If you already have an appliance for cooking and browning dishes, a solo microwave will cover reheating and defrosting. A grill adds browning, while a combination microwave with fan cooking is a good choice if you also want the appliance to handle oven-style cooking. In a small home, check the space you actually have, how the door opens and which dishes you use. A combination model can save you from needing several appliances, but it isn’t necessarily the most compact option. Whether you choose a freestanding or built-in model, follow the installation requirements for your chosen appliance.
If you have another appliance for cooking or browning dishes, a solo microwave is a good starting point for reheating leftovers and defrosting food. Compare its footprint with the space you have free on your worktop.
If you also need your microwave to brown or cook food, know the difference between a grill and a combination model with fan cooking. The right choice depends on the dishes you make and how much space you can give the appliance.
A freestanding model gives you more flexibility to move the appliance. A built-in model needs a housing unit that matches the chosen model’s dimensions and installation instructions.
First decide which cooking tasks you need your microwave to handle. Then check that the model and installation type will suit your kitchenette.
Choose this: for reheating and defrosting when another appliance takes care of oven cooking.
Bear in mind: it won’t brown food like a grill or cook using fan heat.
Choose this: if you mainly reheat meals but would also like to brown or grill food from time to time.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, a grill-only function doesn’t provide the fan cooking of a combination microwave.
Choose this: if you don’t have a usable oven and want one appliance for reheating, grilling and some oven-style cooking.
Bear in mind: check the depth. Whirlpool France lists a depth of 49.4 cm for the 25 L MCP349WH combination model, compared with 35 cm for the 20 L MWP201SB solo model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday meals | Check the reheating and defrosting functions, as well as the settings available on the model. | I want to reheat leftovers and defrost food without using another appliance. |
| Cooking and browning | Know the difference between a grill, which browns or grills food, and fan or convection cooking. Check which functions the model actually offers. | Is a grill for the occasional dish enough, or do I also need this appliance to handle some oven cooking? |
| Size | Compare the external width, depth and height, the door opening and the turntable size. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether your dishes will fit. | I need to be able to open the door and use my plates without taking up the whole kitchenette. |
| Installation | For a freestanding model, keep the vents clear as instructed in the manual. For a built-in model, compare the housing dimensions with the fitting dimensions for the exact model. | Is my space suitable for a freestanding model, or does my kitchen unit have a housing designed for the model I’ve chosen? |
| Power supply and heating | Check the model’s electrical specifications, and don’t confuse microwave output power with energy consumption. Follow the instructions on suitable containers and packaging. | I want to make sure the installation and the dishes I reheat are suitable for the appliance. |
It may combine several functions, but the appliance itself still needs room. Whirlpool France lists the 25 L MCP349WH combination model as 49.4 cm deep and 18.6 kg, compared with 35 cm and 12 kg for the 20 L MWP201SB solo model.
Measure the available depth, door clearance and access to the socket before choosing the functions you need.
A grill browns or grills food. For fan cooking, Que Choisir distinguishes combination microwaves from models with a grill function only.
Check the product details for microwave, grill and fan or convection cooking modes separately.
Whirlpool France warns that blocked ventilation openings can cause the appliance to overheat.
Place the appliance on a flat surface and follow the clearances in its manual, keeping the vents unobstructed.
According to Anses, heating food more intensely can increase the transfer of substances from certain types of packaging into food.
Follow the packaging instructions for time and power. If it isn’t suitable for microwave use, transfer the food to a microwave-safe container.
These examples show different configurations to compare. Functions and dimensions always depend on the specific model.
The range shown by Whirlpool France lets you compare freestanding solo, grill and combination models.
The Samsung France range includes solo, combination, built-in and freestanding models.
Electrolux France product details let you compare the dimensions of freestanding and built-in models.
These models are mainly for reheating and defrosting in a small home; the Beko also has a listed grill function. If you’re counting on the Hisense to brown food, check its modes before choosing, as it’s described as a solo model.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost, with a listed grill function for occasional browning. Measure your space and check the model’s ventilation instructions; a grill doesn’t mean it can cook using fan heat.
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For reheating and defrosting when another appliance takes care of browning and oven cooking. The product title lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual for the required clearances before deciding where to put it.
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An option for reheating and defrosting in a kitchenette if you don’t need a grill. The product title lists six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. Check the dimensions and installation instructions for the model you choose.
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Consider this for reheating and defrosting if you have another way to brown or cook food in an oven. The product title gives a power rating of 1150 W. Check what this refers to in the electrical specifications rather than assuming it is the microwave output power. Also check the manual for installation clearances.
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Compare this 25 L model, designed mainly for reheating and defrosting. It’s described as a “solo” model, while the description mentions a grill. Check the functions of the model you receive before relying on it to brown food. Also measure your space, allowing for the clearances specified in its instructions.
Yes, if you mainly use it for reheating and defrosting and already have another way to cook or brown food. For browning, consider a grill. If you also need the appliance to handle oven-style cooking, check that it has fan or convection cooking.
Don’t assume you can: the vents on a freestanding appliance need to remain clear. Whirlpool France warns that blocked ventilation can cause overheating. Check the manual for the exact model to find out how it should be installed.
Compare the dimensions of your housing unit with the fitting dimensions for the model, then follow its manual. For example, Electrolux France lists a housing size of 380 × 562 × 500 mm for the LMF4263TET, compared with 380 × 560 × 350 mm for the LMS2203EMX. These dimensions aren’t interchangeable.
Only if the packaging is suitable for microwave use, and you follow the instructions for power and time. Anses recommends following these instructions, as more intense heating can increase the transfer of substances from certain types of packaging. Otherwise, transfer the food to a microwave-safe container.
No. Distinguish between microwave output power and the model’s energy consumption or total power rating. For example, Samsung France lists the MC28H5015AW as having a microwave output of 900 W and microwave power consumption of 1,400 W. Check the other electrical specifications and the manual for the model you plan to install.