Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost food, then opt for a grill model for occasional browning. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a combination microwave can bring together microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking, but its size must be suitable for your worktop, and it cannot guarantee the same results as a traditional oven for every recipe.
For quickly reheating and defrosting food when space is limited, a compact solo model is a sensible starting point. Panasonic France, for example, presents the NN-E20JW as a 20 L model with compact dimensions.
If you also prepare gratins, roasted vegetables or dishes that require fan-assisted cooking, a combination model can bring several functions together, provided you are happy to accommodate a deeper appliance. UFC-Que Choisir states that combination models cover the basic functions of a conventional oven.
Measure the appliance’s external dimensions, door clearance and the gaps specified in the manual for your chosen model. These ventilation spaces are part of the actual installation requirements.
Start by measuring the space available, then choose the functions that match your usual meals before comparing capacity and accessories.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and ventilation | Compare the width, depth and height with the measured space. Also check the clearances specified in the manual, the door opening and the turntable diameter. | I want the appliance and its ventilation spaces to fit properly on my worktop or shelf. |
| Cooking functions | A solo model covers reheating and defrosting; a grill adds browning. A combination model adds fan-assisted cooking, with potentially larger dimensions. | I do not want to pay for or give up space to an oven function I will rarely use, but I would like to brown dishes when that matters for my meals. |
| Containers and reheating | Use containers labelled as microwave-safe. In microwave-only mode, avoid metal unless the manual explicitly permits it for a particular mode. | I want to reheat my meals without using an unsuitable container or exceeding the time and power instructions on the packaging. |
| Warranty and end of life | For a purchase from a professional seller in France, the legal guarantee of conformity may be claimed for two years, subject to the legal conditions. Compare any commercial extended warranty with this existing cover. | I want to distinguish the rights already provided by law from an optional commercial warranty. The DGCCRF explains that the latter supplements legal guarantees without replacing them. |
A microwave may fit into the available space while still lacking sufficient clearance around the vents. Schneider manuals, for example, specify free space above and around certain freestanding models.
Measure the width, depth, height, door opening and ventilation clearances required in the manual for the exact model before ordering.
A combination model adds oven functions, but the results depend on the recipe and the appliance. On another LG combination model, UFC-Que Choisir noted that small cakes struggled to rise when cooked with fan assistance.
Choose a combination model if you will genuinely use the grill and fan-assisted cooking; otherwise, a solo or grill model may be enough for your main needs.
A combination model may require greater depth: the LG MJ-9250NB is listed as 53.3 cm deep.
In microwave-only mode, metal containers or items decorated with metal can cause sparks. Anses also recommends following the preparation instructions for microwaveable food products.
Only use metal accessories in modes explicitly authorised by the manual, and follow the power and cooking times stated on the packaging.
A commercial warranty is optional and its terms are set by the seller. It is added to the applicable legal guarantees; it does not replace them.
Keep your receipt and proof of purchase, then read the exclusions in the extended warranty before deciding whether it provides useful additional cover.
A useful reference for compact solo and grill models designed for reheating, defrosting and straightforward everyday use in a small kitchen.
A useful reference for a 23 L grill microwave if browning and defrosting matter, without immediately opting for a fan-assisted combination model.
A useful reference for a small kitchen looking for a freestanding multifunction appliance that prioritises usable cavity space.
A useful reference for fan-assisted combination models designed for smaller homes that want several cooking functions in one freestanding appliance.
Joybuy options for a small kitchen: solo models for reheating and defrosting, plus grill models for occasional browning.
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Worth considering for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a small kitchen. Capacity: 20 L; check the ventilation clearances in the manual before installation.
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An option for reheating, defrosting and browning dishes, with a stated 29.2 cm turntable. This model is not presented as a fan-assisted combination microwave.
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Suitable for reheating and defrosting in a studio flat. This model is listed at 700 W, with 6 pre-set menus, 11 power levels and dimensions of 44 × 31.9 × 25.9 cm.
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For larger portions, this model is listed at 25 L, 900 W and with a 28.8 cm turntable. Its dimensions of 48.5 × 29.3 × 41 cm mean you should check the total space around the appliance.
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A solo format designed for everyday reheating and defrosting. It is listed at 700 W, with 6 power levels, a 30-minute timer and dimensions of 44.6 × 36.3 × 24.3 cm.
Do not rely on the external dimensions alone. Clearances vary by model: Schneider manuals, for example, require 30 cm of free space above the appliance and 20 cm between the appliance and each wall. Consult the manual for the exact model and do not block the air vents.
No. Only use a container explicitly labelled as microwave-safe and follow the instructions on the food packaging. Anses recommends following these instructions, while a Bosch manual specifies that metal or metallic decorations can cause sparks in microwave-only mode.
No. It can cover basic oven functions with its grill and fan-assisted cooking, but results depend on the model and the recipe. If you often prepare pastries, pizzas or roasts, also compare a compact conventional oven and the space required for each appliance.
For a purchase from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity may be claimed for two years for new and second-hand goods, subject to the legal conditions. The DGCCRF states that, for a new product, consumers do not have to prove during those two years that the defect existed on the date of sale; a commercial extended warranty remains optional.
A microwave falls under the waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme. Use the collection or take-back options offered by retailers, local authorities or the relevant schemes rather than putting it in household waste.