Choose a basic microwave if you mainly want to reheat and defrost, a grill model if you’d also like to brown or crisp dishes, or a combination microwave with convection if you need to cook more regularly without an oven. However, a combination microwave won’t automatically replace every function of a conventional oven. Check its cooking modes, the size of dishes it can accommodate and how much space it takes up against your needs.
If you want to cook and brown or crisp dishes, rather than just reheat them, check the cooking modes and the size of dishes accepted by the combination microwave you’re considering. The term ‘multifunction’ alone doesn’t guarantee that it will suit the meals you usually make.
If you mainly need to reheat and defrost, a basic model may do the job. Check its dimensions and the clearance specified in the manual before choosing a spot on your worktop.
If you mainly want to brown or crisp certain dishes, a microwave with a grill may be enough. A grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has convection cooking.
For a kitchen without an oven, start with the dishes you make: reheating and defrosting, occasional browning or crisping, or more regular cooking. Then measure the space available, taking into account the ventilation clearance specified for the model you choose.
Consider this if: you mainly reheat and defrost portions or ready meals.
Limitation: it won’t meet your needs if you want to brown or crisp dishes, or cook using convection.
Consider this if: you’d also like to brown or crisp certain dishes.
Limitation: the grill alone doesn’t provide convection cooking.
Consider this if: you need both a grill and convection cooking to cook more regularly without an oven.
Limitation: check that the cavity, cooking modes and accessories are genuinely suitable for your dishes.
Consider this if: your dishes are too large or you need to cook several things at once.
Plan ahead: check how much space it will need before ruling out or adding this appliance.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking without an oven | Whether it has convection cooking; cavity dimensions and the size of dishes it can accommodate. | Without an oven, I want to cook meals regularly rather than just reheat them. Cooking from scratch would be the top priority for around 36 % of consumers. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Power settings and a defrost function suited to the intended use. | For my portions and leftovers, I prefer simple controls to extra cooking modes. Around 29 % of consumers would prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Space and installation | External dimensions, door clearance and the space required as specified in the manual. | In a studio flat, I need to be able to position the appliance, open its door and allow for ventilation. Placement would be the main consideration for around 21 % of consumers. |
| Occasional browning or crisping | Grill function and dish sizes compatible with the cavity. | I sometimes want to brown or crisp a dish, but convection cooking isn’t my deciding factor. Browning or crisping would be the main need for around 14 % of consumers. |
Grill and convection functions, cavity capacity and accessories vary between models. Some of the dishes you usually make may not be suitable for the appliance you’re considering.
Make a note of the dishes you cook often, then check their size and cooking requirements against the appliance’s modes, accessories and instructions in the manual.
A freestanding microwave also needs the ventilation clearance specified for its particular model. Make sure the door can open where you plan to put it.
Measure your worktop and the space around the appliance, then allow for the distances given in the manual.
A grill can brown or crisp food, but its presence doesn’t confirm that the appliance also cooks using convection.
If you regularly plan to cook oven-style dishes, check that convection or fan-assisted cooking is explicitly listed among the model’s functions.
Whether a container is suitable depends on its material and the cooking mode you use. An unsuitable container could damage the appliance or pose a risk while heating.
Follow the instructions in the manual and on the container. The DGCCRF advises using utensils and containers intended for food contact and following their instructions for use.
These models showcase a range of functions and sizes. Always check the product details and manual for the specific model you’re interested in.
The MWSC833W is an example of Whirlpool’s freestanding combination microwave range.
Samsung’s range includes basic microwaves, grill models and convection models.
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill, suited to occasional browning or crisping.
The FFL020MS2 is a freestanding basic microwave, useful for comparing models designed for reheating and defrosting.
These two models suit different needs in a kitchen without an oven: the Beko adds a grill for occasional browning or crisping, while the Hkoenig is primarily for reheating and defrosting. If you need convection cooking, check for this function on another model rather than assuming it’s included in this selection.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and occasionally brown or crisp dishes, without needing convection cooking. The stated microwave power is 700 W; check the manual for the clearance required where you plan to position it.
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Worth considering if your main need is to reheat and defrost in a small home, rather than brown or crisp dishes. Its stated power is 700 W; check the manual for ventilation clearance and the electrical requirements for this specific model.
Not for every use. A combination microwave with a grill and convection cooking can handle some oven-style cooking, but check its modes, temperatures, the size of dishes it can accommodate and its accessories before deciding you no longer need another appliance.
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose. Samsung France gives general guidelines of at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary by appliance.
Compare the electrical specifications on the product details page or in the manual with your installation. Check the voltage, frequency, total power and current in particular; the figures for another microwave won’t tell you whether your chosen model is suitable.
No. Choose a container that’s suitable for the cooking mode you’re using and follow the appliance’s instructions. The DGCCRF advises using utensils and containers intended for food contact and following their instructions for use.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual in France, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. If the microwave has a lack of conformity, contact the seller and keep your proof of purchase and the product description. This statutory guarantee is separate from any commercial returns or guarantee policy offered by the seller.