Mainly for reheating
If you’re a student and mainly use your microwave for leftovers, individual portions and defrosting, focus on the microwave functions you’ll actually use. A solo model avoids adding cooking modes you don’t need.
Which option is right for you?
For browning dishes now and then
If you already have another way to cook meals but would occasionally like to brown toast or a gratin, a model with a grill meets that specific need. However, a grill is no substitute for a fan oven.
For cooking without a conventional oven
If pizzas, simple bakes or roasts are regulars on your menu, look for a combination microwave with a fan oven function. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from the grill in its buying guide. Cooking options and results should still be checked for each model.
How do the models compare?
First decide whether you only need microwave functions, a grill for browning or a fan oven for oven-style cooking. Then compare the appliance with the space where you plan to put it: the internal capacity alone won’t tell you how much room it will take up.
| What you need | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The microwave functions you need; external dimensions and the space required around the appliance. | If I mainly prepare simple meals, I want to reheat a plate of food or defrost something without fiddling with lots of settings, while keeping worktop space free. Around 45% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill; whether your dishes and accessories are suitable for this mode. | If I already have another way to cook my main meals, I mainly want to brown a dish now and then, without choosing an appliance for regular oven-style cooking. This would be the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Cooking without an oven | Whether it has a fan oven function, its temperature range and dimensions; check any available tests for the model you’re considering. | Without a conventional oven, I plan to cook dishes that need hot air regularly, not just brown them. Around 37% of consumers would prioritise this option. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Confusing a grill with a fan oven
A grill is for browning or grilling the top of a dish. Having one doesn’t mean the appliance can handle oven-style cooking that requires a fan oven function.
Make a note of the dishes you’ll cook regularly. For pizzas, bakes or roasts, check specifically for a convection or fan oven function and, if available, look for test results for the model you’ve chosen.
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Measuring the cupboard without allowing for ventilation
A freestanding appliance isn’t necessarily designed to work in an enclosed alcove. For example, Bosch’s instructions for the FEL023 and FEL053 ranges rule out installation in a built-in unit. This guidance doesn’t automatically apply to other models.
Compare the appliance’s dimensions with the available space, then follow the clearance and installation requirements in its own instructions. Also allow room to open the door where you plan to put it.
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Using the same container for every mode
A container suitable for microwave mode may not withstand the heat from the grill or convection function. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between using plastic in microwave mode and using it with these heating functions.
Before cooking, check that the dish and accessories are approved for the selected mode according to their instructions and the appliance manual.
Brands and ranges to consider
These examples show some of the functions and formats you can compare. A feature of one model won’t necessarily apply to the entire brand.
Bosch
Freestanding solo and grill models to consider for a small kitchen.
- According to Bosch, the FEL023MS2 has a grill, a 20 L cavity and measures 260 × 442 × 345 mm. Compare these dimensions with the space you have available.
- Bosch’s instructions for the FEL023 and FEL053 ranges state that these freestanding appliances aren’t designed to be used in a built-in unit.
Whirlpool
Freestanding models for a range of uses. Choose based on the features of the specific model, rather than the brand alone.
- Whirlpool describes the MWF259SG as a 25 L model with a grill and a flatbed cavity.
- For this model, compare its stated dimensions of 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm and weight of 19,6 kg with your support and the installation requirements. Having a particular function doesn’t guarantee a specific cooking result.
Panasonic
Combination models to consider if you’ll regularly use a fan oven alongside the microwave functions.
- Panasonic lists a fan oven function and grill for the NN-C69K. The NN-CT55RW is also described as having microwave, grill and oven functions.
- Check the exact model, its dimensions and any cooking tests relevant to you. A list of modes doesn’t guarantee the same results across different models.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These freestanding models are suited to reheating and defrosting. Some also have a grill for browning dishes now and then. If you plan to cook regularly with a fan oven function, check that the model you’re considering includes one.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
For reheating, defrosting and preparing simple meals with digital controls. This model is listed at 700 W, with 11 power levels and six preset menus. Before choosing a spot for it, check the ventilation clearances in the instructions.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting, without choosing an appliance for browning dishes. The model name indicates 700 W, six power levels, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. Check the ventilation clearances for this model before installing it.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
For everyday microwave use, with the option to brown a dish now and then. The model name indicates a microwave power output of 700 W. The accompanying instructions call for at least 10 cm of clear space at the sides and rear, so allow for this before you buy.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat food and have a mode for browning dishes now and then; confirm that the exact model you’re ordering has a grill. The model name indicates 800 W. Its stated dimensions are 55 × 42 × 34 cm, plus the ventilation clearances required for installation.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L microwave
For reheating and defrosting. The model name indicates a power output of 700 W. The product description calls for 10 cm of clear space on all sides for ventilation, so don’t compare the appliance’s width with the cupboard alone.
Frequently asked questions
Can a microwave with a grill replace an oven?
A grill is mainly for browning and grilling the top of a dish. On its own, it isn’t enough for cooking that requires a fan oven. If you regularly plan to bake or cook roasts, look for a combination microwave that specifically lists this function, and check what the model you’ve chosen can do.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in an enclosed cupboard?
Only do so if the instructions for that specific model allow it. For example, Bosch states that its freestanding models in the FEL023 and FEL053 ranges aren’t designed to be installed or used in a built-in unit. Check the instructions for your own appliance rather than assuming the same guidance applies to every model.
How much space should you leave above a microwave?
Follow the clearance specified in the instructions for the model you choose. The Moulinex MO28ESMIR2 instructions call for at least 30 cm of clear space above the appliance; don’t automatically apply this measurement to another model. Check the required clearances at the sides and rear, too.
Is a microwave-safe container also suitable for the grill?
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir states that plastic suitable for microwave mode isn’t suitable for grill and convection functions. Choose a container specifically designed for the cooking mode you’re using, and follow the appliance instructions.