If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in a kitchenette, choose a solo microwave. If you’d also like to brown dishes from time to time, consider a grill model. A combination microwave is worth considering if you’ll use it for some oven-style cooking, provided its settings, cavity and required clearances suit your space and cookware. It won’t automatically replace a conventional oven for every use.
If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, a solo model may be all you need. Before choosing a freestanding appliance, check that there’s room for it on your worktop and allow for the clearances specified in its manual.
A combination microwave is worth considering if you also plan to do some oven-style cooking. Compare its actual cooking modes, cavity size and the dishes you use: the word ‘combination’ alone doesn’t guarantee it will be suitable.
If reheating is still your main use, a grill microwave gives you the option to brown food without assuming you need a fan-assisted cooking function.
Choose this: for reheating and defrosting if you already have another appliance for oven cooking.
Limitation: without a grill element, it won’t brown dishes.
Choose this: if you want the option to brown food as well as reheat and defrost it.
Limitation: a grill on its own isn’t the same as fan-assisted cooking.
Choose this: if you’ll genuinely use its oven-style cooking modes as well as the microwave.
Limitation: according to UFC-Que Choisir, combination microwaves cost more. Also check that the model and your cookware will fit in your kitchenette.
| Consideration | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Compare the appliance’s external dimensions with the space you’ve set aside. For a freestanding model, keep the vents clear and check the manual for the required clearances, as recommended by Whirlpool France. | I want to be able to position the appliance without blocking its ventilation or losing the space I need to prepare meals. |
| Room for your cookware | Check the cavity’s internal dimensions and turntable diameter against your plates and dishes. The stated capacity in litres doesn’t tell you on its own how much usable space there is. | My usual dishes need to fit inside and be suitable for use according to the appliance’s manual. |
| Cooking modes | Check the modes listed for the exact model: microwave, grill and, if needed, fan-assisted or convection cooking. UFC-Que Choisir assesses several cooking modes separately in its testing procedure. | If I only want to reheat food, my needs are different from someone who also wants to brown dishes or do some oven cooking. |
| Containers | Make sure your containers are suitable for the mode you’re using. Don’t use metal utensils in microwave mode. For food packaging designed for microwave use, follow the power and time instructions, in line with Anses recommendations. | I sometimes reheat food in its packaging and want to know whether I can use it as it is, without exceeding the preparation instructions. |
The stated capacity isn’t enough to tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or whether your dishes will fit inside the cavity.
Measure the space and your cookware, then compare the external dimensions, cavity, turntable and clearances specified in the manual.
Having a particular cooking mode doesn’t guarantee the result you want for every dish. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing procedure assesses fan-assisted cooking, preheating and temperature control separately, among other things.
Check the cooking modes, the size of dishes it can accommodate and, where available, test results for the exact model.
Blocking the ventilation openings during installation can cause the appliance to overheat. Whirlpool France recommends placing it on a flat surface and keeping the vents clear.
Allow for the clearances required in the manual when choosing a location. Don’t assume the appliance’s overall dimensions are all the space you need.
For a purchase in France by an individual from a business, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory, according to economie.gouv.fr. An extended warranty is separate; the DGCCRF warns that information about some commercial warranties and insurance policies can be unclear.
Before taking out an extended warranty, read about its duration, exclusions and claims process, and don’t confuse it with your statutory rights.
These brand references can help you identify features to look into; they don’t indicate which functions every model offers.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a freestanding microwave, particularly one with a grill or combination functions.
Its French product listings for freestanding microwaves let you check dimensions before setting aside space in your kitchenette.
A brand to consider when comparing solo and combination models, while checking the dimensions of each one separately.
These models cover solo and grill use. Compare them if reheating and defrosting are your priorities, with the added option of browning food on the grill model.
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Worth comparing if you’d like to brown food from time to time as well as reheat it. The stated capacity is 20 L; check that there’s room for your dishes and allow for the clearances specified in the manual.
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For reheating and defrosting, with no grill function listed. The model name indicates six pre-set programmes and 11 power levels. Also check the cavity and ventilation requirements for your chosen location.
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For reheating and defrosting when you don’t need to brown food. The stated capacity is 23 L; check the usable dimensions for your dishes and the space required for installation.
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A solo model to consider for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen. Check that it fits on your worktop, and compare its cavity and the clearances in the manual with your setup.
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For reheating and defrosting with a solo model. The product name lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer; check that the cavity and installation space suit your dishes and the instructions in the manual.
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model has the necessary modes, but it won’t automatically replace a conventional oven for every dish. Check whether it offers fan-assisted or convection cooking, along with the cavity dimensions, accessories and any test results available for the exact model.
Keep the ventilation openings clear and follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the exact model. Whirlpool France also recommends placing the appliance on a flat surface, so its external dimensions alone don’t tell you how much space to allow.
Yes, if it’s microwave-safe and you follow the instructions. Anses recommends following the stated power and cooking time for food packaging designed for microwave use. Overheating can increase the transfer of substances from the packaging into the food.
Don’t use metal containers or utensils in microwave mode. If the appliance has a rack intended for another mode, follow the manual’s instructions for using that accessory and mode only.
No. In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual, according to economie.gouv.fr; an extended warranty is separate. Check its exclusions and terms before taking it out, without giving up your statutory rights.