If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, a standard microwave will do the job. Choose one with a grill if you also want to brown or crisp food. For oven-style cooking, look for a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking, or compare it with a compact oven if you cook in the oven regularly and have a suitable space for one. Whatever you choose, check the appliance’s external dimensions, the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions and which containers are suitable for the modes you use.
If you have limited worktop space and mainly prepare simple meals, start by working out what you need for reheating and defrosting. E.Leclerc suggests 15 to 25 L as a guide for a studio flat or shared accommodation, but the internal capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit or leave enough clearance around it.
If you mainly reheat meals occasionally, a standard microwave may be enough. If you also plan to cook oven-style dishes, compare the modes offered by combination microwaves: UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these from models with a grill only.
If you want to grill and cook with fan assistance regularly, check that the specific model offers these modes. Measure the available space too; a built-in appliance needs a housing unit that meets the dimensions specified by its manufacturer.
Start with the dishes you actually cook, then match the features you need to the space available and the installation instructions.
| What to consider | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | Check the product details for microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking modes. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes a grill, which is mainly for browning and crisping, from a combination microwave, which adds oven-style cooking functions. | I mainly reheat and defrost meals, so a standard model will suit me. If I want to brown food occasionally, I’d look at a model with a grill. |
| Available space | Measure the appliance’s external width, height and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. For a freestanding model, keep the ventilation openings clear as instructed; for a built-in model, check the housing dimensions. | I have limited worktop space, or a unit designed for a built-in appliance: I need to choose based on the actual space available, not just the advertised capacity in litres. |
| Oven cooking | If your recipes require fan-assisted cooking, look specifically for this mode. A compact built-in oven is also worth comparing if you cook in the oven regularly and have a compatible housing unit. | I want to cook gratins, roasts or bakes regularly without a conventional oven; a grill alone won’t meet this need. |
| Containers | Check that each container is suitable for the mode you’re using. UFC-Que Choisir says microwave-safe plastic should only be used in microwave mode, not with the grill or convection modes. Also follow the power and cooking-time guidance on food packaging. | I use ready meals or reusable containers, so I want to be able to choose the right container before starting to cook. |
Two 25 L cavities can take up different amounts of space: Whirlpool lists dimensions of 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm for the MCP349WH combination microwave, compared with 48,3 × 28,1 × 41,4 cm for the MWP251W standard model.
Before choosing, measure the space, the door’s opening clearance and the room needed around the ventilation openings, as specified in the instructions.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill adds features such as browning and crisping; on its own, it doesn’t provide the oven-style functions of a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking.
If your recipes need oven-style cooking, look for “fan-assisted” or “convection” in the product details and instructions for the model you’re considering.
Whirlpool says not to block the ventilation openings on its microwaves. A built-in model, on the other hand, has specific housing dimensions and installation instructions.
Check the exact instructions before installing: make sure a freestanding model has the required clearances, or compare the official dimensions of a built-in model with your housing unit.
A container that’s suitable for microwave mode isn’t automatically suitable for the grill or convection modes. Anses also notes that reheating at too high a power setting can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging.
Check the instructions for the container and packaging, then follow the specified mode, power setting and cooking time.
These ranges give you a useful basis for comparing features and installation types. Then choose based on the specifications of the exact model.
The French range includes standard freestanding microwaves, models with a grill and combination microwaves.
Samsung France offers freestanding solo, grill and combination microwave ranges.
LG France offers combination microwaves that pair microwave functions with oven-style cooking.
Electrolux France lists built-in appliances worth comparing if your kitchenette has a housing unit.
These models include standard microwaves and appliances with a grill for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, browning food in a small kitchen. If fan-assisted cooking is essential, check for this mode separately before choosing.
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For reheating and defrosting portions without the need for a grill. The model name indicates six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a turntable. Check the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions before choosing a spot for it.
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Keep the convenience of a microwave while adding a grill for food you want to brown. The product name indicates 1000 W and a digital display. If you want to cook with fan assistance, check specifically that this mode is included. Also make sure there’s enough space for ventilation.
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For reheating meals, with the added option of a grill in a kitchenette. Don’t confuse a grill with fan-assisted cooking: check which modes your recipes need and which containers are suitable. Check all the required clearances in the instructions before installation.
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For reheating and defrosting with digital settings. The product name indicates six pre-set menus and 11 power levels. If a grill or fan-assisted cooking is important for your meals, confirm that the model has these functions in its documentation. Also check the ventilation requirements.
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For reheating and defrosting with a freestanding appliance that also has a grill. The product name indicates 900 W and a Titanium finish. Measure the space and check the clearances specified in the instructions. If you want to cook recipes using fan assistance, confirm that this mode is included before buying.
It’s suitable for reheating, defrosting and some simple cooking, but not for recipes that need a grill or fan-assisted cooking. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes standard models from combination microwaves with oven-style cooking functions; choose according to the dishes you plan to make.
Only if the space meets the instructions for that exact model, particularly for ventilation and opening the door. Whirlpool requires its appliances to be placed on a flat surface with the ventilation openings unobstructed. Don’t treat a freestanding model like a built-in one.
First, check the housing unit and installation instructions. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing unit measuring 380 × 562 × 500 mm for the LMF4263TET microwave, compared with 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the KVLBE08X compact oven. The right choice depends on your existing kitchen unit and the specific model.
Not if they’re designed for microwave mode only. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using them with the grill or convection modes. Check the container’s instructions and follow the power and cooking-time guidance on food packaging.
It’s a guide, not a rule that suits every meal: E.Leclerc presents this range as suitable for a studio flat or shared accommodation. Check that your dishes fit inside the cavity, then measure the appliance’s external dimensions and the space needed for ventilation.