Primarily for everyday reheating
In a studio flat, a holiday home or a small kitchen, you mainly want to reheat portions and defrost food. UFC-Que Choisir identifies these uses as reasons to choose a microwave.
Who are these appliances for?
A small kitchen without a practical oven
You’d also like to brown food or prepare certain oven-style dishes using a single appliance. In that case, a grill or convection function matters more than the microwave function alone.
Small portions you can brown
You prefer roasted, grilled or crispy food. An air fryer or mini oven is worth considering if reheating and defrosting in a microwave aren’t central to your meals.
What should you look for?
First, decide which cooking method you need most often, then check that the features you want will fit the space actually available on your worktop.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost setting and the microwave’s external dimensions. | If meals are often already prepared or frozen, I want to be able to reheat and defrost them before considering other cooking methods; around 36% of consumers put this need first. |
| Cooking without a traditional oven | If your dishes require it, look specifically for a convection function; a grill alone doesn’t do the same job. | Without a practical traditional oven, I’d also like to make pizzas, cakes or gratins; versatile cooking is the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Browning small portions | Compare the cooking method and the size of the basket or cavity with the dishes you prepare. | If I mainly cook small roasted or crispy portions, cooking them matters more than microwave reheating; around 21% of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Keeping clutter to a minimum | Measure the appliance, how far its door or drawer opens, and the clearances specified in the manual. | With limited worktop space, I prefer an appliance that’s easy to install, with controls suited to the way I use it; for around 14% of consumers, simplicity and the space it takes up matter more than extra features. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Confusing a grill with convection
A grill can brown or crisp the top of a dish, but its presence doesn’t mean the microwave offers the same cooking modes as a combination model.
For dishes that need oven-style cooking, look for “convection” in the model’s list of functions.
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Comparing capacity in litres alone
The internal capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit in your chosen spot, including with its door open and enough space for ventilation.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then check the clearances specified in the model’s manual.
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Ignoring the instructions on packaged food
France’s Anses says that heating food for too long or at too high a power setting can increase the transfer of substances from some packaging into food.
For food intended for microwave use, follow the time and power instructions on the packaging. Don’t assume every tray is suitable.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers a range of freestanding microwaves, including models with a grill and combination models.
- The choice of configurations makes it easier to find cooking modes that suit your meals.
- Check the dimensions and features of the specific model before setting aside space for it on your worktop.
Electrolux
The freestanding range includes microwaves with a grill, combining reheating with browning.
- Electrolux’s product details for the EMZ421MMK list microwave, grill and microwave-with-grill modes.
- Don’t assume other versions have the same features as this model; check their installation manuals too.
Severin
Severin offers combination microwaves as well as mini ovens: two different options for cooking in a compact space.
- The MW 7774 product details list microwave, grill and convection functions, which can be used separately or together.
- For a mini oven or combination model, check the external depth and the exact cooking modes rather than relying on the stated capacity alone.
Philips
Philips offers air fryers designed to cook food by circulating hot air.
- Philips lists a 4.2 L capacity and several cooking modes for the NA120/00.
- If you also plan to reheat or defrost meals in it, check the shape of the basket and the features of the model you choose.
Moulinex
Moulinex offers mini ovens, including the Optimo 19 L, for meals that need oven-style cooking.
- The Optimo 19 L product details describe a convection mini oven with several cooking modes.
- Check the dimensions, installation requirements and features of the model you’re considering.
Microwaves available from Joybuy
These basic and grill models suit anyone who prioritises reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown food in appliances fitted with a grill. If convection cooking is your main priority, compare combination models and mini ovens separately.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L black microwave
Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost meals. The product title lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six preset programmes. Compare its external dimensions with your available space and check the installation instructions in the manual.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
This solo model is for people who prioritise reheating and defrosting over browning. Its title lists 700 W, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function. Check the space and clearances required before installation.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
The grill is useful if you want to brown food occasionally as well as reheat it. The title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W power. If you want to cook oven-style dishes, check the available modes rather than assuming it has convection. Refer to the manual for installation clearances.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, 25 L microwave with grill
This model combines microwave reheating with a grill function for browning certain dishes. Its title lists a 25 L capacity. Check its external dimensions, the clearances specified in the manual and the available modes if you’re also looking for oven-style cooking.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L Titanium microwave with grill
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with the option to brown it too. The title lists a 21 L capacity and 800 W power. Don’t confuse this EMZ421MMTI version with the EMZ421MMK. Check its dimensions and the specified clearances before choosing a spot for it.
Frequently asked questions
Which appliance should I choose if I mainly want to reheat and defrost?
A basic microwave is designed for both, which are also uses highlighted by UFC-Que Choisir. Check its defrost function and how much space it takes up before paying for cooking modes you’re unlikely to use.
Can a microwave with a grill replace an oven?
A grill on its own won’t give you the same cooking modes as an oven; it’s mainly for browning and crisping food. For pizzas or cakes, look at the features of a combination model with convection or a mini oven, as well as the size of the dishes it can accommodate.
Can an air fryer replace a microwave in a small kitchen?
An air fryer is a good choice if cooking with hot air is your priority, particularly for browning small portions. If you mainly reheat and defrost food, compare its features and basket carefully with the meals you usually prepare before giving up your microwave.
How should I reheat food in its packaging in a microwave?
Follow the instructions on packaging designed for microwave use, particularly the cooking time and power setting. France’s Anses says that heating food for too long or at too high a temperature can increase the transfer of substances from some packaging into food.
Does a commercial warranty replace the legal guarantee in France?
No. According to France’s Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual in France. Any commercial warranty is additional and doesn’t replace it. Check what it covers before deciding whether it’s useful to you.