the cooking functions, overall size and available accessories rather than choosing solely by capacity in litres.
Choose this if: you regularly reheat portions, drinks and leftovers, and defrost food without looking for browning.
Good to know: it does not offer a browning function. A Panasonic NN-E20JW cited by Panasonic France measures 443 × 330 × 258 mm and has a 20 L capacity, but these dimensions are not a category standard.
Choose this if: you also want to brown or gratinate food occasionally without adding a separate appliance.
Good to know: a grill does not automatically replace the cooking modes of a fan oven.
Choose this if: the appliance needs to supplement or replace a missing oven for pizzas, gratins or recipes requiring fan-assisted heat.
Good to know: UFC-Que Choisir describes combination models as more expensive, and comparable models may require more worktop space.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the defrosting mode, power levels and type of controls. Check that the settings match the portions and foods you usually prepare. | I want to reheat meals and defrost food simply, without a host of unnecessary programmes. |
| Browning or cooking | For browning, look for an integrated grill. For cooking that is more like using an oven, explicitly check for the required mode, such as fan-assisted heat on a combination model. | I occasionally prepare gratins or browned dishes, but I do not want to pay for or take up kitchen space with functions I rarely use. |
| Space and installation | Measure the width, depth, height, door opening and usable turntable diameter. Also consult the manual for ventilation clearances, the plug and the electrical specifications of the exact model. | My appliance must fit on a small worktop and accommodate my usual plates or dishes without obstructing movement around the kitchenette. |
Two appliances with a similar capacity can have very different depths, weights or turntable diameters. Panasonic France states that its 20 L solo NN-E20JW is 330 mm deep, while Whirlpool France gives a depth of 494 mm for the 25 L MCP349WH combination model.
Measure the width, depth, height, door clearance and the diameter of your plates before comparing programmes.
A combination microwave adds cooking modes, including fan-assisted heat on some models, but generally takes up more space. It makes more sense when these functions genuinely replace a missing oven.
Make a list of your usual meals: prioritise a solo model for reheating and defrosting, then add a grill or combination model only for regular browning or cooking needs.
A freestanding installation requires a stable surface and ventilation suited to the model. Clearance requirements can vary from one appliance to another.
Before buying and again before using the appliance, consult the manual for the chosen reference and check the ventilation clearances, plug and all installation instructions.
Microwave power, grill power and total power are different values. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol also assesses evenness of reheating, defrosting and browning.
Compare microwave power for reheating, the functions genuinely required for cooking and, where possible, tests based on a comparable method.
Panasonic France offers compact 20 L solo and grill microwaves, among other options, providing useful size benchmarks for a small kitchen.
Whirlpool France presents freestanding solo, grill and combination models for people looking for a wider range of cooking modes.
For its freestanding grill model EMZ421MMK, Electrolux France provides size and power-supply information that is useful to check before installation.
Joybuy options for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, browning food in a studio flat or holiday home.
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A practical choice for everyday reheating and defrosting, with an occasional browning function.
20 L, 700 W microwave power, 800 W grill power, nine power levels, a 245 mm turntable and dimensions of 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm.
Fan-assisted cooking is not listed. Allow at least 10 cm of free space at the sides and rear, and place it on a stable surface.
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Suitable for reheating and defrosting in a kitchenette when you do not need a grill.
20 L, 700 W, five power levels, defrosting mode, 30-minute timer, 24.5 cm turntable and dimensions of 45 × 35 × 26.5 cm.
No grill or oven-style cooking mode is listed. Check the ventilation clearances in the manual before installation.
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An option for frequent reheating and defrosting in a compact kitchen space.
20 L, 700 W, 11 power levels, quick start, weight- or time-based defrosting and dimensions of 44 × 31.9 × 25.9 cm.
No grill or fan-assisted cooking is listed. Check the turntable diameter, power supply and ventilation requirements for your chosen location.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting with simple mechanical controls in a studio flat or small home.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, defrosting function, 30-minute timer, turntable and dimensions of 44.6 × 36.3 × 24.3 cm.
This solo model does not list a grill or additional cooking function. Consult the manual for ventilation clearances and electrical specifications.
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A way to combine reheating, defrosting and browning in one appliance when space allows.
25 L, 1,000 W quartz grill, rapid defrosting, five power levels, automatic programmes and dimensions of 47.6 × 38.8 × 27.2 cm.
This is a grill model, with no fan-assisted cooking explicitly listed. Check the depth, ventilation and electrical connection before buying.
Yes, if you mainly need to reheat and defrost. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grill and combination models when you also plan to brown or cook food using additional modes.
Not necessarily: the grill is used for browning and gratinating. For wider oven-style cooking, look explicitly for a combination model with the required mode, such as fan-assisted heat.
Avoid metal containers and utensils. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that not every plastic container is suitable: check the microwave-safe marking on the container.
For a new product sold by a professional to a private individual, the French Ministry for the Economy states that you have two years to request cover under the legal guarantee of conformity. A commercial warranty or extended warranty is optional and is in addition to the legal guarantees.
A microwave falls under the waste electrical and electronic equipment stream. The ministries responsible for the environment specify that the “1-for-1” take-back scheme applies when buying an appliance of the same type, while “1-for-0” take-back depends in particular on a 400 m² threshold for sales area dedicated to this category.