For reheating and defrosting everyday portions, a simple freestanding model is often the most straightforward choice, provided its footprint, turntable and the clearances specified in the manual suit your kitchen. Choose a built-in model only when you have a compatible housing unit and ventilation; a model with a grill or combination functions is useful if you regularly brown or cook food, but these features are not necessary for simple reheating.
You reheat leftovers, ready meals, soups or individual portions and mainly want something quick and simple to use. Check the cavity, turntable and defrosting functions before paying for cooking modes you are unlikely to use.
You are choosing between a movable freestanding model and an integrated built-in appliance. Measure the space, the appliance or housing-unit dimensions, then follow the clearances and ventilation requirements stated in the manual for your chosen model.
You want more than simple reheating: a grill, oven heat, steam or combination programmes may be worthwhile if they match the recipes you regularly prepare. These functions add versatility, but combination models are generally more expensive.
Start by measuring your dishes and the space available, then choose the functions according to the meals you actually prepare.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the internal width, depth and height with your dishes. Also check the turntable diameter: the litre capacity alone is not enough. | I want to reheat my usual plates, bowls and dishes without having to transfer the food or stopping them from rotating. |
| Installation and ventilation | Check the installation type, the clearances specified in the manual and, for a built-in model, the exact housing-unit dimensions and installation diagram. | My appliance must fit into place without blocking the ventilation openings or being installed in an unsuitable configuration. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Examine the power levels and defrost settings. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol measures temperatures at several points on a plate to assess how evenly food is reheated. | I want to avoid cold or overheated areas and defrost food without cooking the edges. |
| Cleaning | Look at how easy it is to access the cavity, turntable and accessories. A feature or coating described as easy to clean remains a manufacturer’s specification and does not replace regular maintenance. | After everyday meals, I want to be able to wipe away splashes easily without damaging the door, seals or surfaces. |
| Suitable containers | Only use containers designed for food contact and the intended use. Follow the time and power instructions printed on microwaveable packaging. | I want to reheat my meals in compatible containers, following their usage limits. |
The cavity volume does not guarantee that rectangular dishes, large plates or your usual containers will fit and rotate. You may have to transfer your meals or keep another appliance for larger dishes.
Measure your largest dish and compare it with the internal dimensions, cavity height and turntable diameter of the exact model.
Heat must be able to escape in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Clearance requirements vary between models and are not the same for freestanding and built-in appliances.
Read the manual before buying and follow its clearance requirements; for a built-in model, use only the specified housing unit and installation diagram.
Grill, convection, steam and automatic programmes do not always replace a standard oven. They are mainly worthwhile if you genuinely cook using these modes.
For reheating and defrosting, prioritise simplicity. Add a grill or combination function if you regularly prepare gratins, browned dishes or recipes that use these features.
A container not designed for heating may affect the food or create a safety risk. Anses states that failing to follow reheating instructions may increase the migration of substances from certain types of packaging.
Check that the container is compatible and follow the time and power instructions; do not reuse a single-use container outside its intended purpose.
The French range includes freestanding and fully integrated models, with grill versions designed either for the worktop or for an equipped housing unit.
Whirlpool offers built-in microwaves, including large-capacity models with a grill and defrosting functions.
Panasonic offers combination microwaves for people who want to combine reheating, grilling, oven-style cooking and, depending on the model, steaming.
Samsung sells freestanding and built-in solo microwaves, focused particularly on reheating and defrosting and, depending on the model, cavity maintenance.
These Joybuy options are freestanding microwaves designed for everyday reheating and defrosting, with different capacities, turntable sizes and grill functions depending on the model.
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Suitable for reheating and defrosting everyday or family-sized portions, provided your dishes fit inside the cavity.
28.8 cm turntable, 11 power levels, defrosting by weight or time, grill and child lock. External dimensions: 485 × 293 × 410 mm; internal dimensions are not stated. Check the specified clearances of 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the rear.
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An option for reheating and defrosting, with occasional use of the grill or combination modes.
Automatic defrosting, six power levels, 27 cm turntable and a 34 × 22 × 34.4 cm cavity. External dimensions: 48.4 × 28.5 × 42 cm; check the ventilation clearances in the manual before installation.
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This freestanding model is designed for frequent reheating and defrosting, with digital controls.
29 automatic programmes, six power levels, rapid defrosting, 28.8 cm turntable, digital timer and child lock. External dimensions: 48.9 × 27.5 × 37.4 cm; check dish sizes and clearances in the manual.
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Worth considering if you often reheat and defrost food but also want to brown or gratinate dishes occasionally.
Quick Defrost function, keep-warm function, automatic programmes with weight control, digital display and quartz grill. External dimensions: 38.8 × 47.6 × 27.2 cm; check the turntable diameter, internal dimensions and clearances in the manual.
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A compact option for reheating and defrosting everyday portions when space is limited.
Defrost function, nine power levels, 245 mm turntable, 800 W grill and mechanical timer. External dimensions: 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm; leave at least 10 cm at the sides and rear, then check the required top clearance in the manual.
Not by default. Freestanding and built-in models require different installation arrangements: maintain the clearances and ventilation specified in the freestanding model’s manual, while a built-in model must match the housing unit and the manufacturer’s installation diagram. For example, the Moulinex MO28ES manual requires 20 cm above and 10 cm at the sides and rear, but these measurements do not automatically apply to other models.
Measure your dishes first. Capacity alone does not tell you the available width, depth, height or turntable diameter: compare the internal dimensions and turntable with your largest plate and the dish you use most often.
No, a simple model is enough for reheating and defrosting. A grill is used to brown or gratinate food, while a combination model adds cooking modes; according to UFC-Que Choisir, combination models are generally more expensive. Choose these functions if they match recipes you prepare regularly.
Only use utensils and containers designed for food contact and the intended use, following their markings and conditions of use. For microwaveable trays and packaging, follow the time and power instructions: Anses states that failing to do so may increase the migration of substances.
Do not use the appliance until it has been repaired by a qualified person. The manual consulted also states that repairs involving removal of the protective cover against microwave radiation must not be carried out by an unqualified person.