Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost, a grill model for occasional browning or gratins, and a combination microwave with fan oven if the appliance also needs to handle oven-style cooking. A combination model can save you from buying a separate appliance, but measure its depth, weight, usable capacity and the clearance required around it before installation.
If you mainly reheat and defrost everyday portions, a freestanding model that is simple to use may be all you need. A grill or combination model becomes worthwhile when you actually prepare dishes that need browning or cooking. UFC-Que Choisir and Panasonic France distinguish between these uses and functions.
A combination model can bring together reheating, defrosting, browning and some cooking functions, helping to reduce the number of appliances on the worktop. However, check that its overall size suits the intended location. UFC-Que Choisir, Panasonic France and Severin describe these functions across their respective models.
When your cooking needs go beyond simple reheating, look for a combination model with a grill and fan oven, then compare the preheating, browning, combination-cooking and temperature-control features. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses these criteria separately.
Start by deciding which recipes the appliance genuinely needs to handle, then check the available space with the door open and the clearances specified in the instructions.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the defrost programmes, turntable diameter and cavity with the plates and dishes you use regularly. Where test results are available, also look at reheating speed and evenness. | I want to reheat portions and defrost food without getting out a saucepan or using a conventional oven. |
| Browning or oven cooking | The grill is used for browning and gratinating. For baked goods, roasts or cooking at an adjustable temperature, specifically look for a fan oven or convection function. UFC-Que Choisir’s protocol distinguishes grill testing from fan-oven cooking. | I want to know whether occasional browning is enough for me, or whether I make pizzas, quiches and cakes often enough to justify a combination model. |
| Actual footprint | Measure the width, depth and height, then add the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions and the space needed to open the door. Also compare the turntable, weight and dishes you use. | My worktop space is limited: I want to reduce the number of appliances without choosing a model that is too deep or heavy. |
| Use and replacement | Check the guidance for containers, care instructions and available modes. If you are replacing an old appliance, consult the retailer’s take-back arrangements shown at the time of ordering. | I want to use suitable containers and arrange the replacement of my old microwave without any surprises. |
The grill provides direct heat for browning and gratinating, while oven-style cooking relies on circulated heat and temperature control. A grill-only model may not be suitable for baked goods or roasts prepared regularly.
If you want to cook more than gratins, look for a fan oven or convection function, check its temperature range and consult tests covering preheating and cooking.
Combination models with a similar capacity can have very different external depths. An appliance may offer enough internal space but still not fit on your worktop or accommodate the dishes you use regularly.
Measure the space before buying, allow for the clearances specified in the instructions, check the door opening and compare the turntable diameter with your dishes.
Claims about oven-like cooking, even results or time savings can depend on the dish, programme and testing procedure used.
Use manufacturer product sheets to confirm functions, dimensions and accessories, then look for tests that assess reheating, defrosting, grilling, combination cooking and fan-oven cooking separately.
The range mentioned includes a compact grill microwave and combination models pairing a grill with a fan oven, making it possible to compare two levels of versatility.
The MW 7773 is a freestanding combination model worth considering when you want microwave, grill and hot-air functions in a 20 L appliance.
The range highlighted spans solo microwaves focused on reheating and defrosting through to combination models incorporating microwave, grill and oven functions.
The brand lets you compare a freestanding combination model with convection cooking against a built-in solution designed for an integrated kitchen project.
Joybuy options for freestanding microwaves with a grill, for reheating, defrosting and gratinating in a small kitchen. None of these models is presented here as a combination microwave with a fan oven.
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Worth considering for reheating, defrosting and occasional gratinating on a limited worktop.
The model is listed without a fan oven; compare the 24,5 cm turntable with your dishes and allow at least 10 cm of side and rear clearance according to the product sheet.
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Suitable for reheating, defrosting and adding a golden finish, with automatic programmes and a stated keep-warm function.
No fan oven is indicated; check the instructions for ventilation clearances and measure the 38,8 cm depth with the door open.
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This freestanding model is suitable for reheating, defrosting and gratinating prepared dishes.
It is described as a microwave with grill, with no confirmed fan-oven mode; check the instructions, suitable socket and required clearances before installation.
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Worth considering for reheating or defrosting larger portions and gratinating without a separate appliance.
The product does not mention a fan oven. The stated clearances of 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the rear increase the space required.
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It combines microwave, defrosting and grill functions for everyday meals and gratins, with automatic programmes listed.
No fan oven is mentioned. Its depth of 43,6 cm, weight of 12,2 kg and the required clearances must be factored into your measurements.
Yes, for occasional cooking, provided the model has a proper fan oven or convection function, a suitable temperature range and compatible accessories. A microwave with grill can brown and gratinate, but UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grill tests from those covering fan-oven cooking and temperature control.
For a grill, look at the browning area and evenness. For a combination model, also consider defrosting, reheating speed and evenness, combination cooking, pizza cooking, preheating and temperature accuracy in fan-oven mode, as distinguished in UFC-Que Choisir’s protocol.
No. UFC-Que Choisir states that metal containers and utensils are not suitable for use in a microwave oven, and that not all plastic boxes are suitable either. Check the container’s markings and the appliance instructions before use.
Only if the kitchen has a compatible housing unit and the manufacturer’s ventilation, connection and installation requirements can be met. For temporary, rented or mobile use, a freestanding model is generally the more suitable option to consider.