If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave will do the job; choose a grill model if you’d also like to brown or crisp dishes occasionally. If you regularly cook dishes that need oven-style cooking, look for a combination model with confirmed fan-assisted cooking. A compact oven with a microwave function is another option if you have a suitable built-in space and can follow its installation instructions.
In a kitchen without an oven, how often you need to cook oven-style dishes matters more than simply wanting several functions in one appliance.
If you mainly reheat and defrost food, start with those needs. If you regularly prepare dishes that need oven-style cooking, check that the model has fan-assisted cooking rather than relying on the word ‘combination’ alone.
An appliance you use occasionally can be simple if your meals don’t need a grill or fan-assisted cooking. Even for occasional use, you’ll need to follow the model’s ventilation instructions when choosing where to put it.
If you’re considering a built-in microwave or compact oven, measure the space and check the installation diagram for the exact model. Check the door clearance and power supply before choosing, too.
First, decide what you need the appliance to cook. Then compare each model with the space you have, the dishes you use and the installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill is for browning dishes, while a combination model with fan-assisted cooking adds an oven-style cooking function. Check the modes listed for the specific model; don’t assume it has convection just because it’s called a ‘combination’ model. | I mainly reheat and defrost food, so a basic model may suit me. If I want to brown dishes occasionally, I’ll look at models with a grill. If I regularly cook oven-style dishes, I’ll look for confirmed fan-assisted cooking. |
| Space and ventilation | Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth with the space available, then check the door clearance. For a built-in model, use the required housing dimensions and the manufacturer’s installation diagram. Keep the ventilation openings clear, as Whirlpool France advises. | My worktop or cabinet needs to fit the appliance when installed, not just provide enough room for its cavity. |
| Dishes and cavity | Compare the size of your plates and dishes with the cavity dimensions, as well as the turntable and approved accessories. The capacity in litres alone won’t tell you what shape of dish will fit. | I want to be able to fit the dishes I actually use, including a tin or rectangular dish if my meals call for one. |
| Power supply | Check the manual for the model’s voltage, frequency, total power and plug type. Make sure these details are compatible with your planned installation, particularly for a built-in appliance. | Before setting aside space for the appliance, I need to know whether my planned connection is suitable for the model I’ve chosen. |
| Accessories | Check which accessories are included and which containers are approved for each mode. Instructions for grilling or convection don’t automatically apply to microwave mode. | If I plan to use several modes, I want to know which dishes and accessories to use for each one. |
Marketing terms, stated capacity and external dimensions aren’t enough to tell you what an appliance can cook or where it can be installed.
A grill can brown a dish without providing the fan-assisted cooking you may need for certain oven-style recipes. Whirlpool product pages use the term ‘combination’ for models whose listed modes are microwave and grill.
If you’re buying it to cook oven-style dishes, look for an explicit mention of convection or fan-assisted cooking on the product page and in the manual for the exact model.
Two cavities with the same capacity may fit dishes differently, depending on their shape and whether they have a turntable. In its 2016 review of the Panasonic NN-DS596BUPG, UFC-Que Choisir noted that the lack of a turntable makes it easier to fit rectangular dishes. This doesn’t replace checking the cavity dimensions of the model you’re considering.
Measure your usual dishes and check the internal dimensions, door clearance and approved accessories.
A space that looks like the right size doesn’t guarantee an installation that meets the manufacturer’s instructions. Whirlpool France advises that microwave ventilation openings must not be blocked.
For a freestanding model, follow its placement instructions. For a built-in model, check your cabinet against the housing dimensions and installation diagram for that exact model.
These models show some of the different configurations available; a brand name alone won’t tell you which cooking modes an appliance has.
Whirlpool France product pages describe the MWF255B and MWF259SG as 25 L freestanding appliances without a turntable.
Electrolux France distinguishes between the KVLBE08X combination compact oven, with fan-assisted cooking and microwave functions, and the CMS4253TMX built-in microwave with grill.
Samsung France’s support pages provide French-language manuals for the MC28H5125AK, MC32DG7646CK and MC35R8058CC.
The Panasonic NN-DS596BUPG is an example of a combination model without a turntable, featured in a 2016 UFC-Que Choisir review.
These options include solo microwaves, models with a grill and an appliance described as a combination model. If you’re choosing one to take the place of an oven, check its exact cooking modes and installation instructions.
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Worth considering if you’d like a grill as well as a microwave for reheating: the model name specifies a 25 L capacity and a grill function. If you regularly need to cook oven-style dishes, check separately whether it has fan-assisted cooking. Also check the manual for the required ventilation space.
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The listed grill function is useful for browning dishes occasionally, but doesn’t confirm that the appliance has fan-assisted cooking. The title specifies a 20 L capacity and 700 W; check the manual for ventilation clearances and the space needed to open the door.
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Consider this if reheating and quick defrosting cover most of your needs. It’s listed as a 23 L solo microwave. If you also expect it to have a grill or cook oven-style dishes, check the modes in its manual, along with the clearances needed for installation.
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For everyday microwave cooking, the title lists 700 W, six pre-set menus, 11 power levels and a defrost function. Before setting aside space for it, check which way round the external dimensions are given and review the ventilation instructions in the manual.
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If you’re considering one appliance for both reheating and cooking oven-style dishes, check the YC-MC422AE-SB manual for its grill and convection modes. Its stated 42 L capacity also means you’ll need to measure the space, door clearance and ventilation clearances.
Not necessarily. To cook oven-style dishes, check that the model really has fan-assisted cooking, then look at its temperature range, usable cavity dimensions and recommended accessories. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from a basic grill and assesses cooking results separately as part of its testing process.
Measure the available width, height and depth, and don’t forget the door clearance and the clearances specified in the manual. For a built-in appliance, compare your cabinet with the required housing dimensions for the model, not just the appliance’s external dimensions.
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model: they vary depending on the appliance and how it’s installed. In all cases, don’t block the ventilation openings, in line with Whirlpool France’s installation advice.
Compare the voltage, frequency, total power and plug type specified for the model with your planned installation. For example, Whirlpool France specifies 230 V, 50 Hz and a Schuko plug for the MCP 345 WH; these specifications don’t automatically apply to another appliance.
No. Choose dishes and accessories to suit the mode you’re using and follow the model’s manual. UFC-Que Choisir notes in particular that metal utensils aren’t suitable for microwave mode. A rack approved for another mode shouldn’t be used indiscriminately.