For everyday reheating and defrosting, a basic microwave is still the most straightforward choice; a grill model is suitable if you also want to brown dishes occasionally. A combination model makes sense when the same appliance needs to provide oven-style cooking, while an air fryer or mini oven is better suited to small roasted or crispy portions. Above all, measure the available space, ventilation clearances and the functions you will actually use.
You mainly want to reheat, defrost and prepare simple portions in a limited space, without paying for functions that duplicate equipment you already have. UFC-Que Choisir explicitly mentions student accommodation among the contexts in which a microwave can be used.
You need a practical appliance for everyday meals, but must balance quick reheating, occasional cooking and available storage space. UFC-Que Choisir also lists second homes among the uses for a microwave.
Before buying anything, check the inventory and the condition of the appliances provided. In France, ANIL states that a furnished property must include, among other things, cooking hobs and an oven or microwave oven.
Start by separating essential everyday functions from occasional cooking needs, then check that the appliance will genuinely fit on your worktop.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare defrosting modes, suitable programmes and evenness of reheating in independent tests. The stated power rating alone is not enough to judge the result. | I want to deal quickly with leftovers, ready meals or frozen food without taking out several appliances. |
| Actual footprint | Measure the width, depth, height, door opening and ventilation clearances. Also check the weight and the usable dish size, not just the capacity in litres. | My worktop space is limited: a multifunction appliance only helps if it genuinely replaces a function that is otherwise unavailable. |
| Cooking texture | A grill is used for browning; fan-assisted heat aims to provide oven-style cooking; hot air is suitable for roasting small portions. Compare these functions separately. | I want a golden or crispy finish for gratins, pizzas or small portions, not just quick reheating. |
| Convenience and safety | For an air fryer, look for a noise measurement from an independent test. Also check how easy the accessories are to clean and the stated guidance on microwave-safe containers. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I want an appliance that is easy to maintain and compatible with my everyday surroundings. |
A multifunction appliance is worthwhile only if you use its additional modes regularly. UFC-Que Choisir states that combination microwaves are more expensive than basic models and that an air fryer may duplicate the functions of an oven.
List the meals you prepare over a week: if you almost always reheat and defrost, a basic microwave may be enough. Add a grill, convection or hot-air function for recipes you make regularly.
Functions you rarely use can take up valuable worktop space for no real benefit.
An appliance may appear compact because of its internal capacity while still being deep or heavy. The Panasonic NN-C69K, for example, is listed as having a 30 L capacity, measuring 520 mm wide and 520 mm deep, and weighing 22.2 kg.
Before ordering, measure the width, depth, height, clearance required for ventilation according to the manual, door opening and the position of the socket.
Ventilation is needed for convection. UFC-Que Choisir highlights that noise can matter in an open-plan kitchen or small space, and measures it at 0.50 m in its testing procedure.
Look for a noise measurement in an independent test rather than relying on a short in-store demonstration.
DGCCRF specifies that films and bags without clear microwave-use labelling must not be used in a microwave.
Use glass, ceramic or containers explicitly labelled as microwave-safe, remove any metal elements and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Incorrect use can damage the containers or the appliance.
A useful reference for freestanding microwaves, with grill and combination models sold in France.
A good option if you are looking for a combination microwave that brings together microwave, grill, fan-assisted oven and sometimes air-fryer functions.
A useful reference for a compact mini oven when oven-style cooking matters more than microwave reheating.
A useful reference for compact air fryers designed for small portions and hot-air cooking.
These Joybuy options mainly cover basic microwaves and grill microwaves for a kitchenette where reheating and defrosting remain the priorities.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasional browning without adding a second appliance.
25 L, 1,000 W, 29.2 cm turntable and stated dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm. Check the plug, earthing and ventilation clearances; a grill does not confirm oven-equivalent cooking with fan-assisted heat.
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A choice for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a freestanding appliance.
25 L, 1,000 W, 950 W grill, programmes with weight control and stated dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm. Check the voltage, plug, earthing, ventilation and noise level for your installation.
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Suitable for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a 20 L format.
700 W microwave power, 800 W grill, nine power levels, 245 mm turntable and stated dimensions of 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm. Allow at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear.
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Combines reheating, defrosting and grilling in one freestanding appliance.
25 L, 900 W, 1,150 W quartz grill, eight programmes and a 28.8 cm turntable. Its stated dimensions of 53.6 × 43.6 × 33 cm and weight of 12.2 kg require a sufficiently deep worktop; allow 10 cm at the sides and 20 cm above.
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An option focused on reheating and defrosting for a studio flat, dormitory or small household.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute timer and stated dimensions of 44.6 × 36.3 × 24.3 cm. No grill or hot-air function is listed; check the ventilation clearances and the size of your dishes.
Not necessarily. ANIL states that a furnished property must include, among other things, cooking hobs and an oven or microwave oven. Check the inventory attached to the tenancy agreement and make sure the equipment works before buying your own appliance.
No. Check the labelling and usage symbols. DGCCRF states that cling film and bags without clear microwave-use labelling must not be used in a microwave.
No. In a UFC-Que Choisir test involving a small quiche, air fryers used an average of 36% less electricity than a 19 L mini oven, but this result does not automatically apply to every recipe or model. Compare the recipe, quantity and cooking time.
Do not put it in your household rubbish. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition distinguishes between “1 for 1” take-back when buying an appliance of the same type and “1 for 0” take-back without a purchase at participating shops with at least 400 m² of sales space dedicated to this category.
No. For air fryers, UFC-Que Choisir measures noise at 0.50 m and checks electrical and thermal safety as part of its testing procedure. An independent test provides a more useful basis for comparison than isolated impressions.