Choose a basic microwave for reheating and defrosting, a grill model if you also want to brown dishes, or a combination model with fan cooking if the appliance needs to take over some of the functions of an oven. In a small kitchen, measure the width, height, depth and ventilation clearances carefully. For a built-in model, also check the exact dimensions of the cabinet niche.
When worktop space is limited, reheating, defrosting and preparing quick meals often matter more than advanced functions. A basic or grill model may be more suitable than a combination model if you still have access to an oven.
A freestanding appliance can be ideal for occasional stays when you need to reheat and defrost food, provided the chosen unit and its ventilation meet the model’s requirements.
If you genuinely cook meals, a combination model can bring together microwave, grill and fan cooking. However, you should check its size, accessories and cooking modes before buying.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat leftovers, drinks or ready meals and only defrost food occasionally.
Limitation: it cannot replace a grill or fan cooking when you want to brown or roast food.
Choose this if: reheating is still your priority, but you also want to toast bread, crisp pizzas or brown gratins occasionally.
Limitation: a grill on its own does not provide the fan-cooking functions of a combination model.
Choose this if: you regularly need to cook pizzas, cakes, gratins or roast dishes without a practical oven.
Limitation: it usually takes up more space, and cooking results vary depending on the model and selected mode.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Useful functions | Check the microwave, defrost, grill and fan-cooking modes separately. A grill allows food to brown, while a combination model also adds fan cooking. | I simply want to reheat and defrost food, or I also plan to brown dishes and cook meals as I would in an oven. |
| Actual footprint | Compare the external width, height and depth with the measured space. Also check the cavity size, turntable and the dimensions of the dishes you use. | My worktop space is limited: the appliance must fit without obstructing a door, cable or ventilation areas. |
| Installation | Choose a built-in model only for a compatible niche. For a freestanding appliance, follow the clearances specified in the instructions for that exact model. | I want an installation that is quick and easy to move, or I already have a cabinet designed for a built-in appliance. |
| Maintenance and end of life | Check the warranty terms, access to the instructions and after-sales service. When replacing an old appliance, use a collection or take-back scheme suitable for WEEE. | I want to be able to maintain the appliance and replace my old microwave without putting it in general household waste. |
Two appliances with a similar capacity can take up very different amounts of depth. The door, cable and ventilation clearances also increase the space you actually need.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then compare them with the appliance’s overall dimensions and the ventilation instructions in the manual.
A combination model adds grill and fan-cooking functions, but these modes are mainly useful if you genuinely cook meals rather than simply reheating leftovers or defrosted food.
Make a list of the meals you plan to prepare: reheating and defrosting, occasional browning, or regularly cooking pizzas, cakes and gratins.
A built-in microwave requires a niche specified by the manufacturer, while a freestanding model has its own ventilation requirements. The fact that an appliance fits inside a cabinet is not enough.
For a niche installation, choose a model explicitly designed for built-in use and compare the niche dimensions with the installation diagram provided.
Microwave testing typically distinguishes between reheating, defrosting, grilling, combination cooking, pizza cooking and temperature control. The label “combination” alone does not describe the result you can expect.
If the appliance needs to replace some of your oven’s functions, check the modes, temperature range, cavity, accessories and test results for the exact model.
The French range includes freestanding and built-in microwaves. The FEL023MS2 is an example of a compact 20 L freestanding grill model.
Whirlpool offers freestanding, grill and combination models in France, including ExtraSpace appliances without a turntable.
The brand sells freestanding, built-in, solo, grill and combination microwaves in France.
Electrolux offers built-in microwaves with grill functions for kitchens with a compatible niche.
Sharp offers large-capacity convection combination models for people looking for greater cooking versatility.
This Joybuy selection brings together basic freestanding, grill and combination microwaves suited to reheating, defrosting, browning and more varied cooking in a small kitchen.
Image unavailable
Suitable for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning on a limited worktop.
Freestanding, 20 L, 700 W, nine power levels, 245 mm turntable and dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. No fan cooking is specified; check the instructions for the required ventilation clearances.
Image unavailable
For reheating, quick defrosting and browning selected dishes with assisted programmes.
Freestanding, 25 L, 1 000 W, quartz grill, keep-warm function, automatic programmes and child lock. Dimensions of 38,8 × 47,6 × 27,2 cm; no fan cooking is specified.
Image unavailable
A good choice for reheating, defrosting and browning dishes in a 25 L cavity.
Microwave, grill, combination cooking and automatic defrosting, with a 27 cm turntable, six power levels and a depth of 42 cm. Built-in installation is not mentioned in the information provided.
Image unavailable
Designed for kitchens without a practical oven, with microwave, grill and convection functions for more varied cooking.
42 L, convection from 140 to 230 °C, 30 automatic programmes and cooking accessories included. Its dimensions of 55,3 × 32,6 × 50,5 cm and weight of 20 kg require plenty of space.
Image unavailable
A simple option for reheating and defrosting in a studio flat or holiday home.
20 L, 700 W, five heat settings, 30-minute timer and 24,5 cm turntable. Dimensions of 45 × 35 × 26,5 cm; no grill or fan-cooking mode is specified.
It can cover a significant number of cooking needs if it genuinely has both a grill and fan cooking. UFC-Que Choisir assesses factors including pizza cooking, combination cooking, preheating, temperature retention and cake baking. So check the cavity, accessories, temperature range and dimensions of the model you choose.
Measure the available width, height and depth, taking account of the ventilation clearances required in the instructions. Do not rely on litre capacity alone: the Bosch FEL023MS2 measures 260 × 442 × 345 mm for 20 L, while the Whirlpool MWF259SG measures 490 × 325 × 468 mm for 25 L.
Not automatically. A freestanding model must have the ventilation clearances specified in its instructions, while a built-in model is designed for a niche with precise dimensions. If the instructions do not allow niche installation, choose a suitable built-in model instead.
Check the appliance dimensions, niche dimensions, cabinet depth, cable access and ventilation requirements separately. For the Electrolux KMSD253TB, the appliance measures 388 × 595 × 400 mm and the required niche is 380 × 560 × 550 mm.
Use only containers marked as microwave-safe and follow the appliance instructions. Metal utensils must not be used in microwave mode, and not all plastics are suitable for this purpose.