If you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, start by comparing standard microwaves. A grill model lets you brown some dishes, while a combination microwave can handle some types of cooking usually done in an oven, according to Que Choisir. If you’re more likely to prepare portions for roasting or cook dishes in a pot, consider an air fryer or multicooker respectively. Before choosing, check the model’s functions, how much space it will really take up and the installation guidance in its manual.
Check what’s already available before adding another appliance. Étudiant.gouv describes everything from rooms with a microwave and shared kitchen to studio flats with a kitchenette: the space and facilities vary.
If you mainly need to reheat leftovers and defrost food, a microwave will do the job. If you also want to brown dishes or cook food in the way you would in an oven, compare the functions of grill and combination models, as distinguished by Que Choisir.
If you make rice or dishes with sauces, a programmable multicooker is worth considering: Que Choisir describes programmes suited to these types of food. Bear in mind that this means cooking in a pot rather than aiming for an oven-cooked result.
Start with the meals you actually make, then check that the appliance and the space it needs for ventilation will fit where you plan to put it.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Que Choisir distinguishes between a standard microwave for reheating and defrosting, a grill for browning and a combination model for some types of oven cooking. For an air fryer or multicooker, check the model’s programmes and what they can cook. | Do I mainly reheat meals, or do I also want to brown, roast or cook dishes with sauces? The same appliance may not suit all these uses. |
| Available space | Measure the space, then compare the appliance’s external dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual. Also check that there’s room to open the door, basket or lid. | My worktop space is limited, and I want to be able to use the appliance without blocking its ventilation. |
| Portions | Compare the size of the cavity, basket or pot with your usual dishes and portions. For a multicooker, follow the filling limits given for each recipe. | I usually cook for one or two people. The stated capacity alone won’t tell me whether my dishes will fit or whether the appliance will fit in my space. |
| Cookware | Check the manual to see which containers are suitable for each cooking mode, especially if the microwave also has a grill. | I’d like to reuse my usual dishes, but I need to check that they’re suitable for the mode I choose. |
| Existing facilities | Take stock of the kitchenette and any appliances available in your accommodation. Étudiant.gouv describes different setups for different types of university accommodation. | If I already have access to a microwave, another appliance is only worth the space if it serves a different purpose. |
A larger pot or basket also takes up more space, and how much you can cook depends on the dish and the filling instructions.
Compare your portion sizes, the appliance’s external dimensions and the space needed to open it.
Que Choisir describes reheating and defrosting as uses for a microwave. Check the functions of the air fryer model you’re considering separately.
Make a note of the meals you’ll prepare most often. If defrosting is essential, specifically check that function before choosing an air fryer on its own.
Whirlpool France says that a microwave’s ventilation grilles must be kept clear and that nothing should be placed on top of it.
Measure the space and follow the clearance requirements in the manual for your chosen model rather than simply squeezing it into a recess.
These examples illustrate the types of appliance you could compare; they don’t represent every range from each brand.
A model to consider if you’re looking at a freestanding combination microwave: Samsung France support lists the MC28H5013AK as a 28 L model.
A brand to consider when comparing microwaves for a small space.
The Cookeo Mini is worth considering if you want to cook meals in a pot rather than rely on an oven.
The EAF3B is one model to consider if you’re looking at a countertop air fryer.
These options offer two ways to cook in a studio flat without an oven: grill microwaves for reheating, defrosting and browning some dishes, and an air fryer to consider for portions cooked in a basket.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with a grill for browning some dishes. It has a stated capacity of 20 L; check the space needed for installation and which containers are suitable for each mode.
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This 23 L model is listed with microwave, defrost and grill functions. If you also want to brown dishes, check which containers are suitable for the grill and the installation clearances in the manual.
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This 25 L model is listed with defrost and grill functions as well as microwave cooking. Compare its dimensions with your worktop space and consult the manual for ventilation and compatible containers.
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This 25 L model is listed with microwave, grill and defrost functions. If the microwave mode’s power output matters to you, check it separately; consult the manual for installation guidance too.
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Compare its 2 L basket with the portions you prepare day to day. If you need to defrost food, check that this model can do so before choosing it as your only appliance; also check its dimensions and ventilation clearances.
Yes, if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, with a few quick-cooking tasks. Que Choisir distinguishes grill and combination models for when you also want to brown dishes or cook some foods in the way you would in an oven.
Not for every use, unless you check the model first. If you rely on defrosting or often reheat meals, make sure to check these functions before choosing an air fryer as your only appliance.
No. Whirlpool France advises against placing anything on top of a microwave and says its ventilation grilles must not be blocked. The manual for your model sets out the clearances required for installation.
Choose containers approved in the manual for the mode you’re using: a dish that’s suitable for microwave cooking may not be suitable for the grill. Check the guidance on metal and plastic in particular before cooking.