For anyone who reheats meals
If you mainly use a small kitchen to reheat and defrost food, start by comparing solo microwaves and checking that your plates fit inside.
Who is this choice for?
UFC-Que Choisir lists student accommodation and second homes among the places where a microwave can come in handy. Your choice will then depend on the meals you prepare and the space available.
For anyone who wants to brown dishes
If you sometimes want to brown the top of a dish, a model with a grill can do the job. Check the instructions for using this setting.
For anyone cooking without an oven
If you prepare oven-style dishes, compare a combination microwave with convection or a fan-assisted setting against a mini oven, depending on whether you also need to reheat food in a microwave.
What should you look for?
If your kitchenette doesn’t have a suitable oven, start with how you’ll use the appliance most. Then check the available space, usable dimensions and the settings offered by the specific model.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The microwave and defrost functions, as well as the turntable and cavity size for your dishes. | If I mainly want to reheat meals and defrost food, I’ll choose a straightforward appliance with a turntable that fits my plates. Around 40% of consumers prioritise these two uses. |
| Browning or grilling | Whether it has a grill, and what the manual says about the accessories and settings you can use together or separately. | If I also want to brown the top of a dish from time to time, I’ll check that it has a grill and won’t mistake this for convection. Around 20% of consumers prioritise browning and grilling. |
| Cooking as you would in an oven | Whether it explicitly has a convection or fan-assisted function, the stated temperatures and the usable dimensions. | If I want to cook oven-style dishes while still having a microwave, I’ll check the settings and usable capacity. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this dual functionality. |
| Fitting the appliance | The height, width and depth, door opening and clearances specified in the manual. | When worktop space is limited in a kitchenette, I’ll measure the space and ventilation area before considering extra functions. Around 10% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s size and installation requirements. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a combination microwave just because it has a grill
A grill is used for browning, but it doesn’t guarantee oven-style cooking. For this purpose, UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between grill and fan-assisted functions.
Check which settings are explicitly listed for the exact model, and compare them with the dishes you want to prepare.
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Confusing the cavity capacity with the space the appliance needs
The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you the appliance’s external dimensions or the clearance needed for ventilation. Requirements vary depending on the appliance and how it is installed.
Measure the space, your dishes and the door opening, then check the clearances specified in the manual. Whirlpool France advises against blocking the ventilation openings.
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Using the same cookware in every setting
A container suitable for microwave use may not be suitable for the grill or convection setting. Which accessories are allowed can depend on the setting you choose.
Check the appliance manual and the cookware instructions for each setting. Don’t use metal objects in microwave mode.
Depending on the settings you use, you may need a separate, compatible container or accessory.
Brands to know
Bosch
The FFL023MS2 and FEL023MS2 are examples of two freestanding microwaves: one solo model and one with a grill.
- Bosch lists a 20 L cavity and dimensions of 260 × 442 × 345 mm (H × W × D) for these models; the FFL023MS2 has a maximum microwave power of 800 W.
- The FEL023MS2 adds a grill, but you’ll still need to check the clearances required for installation in its manual.
LG
The NeoChef MH6535GIB is a grill model worth considering if you want to reheat and brown food.
- LG lists a 25 L cavity, along with grill and defrost functions, for this model.
- Having a grill doesn’t mean the model has a convection function. The brand’s claims about even heating or easy cleaning have not been independently verified here.
Panasonic
The NN-CD88 is an example of a combination microwave with grill and convection.
- For this model, Panasonic lists convection settings of 40 °C and 100 to 220 °C, a grill and included accessories.
- These settings don’t guarantee that every dish or quantity can be cooked in the same way as in a traditional oven. Check the cavity size and which accessories are suitable.
Whirlpool
The MAX49MB is a freestanding model with a grill worth considering when space and dish size matter.
- Whirlpool lists a 13 L cavity and a 28 cm turntable for this model.
- Compare the usable dimensions of your dishes with the turntable and cavity. Results from the Crisp function depend on the model and its accessory.
Moulinex
The Optimo OX444810 is an example of an electric mini oven for when oven cooking is the priority.
- Moulinex lists a 19 L cavity, with fan-assisted cooking, conventional cooking and a grill, for this model.
- This model doesn’t have a microwave function; its defrost function isn’t a substitute for microwave reheating.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as models with a grill for browning some dishes.
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Heinrich's 20 L solo microwave
This solo microwave is suitable for reheating and defrosting in a studio flat, without a grill. Measure the turntable and the space available before choosing.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 20 L, power of 700 W, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function.
Check the manual to make sure your containers are suitable for the setting you use.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI 25 L grill microwave
This model combines microwave and grill functions for reheating or defrosting food before browning some dishes. Check which accessories are allowed for each setting.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 25 L, power of 900 W, a quartz grill and a titanium finish.
The listing specifies at least 10 cm of clearance on each side and 20 cm above. Check the manual for the full installation instructions.
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LG MH 6535 gih 25 L grill microwave
This model offers a grill function for reheating, defrosting and browning dishes. Don’t confuse it with convection cooking.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 25 L, power of 1 000 W, a digital display and a white finish.
Check the manual to see which containers and accessories are allowed for the setting you choose.
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LG MH6535GIS 25 L grill microwave
Described as a freestanding microwave with a grill, this model lets you reheat and defrost food, with the option to brown some dishes.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 25 L, power of 1 000 W and a black finish.
Follow the ventilation clearance instructions in the manual and check which accessories are allowed for each setting.
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Galanz 20 L retro microwave
Described as a microwave for reheating and defrosting in a small home, this model is worth considering. Measure the space available and your containers before buying.
The Joybuy listing gives a capacity of 20 L, six power levels and a defrost function.
The listing specifies at least 10 cm of clearance at the back, 5 cm at the sides and 20 cm above, as well as a distance of 85 cm from the floor. Check the manual for the full instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a microwave with a grill replace an oven?
Not on its own: a grill is mainly used for browning. For oven-style cooking, look for an explicitly stated convection or fan-assisted function and check the size of the dishes that will fit. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions in its microwave guide.
What should I measure before installing a microwave in a kitchenette?
Measure the available space and your dishes, then compare them with the appliance’s external dimensions, cavity or turntable size and door opening. Also check the clearances specified in the model’s manual; Whirlpool France advises against blocking the ventilation openings.
Can I use the same containers in microwave, grill and convection modes?
Don’t assume that a container suitable for one setting will be suitable for the others. Don’t use metal objects in microwave mode; check the model’s manual for approved accessories and settings. UFC-Que Choisir says plastic can be used in microwave mode, but not with the grill or convection setting.
Who should I contact if an appliance bought in France doesn’t match its description?
If you bought from a trader, you can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity from the seller. It applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance distinguishes this compulsory guarantee from an optional commercial guarantee.
What should I do with my old appliance when I replace it?
The French ministry responsible for ecology distinguishes between the ‘1 for 1’ take-back scheme when you buy an appliance of the same type and, at certain shops that meet the applicable criteria, ‘1 for 0’ take-back with no purchase required. Check the arrangements offered by the seller.