Start by choosing according to the meals you actually prepare: a simple model is suitable for reheating and defrosting, a grill adds browning, while a combination microwave is useful if it also needs to handle oven-style cooking. In a small space, check the external dimensions, required ventilation clearance and cavity size. For a built-in model, check the cabinet niche measurements rather than relying on the litre capacity alone.
When space is limited, a simple or grill model is a good starting point if you reheat or defrost portions. Only compare grill models if browning is genuinely useful to you. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from more comprehensive cooking functions.
A combination microwave is worth considering if you also prepare gratins, pizzas, roast dishes or recipes requiring oven-style cooking. Check its dimensions and settings, and make sure your cookware is compatible with each mode.
A built-in model can free up worktop space, provided you confirm the niche dimensions, installation requirements and ventilation for the exact model before buying.
Start with the meals you usually prepare, then measure the space and check the installation instructions before comparing additional features.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Useful functions | Compare reheating, defrosting, grilling and fan-assisted cooking separately. Check the accessories and the settings actually included. | I want to avoid cluttering the kitchen with functions I will not use. A simple model is enough for reheating portions; the grill is for browning, while a combination microwave is suited to recipes closer to oven cooking. |
| Actual footprint | Measure the external width, height and depth. Also check the cavity, turntable and niche dimensions for a built-in model. | My appliance must fit in the intended space while accommodating my usual plates and dishes. The litre capacity alone does not tell me either of these things. |
| Ventilation and installation | Follow the clearances specified in the manual. For a built-in model, compare the niche with the installation diagram for the exact model. | I want to be able to place or install the appliance without blocking its cooling vents or improvising an installation inside a closed cupboard. |
| Containers and packaging | Check the container’s compatibility marking and the mode being used. Do not heat a sealed container; plastic is reserved for microwave mode. | I want to reheat my food in a container suitable for the selected mode, especially if I switch from microwave to grill or convection. Anses recommends following the instructions for microwaveable products. |
Capacity does not confirm the appliance’s footprint on the worktop, the size of dishes it can hold or whether it will fit a niche. External, internal and built-in dimensions may all differ.
Measure the available space, door clearance and your usual dishes. For a built-in model, compare the niche with the installation diagram for the exact model.
Combination models add a grill and fan-assisted cooking; UFC-Que Choisir describes them as more expensive. If these modes will remain unused, a simpler appliance may be better suited to your needs.
Write down your usual meals for a week. If you mainly reheat and defrost, start by comparing simple models, then add a grill or combination model if you have a specific need.
Compatibility depends on the cooking mode: plastic approved for microwave use may melt when exposed to the grill or convection.
Check the container’s marking and the selected mode. Do not use a sealed container, and follow the power and duration instructions shown on microwaveable packaging.
Ventilation and installation requirements vary by model. A freestanding appliance is not automatically designed to be enclosed in a cupboard.
Choose a built-in model only when the niche is compatible, and follow its installation diagram. For a freestanding model, maintain the clearances specified in the manual and do not block the ventilation openings.
The French range includes freestanding, grill, combination and built-in models, allowing you to compare several types of appliance within the same brand.
Samsung offers 28 to 32 L combination microwaves in France, with several cooking modes for people looking for more than simple reheating.
The brand offers multifunction and combination microwaves, including compact models combining microwave, grill and convection cooking.
This brand is particularly worth considering for a built-in project, as some French product specifications detail the appliance, cavity and installation dimensions.
Joybuy options for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, grilling in a small kitchen.
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Suitable for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a small kitchen.
20 L, 700 W, 800 W grill, nine power levels, 245 mm turntable and dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. Allow at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear; use cookware suitable for grilling.
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Worth considering for reheating leftovers and defrosting portions on a very small worktop.
20 L, 700 W, 11 power levels, six preset menus, express cooking, weight- or time-based defrosting and a memory function. Stated dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm. Check the manual for ventilation clearances and the usable turntable size.
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An option for reheating, defrosting and browning dishes when there is room for a 25 L appliance.
900 W, 11 power levels, built-in grill, express reheating, weight- or time-based defrosting and a 28,8 cm glass turntable. Dimensions: 485 × 293 × 410 mm. Leave 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the rear, and do not place anything on top of the appliance.
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Suitable for reheating, defrosting and browning larger portions, provided the worktop is deep enough.
900 W, 1 150 W quartz grill, eight automatic programmes, multi-stage cooking and a 28,8 cm turntable. Dimensions: 53,6 × 43,6 × 33 cm. Maintain 10 cm of clearance on each side and 20 cm above the appliance.
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For reheating, defrosting and finishing selected dishes with a golden topping in a kitchen where the available space has been measured.
25 L, 1 000 W, 1 000 W quartz grill, rapid defrosting, automatic weight-controlled programmes and keep-warm function. Dimensions: 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm. Check the ventilation clearances in the manual; no fan-assisted cooking is specified.
No. Anses recommends checking that the container is marked as microwave-safe and is in good condition, then following the reheating instructions on the food packaging. According to UFC-Que Choisir, plastic should be used only in microwave mode, not with the grill or convection.
No. A sealed container must not be heated in a microwave because of the risk of pressure build-up. Open or vent the container according to the product instructions before reheating it.
Check the required niche dimensions in the installation documentation for the exact model and compare them with the internal dimensions of the cupboard. Do not rely on capacity alone: for example, an Electrolux specification for a 25 L model states a niche size of 380 × 560 × 550 mm.
Yes, but the clearances and configuration depend on the model and its installation. Consult the manual and installation diagram before buying, then make sure the ventilation openings are not obstructed.
A microwave belongs to the electrical and electronic equipment waste stream. The ministry responsible for the environment states that these appliances are covered by a dedicated recycling scheme; use a retailer take-back service or a suitable collection point rather than putting it in household waste.