People with space for just one appliance
You want to reheat, defrost and bake without filling your kitchen with appliances. A combination model can bring these functions together, but how well it works will depend on the dishes you make.
Who are these options for?
People who mainly reheat meals
You often use a microwave to reheat or defrost food, but rarely use a grill or fan oven. A separate model can handle those everyday tasks without assuming you need an integrated oven.
People planning a fitted kitchen
You’re considering a compact built-in appliance. Before choosing a model, compare the available cabinet space with its installation diagram and the instructions in the manual.
What should you look for?
If you bake regularly and already have space for a microwave, keeping two appliances is still an option. If space means you can only have one, start with the food you cook: a combination model with a fan oven won’t suit the same needs as a microwave used mainly for reheating.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Combined functions | Check separately for the microwave, fan oven and grill settings you need for your dishes. | I want to defrost, reheat and cook some dishes in the oven without setting aside space for several appliances. Around 36% of consumers rank combining these functions as their top priority. |
| Space and installation | Compare the appliance dimensions and, for a built-in model, the cabinet space and installation instructions in the manual for that exact model. | My worktop space is limited, or I need to fit an existing cabinet space without choosing an appliance that won’t fit. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Recipes and capacity | Check the usable capacity, the space available for your dishes and the settings needed for baking or browning. | I make gratins or bakes and don’t want to assume how well a dish will cook just because the appliance is described as a ‘combination’ model. For around 21% of consumers, suitability for their recipes comes before other considerations. |
| Settings you’ll actually use | List the tasks you usually use your appliance for before paying extra for additional cooking functions. | I mainly reheat and defrost food, so rarely used oven settings don’t influence my choice. Around 14% of consumers prioritise ease of use. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a grill with a fan oven
A microwave with a grill doesn’t necessarily have the oven setting you need for baking or roasting.
Look for the fan oven or specific oven setting you need in the product details and manual, rather than relying on the term ‘multi-function’.
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Choosing a built-in model based only on its external width
The appliance dimensions aren’t the same as the cabinet space it needs. Ventilation and connections also depend on the instructions for that specific model.
Measure the cabinet space, check the installation diagram and arrange for the installation to be checked if the manual requires it.
If the cabinet space isn’t suitable, you may need to modify the unit or planned installation.
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Choosing a combination model without regularly using its cooking settings
The ADEME-INC review found no consistent advantage for combination ovens over convection ovens in the tests considered. Extra functions alone, then, aren’t enough to determine which option is right for you.
Make a list of the dishes you usually cook. If you mainly reheat and defrost food, also compare a separate microwave with the cooking appliance you already have.
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Taking the door apart because of condensation
Electrolux says that heating food, especially frozen food, can release moisture. It also states that the door should only be removed by an authorised technician.
Follow the manual for cleaning and contact after-sales service if condensation seems unusual or persists. Don’t remove the door yourself.
Brands to consider
Bosch
Bosch offers compact built-in ovens with microwave functions for fitted kitchens.
- Bosch lists the CMG7241B1 with a 45 L cavity and a microwave function.
- Its appliance dimensions of 455 × 594 × 548 mm aren’t enough to confirm it will fit your cabinet space: check the installation diagram.
Electrolux
The compact built-in CombiQuick range combines microwave functions with oven settings.
- Electrolux lists a 44 L cavity and required cabinet dimensions of 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the KVLBE08X.
- These dimensions apply to this model only. Also check the ventilation and connection instructions in its manual.
Panasonic
Panasonic offers both solo microwaves and freestanding combination models.
- The NN-E20JW is listed as a 20 L solo microwave with a defrost function, while the NN-C69K also features a fan oven.
- Compare the settings and capacity of the model you choose with your recipes. Don’t assume one model has the functions of another.
Whirlpool
The brand offers both freestanding and built-in microwaves.
- Whirlpool lists the freestanding MWF259SG with a 25 L cavity, no turntable, and microwave and grill functions.
- Functions vary by model, so check that it has the settings you need before considering it as an oven replacement.
Miele
Miele offers built-in combination microwave ovens designed, among other things, for 45 cm-high cabinet spaces.
- According to Miele, this category combines microwave functions with oven settings.
- Check the programmes and installation requirements for the exact model rather than relying on a general description of the range.
Combination and separate microwaves on Joybuy
These models give you two ways to reduce the number of appliances in your kitchen: combine several functions in one microwave, or choose a separate microwave if reheating and defrosting are your main needs. Check the settings and installation requirements for each model before deciding.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB 3-in-1 combination microwave, 42 L
Worth considering if you want several functions in one appliance. Its stated capacity is 42 L. Check the manual for the settings that suit your recipes, ventilation clearances and connection requirements.
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LG MJ3965ACS combination microwave, 39 L
Consider this 39 L combination model if you want to bring reheating and cooking together in one appliance. Check that it has the settings you need for your dishes, and follow the manual’s instructions for installation, ventilation and connections.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H solo microwave, 25 L, 900 W
Compare this model if reheating and defrosting are your main needs. The product name specifies 25 L and 900 W. If you also plan to cook in the oven, check which settings you need and follow the installation instructions for this model.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in a 20 L appliance. The product name specifies 700 W and six power levels. Check the manual for connection and ventilation clearance requirements.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo microwave, 23 L
Worth considering if you’d prefer a separate microwave for reheating and defrosting. The stated capacity is 23 L. Check how much space you need around the appliance and follow the connection instructions in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
Does a combination oven cook better than a convection oven?
Not as a rule. In its comparison of four combination ovens and ten convection ovens, ADEME-INC found that performance varied according to the dishes, models and brands tested, with no clear, consistent advantage for combination models. Instead, choose according to the settings you need for your recipes.
Can a combination model replace a separate microwave and oven?
It can combine their functions for dishes suited to its settings and capacity, but it won’t necessarily replace every cooking appliance. If your recipes require it, check that the model has a fan oven, then check the internal dimensions and any accessories you’ll need.
What should I check before installing a combination oven in a cabinet?
Compare your cabinet space with the installation diagram for the exact model, then follow the manual’s instructions for ventilation, clearances and connections. For example, Electrolux specifies cabinet dimensions of 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the KVLBE08X. These dimensions don’t apply to other models.
Does condensation after defrosting mean the appliance is faulty?
Not necessarily. Electrolux says that heating food, particularly frozen food, releases moisture. Clean the appliance according to the manual and contact after-sales service if the condensation seems unusual or persists. Don’t remove the door.