For everyday reheating and defrosting, a standard microwave is enough; choose one with a grill if you mainly want to brown the top of dishes. According to UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide, a combi microwave also adds convection cooking. It’s worth considering if you’ll use this function but can’t install a separate oven. If oven cooking is your main priority, compare mini ovens too, bearing in mind that they don’t offer microwave reheating.
When worktop space is limited, start by thinking about what you usually cook: reheating a meal calls for different functions from making a quiche. A combi microwave makes more sense if you plan to use its grill and convection functions, and its dimensions allow you to install it properly.
UFC-Que Choisir lists a second home as one possible use for a microwave. If you’ll mainly use it to reheat meals, a standard model may do the job. For browning dishes or occasional cooking without another oven, look at models with a grill or combi functions.
If pizzas, quiches or pastries are regulars on your menu, compare a mini oven’s capacity and cooking modes with those of a combi microwave. A mini oven also takes up worktop space and doesn’t replace a microwave’s reheating function.
First decide which cooking functions you’ll actually use, then check that they suit the dishes you make and the space available.
Consider it: for reheating and defrosting if you don’t need browning or convection cooking.
Limitation: on its own, it won’t meet your needs for recipes that require a grill or oven.
Consider it: if browning dishes is the main function you want to add to reheating.
Limitation: according to UFC-Que Choisir, grill and convection are separate functions.
Consider it: if you want one appliance for reheating and occasional oven-style cooking.
Limitation: UFC-Que Choisir says combi microwaves cost more than standard models. Also check that you have enough space for your chosen model.
Consider it: if oven cooking is your priority and you have a suitable surface for it.
Limitation: a mini oven doesn’t offer a microwave function for quickly reheating a dish.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the microwave and defrost settings, then consider the size of the dishes the cavity can hold. The stated power rating doesn’t tell you about oven-cooking functions. | I mainly reheat portions and want to be able to defrost food, so the microwave function is my starting point. |
| Browning and oven cooking | Check whether the model has a grill or convection function. If oven recipes matter to you, check the temperature range and cooking modes for the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses preheating and temperature accuracy separately. | A grill may suit my needs for browning a gratin. If I regularly cook pizzas or pastries, I should look for a suitable oven function rather than relying on the word ‘combi’ alone. |
| Space and ventilation | Measure the external width, height and depth, including the space needed to open the door. Follow the ventilation clearances and installation requirements in the instructions for your chosen model. | My appliance needs to fit on a stable surface, with enough room to open the door and allow for the specified ventilation. |
| Suitable dishes | Compare your dishes with the dimensions of the cavity, turntable and door opening. Check which accessories and cookware are permitted in each mode. | I want to use my usual plates, baking tins or dishes. The capacity in litres alone doesn’t tell me whether they’ll fit. |
The presence of a grill or convection function alone won’t tell you about preheating, temperature consistency or the space available for a recipe. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses these aspects separately.
Check the cooking modes and temperature range for the exact model. If oven cooking is the reason you’re buying, look for test results covering the dishes you’re interested in too.
Depth, door clearance, weight and ventilation can all affect whether an appliance can be installed. For example, Whirlpool France lists the MWP3391SB as 54 cm deep and weighing 27,45 kg.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, check that the surface can support the appliance and allow for the clearances required in its instructions.
Two cavities with a similar capacity won’t necessarily fit the same dishes. For example, Panasonic France lists a 34 cm turntable for the NN-CD58RS; Samsung says the turntable on the MC28M6035CK can be switched off to make it easier to use certain square dishes.
Measure the dishes you use most and check the turntable, door opening and any restrictions that apply to each cooking mode.
These models offer examples of functions and formats to compare; their inclusion doesn’t mean a particular model is available.
The NN-CD58RS is an example of an appliance combining microwave, grill and convection functions, with a stated capacity of 27 L according to Panasonic France.
The MC28M6035CK/EF combi microwave is an example of a model with a stated capacity of 28 L, which you can compare with the size of your dishes.
The MWP3391SB is a useful reference for considering the footprint and weight of a combi microwave with a large cavity.
The Optimo 39 L OX485810 is an example of a mini oven for when oven cooking matters more than microwave reheating.
These Joybuy models are suitable for microwave reheating, with or without a grill. If you’re choosing based on convection or mainly want a mini oven, check for these functions separately: a grill alone doesn’t confirm that they’re available.
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Worth considering if you’d like the option to brown dishes as well as reheat food. The model title lists 700 W. If you plan to cook oven-style recipes, check the available modes and installation instructions for this exact model separately.
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An option to compare for reheating in a small kitchen. The title lists 1 000 W. Check the product details and instructions for cooking modes, dimensions and clearances before deciding where to put it.
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Consider this if browning dishes is one of your regular needs, but don’t assume the grill replaces convection. The title lists 1 000 W. Also compare the usable dimensions for your dishes and the ventilation requirements.
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Compare this if you want to combine reheating with browning. The title lists 900 W and Inverter technology. If you want to cook oven-style recipes, check that the necessary modes are available rather than relying on the grill alone.
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Worth considering if microwave cooking is your priority and you’re looking for a cavity with a stated capacity of 32 L. The title lists 1 000 W. Measure the space and check the exact functions if you also want to brown dishes or cook oven-style recipes.
Not necessarily. A model with convection and a grill may handle some oven recipes, but its functions alone don’t tell you how much usable space it offers or how well it cooks. If pizzas, pastries or roasts are important to your decision, check the cavity dimensions and look for test results covering preheating and temperature accuracy. UFC-Que Choisir assesses these criteria separately.
Follow the clearances in the instructions for the model you’ve bought rather than applying one measurement to every appliance. For example, in its instructions for a freestanding microwave, LG requires at least 30 cm of space above and 10 cm behind it. Don’t automatically apply these measurements to another model or to a mini oven.
No. Check the dimensions of the cavity, turntable and door opening too. Panasonic France lists a 34 cm turntable for the NN-CD58RS, while Samsung France says the turntable on the MC28M6035CK can be switched off to make it easier to use certain square dishes. Compare these details with the dishes you actually use.
No. In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private customer. Before taking out an optional extended warranty, check what it adds to this legal guarantee.