If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, start by comparing standard microwaves with models that include a grill. A combination microwave is worth considering if you’ll also use its grill or convection settings. If you regularly cook oven-baked dishes, compare it with a mini oven based on the recipes you make and the dishes each can accommodate. In a small kitchen, also check how much room the appliance needs for the door to open and for ventilation.
If you live in a studio and reheat portions or defrost food more often than you cook in an oven, start by comparing standard microwaves and models with a grill. Then check the size of your plates and the space needed around the appliance.
If you regularly make quiches, bakes or pastries, compare the cooking settings on a combination microwave and a mini oven. Their internal dimensions need to suit the dishes you actually use.
A countertop appliance means you don’t need to plan for a built-in installation. Before choosing one, check the manual for placement and ventilation guidance, then look into the accessories and repair options available for that specific model.
Start with the meals you make most often, then match the features you need to the space you have available.
Consider this: if your meals mainly need reheating or defrosting, with occasional browning from a model that has a grill.
Keep in mind: these features alone won’t meet a regular need for oven cooking.
Consider this: if you want to reheat and defrost, as well as use the extra cooking settings on your chosen model.
Keep in mind: it will only replace another appliance if your recipes and dishes fit in its cavity and suit its settings.
Consider this: if oven-baked dishes are a regular part of your meals.
Keep in mind: even if it has a defrost setting, check that it also suits the way you reheat meals day to day.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and ventilation | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the space needed to open the door. Consult the model’s manual for clearances and the position of the air vents: Whirlpool says they must not be blocked. | My worktop is limited, so the appliance needs to fit without blocking its door or ventilation. |
| Cooking functions | Check which settings the model offers for reheating, defrosting, grilling and convection cooking. Samsung describes its standard microwaves as suitable for the first two uses, while its convection models offer a wider range of cooking options. | I’d rather choose features that suit my usual meals than buy a combination appliance whose extra settings I won’t use. |
| Dish size | Compare the capacity in litres with the turntable diameter or internal dimensions. Make sure your plates, tins and dishes will fit and, if needed, turn freely. | My everyday dishes need to fit in the appliance without taking up more worktop space than necessary. |
| Cleaning and accessories | Check how easy it is to access the cavity for cleaning and look up the accessory part numbers for the model. Check the repair options listed for that specific appliance. | I want to be able to clean the appliance after meals and find a compatible turntable or rack if needed. |
An appliance might fit on your worktop but still not have the clearances it needs. Samsung provides general guidance for its microwaves, but notes that requirements vary by model. Whirlpool also says not to block the air vents.
Measure the space needed to open the door too, and check the clearances in the manual for the appliance you’re considering before deciding where to put it.
Capacity alone won’t tell you whether your dish will fit or turn. The specifications for the Whirlpool MCP 345 WH and Samsung MC28H5125AK list turntables measuring 28 cm and 32 cm respectively, which matters for plates and round dishes.
Measure the dishes you use most, then compare them with the turntable and internal dimensions of the model you’re considering.
Extra settings don’t guarantee that the cavity will fit your tins or that the appliance can handle your usual recipes. A mini oven remains a separate option for dishes you regularly cook in the oven.
Make a note of the meals you prepare over a week, then compare their cooking methods, dishes and portion sizes with the specifications of both appliances.
Samsung’s freestanding microwave range lets you compare standard, grill and convection models to suit the meals you plan to make.
The Optimo 19 L and 39 L mini ovens show two different capacities to compare with your dish sizes and available space.
Whirlpool offers freestanding microwaves with a grill, as well as combination models with additional features.
These models are for reheating and defrosting, with a grill on some. If you often cook oven-baked dishes, compare the features and dimensions of a combination microwave or mini oven too before choosing.
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Worth comparing if you want to reheat and defrost meals, with a grill for occasional browning. The model name indicates a capacity of 20 L and microwave power of 700 W. Check the manual for the required clearances and make sure there’s room for your dishes.
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This microwave has a defrost function, 11 power levels and six preset programmes for a range of everyday uses. Before deciding where to put it, compare its dimensions and the clearances specified in its manual with your worktop space. Also check the turntable size against your plates.
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This standard microwave suits a need centred on reheating and defrosting rather than browning dishes under a grill. Its name indicates six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a turntable. Check the manual for ventilation requirements and make sure your dishes fit inside.
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If you have limited worktop space, check carefully where this freestanding microwave will fit before choosing it. The product name indicates a capacity of 21 L and power of 800 W. Compare your dish sizes with the cavity and follow the manual’s guidance on ventilation clearances.
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This microwave is worth considering if you’re mainly looking to reheat and defrost. Its name indicates five power levels and a 245 mm turntable, so compare its diameter with your plates. Also check the external dimensions and required clearances before deciding where to put it.
Follow the clearance guidance in the manual for your chosen model. As a general guide, Samsung recommends leaving at least 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, on average, while noting that requirements can vary by appliance. Whirlpool also says not to block the air vents.
It can cover your mini-oven needs if its cooking settings and internal dimensions suit your recipes and the dishes you use regularly. If you often make quiches, bakes or pastries, compare the cavity, accessories and settings of the combination microwave with those of a mini oven, rather than relying on the word ‘combination’ alone.
Yes. For a microwave sold by a business to an individual in France, the French Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods. A commercial extended warranty is separate from this legal guarantee, so read what it covers and any exclusions before deciding whether it’s useful to you.