For reheating and defrosting in a kitchenette, a standard microwave is enough if you don't plan to cook dishes that need an oven. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill adds browning, while a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking can also cook dishes in much the same way as a traditional oven. Before choosing, consider the recipes you plan to make, the size of your dishes and the installation instructions, then check that everything will fit in the space available.
If you have limited worktop space and mainly need to reheat or defrost food, start by comparing the dimensions of freestanding standard microwaves. Check that your plates fit inside the cavity, too, and that the chosen spot meets the installation instructions.
If you regularly make gratins, pizzas or cakes, distinguish between a basic grill and the fan-assisted cooking function of a combination microwave. UFC-Que Choisir says only the latter offers oven-style cooking; the model still needs to suit your dishes and the space available.
You could consider a built-in appliance if the unit is designed for it. Before buying, make sure the required housing dimensions, ventilation instructions and electrical specifications are compatible with the specific model.
Start with the meals you prepare, then check that the appliance and your dishes will fit in your kitchenette.
| Consideration | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost functions and the usable space for your containers. Compare the turntable diameter with your plates instead of relying on the capacity in litres alone. | I mainly reheat portions or leftovers and defrost food, so a standard model will cover these needs without requiring oven-style cooking functions. |
| Grill or fan-assisted cooking | According to UFC-Que Choisir, a microwave with a grill can brown food, while a combination model adds oven-style cooking functions, including fan-assisted cooking. Check the functions and accessories included with the model you choose. | I’m interested in a grill if I want to brown a dish from time to time. If I regularly make cakes or pizzas without another oven, I should look at a combination model with fan-assisted cooking. |
| Space and installation | Measure the available height, width and, especially, depth, then check the clearances specified in the instructions. For a built-in model, check the housing dimensions and connection instructions. | I need to keep my worktop usable, or make sure my unit will fit the exact model I choose. The stated capacity alone won’t tell me whether installation is possible. |
| Other cooking methods | Compare the dishes each appliance can prepare and how much space it takes up. UFC-Que Choisir says an air fryer can cook, roast and grill, but also describes it as bulky and a little noisy. | If I mainly want to roast food or get a crispy finish, I could consider an air fryer. I’ll still include microwave reheating and defrosting in my comparison. |
| Results for different dishes | Don’t assume cooking results or energy consumption based on the word ‘combination’ alone. In a summary published in 2026, ADEME and INC note that efficiency varies depending on the dishes, models and brands, with no clear advantage over the convection ovens they studied. | I want to choose functions I’ll actually use, without assuming that a multifunction appliance will deliver the same results for every recipe. |
Its oven functions are most useful if you really do prepare dishes that need cooking and browning. ADEME and INC found that the efficiency of the combination models they studied varies depending on the dishes, models and brands.
Make a note of the meals you usually cook: reheating and defrosting, occasional browning or regular oven-style cooking. This will help you choose between a standard microwave, one with a grill or a combination model.
The external depth and the size of the cavity answer two different questions: the appliance needs to fit in its chosen spot, and your dishes need to fit inside it. Bosch and Whirlpool list the FFL020MS2 as 345 mm deep and the MCP349WH as 494 mm deep, respectively.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space. Then check the clearances in the instructions, as well as the usable dimensions for your containers.
A built-in model needs suitable housing and installation. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing measuring 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the KVLBE08X. These dimensions apply to this model only, not to all appliances.
Choose an appliance designed for the type of installation you have in mind, and check the unit, ventilation and power supply against its instructions. Don’t put a freestanding model in a housing unless the manufacturer explicitly says you can.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, an air fryer can cook, roast and grill, but it can also take up a fair amount of space and make some noise. It doesn’t, by itself, offer microwave reheating and defrosting.
If you’re buying mainly to make roast or crispy dishes, compare an air fryer with the cooking functions of a combination microwave. If everyday reheating is still a priority, keep that in mind when weighing up your options.
An extra appliance also takes up some of your worktop space.
These ranges and models are examples to help you compare appliance types; the specifications listed apply to the models mentioned.
Bosch offers freestanding standard microwaves and models with a grill, as well as appliances designed for built-in installation.
The MCP349WH is an example of a freestanding combination microwave with microwave, grill and forced-air cooking functions.
The KVLBE08X is an example of a compact microwave oven designed for built-in installation.
These freestanding models are suited to reheating and defrosting, with a grill on some models for occasional browning. Compare their functions with the recipes you make, and check the installation instructions before choosing.
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A standard model to consider if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food.
The product description lists 700 W, a 20 L capacity, six preset menus and eleven power levels. Check the instructions for the required clearances and make sure you have enough room for your dishes.
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The grill is useful for occasional browning, alongside the microwave’s everyday functions.
The product description lists 700 W and a 20 L capacity. A grill doesn’t mean the model has fan-assisted cooking, so check the dimensions and all the installation clearances in the instructions.
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This model with a grill is worth comparing if you’d also like to brown food from time to time.
The product description lists a 25 L capacity. Check the microwave power on the product listing and rating plate, as well as the ventilation clearances in the instructions; a grill doesn’t mean the model has fan-assisted cooking.
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The grill lets you brown food as well as reheat it.
The product description lists a 25 L capacity and 900 W. Don’t confuse the grill with fan-assisted cooking; check the ventilation space and connection specifications in the instructions.
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A standard model to compare for reheating and defrosting, rather than browning food.
The product description lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W. Before installation, check the size of your dishes and the ventilation clearances specified for this model.
Choose a combination model with fan-assisted cooking if you regularly prepare dishes that need oven-style cooking, such as pizzas or cakes. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a standard model covers reheating and defrosting, while a grill is used for browning. ADEME and INC found that cooking results vary depending on the dishes and models studied.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, then allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s instructions. Also check that your plates and dishes fit inside the cavity: the stated capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how much usable space there is.
Don’t assume that a freestanding model can be built in. Built-in appliances have specific housing dimensions and installation instructions for each model, so choose an appliance designed for your installation and follow its instructions.
Check that the model’s electrical specifications and connection instructions are compatible with the socket and electrical installation available. This is particularly important for a multifunction built-in appliance: for example, Electrolux lists a total electrical power of 3 000 W for the KVLBE08X.