If you mainly reheat meals
If you want to reheat portions and defrost food without planning to cook dishes as you would in an oven, a standard microwave is a good fit, according to guides from UFC-Que Choisir and Samsung France.
Which type is right for you?
If you brown dishes from time to time
If you usually reheat your food but would sometimes like to brown the top, look for a grill function. It is not a substitute for fan-assisted cooking when it comes to oven-style cooking.
If you cook regularly without an oven
If you want to make cakes or roast dishes as well as reheat food, consider combination microwaves with fan-assisted cooking. Check that the capacity, dimensions and installation instructions suit your dishes and available space.
What should you check?
Start with the meals you plan to prepare, then rule out any appliances that cannot be installed according to their instructions. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a grill and fan-assisted cooking; the installation instructions we reviewed show that the required clearances vary by model.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking without an oven | Whether it has fan-assisted cooking or convection; capacity to suit the dishes you plan to make. | Without a conventional oven, I also want to cook dishes or bake cakes, not just reheat food. Around 31% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Space and installation | External dimensions, door clearance and the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | On a narrow worktop, I need to be able to position the appliance without obstructing the door or ventilation; this would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Capacity and turntable dimensions compared with the containers you use; controls suited to these tasks. | If I mainly need to reheat or defrost meals, I don’t need to start by choosing extra cooking functions. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill and which accessories are specified for the model. | I sometimes want to brown the top of a dish without needing regular oven-style cooking; around 15% of consumers would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a grill with fan-assisted cooking
A grill browns the surface of a dish. For oven-style cooking, UFC-Que Choisir advises distinguishing this function from the fan-assisted cooking found on combination microwaves equipped with it.
If you plan to cook regularly without an oven, check that the model you choose specifically has a convection mode and find out how it can be adjusted.
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Measuring only the available width
Depth, door clearance and the space required around the appliance can all affect where it can go. Ventilation requirements vary between models.
Measure the whole space and compare it with the dimensions and clearances specified for the exact model.
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Putting a freestanding model in an enclosed cabinet
The instructions for the Moulinex MO20MSWH state that this freestanding appliance must not be placed in a cabinet. This restriction alone does not tell you whether the same applies to another model.
Before choosing a space in a recess, check that the appliance documentation allows this type of installation.
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Confusing a retailer’s warranty with your legal rights
In France, the Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) notes that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer. A commercial warranty does not replace it.
Before taking out an extended warranty, check what it actually adds, including its duration, exclusions and repair terms.
Brands to know
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding microwaves with grills as well as combination models. The MCP349WH is an example of a 25 L combination microwave.
- Whirlpool says the MCP349WH has a grill and a fan-assisted cooking mode.
- These features apply to this specific model; check its dimensions and installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
Panasonic
The Panasonic NN-C69K and NN-CD88 combination microwaves bring together microwave and convection cooking.
- Panasonic states that convection can be set up to 220 °C on these models.
- Check each model’s capacity and dimensions against the size of your dishes and the space available.
Electrolux
The Electrolux EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill, adding occasional browning to reheating and defrosting.
- Electrolux France’s product information specifies this model’s dimensions and electrical requirements.
- The EMZ421MMK has a grill, but that does not mean it has fan-assisted cooking.
Samsung
Samsung France’s buying guide distinguishes between standard microwaves, models with a grill and combination microwaves.
- Samsung presents the standard model as an option for reheating, defrosting and simple cooking.
- Check the capacity, power and installation requirements on the product page and in the instructions for the model you choose.
Standard and grill microwaves on Joybuy
These models are suited to reheating and defrosting, with a grill option on some appliances. If you plan to cook regularly without an oven, look separately for a model whose product information confirms that it has fan-assisted cooking.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, black
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and brown dishes from time to time. The title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W power, but does not specify which function this power rating applies to. Before deciding where to put it, check the clearances specified in the instructions and allow enough room to open the door.
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Heinrich's standard microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For prioritising reheating and defrosting without opting for a grill. The title lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the instructions for the required position and clearances.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, black
A standard model to consider if you want to adjust reheating and defrosting using digital controls. The title lists 700 W, eleven power levels and adjustable defrosting. Check the documentation for the permitted installation type and required clearances.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L standard microwave
For reheating and defrosting without an oven function, with a listed capacity of 23 L and a rapid defrost function. Compare the size of your containers with the turntable and check the instructions for ventilation clearances.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih with grill, 25 L, white
Worth considering if you want a grill for browning dishes from time to time in a 25 L appliance. Don’t confuse this function with fan-assisted cooking. Before choosing a position for it, also check the instructions for the power ratings of each mode and the ventilation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace a conventional oven?
It can handle some oven tasks if the model has fan-assisted cooking and its capacity and accessories suit the dishes you plan to make. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these cooking options from a simple grill, so check the functions of the combination microwave you choose rather than assuming it can do everything your oven does.
Can you install a freestanding microwave in a recess?
Only if the model’s documentation permits it and you can meet the specified clearance requirements. The instructions for the Moulinex MO20MSWH prohibit placing this freestanding appliance in a cabinet; always check the instructions for the specific appliance you are considering.
What should you check before connecting it to the mains?
Before you buy, compare the appliance’s electrical specifications with your home’s electrical supply. Electrolux France lists 230 V, 1 270 W total power and 10 A for the EMZ421MMK only. Check the product information and instructions for the model you choose.
Does an extended warranty replace your legal rights?
No. For a microwave sold in France by a business to a consumer, the legal guarantee of conformity applies independently of any commercial warranty, as the Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) points out. Check what extra cover an extended warranty provides before taking one out.