For everyday reheating and defrosting, start with a basic microwave. A model with a grill lets you brown and crisp dishes, but it won’t necessarily replace an oven. If cooking is your main priority, consider a combination microwave with convection or a mini oven. An air fryer is better suited to smaller roasted dishes, while a multicooker is designed for meals cooked in its bowl. If you live in Crous accommodation, check the rules before you buy: according to Les Crous, cooking appliances other than microwaves may be prohibited, except for equipment provided by the accommodation.
In student or temporary accommodation without an oven, a basic microwave is ideal for reheating and defrosting. If you’d also like to brown dishes, check that it has a grill function. UFC-Que Choisir explains the difference between these functions in its microwave guide.
A grill is useful for browning and crisping. For oven-style cooking, look instead at the convection function on a combination microwave or the features of a mini oven. An air fryer is better suited to other roasted or grilled dishes. Compare the types of dishes each appliance can accommodate with the space it takes up.
Check which appliances are allowed before choosing one for its functions. The accommodation rules published by Les Crous state that cooking appliances other than microwaves may be prohibited, except for equipment provided by the accommodation.
Start with the meals you actually prepare, then check what your accommodation allows and how much space the appliance needs.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Look for microwave and defrost functions. Check that your containers are suitable for microwave use too, especially plastic tubs; never use metal. | “I often reheat leftovers or ready meals and defrost food”: a basic microwave is the first option to consider for these tasks. |
| Type of cooking | Know the difference between a grill for browning, convection on a combination microwave or mini oven, hot-air cooking in an air fryer and programmes for cooking in a bowl. For a combination model, check its modes and accessories rather than relying on its name alone. | “I’d like to brown a dish now and then” calls for different functions from “I want to cook oven-style dishes”. For rice, soup or steaming, a multicooker meets a different need. |
| Space and cleaning | Compare the external dimensions, usable cavity or bowl size, and the size of your dishes. Check the accessories and surfaces that need cleaning. | “My worktop space is limited and I might put the appliance away after use”: its footprint and ease of cleaning matter just as much as its stated capacity. |
| Whether it’s allowed | Read your accommodation rules, then check the appliance instructions for information on the surface it should stand on, ventilation and electrical connection. If you live in Crous accommodation, pay particular attention to Les Crous’ rules on cooking appliances and multi-socket adaptors. | “I live in accommodation”: I’ll check that I’m allowed to use the appliance there before making space for it. |
In accommodation covered by Crous rules, a mini oven, air fryer or multicooker may not be allowed, even if it fits in your room.
Read the rules for your accommodation and check exactly where the appliance you’re considering can be used.
UFC-Que Choisir says an air fryer is mainly used for cooking, roasting or grilling. It doesn’t meet everyday needs such as reheating leftovers and defrosting in the same way.
If these are the two tasks you do most often, look at a microwave first. Consider another appliance only if its cooking functions are useful to you and your accommodation allows it.
A grill doesn’t offer the same uses as convection. UFC-Que Choisir tests cooking results and ease of use separately for microwaves and air fryers.
Compare the modes, accessories and usable dimensions. If available, look for test results for the dishes you plan to make.
Les Crous provide guidance on using multi-socket adaptors and appliances plugged in at the same time in student accommodation. The appliance instructions explain the installation precautions specific to that model.
Check this guidance before deciding where to put the appliance, including the space needed for ventilation and the type of surface required.
These examples showcase different functions. The features listed apply to the specific models named, not to every product from each brand.
The NN-CT57RM is an example of a combination microwave for anyone looking to bring several cooking modes together in one appliance.
The Principio OV125330 mini oven is an example of an oven-style cooking option without a microwave function.
The Pop cooker is better suited to meals prepared in a bowl than to dry, oven-style cooking.
These models offer a microwave option for reheating and defrosting without a conventional oven. Two also have a grill if you’d like to brown dishes. For convection cooking or meals prepared in a bowl, look at the functions of a different type of appliance.
Image unavailable
For reheating and defrosting without the need for a grill function. The model name specifies Quick Defrost, a 23 L capacity and an LED display. Check the ventilation clearances in the instructions before choosing where to put it.
Image unavailable
An option for reheating and defrosting, with settings listed in the product name: six preset menus and 11 power levels. Check the plug type, electrical compatibility with your accommodation and the clearances specified in the instructions.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to keep microwave reheating while also browning dishes occasionally. A grill alone doesn’t mean the appliance has a convection cooking function; check the instructions for clearances and operating modes.
Image unavailable
The grill adds the option of browning dishes alongside reheating and defrosting. If you need convection cooking, check the exact modes rather than assuming it works like a mini oven. Check the instructions and electrical connection before buying too.
Image unavailable
A solo microwave to consider if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning dishes. Measure the space you have available, then check the appliance dimensions and required clearances in the instructions.
Check the rules for your accommodation before buying one. The rules published by Les Crous state that cooking appliances other than microwaves may be prohibited, except for equipment provided by the accommodation. They also provide guidance on multi-socket adaptors and appliances plugged in at the same time.
Not if you mainly want to reheat leftovers and defrost food. UFC-Que Choisir describes an air fryer as an appliance that can cook, roast or grill. Choose one for these uses rather than assuming it offers the same functions as a microwave.
A combination microwave with convection can handle some oven-style cooking, but the results depend on the model and the dish you’re preparing. In its microwave testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir assesses the grill, convection and other modes separately. Check the functions, accessories and usable dimensions of the appliance you’re considering.
Use containers labelled as microwave-safe and follow the appliance instructions. Avoid metal containers and utensils. For a plastic tub, check that it’s specifically suitable for microwave use rather than assuming it is.
No. The Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) explains that the CE marking is not a certification mark. Check your accommodation rules, the appliance instructions, its electrical connection and its installation requirements separately.