For reheating everyday meals
If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, a solo model may be all you need. For other types of cooking, consider the hob or shared kitchen facilities you actually have access to.
Who are these options for?
For cooking without an oven
If you want to brown food and prepare some fan-assisted recipes in the same appliance, consider a combination microwave. Measure the space first and check that it has the functions your recipes need.
In Crous accommodation or a furnished home
Start by checking the inventory: Étudiant.gouv says some university rooms already come with a microwave. The national Crous guide permits microwaves, but you’ll also need to follow your accommodation’s rules.
What should you check before choosing?
Think about the types of cooking you’ll actually do, then check that your chosen model fits the available space and your accommodation’s requirements.
| Consideration | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost controls, capacity and turntable size against the dishes you use. A solo microwave provides microwave functions only, with no grill or fan-assisted cooking. | I mainly reheat portions and don’t need to brown my food. |
| Browning and grilling | Check that the specific model has a grill. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this feature from fan-assisted cooking: a microwave with a grill alone won’t cook recipes that require oven-style heat. | I only need to grill a few dishes; I don’t plan to use the appliance as an oven. |
| Oven-style cooking | For a combination model, check that it has fan-assisted cooking, and confirm the temperature range, capacity and accessories suit your recipes. UFC-Que Choisir says combination models add a grill and fan-assisted cooking, but doesn’t say they replace a separate oven for every use. | I don’t have an oven I can use day to day, and I’d also like to prepare recipes that need fan-assisted cooking. |
| Space and accommodation | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the installation clearances required for the model. Check the inventory and your accommodation’s rules before plugging in a personal appliance. | I want to avoid buying something that’s already provided and keep enough space on my worktop. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Buying before checking the inventory
For furnished accommodation that serves as a tenant’s main residence, French regulations on the minimum furniture required specify an oven or microwave oven. Étudiant.gouv also describes university rooms that already have a microwave; this doesn’t mean your own accommodation will be equipped in the same way.
Check the inventory, the condition of any supplied appliance and the available space before ordering your own.
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Mistaking a grill model for a fan-assisted combination microwave
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the grill is for browning food, while a combination model also offers fan-assisted cooking. A grill-only model may not be suitable for the recipes you need an oven for.
Make a note of a few recipes you plan to cook, and explicitly check for fan-assisted cooking if they require it.
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Ignoring your accommodation’s rules
The national Crous guide permits microwaves, but says not to use multi-way adaptors and to limit the number of electrical appliances plugged in at the same time. It also restricts other cooking appliances.
Read the rules provided by your accommodation and make sure your appliance is set up in line with them.
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Measuring the width only
A combination microwave still needs to fit on your worktop: Panasonic lists the NN-CD58RS as measuring 520 × 391 × 310 mm externally.
Measure the available depth and height as well, then check the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
A few brand examples
These examples show different configurations to compare; they don’t represent every model from each brand.
Whirlpool
The French range includes solo and grill models that are useful for comparing these two types of use.
- Whirlpool France describes the MWP201SB as a 20 L, 700 W solo model, and the MWP203SB as a 20 L model with a 1,000 W grill.
- These specifications apply to these specific models; check the features of any other model you’re considering.
Panasonic
The NN-CD58RS is worth considering if you’re looking for a combination model for some oven-style cooking.
- Panasonic France lists an adjustable convection temperature of 30 to 220 °C and external dimensions of 520 × 391 × 310 mm for this model.
- Before buying, check that these dimensions fit your space and meet the installation requirements.
Samsung
The MC32DG7646CKE1 is an example of a combination microwave offering several cooking modes in one appliance.
- Samsung France lists microwave, grill, oven and steam functions for this 32 L model.
- For the connected features advertised by Samsung, check the connection and account requirements, and whether they’re available in your country.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models cover a range of needs, from reheating and grilling to some fan-assisted cooking with a combination microwave. Start by choosing the functions you need, then check the dimensions of your preferred model.
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COMFEE CMO‑MP012OC(BK), 19 L, 700 W
For everyday reheating and defrosting. The model name indicates five power levels, a 30-minute timer and a 245 mm turntable.
If you want to grill or use fan-assisted cooking, confirm that these modes are available on the product page. Also measure the space and check the installation clearances.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if you reheat meals and would also like to grill food from time to time. The product name confirms that it has a grill.
If your recipes need fan-assisted cooking, check separately that this mode is available. Measure the space and check the ventilation clearances.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo, 23 L
This solo model has quick defrosting and is a good fit if you’re looking for microwave functions rather than grilling or fan-assisted cooking.
Compare its capacity with the dishes you usually use, then check its external dimensions and installation clearances.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L, 800 W
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting, with the option to grill from time to time. Check the cooking modes offered by this specific model before choosing it.
For oven-style recipes, check specifically for fan-assisted cooking. Also check the dimensions and installation clearances.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB combination microwave, 42 L
This combination microwave is worth considering if you want several cooking modes in one appliance and don’t have an oven you can use day to day. Check that its functions and accessories suit the recipes you plan to make.
At 42 L, it’s especially important to measure your available space. Also check the clearances and connection requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Does furnished accommodation have to include an oven or microwave?
Yes, if the furnished accommodation falls under the French decree setting out the minimum furniture required for a main residence: it specifies an ‘oven or microwave oven’. Check the inventory and the condition of the appliances provided. This rule doesn’t, by itself, apply to every university residence or short-term rental agreement.
Can I use my own microwave in Crous accommodation?
The national Crous guide says that microwaves are permitted. It also says not to use multi-way adaptors and to limit the number of appliances plugged in at the same time. Check your accommodation’s rules for any conditions of use.
Does a combination microwave completely replace an oven?
Don’t assume it will replace an oven for every recipe. UFC-Que Choisir says a combination model adds a grill and fan-assisted cooking to its microwave functions. Then compare the model’s capacity, temperature range and accessories with the dishes you want to make.
What legal guarantee applies to a new microwave bought in France?
The Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) says the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new goods for two years. You claim under it from the professional seller; it’s separate from an optional commercial extended warranty.