For reheating and defrosting in a home without an oven, a solo microwave may be all you need. Choose a grill model if you also want to brown dishes, or a combination microwave with convection if you plan to cook some of the dishes you would usually make in an oven. According to UFC-Que Choisir, these functions distinguish the three types of appliance. Before choosing a model, also check its external dimensions and the ventilation instructions in the manual.
If you want to grill or cook certain dishes as well as reheat food, look at combination microwaves with a convection function. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from a standard grill. Also measure the space you have available and check the ventilation instructions for the model.
If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave is worth considering. A grill model offers the added benefit of browning, but whichever type you choose, check that the appliance and your containers will fit in the space available.
For occasional use, start with the dishes you’ll actually prepare: not having an oven doesn’t automatically mean you need convection. UFC-Que Choisir lists second homes among the situations where choosing the right type of microwave may be a consideration.
First, decide whether you need to reheat, brown or cook using convection. Then measure the space the appliance can occupy without blocking its ventilation.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking without an oven | Look specifically for convection or fan-assisted cooking, then check the modes and accessories listed for the exact model. A grill alone doesn’t confirm this function. | If I regularly prepare dishes that need oven-style cooking, reheating and browning alone won’t meet my main need; around 42% of consumers prioritise this cooking option. |
| Space and ventilation | Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the manual for the clearance needed around the model. | In a kitchenette, I need to be able to position the appliance without blocking the space around its vents; around 33% of consumers consider this more important than extra functions. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check for a defrost function, a capacity that suits your containers and the appliance’s external dimensions. | If I mainly reheat or defrost meals, I don’t need to choose convection for a use I’m not planning; around 25% of consumers prioritise these everyday tasks. |
A grill browns or gratinates food, while convection is designed for other types of cooking. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions in its microwave buying guide.
If you plan to cook dishes that would normally go in an oven, look for the words “convection” or “fan-assisted” in the specifications for the exact model.
A capacity in litres won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop. The external dimensions and the space needed for ventilation matter too.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and check the clearance specified in the manual. Whirlpool reminds users that the ventilation openings on a freestanding model must not be blocked.
A wattage figure won’t tell you whether the appliance has a grill or convection, or what its electrical requirements are.
Compare the functions, capacity and dimensions separately, then check the manual for the electrical requirements of the specific model.
The freestanding range includes models with different functions, so check each model rather than assuming its cooking modes from the range name.
Samsung’s buying guide helps you compare the uses of a standard microwave, a grill model and a combination microwave.
The NN-CT56RB is an example of what to compare if you’re looking for microwave, grill and convection functions in a freestanding appliance.
Electrolux’s French catalogue includes freestanding microwaves with grills, worth considering if browning is all you need.
These models represent three options for a home without an oven: add a grill to your reheating, stick with a solo microwave or consider a combination model for a wider range of cooking. Compare their functions and size with your needs.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with the added option of using a grill to brown certain dishes.
Advertised capacity: 20 L; stated microwave power: 700 W. The grill doesn’t confirm a convection function. Check this if you plan to cook dishes that would usually go in an oven, and check the required clearance in the manual.
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Worth considering if you want a grill in addition to reheating and defrosting.
The product name lists a capacity of 25 L and power of 1 000 W. For oven-style cooking, check separately whether it has a convection function. Also consult the manual for placement and electrical instructions.
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For a home where the main need is reheating and defrosting, with no plans for browning or convection cooking.
The product name lists six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function. Check the dimensions and ventilation clearance before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering if you prioritise reheating and defrosting over grilling or oven-style cooking.
The product name lists 700 W, six preset menus and eleven power levels. Measure the space and check the manual for the required clearance.
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Worth considering if you need one appliance to handle a wider range of cooking than simply reheating food.
The product name lists a capacity of 39 L. Before using it for oven-style cooking, check the functions of the specific model. Also measure the space available and consult its ventilation instructions.
A combination microwave with convection can handle some of the cooking you’d usually do in an oven, but check the functions of the specific model and the dishes you want to prepare. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes fan-assisted cooking from the browning offered by a grill model.
Check its external dimensions, make sure the surface is stable and follow the clearance requirements in the model’s manual. Whirlpool reminds users that the ventilation openings on a freestanding appliance must not be blocked. Also check the electrical instructions for the model you choose.
A grill model may be all you need to brown food, without the need for convection. If you also plan to cook using fan-assisted heat, look specifically for that function: the word “grill” alone doesn’t confirm it.