You mainly reheat meals
If you mostly use your microwave for leftovers and defrosting, a freestanding solo model will meet your needs without adding a cooking function you’re unlikely to use.
Which option is right for you?
You brown dishes now and then
A model with a grill lets you brown some dishes as well as reheat them. Check that the specific model you’re considering has a grill setting: the capacity alone won’t tell you whether it does.
You cook without a separate oven
If you regularly prepare dishes that need oven-style cooking, consider a combination microwave with a fan oven. Whether it’s right for you also depends on the space available for the appliance and its ventilation.
What should you look for first?
Start with the meals you actually prepare, then check that the appliance and the ventilation clearances specified in its manual will fit in your chosen spot.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The model’s defrost settings and power levels. | If you mainly reheat leftovers or defrost portions, ease of use matters more than extra cooking functions; around 33 % of consumers prioritise this. |
| Space and installation | External dimensions, door opening, specified clearances and power connection. | On a narrow worktop, the appliance needs to fit without blocking ventilation or access to the socket. This need for a good fit is a priority for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Occasional grilling | Whether it has a grill setting and which accessories are permitted when using it. | If you’d like to brown a gratin now and then, the microwave setting alone won’t do the job; around 20 % of consumers prioritise a grill. |
| Oven-style cooking | Whether it has a fan oven function and the stated temperature range. | If you regularly want to cook dishes usually made in an oven without installing a second appliance, a fan oven function is the deciding factor for around 20 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a combination microwave without measuring the space
Having several functions in one appliance doesn’t mean it will take up less room than a solo microwave. Its depth and weight, as well as the space needed for ventilation, could affect your decision.
Measure your worktop, the space available for the door to open and the clearances required in the manual for the model you’re considering.
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Confusing a grill with a fan oven
A grill browns or gratinates food. Having one doesn’t mean the appliance offers the fan-assisted cooking needed for some oven-style dishes.
If you regularly cook this way, check specifically for a fan oven function and its temperature range.
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Using an accessory without checking which setting you’ve selected
Instructions for using containers and accessories vary depending on the cooking mode. An accessory that’s safe to use with the grill may not be suitable for microwave mode.
Follow the instructions in the manual for each mode, particularly when using a metal accessory.
Brands to know
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s freestanding range includes solo, grill and combination models. It gives you different functions to consider depending on how you plan to use your microwave in your studio flat.
- The MWP201SB is an example of a solo option: Whirlpool’s specifications list a 20 L capacity and 700 W microwave power.
- The MWP201SB’s specifications don’t describe the other models in the range, so check the details of the model you choose.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers freestanding and built-in microwaves. Its grill models are worth considering if you mainly want to brown dishes as well as reheat food.
- Electrolux’s specifications for the EMZ421MMK list microwave, grill and combined microwave-and-grill settings.
- The EMZ421MMK’s settings don’t guarantee that another grill model will also have a fan oven function.
Panasonic
Panasonic is worth considering if you’re looking for a combination microwave with a grill and fan oven function for some of the jobs you’d normally use a separate oven for.
- Panasonic’s specifications for the NN-C69KSM list a quartz grill and a fan oven function.
- Before choosing a combination microwave, check that the dimensions and installation requirements of the exact model are suitable for your space.
Microwaves for a studio flat
These models are worth considering for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen; some also have a grill. Check the functions and space requirements for the model you’re interested in.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Worth considering if you want to defrost and reheat meals, then brown dishes from time to time. The model name indicates a power rating of 700 W; check the manual for the clearances required around the appliance.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L, titanium
This freestanding model handles reheating and defrosting, with a grill for occasional browning. Its stated microwave power is 800 W; measure the space and ventilation clearances before choosing it.
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Hkoenig VIO9, 25 L, stainless steel
Consider this model if you want to defrost portions and have a grill as well. The product name lists 1,000 W; check the manual for the required clearances when installing it in a studio flat.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L
This solo model is a good choice if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning. Its stated microwave power is 700 W; if you want to brown dishes, choose an appliance with a grill instead.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, black
This digital model is worth considering for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen. Its name lists 700 W and six pre-set menus; if a grill or fan oven function matters to you, check explicitly that the model has these settings before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances given in the manual for your chosen model, as well as checking its external dimensions. As a general guide, Samsung recommends leaving 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary between models.
Is a 20 or 25 L capacity enough to tell whether a microwave will fit in a studio flat?
No. Capacity describes the internal volume, not the worktop space the appliance takes up. Measure the external dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the ventilation clearances specified for the exact model.
What should I do if my microwave seems to need repairing?
Don’t open any parts that protect against microwave energy: the Schneider Consumer manual says that any work requiring these parts to be removed must be carried out by a qualified person. For routine care, clean the cavity as directed in the appliance manual.
Does a second-hand microwave bought from a business come with a legal guarantee in France?
Yes. According to the French Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, the legal guarantee of conformity in France applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. If the appliance is faulty or doesn’t match its description, contact the seller.