Everyday meals to reheat
You mainly want to heat up portions and defrost food, without paying for cooking modes you’re unlikely to use.
Who is this choice for?
Oven cooking and leftovers
You also make gratins, pastries or large dishes, and need to choose between one versatile appliance and two separate ones.
A kitchen with limited space
You want to combine reheating and cooking within the space available, taking the actual dimensions and layout into account.
Which criteria should you compare?
First decide whether you need proper oven cooking in the same appliance as your microwave. Then check how much space you have and what you cook most often. The study by ADEME and the National Consumer Institute, published in February 2026, found no general advantage for combination microwaves over the convection ovens tested: results depended on the dishes and models.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Microwave and defrost settings; cavity dimensions and compatibility with your dishes and packaging. | If I often reheat portions and defrost food, I check these functions before oven-cooking modes; this is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Oven cooking | Whether convection and a grill are explicitly listed; usable capacity and dish dimensions. | If I also want to cook or brown gratins and other dishes, I check the modes and available space separately; this is a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Size and installation | External dimensions and the installation plan for the exact model; space for one or two appliances. | If space in an alcove or on the worktop is limited, I compare appliances using their installation plans; layout is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Energy use for your needs | Measured consumption for comparable dishes; the modes actually used and the conditions of the tests. | If I want to compare energy use, I look for tests involving similar dishes and settings rather than relying on a general claim; this is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming every combination microwave has a proper fan oven
Grill and convection functions are different: the word ‘combination’ alone doesn’t tell you which modes a particular model offers.
Check the modes listed for the exact model and make sure there’s enough room for the dishes you plan to cook.
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Assuming a general claim applies to the energy use of every dish
The study by ADEME and the National Consumer Institute, published in February 2026, compares combination microwaves with convection ovens. Results vary by dish and model, and no general advantage has been established for combination microwaves.
Compare tests covering the dishes, settings and quantities that match the way you cook, and take the testing conditions into account.
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Confusing appliance dimensions with the space needed for installation
The Bosch HBA553BA3F product information gives two different niche heights. External dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that an appliance will fit.
Ask for the installation plan for the exact model and check the measurements and connection requirements before arranging installation.
Brands to use as a guide
Bosch
The CMG7241B1, HBA553BA3F and FFL023MS2 models illustrate a compact oven with microwave, a built-in traditional oven and a solo microwave respectively.
- Bosch lists capacities of 45 l for the CMG7241B1, 71 l for the HBA553BA3F and 20 l for the FFL023MS2. Compare each model with the dishes you plan to cook and the space available.
- The HBA553BA3F product information gives conflicting niche heights; check the installation plan for the exact model.
Samsung
The MC28H5015AS/EN is an example of a freestanding combination microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Samsung lists a capacity of 28 l and a microwave output power of 900 W for this model.
- These specifications don’t show that it will outperform a traditional oven, or guarantee that every dish will fit in the cavity.
Panasonic
The NN-CD87KS is an example of a combination microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Panasonic lists a capacity of 34 l and a 36 cm turntable for this model.
- Panasonic’s energy-saving claim is based on internal tests carried out in the UK in November 2022 on four dishes. It can’t be taken as a general result for other dishes or models.
Joybuy products for these needs
This selection includes combination microwaves for reheating and cooking, a built-in oven for traditional oven cooking, and a solo microwave for compatible uses.
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Sharp YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 l combination microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat food and also use convection and the grill in one freestanding appliance.
Listed capacity: 42 l; microwave power: 1,000 W; 30 programmes and 11 power levels.
Listed dimensions: 553 × 326 × 505 mm. Place it on a stable surface and don’t block the ventilation openings.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 l combination microwave
Consider this if you want to reheat food and have oven-cooking modes in the same appliance.
Listed capacity: 39 l; microwave, convection and grill functions.
The product description also lists steam and crisp cooking functions.
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Candy Essenza CMCA29EDLB/ST, 29 l combination microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat food and add grill and steam functions in one freestanding appliance.
Listed capacity: 29 l; 31.5 cm turntable and five power levels.
Listed dimensions: 52.3 × 44.9 × 30.0 cm.
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Hotpoint FI4485PIX, 71 l multifunction built-in oven
Consider this if you prioritise oven cooking and larger dishes over having an integrated microwave for reheating.
Listed capacity: 71 l, with 16 cooking modes including fan cooking; pyrolytic cleaning is also listed.
The product description specifies professional built-in installation in accordance with local safety regulations.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 l solo microwave
Worth considering if your priority is reheating and defrosting, without any listed oven-cooking function.
Listed capacity: 23 l; reheating and defrosting functions, with 29 automatic programmes.
The turntable measures 28.8 cm; listed dimensions are 48.9 × 27.5 × 37.4 cm.
Frequently asked questions
Is a grill setting enough to replace a fan oven?
No. Check the settings listed for the exact model separately. UFC-Que Choisir tests grill, fan cooking, reheating and defrosting as separate functions.
What should I check before buying a built-in oven?
Check the niche and installation plan for the exact model, not just its external dimensions. The Bosch HBA553BA3F technical specifications list 3,400 W, 16 A and 220–240 V, but give two different niche heights. Check the installation plan for this model before arranging installation. These details don’t apply to other appliances.
Can I reheat food in its packaging?
Follow the packaging instructions for power and timing, and check that it’s suitable for microwave use. Anses recommends following these instructions for products intended to be reheated this way.
Can I use the energy label for a traditional oven to compare it with a combination microwave?
No, not directly. Delegated Regulation (EU) No 65/2014 excludes ovens with a microwave heating function; the European Commission lists it as applying to the ovens covered by the regulation.
What legal guarantee applies to an appliance bought from a business in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to claim under it. This guarantee is separate from any commercial guarantee that may also be offered.