Who is this guide for?

Studio flat dwellers who mainly reheat meals

If you reheat plates and defrost portions, a freestanding model may suit your needs. Before choosing one, check its dimensions and turntable against the space available and the dishes you use.

People who also want to brown food

If you regularly make gratins or toast that needs browning, check that the microwave has a grill. Bear in mind, though, that a grill doesn’t provide the fan-assisted cooking of a combi model.

People with a fitted kitchen

If you want to keep your worktop clear, a built-in model is worth considering, provided the housing unit, power supply and installation conditions are compatible with your chosen model.

What should you check before buying?

In a small kitchen, first check the space available and the size of your dishes, then choose the features to suit the way you cook. For a built-in model, also check the housing dimensions and installation instructions before ordering.

What to consider What to check Who is it for?
Space and containers Measure the space, how far the door opens and the largest dish you usually use. Compare these with the dimensions of the appliance, cavity and turntable. In a kitchenette, I want to be able to open the door and reheat my plates without moving the appliance. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this fit between available space and their containers.
Everyday use Check the power settings, defrost function and how easy the controls are to read. For packaged food, follow the reheating instructions on the packaging. For leftovers and frozen portions, I prefer settings that are easy to use every day. Simple reheating and defrosting come first for around 29% of consumers.
Extra cooking options Know the difference between a grill, which is useful for browning, and a combi model with fan-assisted cooking. Also check how much space the appliance will take up. If I often brown food or finish cooking certain dishes, these extra modes matter more than the microwave function alone. They’re a priority for around 21% of consumers.
Built-in installation Compare the housing unit dimensions with those required for the model, and check the instructions for ventilation and connection requirements. In a fitted kitchen, I want to free up worktop space without choosing an appliance that won’t fit my cabinetry. Around 14% of consumers make this integration their top priority.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Relying on capacity without measuring your dishes

    Two microwaves with similar capacities can have different turntable diameters. Panasonic lists a 255 mm turntable for the 20 L NN-E20JW, while Samsung gives a diameter of 28.8 cm for the 23 L MS23T5018AK.

    Measure your usual plate or dish and check that it will fit and, if the model has a turntable, rotate freely. Also check the available depth and how far the door opens.

  • Choosing a combi model just to reheat food

    The grill and fan-assisted cooking offer more than reheating alone. The Whirlpool MCP349WH combi microwave, for example, measures 52 × 49.4 × 30.1 cm, so make sure you have room for it before prioritising its extra features.

    Stick with a solo model if you mainly reheat and defrost. Consider a grill if you regularly brown food, or a combi model if you’ll genuinely use its extra cooking functions.

  • Assuming a built-in model is always small

    A built-in model frees up worktop space, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance itself is smaller. Whirlpool, for example, lists the WMW47HMBF as having a 40 L capacity and measuring 59.5 × 56 × 45.5 cm.

    Check the housing dimensions and ventilation requirements for the exact model, rather than relying on the visible width of its front panel.

    Depending on your cabinetry, installation may also require modifications or a professional installation service.

  • Ignoring the instructions on food packaging

    ANSES warns that heating food at too high a power setting or for too long can increase the transfer of substances from some packaging into food.

    Follow the power and timing instructions on packaging that’s suitable for microwave use. If the packaging isn’t suitable, use a microwave-safe container.

Brands to consider

Panasonic

The NN-E20JW and NN-K10JW let you compare two 20 L models: one solo, the other with a grill.

  • Panasonic lists their dimensions and turntable diameters, which are useful for checking that they’ll fit your space and dishes.
  • The NN-E20JW doesn’t have a grill, while the grill on the NN-K10JW doesn’t give it the fan-assisted cooking of a combi model.

Whirlpool

The models featured here cover different configurations: a freestanding combi microwave, a model without a turntable and a built-in microwave.

  • The MCP349WH combines microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking in a cavity with a stated capacity of 25 L.
  • Its dimensions of 52 × 49.4 × 30.1 cm mean it needs plenty of space; the built-in WMW47HMBF, with a stated capacity of 40 L, is also a sizeable appliance.

Samsung

The MS23T5018AK is a 23 L solo model worth considering if the turntable diameter matters for the plates you use.

  • Samsung lists a 28.8 cm turntable and a Quick Defrost function for this model.
  • This solo model won’t meet your needs if you want a grill or fan-assisted cooking.

Electrolux

The brand’s built-in models are worth considering if your kitchen has a suitable housing unit.

  • Electrolux specifies a housing unit measuring 380 × 560 × 550 mm for the Y4SM25TBK, so you can check the fit before buying.
  • These dimensions won’t suit every housing unit or every model. Installation must follow the instructions for the model you choose.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will a 20 L microwave always fit large plates?

No. Capacity in litres alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for a plate. Panasonic lists a 255 mm turntable for the 20 L NN-E20JW. Measure your dish and check that it can turn without touching the sides.

Can you replace a freestanding microwave with a built-in model?

Yes, provided your kitchen has a housing unit that’s compatible with the model and you can follow its installation instructions. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing unit measuring 380 × 560 × 550 mm for the Y4SM25TBK. Also check the ventilation requirements in the instructions.

Can you microwave a ready-meal tray or plastic container?

Only use them if they’re labelled as suitable for microwave use, and follow the instructions on the packaging. ANSES recommends following the stated power and timing instructions. If the tray isn’t suitable for reheating, transfer the food to a microwave-safe container.

What warranty applies to a microwave bought from a professional seller in France?

According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a consumer, whether new, second-hand or refurbished. Keep the microwave’s description and your proof of purchase in case you need to report a lack of conformity to the seller.