For everyday reheating and defrosting
You mainly want to prepare everyday meals in student accommodation or a second home, without needing to cook in an oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from browning and oven cooking.
Who are these appliances for?
For cooking without a conventional oven
You’d also like to brown food or cook certain dishes in the oven. Compare the modes each appliance actually offers: Panasonic and Moulinex product specifications show how designs and functions can differ.
To free up space in your kitchen
You want to keep the number of appliances to a minimum, while checking the external dimensions, handle and ventilation clearances required. Samsung’s general guidance is no substitute for the instructions for the model you choose.
Which features should you prioritise?
For consumers in France looking for an appliance for a small kitchen without a suitable conventional oven, the choice mainly comes down to useful functions, available space, ease of use and the conditions of use you’ll need to check.
Standard microwave
Consider this if: you mainly reheat and defrost food, and don’t regularly cook in an oven.
Keep in mind: the microwave function doesn’t replace a grill or oven functions.
Microwave with grill
Consider this if: you mainly need a microwave, with browning or crisping as an added extra.
Keep in mind: a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has a convection function.
Combination microwave with convection
Consider this if: you want to reheat, defrost and cook in an oven using a single appliance, and convection is explicitly specified.
Keep in mind: combining functions doesn’t guarantee a smaller footprint once installed or lower electricity consumption.
Mini oven or compact convection oven
Consider this if: oven cooking is your main priority and the modes suit the recipes you make.
Keep in mind: a defrost programme doesn’t mean the appliance has a microwave function.
| Priority | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Choose the functions you need | Tell the difference between microwave, grill and convection; check the modes and temperatures that suit the recipes you have in mind. | To make the dishes I actually cook, I want to check the modes rather than rely on the number of programmes. Around 34% of consumers prioritise cooking functions. |
| Allow for the space it takes up when installed | Measure the width, height and depth, including the handle; follow the clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its door without compromising ventilation. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the space needed once an appliance is installed. |
| Make everyday use easier | Identify the controls you’ll need and check which containers and accessories are suitable for each mode. | If I use the appliance often, I want settings and maintenance that suit my habits. Around 20% of consumers prioritise ease of everyday use. |
| Understand how it works and what the warranty covers | Distinguish between rated power and energy use per cooking session; check the terms of the statutory guarantee and any commercial warranty. | I want to understand how much electricity the appliance is designed to use and what protection applies, without confusing power with consumption. Around 13% of consumers prioritise the cost of ownership. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming a compact appliance will fit in a compact space
The stated depth may not include the handle, and ventilation clearances vary by model.
Measure the available space, then check the installed dimensions and clearances in the instructions for the exact model. Samsung notes that its recommendations for free space vary by model.
Forgetting about the handle, door opening or clearances could mean having to rearrange the space you’d set aside.
-
Choosing an appliance based on the word “combination” alone
This label doesn’t tell you how the oven mode heats: for example, a model may specify top and bottom heating rather than convection.
Check the stated heating mode and choose one that suits the recipes you plan to make. Panasonic lists different functions for its NN-CT57RM and NN-DF38PBEPG models.
-
Assuming a higher wattage means lower energy use
The stated power rating for a mode doesn’t tell you how much energy a recipe will use. The study by ADEME and the National Institute of Consumer Affairs concerns built-in ovens and doesn’t demonstrate energy savings for the freestanding models compared here.
Distinguish between the electrical power required and energy use per cooking session. Only use an energy-saving figure when the appliances and test conditions are comparable.
-
Assuming repairability guarantees a certain lifespan
Moulinex’s stated 15-year repairability commitment doesn’t mean the appliance will work for 15 years without costing you anything.
Distinguish this commitment from the statutory guarantee of conformity and any commercial warranty. For purchases from a professional seller covered by this guarantee, Service-Public states that you have two years from delivery to report a lack of conformity.
Brands to know as a guide
Panasonic
The NN-CT57RM and NN-DF38PBEPG models show two types of combination appliance with different functions.
- The NN-CT57RM specifications state a convection range of 30 to 220 °C; the NN-DF38PBEPG specifications mention top and bottom heating.
- These features apply to the specific models listed. The manufacturer’s claims about results or time savings aren’t independent French test findings.
Samsung
The MG23K3515AK/EF is an example of a microwave with grill, with dimensions and power specifications for this model.
- Samsung France states a power rating of 1 250 W in microwave mode and dimensions of 489 × 275 × 392 mm.
- These dimensions don’t confirm that the appliance will fit in a particular space. Samsung advises checking the model’s instructions for the required clearances.
Moulinex
The Optimo range includes compact ovens; the OX444810 specifications list several cooking modes.
- Moulinex lists six modes, including fan-assisted, conventional and grill, as well as a thermostat up to 240 °C.
- Functions, installation instructions and results should be checked for each model. The brand’s stated repairability commitment doesn’t guarantee a particular lifespan.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection features freestanding microwaves, either standard or with a grill, for reheating and defrosting, with a grill as an extra depending on how you use the appliance. For an electrical appliance sold in France, check that it carries the CE marking required by the applicable regulations; the Directorate-General for Enterprise outlines the relevant rules.
Image unavailable
Heinrich’s — 20 L solo microwave
Worth considering if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food.
700 W; 6 power levels; 30-minute timer; defrost function; 360° turntable.
Image unavailable
Electrolux EMZ725MMTI — 25 L microwave with grill
Worth considering if you want microwave functions and a grill in a freestanding appliance.
25 L; 900 W; titanium finish. The product title identifies this as a model with grill.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1 — 20 L microwave with grill
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 20 L microwave with a grill function.
700 W; black. The product title specifies a grill function.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CMO‑MP012OC(BK) — 19 L microwave
Worth considering if you’re looking for a microwave to reheat and defrost food.
700 W; 5 power levels; 30-minute timer; 245 mm turntable; black.
Image unavailable
Whirlpool MWP 101 B — 20 L microwave with grill
Worth considering if you want a 20 L microwave with a grill function, as well as reheating and defrosting.
700 W. The product title specifies a grill function.
Frequently asked questions
Does the term “combination” guarantee fan-assisted cooking?
No. Check the heating type listed for the exact model. Panasonic, for example, offers a combination model with top and bottom heating; if you want convection, it should be explicitly specified.
Can I install an appliance in a space that exactly matches its dimensions?
Not based on the appliance dimensions alone: you also need to allow for the handle and ventilation clearances. Samsung notes that the required free space varies by model and recommends checking the instructions for the exact model.
Is a combination microwave always cheaper to run than a mini oven?
The cited study by ADEME and the National Institute of Consumer Affairs doesn’t establish any general energy savings between these two types of appliance, as it concerns built-in ovens. To compare energy use, check that the appliances and test conditions reflect the uses you have in mind.
What does the statutory guarantee of conformity cover when buying in France?
For a purchase covered by the statutory guarantee of conformity from a professional seller, Service-Public states that the fault must appear within two years of delivery. This statutory guarantee is separate from any commercial warranty.
Does the CE marking indicate performance or European origin?
No. The CE marking is neither an indication of geographical origin nor an independent performance certification. The Directorate-General for Enterprise states that equipment covered by RoHS rules must carry the CE marking; check the requirements that apply to the appliance in question.