Student or studio-dweller without an oven
You need a compact appliance for reheating, defrosting and preparing a few meals, while taking into account the space available and your other cooking equipment.
Who this choice is useful for
User of a sparsely equipped second home
You want to keep the number of appliances to a minimum while still being able to cook occasionally. A combination microwave is mainly worth considering if it genuinely replaces an oven or separate appliance.
Small household wanting to brown or oven-cook dishes occasionally
You often reheat meals but sometimes want to brown them or prepare fan-assisted recipes. The difference between a grill and a combination microwave then becomes crucial.
Priorities before buying
Start with the meals you will actually cook, then check that the appliance fits its intended location and is suitable for your home's electrical installation.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Compare the modes actually available: microwave only, grill, or fan-assisted cooking on a combination model. The grill is used for browning and crisping; fan-assisted cooking is intended for oven-style recipes. | I want to avoid cluttering the worktop with functions I rarely use, without being restricted when preparing the meals I have planned. |
| Overall size and cavity | Note the width, depth, height, door opening, internal dimensions and the diameter or shape of the turntable. The litre capacity alone does not guarantee that a dish will fit and rotate. | My appliance needs to fit on the cabinet while accommodating my usual plates, dishes and containers. |
| Electrical supply | Check the microwave power, but also the total power or maximum consumption, as well as the voltage, plug and amperage where stated. These figures can differ considerably on a combination model. | I want to use the appliance without overloading the home's electrical installation or confusing microwave wattage with total consumption. |
| Ventilation and care | Identify the vents and follow the clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model. Also ensure there is reasonable access to the cavity for cleaning. | In a small kitchen, I need to install the appliance without blocking airflow or making it difficult to clean after meals. |
| Containers and packaging | Check that the container is compatible with the selected mode. According to UFC-Que Choisir, plastic should only be used in microwave mode, not with the grill or convection. | I want to reheat packaged meals or use my containers without applying solo-microwave rules to grill and fan-assisted cooking modes. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a combination model when you only reheat food
A combination microwave adds a grill and fan-assisted cooking, but UFC-Que Choisir also states that it is more expensive. In a studio, the extra space it takes up is mainly justified if it genuinely avoids buying or installing another appliance.
List the meals you would prepare in a typical week. If you do not regularly use oven-style or fan-assisted cooking, compare a solo model and a grill model first.
A combination microwave may also require more worktop space.
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Comparing only litre capacity or microwave wattage
Capacity does not tell you about the usable shape of the cavity, and microwave power does not necessarily match the total electrical power required in combination mode.
For the exact model, compare the external and internal dimensions, turntable, microwave power, total power or maximum consumption, as well as the voltage and amperage where published.
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Blocking the vents against a wall or cabinet
Electrolux explains that moisture escapes through ventilation ducts, including around the door. However, the required clearances vary depending on the appliance.
Locate the vents before buying, measure the space using the clearances specified by the manufacturer and follow the instructions for the model you choose.
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Using a microwave-safe container in grill or convection mode
Material requirements change depending on the mode. According to UFC-Que Choisir, plastic is not suitable for grill and convection functions; Anses points out that overheating food packaging can increase the migration of substances into food.
Check the container's compatibility with the mode being used separately, and follow the power and cooking-time instructions shown on the prepared meal's packaging.
Brand guide for freestanding microwaves
Panasonic
Worth considering for a compact solo microwave mainly intended for reheating and defrosting, as well as for certain combination models depending on the specification.
- For the NN-E20JW, Panasonic states a 20 L capacity, 800 W, a 255 mm turntable and dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm — useful measurements for a limited space.
- These specifications apply to this particular model and do not describe the range as a whole.
Electrolux
Worth considering for a freestanding microwave with a grill when you want to brown dishes without necessarily choosing a fan-assisted appliance.
- For the EMZ421MMK, Electrolux publishes the external and internal dimensions, turntable, power ratings, voltage and amperage, making checks before installation easier.
- A grill mode does not automatically offer the same cooking possibilities as a convection oven.
Whirlpool
Worth considering for freestanding combination models with several cooking functions when the aim is to reduce the number of appliances in a small kitchen or second home.
- Whirlpool presents the MCP349WH as a 25 L combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking, measuring 52 × 49,4 × 30,1 cm.
- Its stated depth shows that a combination model can require considerable space; Crisp functions are features advertised by the manufacturer on certain models.
Samsung
Worth considering for a combination model with convection, programmes and medium or large capacity if the appliance needs to do more than simply reheat food.
- For the MC28M6035CK, Samsung states a 28 L capacity, 900 W microwave power, 2 100 W fan-assisted cooking and maximum consumption of up to 2 900 W.
- These figures highlight the importance of checking the electrical supply; claims about speed or even cooking remain manufacturer statements for this model.
Joybuy products for this choice
This selection brings together solo, grill and combination microwaves so you can compare the functions that are useful in a studio or second home.
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Beko MGC20100B1 20 L, 700 W grill microwave
For reheating, defrosting and occasionally browning or crisping food, without a stated fan-assisted cooking function.
Freestanding format measuring 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm, with a 245 mm turntable, 230 V voltage and 50 Hz frequency. Check the power input and required clearances in the instructions before installation.
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LG MH6535GIS 25 L grill microwave
For everyday meals with defrosting and browning, without confirmed replacement for an oven.
Dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm and a 29,2 cm turntable. Check the model's electrical requirements and ventilation clearances in the instructions.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI 21 L, 800 W grill microwave
For reheating, defrosting and browning food with automatic programmes when convection is not required.
Width of 55 cm, depth of 42 cm, 24,5 cm turntable, 1 000 W grill and eight automatic programmes. Measure your cabinet and check the electrical requirements in the manual.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) 20 L, 700 W digital microwave
A straightforward option for everyday reheating and defrosting when you already have another cooking solution.
Dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm, eleven power levels, six pre-set menus and defrosting by weight or time. Check the turntable, power supply and ventilation against your dishes and available space.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB 42 L combination microwave
Only consider this if the microwave, grill and convection functions genuinely need to replace a missing oven.
Dimensions of 55,3 × 50,5 × 32,6 cm, weight of 20 kg, 30 automatic programmes and convection from 140 to 230 °C. Its depth and weight require a stable support, as well as checks on the socket, circuit and ventilation.
Frequently asked questions
Which dishes genuinely justify a combination microwave?
A combination model makes sense if you regularly prepare dishes that require a grill and fan-assisted cooking, such as gratins, pizzas, cakes or oven-style recipes, and if it genuinely replaces a missing oven. If you mainly reheat and defrost, a solo model is generally the more sensible choice; for occasional browning, a grill may be enough.
What should you measure before ordering a freestanding microwave?
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, then check the door opening and the clearance in front of the appliance. Also check the internal dimensions, turntable and vents, then apply the clearances specified in the exact model's manual.
Why check total power rather than just microwave wattage?
Microwave power describes the reheating function, while maximum consumption can increase when the grill and fan-assisted cooking are used. For example, Samsung states 900 W microwave power and maximum consumption of up to 2 900 W for the MC28M6035CK. Always check the electrical data and instructions before installation.
Are the material rules the same for microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking?
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, plastic can be used in microwave mode but not with the grill or convection. For prepared meals, Anses recommends following the power and cooking-time instructions printed on the packaging.
What should you do with an old microwave in France?
A microwave falls under the waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme. The ministry responsible for ecology states that these appliances contain recyclable components, but sometimes also hazardous substances or components. Use a suitable collection or take-back service rather than putting it in household waste.