Everyday reheating in a studio flat
You mainly want to heat up meals and drinks, then defrost food, without taking up valuable worktop space.
Who are these appliances for?
Small dishes with a golden finish
You often use your microwave for reheating, but would also like to brown a dish now and then without having to install a separate oven.
A compact kitchen without an oven
You want to cook more regularly using fan-assisted or convection heat in a single appliance, while making room for a combination microwave.
What should you look for?
In a home with limited appliances, start with the meals you actually prepare, then check the available space and the installation requirements for your chosen model.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost settings, external dimensions and the space needed with the door open. | If I mainly heat up meals in a studio flat, I want an appliance that suits these everyday tasks, without extra functions I won’t use. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Grilled finish | Look for a clearly specified grill mode and check which accessories and cookware are safe to use with it. | If I want to brown a few dishes without a separate oven, a golden finish matters more to me than fan-assisted cooking. Around 21% of consumers put this need first. |
| Cooking in a single appliance | Check for a fan-assisted or convection function, then consider the cavity size and the accessories you’ll need for your dishes. | Without an oven, I want to regularly prepare dishes that need more than a quick reheat. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this versatility above all else. |
| Fitting into your kitchen | Choose a model designed for built-in installation and compare the housing unit, door opening and ventilation requirements with the installation instructions. | My kitchen already has a space for an appliance, and I want to use it without trying to fit a freestanding model where it doesn’t belong. Built-in installation is the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing a combination microwave just for reheating
Extra cooking modes may go largely unused if you mainly need to reheat or defrost your meals.
Think about the dishes you usually make. Consider fan-assisted cooking if you’ll genuinely use it for oven-style cooking.
-
Confusing the grill with fan-assisted cooking
A grill browns the surface of food; having one doesn’t mean the appliance also offers convection cooking.
If you’re looking for oven-style cooking, make sure “fan-assisted” or “convection” is explicitly listed among the modes for your chosen model.
-
Measuring the appliance without planning where it will go
The appliance’s external dimensions alone won’t tell you whether the door will open properly or the ventilation grilles will remain unobstructed.
Check the space available with the door open against the dimensions and ventilation instructions for the exact model. For a fitted housing unit, choose only an appliance designed for built-in installation.
-
Using a container without checking what it’s suitable for
Food packaging isn’t necessarily suitable for use in a microwave.
Follow the labelling and usage instructions. For cling film and bags, the DGCCRF advises against using them in the microwave unless they’re explicitly labelled as suitable for this purpose.
Brands to know for these needs
Electrolux
The brand offers freestanding and built-in microwaves, among other options. The EMZ421MMK is an example of one of its grill models.
- According to Electrolux France’s product information, the EMZ421MMK offers microwave, grill and microwave-with-grill modes.
- Check the functions and dimensions of the model you choose: the EMZ421MMK’s specifications don’t apply to the entire range.
Whirlpool
The models reviewed include a freestanding combination microwave and an appliance designed for built-in installation.
- According to Whirlpool France, the MCP349WH combines microwave, grill and forced-air cooking, while the AMW424IX is described as a built-in model.
- Check the combination microwave’s functions and the built-in model’s installation requirements separately for each product.
Panasonic
The range includes grill models and convection combination microwaves, depending on the model.
- Panasonic France describes the NN-GT21Q as a 20 L grill model and the NN-CT56RB as a 27 L combination microwave with convection.
- Don’t assume a model has convection or other cooking modes just because it’s made by this brand. Check the specifications for your chosen model.
Samsung
The MC35R8088LC is a convection combination microwave option for anyone looking for a large-capacity cavity.
- According to Samsung France, this model has a capacity of 35 L.
- With stated external dimensions of 528 × 404 × 481 mm, measure the available space before considering it for a small kitchen.
Microwaves for these needs
These Joybuy models cover reheating and defrosting with solo microwaves, as well as occasional browning with grill models. If you want fan-assisted cooking or a built-in appliance, check that these features are explicitly listed for the model you’re considering.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1, black grill microwave, 20 L
Worth considering if you heat up meals and would also like to brown them occasionally. The product name lists a power output of 700 W; check the manual for the ventilation space required.
Image unavailable
LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, white grill microwave, 25 L
The grill is useful if you want a golden finish as well as reheating. The product name lists a power output of 1 000 W; if you want fan-assisted cooking, check that this mode is listed for your chosen model and consult the manual for clearance requirements.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), black digital microwave, 20 L
If you want to reheat and defrost without needing a grilled finish, the product name lists 6 pre-set menus and 11 power levels. The stated power output is 700 W; check the manual before choosing where to place it.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's, solo microwave, 20 L
This solo model is suited to everyday reheating and defrosting. The product name lists 700 W, 6 power levels and a 30-minute timer; check the ventilation instructions before deciding where to put it.
Image unavailable
Whirlpool MWP 101 W, solo microwave, 20 L
Consider this model if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning. The product name lists a power output of 700 W; before buying, check the manual for ventilation requirements and the space needed with the door open.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace my oven?
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model has the necessary modes, including a grill and fan-assisted cooking, but don’t assume it will suit every dish you make. Compare the cavity size, accessories and programmes, and look for tests of the model you’re considering.
Can I put a freestanding microwave in a closed cupboard?
Don’t plan to do this unless the manual for the exact model confirms it’s suitable. Whirlpool France specifically says that the ventilation grilles must not be blocked; installation requirements vary by model.
When should I choose a built-in model rather than a freestanding one?
Choose a built-in model if your kitchen already has a compatible housing unit and the appliance is designed for this type of installation. Check the dimensions, ventilation and door clearance in the product information and manual: the space specified for one model won’t necessarily suit another.
Are all plastic containers microwave-safe?
No. Follow the usage instructions for each container. The DGCCRF states that, for cling film and bags, if there’s no clear indication that they’re suitable for microwave use, you shouldn’t use them this way.