People who mainly reheat meals
In a small home, your main aim is to reheat or defrost food without adding cooking modes you’re unlikely to use.
Who are these appliances for?
People without a practical oven
You’d like to cook or brown simple meals, but don’t have room for a separate oven, microwave and another cooking appliance.
People interested in hot-air cooking
You want to roast food or give it a crispy finish, and need to work out whether your oven or combination microwave already covers that need.
What sets the options apart?
Start with the meals you make most often, then distinguish between simple reheating, browning and hot-air cooking. UFC-Que Choisir explains the extra functions offered by combination microwaves and also advises against buying an air fryer that duplicates what your oven already does.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the external dimensions, usable space and defrost function if you expect to use it often. | If I regularly reheat leftovers and defrost food in a studio flat, I’d rather use the available space for these everyday tasks; around 36% of consumers might prioritise this need. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | Look for “convection” or “fan-assisted” cooking, then measure the depth and required clearances. | Without a practical oven, I want to cook simple meals in the same appliance I use to reheat them; around 29% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill, then consult the manual to see which containers and accessories are suitable for this mode. | I want to brown the tops of certain dishes, but don’t need convection cooking for my usual meals; around 21% of consumers might prioritise this need. |
| Dedicated hot-air cooking | Compare the cooking modes you already have at home, then check the basket’s usable space and the air fryer’s external dimensions. | If my existing appliances don’t cover the dishes I want to cook with hot air, I’d consider a dedicated appliance; around 14% of consumers would put this need first. |
Mistakes to avoid in a small kitchen
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Choosing based on internal capacity alone
The cavity capacity in litres won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop. For example, the Whirlpool MCP349WH combination microwave is 49.4 cm deep, according to Whirlpool France, before allowing for installation clearances.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual and the space needed to open the door.
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Treating a freestanding model like a built-in appliance
Installation requirements vary by model. Bosch specifies, for example, that the freestanding microwaves covered by its FFL023M and FFL053M manuals are not designed to be installed in a built-in cabinet.
If you plan to put the appliance in a cabinet, look for a model explicitly designed for built-in installation. For a freestanding model, follow its own manual.
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Adding an air fryer without a new cooking need
An air fryer takes up extra space, even though it may duplicate functions your oven already provides. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering the risk of ending up with more appliances than you need.
List the meals you usually make and the cooking modes you already have before deciding whether hot-air cooking justifies a separate appliance.
You’ll also need to set aside space for using and storing it.
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Using the same containers for every cooking mode
A container suitable for microwave cooking may not be suitable for the grill or convection mode.
Before using a grill or combination microwave, check the manual for the instructions and accessories for each mode.
Brands to consider for the function you need
Electrolux
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding microwave with a grill.
- According to Electrolux France, the EMZ421MMK offers microwave, grill and microwave-with-grill modes, and measures 262 × 442 × 345 mm.
- Its dimensions and electrical specifications – 1 270 W total, 230 V and 10 A – apply to this specific model, not all Electrolux appliances.
Samsung
Worth considering if you want to combine microwave, grill and convection cooking.
- Samsung France lists all three modes for the MC28H5015CK/EF, which has a stated capacity of 28 L.
- The 1 400 W power rating given for microwave mode and the 230 V / 50 Hz supply apply to this specific model. Also check its dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual.
Whirlpool
Worth considering if a combination microwave could save you from installing a separate oven.
- Whirlpool France says the MCP349WH combines microwave, grill and forced-air cooking.
- According to Whirlpool France, this model measures 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm and weighs 18,6 kg. Check its depth and the space where you plan to use it.
Moulinex
Worth considering if hot-air cooking meets a need your current appliances don’t cover.
- Moulinex says the drawer of the Easy Fry Surface XL AL402HF0 can hold, among other things, a pizza, quiche or tart up to 27 cm.
- Compare this model’s dimensions with the space available, and check whether its functions would duplicate those of your oven or combination microwave.
Solo and grill microwaves to consider on Joybuy
These models are aimed at reheating and defrosting in a small home, with or without a grill for browning. If your main need is convection or hot-air cooking, assess that function separately rather than assuming these microwaves offer it.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L black grill microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and have a grill for occasional browning.
The title lists a capacity of 20 L and microwave power of 700 W. Check the dimensions, ventilation clearances and power consumption for this model before choosing where to put it.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning.
The title lists 700 W, six power levels, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. Before installing it, check the voltage and clearances specified in the manual for this model.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L Titanium grill microwave
Worth considering if you want microwave functions plus a grill, without needing convection cooking.
The title lists a capacity of 25 L and microwave power of 900 W. Measure the available depth, allowing for the required clearances, and check this model’s electrical specifications.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L black grill microwave
Worth considering if you switch between reheating, defrosting and occasional browning using a single appliance.
The stated capacity is 25 L. Before comparing the grill function, check its power rating for this model, then consult the manual for clearances and electrical connection requirements.
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Cecotec, 20 L black countertop microwave
Worth considering if you’re mainly looking for a microwave to reheat and defrost simple meals.
The title lists 700 W, six power levels and a Ready2Clean coating. Check the external dimensions, clearances and electrical specifications before setting aside space for it.
Frequently asked questions
Can an air fryer replace a combination microwave?
Not if you mainly rely on microwave functions to reheat and defrost food. A combination microwave pairs those functions with a grill and convection cooking, while an air fryer is designed for hot-air cooking. UFC-Que Choisir advises against adding one if your oven already covers that need.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model rather than assuming the same distances apply to every appliance. For example, the Schneider SCMWN20SDG manual requires at least 10 cm at the back, 5 cm at the side and 20 cm above. These measurements apply to this specific model.
Which electrical details should you check before buying?
Check the voltage, frequency, power consumption and, where stated, current rating for your chosen model. Then make sure these are compatible with your electrical installation and consult the manual. Electrolux France lists a total power of 1 270 W, 230 V and 10 A for the EMZ421MMK; these figures don’t apply to other models.
Does a legally required guarantee apply to an appliance sold by a business in France?
Yes. The legal guarantee of conformity applies in France to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. It is separate from any commercial guarantee offered by the seller or manufacturer.