If everyone heats up their portion at a different time, start with a solo microwave if reheating and defrosting are all you need. Or consider a model with a grill if you’d also like to brown some dishes. A combination microwave or compact oven offers a wider range of cooking options and can be built in. Make sure you’ll use those functions, that the space is suitable and that your dishes will fit inside the appliance you choose.
If everyone eats at a different time, you may want to reheat or defrost leftovers without using the main oven. Bosch Home Appliances France presents its freestanding microwaves for these uses, while Electrolux France also highlights reheating leftovers. In that case, it’s worth looking at a solo model before paying for extra cooking functions.
You mainly reheat portions, but would sometimes like a grilled finish. The ranges presented by Bosch Home Appliances France and Electrolux France include microwaves with a grill. Check that the specific model you choose has this function, and make sure your dishes are suitable for use with it.
If you’re fitting out a kitchen and will genuinely use fan-assisted cooking as well as the microwave, a combination microwave or compact oven could be worth considering. The models presented by Bosch Home Appliances France and Whirlpool France offer different configurations; the available space and the instructions for the specific model are key.
When everyone eats at a different time, start by thinking about what each person needs to do with their portion. Then compare the functions you want with the dishes you use and the space available. A grill adds a golden finish; fan-assisted cooking and compact oven functions are only useful if you also plan to cook with the appliance.
| Consideration | What to check | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Simple reheating | Reheat and defrost functions; space for the plates you usually use. | I want to heat up my meal after everyone else without using the oven, and I don’t need to brown the food. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise straightforward reheating. |
| Space and dishes | Overall dimensions and usable cavity size; dimensions of the housing unit and installation instructions for a built-in model. | My containers or large plates need to fit inside the appliance, and the appliance itself needs to fit in my kitchen. For around 30% of consumers, these two requirements would be the priority. |
| Grilled finish | Confirmation that the appliance has a grill; accessories and dishes approved for use in this mode. | Some of the dishes I reheat would also benefit from being browned, but I don’t need a fan oven. Around 20% of consumers would put this finishing touch first. |
| Cooking and built-in installation | The oven functions you actually want; a compatible housing unit and the model’s installation requirements. | I want to install an appliance that I’ll also use to cook dishes, not just reheat a portion. Around 10% of consumers would prioritise this built-in versatility. |
Fan-assisted cooking and oven functions give you more ways to cook, but you don’t need them to reheat a portion. The built-in examples presented by Bosch Home Appliances France and Whirlpool France also need a suitable space.
Make a note of what you’ll genuinely use the appliance for: reheating, defrosting, browning or cooking. If oven cooking is a secondary consideration, start by comparing solo models with models that have a grill.
The cavity capacity doesn’t tell you whether your dishes will fit, or whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or in a housing unit. The models presented by Bosch Home Appliances France vary in their external dimensions.
Measure the space and your dishes, then check the usable dimensions and the positioning or installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
According to Anses, using too much power or heating for too long can increase the transfer of substances from some food packaging into the food.
Follow the power and heating time instructions on the prepared meal. If you need to transfer the food, use a microwave-safe container that’s in good condition.
The Bosch instructions for the built-in models concerned state that they’re designed for built-in installation only. They also specify particular requirements for connecting an appliance without a plug.
Check the instructions for your model before planning the housing unit and connection. If the instructions require it, have the connection carried out by a qualified, authorised professional.
These brands let you compare specific configurations, from freestanding microwaves to built-in compact ovens. Features and functions vary by model.
Bosch Home Appliances France offers freestanding models, built-in microwaves with a grill and built-in combination models.
Whirlpool France offers combination models and compact ovens, with different functions depending on the model.
Electrolux France offers freestanding and built-in microwaves, with or without a grill depending on the model.
These Joybuy models are suited to reheating individual portions. Some are solo microwaves, while others add a grill for the occasional browned finish. Before choosing, check that their size and functions suit your dishes and the space you have in mind.
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Worth considering for reheating or defrosting a portion if you don’t need a browned finish.
The product description lists a capacity of 23 L, a Quick Defrost function and an LED display. Compare the size of your dishes with the usable space inside, then check the clearance requirements before positioning it.
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For reheating portions while keeping the option to brown a dish now and then.
This freestanding model is listed with a capacity of 25 L and a microwave power of 900 W. Before using the grill, check which dishes and accessories are approved. Also follow the clearance requirements in the instructions when positioning it.
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Worth looking at if you’d like to defrost and reheat portions, with a grill function for some dishes.
The product description lists a capacity of 25 L and a power rating of 1000 W, but doesn’t specify which mode this power applies to. Check the instructions for ventilation clearances, dishes suitable for use with the grill and precautions around hot surfaces.
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For reheating or defrosting a portion with a freestanding appliance.
The product description specifies 700 W, five power levels, a 30-minute timer and a 245 mm turntable. Check the appliance dimensions and required clearances. Don’t assume it can be placed in a cupboard.
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Worth considering for reheating leftovers or defrosting, particularly if you’d prefer digital controls.
The product description lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six pre-set programmes. Before deciding where to put it, confirm how it can be installed, the required clearances and whether there’s enough room for your plates.
Use a microwave-safe container that’s in good condition, and follow the packaging instructions if you’re heating a prepared meal. Anses warns that using too much power or heating for too long can increase the transfer of substances from some packaging into food.
Don’t do so unless the instructions for the model confirm that it’s suitable. The Bosch instructions for the built-in appliances concerned state that they’re designed for built-in installation only and must be installed in accordance with the instructions.
For the models covered by the Bosch instructions consulted, connection without a plug must be carried out by a qualified, authorised professional. Check the requirements for your appliance before planning its installation.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual, as explained by economie.gouv.fr. If the appliance doesn’t match its description, find out about the remedies available under this guarantee. Any commercial guarantee offered by the seller is separate.
An old microwave should be taken to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition outlines the ‘one-for-one’ take-back option when buying a replacement appliance. Ask the retailer how to arrange collection or find out where your nearest collection point is.