If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, start by comparing solo microwaves. A grill model is also useful for browning dishes, while a combination microwave is worth considering if you plan to cook food in a similar way to an oven. An air fryer is better suited to small batches that you want to cook, roast or grill, but it won’t automatically cover the same reheating needs. In a small kitchen, also check how much room the appliance needs, its ventilation requirements, how noisy it is and how easy it is to clean.
In a studio flat, holiday home or small kitchen, you may not cook many full meals, but still want to reheat portions and defrost food. The UFC-Que Choisir guide distinguishes these uses from additional cooking functions.
You may also want to cook, brown or roast certain dishes, as reheating alone won’t cover all your meals. Your choice will depend on which cooking methods you’ll actually use.
If you have limited worktop space or an open-plan kitchen, the appliance’s footprint, storage, cleaning and noise matter just as much as its functions. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these points in particular when assessing air fryers.
First, think about whether you mainly want to reheat meals or actually cook and brown dishes. According to UFC-Que Choisir’s guides, these needs don’t necessarily call for the same appliance.
Consider it: if you mainly use your appliance to reheat and defrost food.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t offer the grill or fan-oven functions of a combination microwave.
Consider it: if you’d also like to brown dishes occasionally without adding a second appliance.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the model also has a fan oven function.
Consider it: if you want one appliance for everyday reheating and oven-style cooking.
Bear in mind: check each model’s cooking modes and cavity, as well as the space needed to install it.
Consider it: if you mainly cook, roast or grill small batches.
Bear in mind: this appliance won’t automatically replace a microwave, and its fan can be audible, particularly in a single-room home.
Consider this: if you often need to reheat food and brown dishes, and one appliance can’t meet your priorities.
Bear in mind: both appliances take up space and each needs a suitable location in line with its instructions.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost settings and whether your plates and containers will fit inside the cavity. | If I mainly reheat leftovers and defrost food regularly, I want these everyday tasks to be straightforward; around 33% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Cooking dishes | With a combination microwave, check that it definitely has both a grill and a fan oven function, and that it can fit the dishes you want to use. | Without an oven, I sometimes need to cook a dish rather than just reheat it; this would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Browning and air-frying | Compare the grill or hot-air cooking function against the recipes you make, then check the size of the cavity or basket. | For browning dishes or roasting small batches, I prioritise cooking over reheating alone; around 20% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the appliance with its door or drawer open, and check the ventilation requirements in the instructions. Also consider how easy it is to clean and, for an air fryer, how noisy it is when running. | In an open-plan kitchen with limited storage, I don’t want an appliance to get in the way of my living space; this would be the top concern for around 20% of consumers. |
It can cook, roast or grill small portions, but whether it’s right for you depends on the meals you actually make. It won’t automatically meet your needs if reheating or defrosting is your priority.
Think about what you do most often before choosing an appliance for reheating, one for cooking, or two appliances.
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether your dishes will fit or whether you’ll have enough room to open the door or drawer.
Measure your dishes and the space available, then compare them with the appliance’s dimensions and the clearances required in its instructions.
An air fryer’s fan can be audible. UFC-Que Choisir advises paying particular attention to this before buying.
If your kitchen shares your living space, look for a noise measurement taken while the appliance is running or an independent review of the model you’re considering.
An unsuitable container can make the appliance unsafe to use; according to Whirlpool France, for example, metal can cause sparks.
Use containers specifically marked as microwave-safe and follow the instructions. Don’t put metal objects or aluminium inside.
These microwave models are mainly suited to reheating in a small kitchen; the Beko also has a grill for browning dishes. For any model you’re considering, compare the size of your dishes and the available space with the guidance in its instructions.
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Worth comparing if reheating is your main use and you also want to defrost food.
The model name indicates a capacity of 20 L, 700 W, six preset menus and eleven power levels. Check the instructions for the ventilation space required and make sure your usual containers will fit inside the cavity.
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Consider it if you reheat meals but would also like to brown dishes occasionally without installing a second appliance.
The model name indicates a capacity of 20 L and a microwave power of 700 W. A grill alone doesn’t mean it has a fan oven function, so check the accessories and instructions for each mode.
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Worth comparing if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food and want a cavity that suits the size of your plates.
The model name indicates a capacity of 23 L and a quick defrost function. Check the usable dimensions and required clearances before setting aside space for it on your worktop.
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Worth considering if you mainly want a microwave for reheating simple meals.
The model name indicates a capacity of 20 L and a power of 700 W. Before installing it, check the required clearance around the appliance in its instructions and make sure your dishes will fit.
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Worth comparing if you’d like a 25 L cavity for microwave cooking, provided it’s large enough for the dishes you usually use.
The model name indicates a power of 900 W. If browning is important to you, check the instructions to confirm it has a grill function and see how to use it. Also check the space required for ventilation.
An air fryer can be suitable for cooking, roasting or grilling small portions, but it won’t automatically replace every use for an oven or microwave. Check that its basket fits your portions and that its size, noise and cleaning requirements suit your home.
Don’t use metal objects in microwave mode: Whirlpool France says they can cause sparks and damage the appliance. Choose containers specifically marked as microwave-safe and follow the instructions for each cooking mode.
Check which parts are removable and read the model’s cleaning instructions. Also consider how much space you’ll need to store its components. UFC-Que Choisir’s test procedure also considers ease of use, cleaning and storage, so it’s worth comparing these points across models.
No. In France, a commercial warranty is separate from the legal guarantee of conformity, as the DGCCRF explains. Before buying, check who the seller is and read the terms of any commercial warranty offered. It doesn’t replace your legal rights if a product is faulty.