Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost meals, or a model with a grill if you want to brown or gratinate food occasionally. A combination microwave is useful when you will genuinely use its oven-style cooking modes, while a mini fan oven is better suited to pizzas, quiches, pastries and roast dishes prepared regularly. Always measure the available space and follow the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model.
You are looking for a compact appliance for quick meals and defrosting, but are unsure whether to prioritise simplicity or more cooking options. UFC-Que Choisir explicitly lists student accommodation among the situations in which a microwave is commonly used.
You need an appliance that is easy to install for reheating, defrosting and occasionally preparing meals, without necessarily fitting the kitchen with a built-in oven. UFC-Que Choisir also mentions second homes among the common uses.
You need to decide whether your recipes genuinely require a fan oven or mini oven, rather than cooking functions that would rarely be used.
Start with the meals you usually prepare, then check the space actually available and the installation instructions for your chosen model.
| Priority | What to check | Your requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Compare the width, depth and height with your worktop. Measure the door-opening clearance, your dishes and the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model. | I want the appliance to fit without getting in the way of using the kitchen. The capacity in litres is not enough : the turntable diameter and cavity shape matter too. |
| Cooking level | A basic appliance covers reheating and defrosting. Check for a grill for browning, and for convection or a fan-assisted setting explicitly intended for oven-style recipes. | Are my meals mainly reheated or defrosted ? A basic model may be enough. If I often prepare quiches, pizzas or cakes, I am looking for a genuine oven-cooking function. |
| Expected results | Check the defrosting modes, power levels and grill functions. Having a grill alone does not guarantee the same level of browning from one model to another. | I want to reheat and defrost portions appropriately, and potentially achieve a golden finish on certain dishes. |
| Suitable containers | Check separately whether containers are suitable for the microwave, grill and convection modes. Avoid metal and aluminium in microwave mode, and follow the labelling on films and bags. | I want to use my dishes without risking warping or sparks. A container suitable for microwave use alone is not automatically suitable for the grill or convection. |
A solo microwave already covers reheating and defrosting, while a grill meets the occasional need for browning or gratinating. The extra functions on a combination model are mainly worthwhile if you use them regularly.
Keep track of your meals for a week. If pizzas, quiches, pastries or gratins feature often, compare a combination microwave with convection with a mini oven ; otherwise, a basic model or one with a grill may be more suitable.
A sufficiently large cavity may not fit on your worktop, may not have enough clearance for the door or may not accommodate your dishes despite its stated capacity.
Measure the width, depth, height, door-opening space and the dishes you use most before buying. Add the ventilation clearances required in the instructions.
Insufficient ventilation can lead to overheating and damage. Samsung France gives average clearances, but specifies that the instructions for each model remain the definitive reference.
Place the appliance on a flat, stable surface without blocking the openings, then follow the clearances specified for the model you have bought.
A material suitable for microwave use alone may warp or fail to withstand a grill or convection heat source. The DGCCRF distinguishes suitability for food contact from mechanical and thermal resistance.
Check that the container is suitable for each mode. In microwave mode, avoid metal and aluminium, and follow the usage instructions on films and bags.
Whirlpool France offers freestanding solo microwaves, models with a grill and combination microwaves, making it possible to compare several levels of functionality within the same category.
Samsung France separates solo microwaves, models with a grill and convection appliances according to their cooking uses.
Panasonic offers combination microwaves that combine microwave, grill and convection functions for people who genuinely use several cooking modes.
Tefal and Moulinex offer compact mini ovens when oven-style cooking is more important than microwave reheating.
This Joybuy selection brings together solo microwaves, models with a grill and combination microwaves for reheating, defrosting or adding cooking functions to a kitchen without a traditional oven.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for everyday reheating and defrosting, while also adding occasional browning or gratinating.
Features an 800 W grill, 20 L capacity and stated dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm.
The grill does not replace a fan-assisted cooking function for oven-style recipes. Check the clearances in the instructions and which containers are suitable for the grill.
Image unavailable
This 25 L format is suitable for reheating and defrosting in a less-equipped kitchen.
The product page lists eleven power levels, defrosting by weight or time, and dimensions of 485 × 293 × 410 mm.
Allow for the clearances stated on the product page and check the instructions for the exact model before installation.
Image unavailable
Consider this model if you want to combine reheating, defrosting, grilling and convection cooking in a single appliance.
It has a 39 L capacity, a stated temperature range of 40 to 200 °C, a 36 cm turntable and a preheating function.
Its dimensions of 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm mean you will need to measure the worktop, door-opening clearance and the ventilation space specified in the instructions.
Image unavailable
This model is aimed at reheating and defrosting, with occasional browning as an additional option.
The product page lists a 29,2 cm turntable, a 950 W grill, weight-controlled programmes and dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm.
Check the ventilation clearances in the instructions and separately confirm which containers are suitable for microwave and grill use.
Image unavailable
An option for a studio flat or second home when your needs are focused on reheating and defrosting.
It has a 23 L capacity, Quick Defrost function, 29 automatic programmes and stated dimensions of 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm.
No grill or convection mode is indicated : check the instructions for the required ventilation clearances before buying.
Yes, but only if your needs are mainly limited to reheating, defrosting and a few microwave-compatible recipes. For browning or gratinating, look for a grill ; for oven-style cooking, check for a fan-assisted function or choose a mini oven if you often prepare pizzas, quiches, cakes or roasts.
Samsung France recommends an average of at least 10 cm at the back and on the sides, and 20 cm above for ventilation. This guidance is not universal : the instructions for the model you have bought should always take precedence.
Do not use metal, aluminium foil, metal ties or similar objects in the microwave cavity. For plastics, films and bags, follow the labelling : the DGCCRF states that if cling films and bags do not carry a clear positive indication, they should not be used in a microwave. Microwave compatibility does not automatically apply to the grill or convection.
Do not rely solely on the capacity in litres. Compare the external dimensions with your available space and measure your dishes against the turntable diameter or the stated cavity dimensions. For example, Whirlpool France lists turntables measuring 27 to 28 cm on some 25 L microwaves, while Panasonic states that its 34 L combination model has a 36 cm turntable.