If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, start by choosing a solo microwave that fits your kitchen and the dishes you use. A built-in model requires a compatible housing unit; a combination model makes sense if you’ll genuinely use the grill or other cooking modes. In every case, the stated power rating alone won’t tell you how evenly food will heat.
If you mainly reheat portions and defrost food occasionally, compare the space the appliance takes up, the turntable size and how easy the controls are to use. The stated capacity in litres won’t tell you on its own whether your plates will fit.
If you want to avoid cold spots or overcooking, look for test results for the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir’s test method assesses temperatures at different points on a plate, among other things: the wattage alone won’t answer this question.
If quick meals also include gratins or other dishes that need browning, an appliance with a grill may be worth considering. Make sure you’ll use these modes and that the dimensions, accessories and cleaning requirements suit you.
First decide where you’ll put the appliance, then work out which cooking modes you need. A freestanding model gives you more flexibility over where you place it. For a built-in model, the housing dimensions and installation instructions are crucial. If you often prepare meals in large dishes or cook several portions at once, also compare the usable space in a conventional oven or mini oven.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the space, the clearance needed with the door open and the dishes you usually use. For a built-in model, check the housing and ventilation requirements in the manual. | When worktop space is limited, I want the appliance and my plates to fit without blocking the door. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Even heating | Look for test results for the specific model and check its defrost programmes, rather than relying on the rated power alone. | When reheating leftovers or defrosting food, I want to avoid cold spots and overcooked areas. This is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Cooking modes | Choose between solo, grill and other combination modes based on the dishes you prepare. Check that the functions and accessories you need are included. | If I also plan to brown small portions, reheating alone won’t meet my main need. Around 23% of consumers put this versatility first. |
| Cleaning and containers | Check how easy it is to reach inside the cavity and read the care instructions. Use containers and packaging according to their guidance on compatibility, power and timings. | When I regularly reheat meals, I want to be able to clean the cavity and follow the instructions on my food trays easily. Around 15% of consumers put this everyday use first. |
Higher power doesn’t guarantee even heating. UFC-Que Choisir measures the temperature at several points during its tests precisely because performance isn’t determined by the stated power alone.
For the dishes you make regularly, compare the available test results for the models you’re considering and check their defrost settings.
Two appliances with a similar capacity can have different external dimensions and turntable sizes. You’ll also need to allow for the door when it’s open and space for ventilation.
Measure your usual containers and the space you have in mind, then compare these measurements with the turntable, the appliance dimensions and its installation instructions.
A grill or another cooking mode is only really useful if you actually make dishes that need browning or cook small portions. UFC-Que Choisir treats these uses separately from simple reheating and defrosting.
Think about the meals you usually prepare. If you mainly reheat and defrost, compare solo models first; otherwise, check the specific modes available on the combination model.
Extra modes and accessories may also mean more settings to manage and more cleaning day to day.
Anses states that reheating food at too high a power setting can increase the transfer of substances from some packaging into food.
Check that the packaging is microwave-safe and follow its guidance on power, timings and preparation before reheating.
Worth considering for a built-in project, but assess each model on its own merits rather than judging by the front panel alone.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a freestanding model with a grill or other browning modes, depending on the model.
Worth considering for solo models designed for uses such as reheating and defrosting.
Worth considering if power settings or the features of a combination model matter to you.
These freestanding models let you compare solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting with models that have a grill for browning food. Check that you have enough space for each one and that you’ll use its features. A built-in project requires a model that fits your housing unit.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting with a freestanding appliance. The stated microwave output is 700 W. Check the manual for the required clearances and make sure there’s enough room to open the door before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning. The 1,150 W in the product name refers to the connected load, not the microwave output. Check the manual to compare the latter. Also check the space needed for ventilation.
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Worth considering if you’d also like to use a grill to brown small dishes. The product name states a microwave output of 900 W, but this figure alone won’t tell you how evenly food will heat. Check how much space the appliance needs.
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Worth considering if you plan to use the grill or a combination mode as well as reheat food. The product name mentions 1,000 W. Check the manual to see which function this power rating applies to before comparing appliances. Also check the cleaning requirements and ventilation clearances.
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Worth considering for straightforward reheating and defrosting. The stated power is 700 W. Check that your plates fit on the turntable and allow for the ventilation clearance specified for this model, as well as enough room to open the door.
No. On its own, it doesn’t tell you how evenly food will heat or defrost. UFC-Que Choisir measures temperatures at several points on a plate during its tests. Look for results on the model you’re considering and check that your dishes will fit inside.
No. Check that the tray is suitable for microwave use and follow its instructions on power, timings and preparation. Anses states that reheating food at too high a power setting can increase the transfer of substances from some packaging into food. Don’t use a metal container unless the appliance manual says it’s safe to do so.
Check how easy it is to reach inside the cavity, whether the turntable can be removed and what the manual says about cleaning each part. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using abrasive sponges and products on the cavity. Don’t dismantle the appliance to clean it.
A new microwave bought from a professional seller is covered by the statutory legal guarantee of conformity. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to claim under it. Any commercial warranty is an additional benefit and doesn’t replace your statutory rights. If there’s a fault, contact the seller and distinguish these rights from the terms of any optional warranty.
Use the electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme rather than putting it in your general rubbish. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition describes the take-back of an old appliance of the same type when you buy a new one. Check the collection options offered for your purchase.