If you mainly reheat and defrost food, start by looking at solo microwaves; a grill is useful if you also want to brown food occasionally. For regular oven-style cooking, look for a microwave combi with convection or a compact oven with this mode, depending on whether you need a microwave function. In every case, check how much clearance the appliance needs and which modes are suitable for your dishes and accessories.
A convection combi can bring together oven-style cooking and a microwave function. If you don’t need a microwave, look instead at the cooking modes offered by a compact oven : a grill alone doesn’t guarantee convection.
A solo microwave is well suited to these everyday tasks. Consider a model with a grill if you’d also like to brown certain dishes, but don’t expect it to provide hot-air cooking.
Compare the appliance’s external dimensions with the space available, allowing for the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. Also consider whether the door can open fully and whether the socket is accessible.
First decide which type of cooking you’ll actually use, then check that the appliance and its installation requirements suit your kitchen.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Oven-style cooking | Whether it has a convection mode, its temperature range and the size of dishes it can accommodate. | If I want to cook dishes regularly rather than just reheat them, controlled-temperature cooking comes first ; around 31 % of consumers concerned would prioritise this need. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Available modes and the interior space for the containers you usually use. | If I mainly need to reheat or defrost meals, I’d choose an appliance to suit this everyday use. This would be the priority for around 25 % of consumers concerned. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill, the modes available with it and the accessories permitted. | If I want to brown or grill food from time to time without making oven-style cooking my main use, I’d look for a grill first ; around 19 % of consumers concerned would prioritise browning. |
| Space and installation | External dimensions, required clearances and electrical connection specifications. | With limited worktop space, I first need to know whether the appliance can be installed in line with its manual. Its position would be the main criterion for around 25 % of consumers concerned. |
The capacity in litres won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit in the space you have, whether its door can open or whether air will circulate as required by the manual.
Measure your worktop, then allow for the clearances required for that model as well as its external dimensions before deciding where to put it.
A microwave with a grill can brown or grill food ; that doesn’t mean it can cook with hot air at a controlled temperature.
If you plan to cook regularly as you would in an oven, check specifically for a convection mode, its temperature range and the accessories permitted.
In its study of built-in ovens, the French National Consumer Institute and ADEME found no consistent, significant energy saving from combi models compared with convection ovens. This finding doesn’t allow us to draw conclusions about all freestanding compact appliances.
Choose the functions that suit your dishes first, rather than assuming an appliance is more energy-efficient simply because of its category.
A replaced appliance takes up space until you’ve arranged for it to be collected or dropped off.
If you’re replacing an electrical appliance, check the retailer’s take-back arrangements before completing your order.
These ranges offer different functions : compare the features of the specific model rather than choosing on brand name alone.
The range includes solo microwaves and combi models, depending on whether you want hot-air cooking alongside reheating and defrosting.
The freestanding EMZ421MMK microwave combines reheating with a grill for occasional browning.
The OPTIMO 19 L OX441110 is an example of a freestanding compact oven designed for cooking rather than microwave reheating.
Samsung’s buying guide distinguishes between solo microwaves, models with a grill and convection models, depending on what you need.
These models are primarily suited to reheating and defrosting in a kitchen without a conventional oven. The Beko also has a grill for occasional browning ; if hot-air cooking is your priority, check separately for a convection mode.
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Worth considering if you reheat and defrost food every day and want a grill for occasional browning. The model name indicates a capacity of 20 L and microwave power of 700 W. For hot-air cooking, check for a convection mode ; also consult the manual for all required clearances.
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This solo model is designed mainly for reheating and defrosting, and is listed with a capacity of 23 L. If you’d also like to brown food or cook with hot air, check the model’s functions before choosing. Compare the clearances in its manual with the space you have available.
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For reheating and defrosting with several settings, this model is listed at 700 W, with 11 power levels and a capacity of 20 L. Check its dimensions, required clearances and connection details before setting aside space for it on your worktop ; also check separately for any grill or convection function you need.
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This solo microwave is designed for reheating and defrosting. Its name indicates 700 W, six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual for the required ventilation space and electrical connection ; if browning or hot-air cooking matters to you, check for the relevant modes before buying.
A microwave with a grill can be suitable for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning, but its grill doesn’t guarantee hot-air cooking. If you regularly prepare dishes that need this type of cooking, look for a combi or compact oven that explicitly lists a convection function.
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose. As a general guide, Samsung recommends at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above a microwave ; these distances don’t replace the instructions for your specific appliance.
Yes : compare the voltage, power and current specified for the model with those of the socket you plan to use, and check that the cable will reach it. For example, Electrolux lists 230 V, 10 A and a 1 m cable for the EMZ421MMK ; these figures don’t apply to other appliances.
Only use a metal dish or accessory if the manual explicitly allows it for the mode you’ve selected. Instructions may vary between microwave, grill and convection modes : check the mode before using a rack or dish.