Everyday reheating when space is limited
If you mainly reheat meals and defrost food in a studio flat or holiday home, a solo microwave may be all you need. Make sure it fits on your worktop with enough space around it for ventilation.
Who is each option suited to?
Occasional browning without an oven
If you’d sometimes like to brown a gratin or toast while still being able to reheat food in the microwave, look at models with a grill. This function doesn’t provide fan oven cooking.
Oven cooking in a small kitchen
If you’re planning to cook regularly with a fan oven, compare a combination microwave with a mini oven. The right choice depends on what you plan to cook, how much space you have and how important microwave reheating is to you.
How do the options compare?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting make up most of your cooking.
The trade-off: it doesn’t offer a grill or fan oven cooking.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown dishes from time to time.
The trade-off: a grill alone doesn’t replace fan oven cooking.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you want one appliance for reheating and some fan oven cooking.
The trade-off: the space required and cooking results depend on the model and the mode used.
Mini oven
Choose this if: oven cooking is a priority in your kitchen.
The trade-off: it doesn’t offer microwave reheating.
To compare models of the same type, start with the food you usually cook, then check the dimensions and installation requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Controls and power levels; turntable size for your plates. | I want to reheat a portion or defrost food for everyday meals without having to adjust lots of settings. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill; accessories and containers permitted in each mode. | I usually reheat meals, but would sometimes like to brown the top without having to set up another oven. This finishing touch comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Cooking without a conventional oven | Whether it has a fan oven function; capacity and accessories suited to the dishes you plan to cook. | I don’t have a conventional oven, so I plan to cook meals regularly rather than just reheat them. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this cooking option. |
| Installation and everyday use | Dimensions and clearances specified in the manual; access to the door and ease of cleaning the cavity. | In my small kitchen, I need to be able to position the appliance without blocking its vents and use it easily every day. Finding a suitable space is a priority for around 17% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing based on capacity alone
Two appliances with a similar capacity can take up different amounts of space. Capacity also won’t tell you whether your plate will fit on the turntable or the door can open freely.
Measure your worktop, compare the external dimensions and turntable size, then allow for the clearances required in the manual for the model you choose.
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Choosing a combination model just for the occasional gratin
A combination model adds fan oven cooking, but also brings extra modes to learn and space requirements to consider. If you only want to brown a dish occasionally, you may not use this additional function very often.
Compare models with a grill first; choose a combination model if you genuinely plan to cook with the fan oven function.
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Using the same container in every mode
A container that’s microwave-safe isn’t necessarily suitable for the grill or convection cooking. Anses also notes that heating food too intensely can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging.
Follow the packaging guidance on power and heating times. Check the manual for each mode and only use the containers and accessories it permits.
Brands to consider
These ranges provide options to compare across solo, grill and combination models. The features listed apply to the models mentioned, not every appliance from each brand.
Panasonic
Panasonic France’s range includes solo, grill and combination models.
- The NN-E20JW is a 20 L solo model rated at 800 W, with external dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm; the NN-K10JW adds a quartz grill rated at 1,000 W.
- These dimensions and power ratings apply to the models listed. Check the manual and features of the model you’re considering.
Samsung
Samsung France categorises its appliances as solo microwaves, grill models and convection models, depending on how you plan to use them.
- The MG23K3515AK/EF grill model is listed by the brand as having a 23 L cavity, with defrost and browning functions.
- Samsung’s general ventilation guidance varies by model. Follow the manual for the specific appliance when installing it.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s freestanding range includes grill microwaves and combination models.
- According to Whirlpool France, the MCP349WH combines microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking in a 25 L cavity; its published dimensions are 52 × 30.1 × 49.4 cm.
- These features and dimensions apply to the MCP349WH. Whirlpool advises keeping the vents clear and not placing anything on top of the appliance.
Microwaves to consider on Joybuy
These solo and grill models suit reheating and defrosting, with some also offering occasional browning. If fan oven cooking is your priority, check that the model you’re considering has this function rather than assuming it does just because it has a grill.
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Beko MGC20100B1, microwave with grill, 20 L
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and occasionally use a grill to brown them.
20 L capacity; stated power of 700 W. Check the manual for the required clearances before installation.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
A model to consider if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning.
Stated power of 700 W, 11 power levels and 6 pre-set menus. Before buying, check that the plug, voltage and required clearances are suitable for your installation.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting with a solo microwave in a small kitchen.
Stated power of 700 W, 6 levels, defrost function and 30-minute timer. Check that the turntable suits your plates and that the installation space meets the requirements in the manual.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, microwave with grill, 25 L
Worth considering if you want a grill as well as microwave reheating and have enough room for a 25 L appliance.
Digital display, as stated in the product title. To compare power ratings and prepare for installation, check the full specifications and manual.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if a 23 L appliance will fit on your worktop.
Quick Defrost function and LED display, as stated in the product title. Check the manual for the clearances required around this model.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose. As a general guide, Samsung France recommends at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary between appliances. Don’t block the ventilation grilles.
Can a combination microwave replace a conventional oven?
A combination microwave with a fan oven function can cook some dishes, but don’t assume it will give the same results for everything. Check the cooking modes, cavity size and accessories for the model; UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses its different functions separately.
Can you use the same containers in microwave and grill mode?
Not necessarily: a container suitable for microwave use may not withstand the heat of the grill, and permitted accessories depend on the mode you’re using. Follow the manual; in microwave mode, avoid unauthorised metal containers and fastenings in particular. Also follow the reheating instructions on food packaging.
What should you check to use a microwave easily in a studio flat?
At the spot you’ve chosen, check that you can open the door, put dishes in and take them out, read the controls and clean the cavity without difficulty. These are among the usability criteria assessed by UFC-Que Choisir; also check the ventilation requirements for the appliance.