One space for cooking appliances
You need to reheat, defrost and cook in an oven-style way, but can only fit one freestanding appliance. The functions on offer vary between models, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Who are these options for?
Everyday reheating with an oven already available
You mainly use the microwave for leftovers and defrosting, while another appliance already handles oven cooking. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from the additional cooking functions offered by a combi model.
Oven cooking is your priority
You want to use your usual oven dishes or tins and can consider having two freestanding appliances. Moulinex’s Optimo OX485810 mini oven is an example of this option: it has fan-assisted cooking but no microwave function.
Which features should you prioritise?
Microwave combi oven
Consider it: if you need reheating, defrosting and oven-style cooking in one space, check that the model explicitly lists convection.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says combi models generally cost more than a basic microwave. The stated capacity is not necessarily the same as the space available for your dishes.
Separate oven and microwave
Consider it: if you already have a suitable oven and mainly use your microwave for reheating and defrosting.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for each appliance. The INC and ADEME energy-efficiency study covers built-in ovens; it does not compare freestanding models.
Mini oven and microwave
Consider it: if oven-style cooking is your priority and you have room for two freestanding appliances.
Bear in mind: a mini oven doesn’t include a microwave function, so you’ll need to choose two appliances that suit your needs.
| Your concern | What to check | Who prioritises it |
|---|---|---|
| Combining functions | Check that the model you choose has microwave, grill and convection functions. | If I only have space for one appliance and also need to defrost and cook, I check the settings before choosing; around 33% of consumers prioritise having several functions in one appliance. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare these functions if a separate oven already covers your oven cooking. | If I mainly use my microwave for leftovers and defrosting, I won’t pay for cooking functions I don’t need; around 27% of consumers prioritise these everyday tasks. |
| Fitting your dishes | Compare the dimensions of your dishes with the usable capacity and the dimensions of the cavity. | If I cook in a particular dish or tin, I check that it fits in the appliance and is suitable for the setting I want to use; around 20% of consumers prioritise cooking their dishes in an oven. |
| Fitting the appliances | Check the external dimensions, ventilation clearances and electrical requirements in each appliance’s manual. | If depth or the space around the appliance is limited, I compare the available space with the instructions for that model; around 20% of consumers prioritise whether the appliance can be installed. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Confusing grilling with convection cooking
The grill is for browning; it doesn’t mean the appliance can cook like an oven. A model with a grill only may therefore not suit the dishes you want to cook.
Check that convection is explicitly listed among the settings for the model, and make sure your chosen dish fits in the cavity.
If a grill alone won’t handle the cooking you need, you may have to allow for another oven.
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Judging dish size by the litre capacity alone
The stated capacity doesn’t always tell you how much usable space there is for your dishes. The Severin MW 7775 product details distinguish between a stated capacity of 30 L and a usable cooking area of 16 L.
Measure your dishes and compare them with the usable cavity dimensions and the accessories designed for the model.
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Measuring only the appliance’s footprint
Ventilation clearances can vary from one microwave to another; Samsung France recommends checking the manual for the model in question.
Before choosing where to put it, check the space around the appliance, the door opening and the electrical requirements.
If the space doesn’t meet the manual’s requirements, you may need to find a different spot for it.
Brands and models to know
These examples relate to specific models; their features don’t apply to every product in a brand’s range. Check the manual for the model you choose against your dishes and the space available.
Severin
The freestanding MW 7752 and MW 7775 combi models combine microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking. Compare them based on your dishes and available space.
- The manufacturer’s details for the MW 7752 give the cooking area a height of around 17.5 cm.
- For the MW 7775, Severin distinguishes between a stated capacity of 30 L and a usable cooking area of 16 L.
- These figures don’t confirm whether a particular dish will fit or whether the space meets the manual’s requirements.
Whirlpool
The freestanding MWSC833B combi model is worth considering if you’re comparing assisted cooking settings and cavity dimensions.
- The manufacturer’s product details state a capacity of 33 L and a 36 cm turntable.
- The ‘Crisp’ results claim is made by Whirlpool; it is not an independent comparison with a conventional oven.
Moulinex
The Optimo OX485810 is a freestanding mini oven to consider alongside a separate microwave if oven-style cooking is your priority.
- The manufacturer’s product details state a capacity of 39 L and fan-assisted cooking.
- This model doesn’t have a microwave function, so you’ll need to allow space for both appliances.
Electrolux
The freestanding EMZ725MMK microwave can be considered as a separate appliance for reheating and grilling.
- Electrolux lists microwave, grill and microwave with grill settings.
- Convection isn’t listed among these settings. The stated capacity differs between the heading and product specifications, so check the manual for the exact model.
Joybuy products for these needs
To compare a combi appliance with a microwave used alongside a separate oven, here are models suited to these two uses.
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Candy Essenza CMCA29EDLB/ST, combi microwave
Worth considering if you want several cooking settings in one freestanding appliance.
The description lists a 29 L cavity, a 31.5 cm turntable, microwave, grill, steam and automatic defrost functions.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
Consider it if another appliance already handles oven cooking and you need a microwave for reheating and defrosting.
The description lists a capacity of 20 L, a power output of 700 W, external dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm, and defrosting by time or weight.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
This option suits you if you already have a separate oven for oven cooking.
The title gives a capacity of 23 L; the description mentions reheating and defrosting. You’ll need a separate appliance for cooking that requires an oven.
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Sharp YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combi microwave
Worth looking at if you want microwave, grill and convection functions in one appliance.
The description lists a capacity of 42 L, microwave, grill and convection settings, and a temperature range of 140 to 230 °C.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L combi microwave
Consider it if you want several cooking settings in one freestanding appliance.
The title gives a capacity of 39 L; the description lists microwave, grill and convection settings, as well as steam, hot air and defrost functions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a microwave with a grill replace an oven for baking?
Not on its own. For oven-style cooking, check that the model explicitly lists convection. Also make sure your baking tin fits in the cavity and is suitable for the setting you’ll use, as UFC-Que Choisir recommends when choosing a combi appliance.
How much space should I leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose. Samsung France notes that the space needed can vary between appliances, so an average measurement isn’t a universal rule.
Can I use the same container in microwave and oven mode?
Only if the container’s instructions allow both uses and the relevant temperature conditions. The DGCCRF recommends following the instructions for the container; also check the appliance manual.
What guarantee applies when buying from a professional seller in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity is provided by the seller under the conditions set out by law. According to the DGCCRF, claims must be made within two years of delivery of the goods. A commercial guarantee is separate and optional.