People without an oven who cook regularly
In a studio flat, kitchenette or holiday home, reheating alone may not be enough. If you want to cook meals too, check for a fan oven function and a grill, and make sure the cavity will fit your dishes.
Which option is right for you?
Students who mainly reheat food
For defrosting and reheating portions, the controls, the space the appliance takes up and whether it fits your plates may matter more than an oven-cooking function.
Small households short on worktop space
Combining several functions in one appliance only helps if it will actually fit where you need it. Measure the space needed in front of the door too, and check the manual for ventilation requirements.
What makes the difference when choosing?
First, think about the meals you want to cook, rather than simply reheat. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between standard microwaves, models with a grill and combination models that can handle some basic oven functions. A separate compact oven is also worth considering if oven cooking is your main priority.
Standard microwave
Consider this if: you mainly reheat and defrost, and already have another way to cook.
Limitation: it won’t meet your needs for browning or fan oven cooking.
Microwave with grill
Consider this if: you’d like to brown food occasionally as well as reheat and defrost.
Limitation: a grill alone doesn’t provide a fan oven function.
Combination microwave with fan oven
Consider this if: you don’t have a conventional oven and regularly want to cook meals that need oven-style cooking.
Limitation: check the dimensions and cooking options of the exact model rather than relying on the word ‘combination’ alone.
Separate compact oven
Consider this if: oven cooking is your priority and you can keep a separate appliance for reheating and defrosting.
Limitation: this option needs extra space.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking without an oven | Look specifically for a fan oven or convection function, its temperature range and the accessories supplied. | I don’t have an oven and want to make gratins or bake cakes as well as reheat food. Around 36% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Available space | Compare the external dimensions, door opening and clearances specified in the manual. Don’t rely on the capacity in litres alone. | My worktop is shallow: a useful cavity won’t help if the appliance blocks access or its vents. Space would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Everyday use | Check the defrost settings and controls, and make sure there’s room for the plates you usually use. | I mainly want to defrost portions and reheat meals without fiddling with lots of settings. This would be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Containers and installation | Check the appliance manual and the instructions on each container for the mode you plan to use, and keep the vents clear. | I already use several types of container and want to know which are suitable for each function before switching modes. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘combination’ means it has a fan oven function
An appliance may combine microwave and grill functions without offering the cooking function you need to replace some of the uses of an oven.
If you plan to cook regularly, look for ‘fan oven’ or ‘convection’ in the product details, then check the modes and accessories in the manual.
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Choosing the capacity without measuring the space
The capacity in litres describes the cavity, not the appliance’s overall depth, how far the door opens or the clearance needed around it.
Measure your kitchenette and follow the installation requirements for the exact model you buy. The Panasonic guide for the NN-CD88, for example, requires a stable surface and clear ventilation openings.
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Using the same containers for every cooking mode
UFC-Que Choisir advises that plastic suitable for microwave mode should not be assumed to be suitable for grill or convection mode, where it could melt.
Check the instructions for both the container and the appliance for each function. Don’t use a sealed container in microwave mode, as pressure could build up.
Brands worth comparing
Compare the functions and dimensions of each model individually: brands often offer appliances designed for different needs.
Panasonic
The range includes multifunction microwaves, including models that combine microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Panasonic France lists all three functions for the NN-CD88, which is worth considering if you also want to cook without a conventional oven.
- Before setting aside space for it, check the dimensions, accessories and installation instructions for the exact model.
Whirlpool
The freestanding range includes models with a grill and configurations without a turntable.
- Whirlpool France lists the MWF259SG with a 25 L cavity and no turntable, as well as grill, Crisp and steam functions.
- If you want to cook using a fan oven function, check explicitly that the model you’re considering has this mode.
Electrolux
The freestanding range includes microwaves with a grill for reheating and browning.
- Electrolux France lists microwave, grill and microwave-with-grill modes for the EMZ421MMK.
- For regular oven-style cooking, look instead for a model with a clearly specified fan oven function.
Appliances for different needs
These appliances offer different options for a kitchenette: more ways to cook without an oven, a grill for browning as well as reheating, or a standard microwave. Start by choosing the functions you need, then check the dimensions and manual against your available space.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L
Worth considering if you want to combine reheating with other cooking options in a kitchenette. Check the product details and manual to confirm it has the modes you need.
Stated capacity in the product title: 39 L. Measure the space and check the clearances required for this model.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L
Worth considering if you want to cook some meals without an oven: Joybuy France’s product description lists microwave, grill and convection functions for this model.
Stated capacity: 42 L. Check that the appliance, its open door and the clearances specified in the manual will fit in your kitchenette. Check the defrost mode too, if you need it.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W
For everyday reheating and occasional browning, this model with a grill could suit your needs. Don’t rely on the grill alone for fan oven cooking.
The product title states 20 L and 700 W. Check the manual for the space required around this model before installing it.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L
If reheating is your main use but you’d also like to brown food, check the cooking modes on this model before making your choice.
Stated capacity in the product title: 25 L. For a kitchenette, check how far the door opens and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
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COMFEE' CM-E202CC(WH), 20 L, white
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost, rather than brown food or cook as you would in an oven.
The product title lists 700 W, 11 power levels and a defrost function. Check the ventilation and installation instructions for this model before choosing a spot for it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a microwave with a grill replace an oven?
A grill alone can’t replace the fan oven cooking function of an oven. If you regularly cook meals that need this type of heat, look for a ‘convection’ or ‘fan oven’ mode, and check the temperature range and accessories for the model. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between grill models and combination models.
Are my plastic containers suitable for a combination microwave?
It depends on the mode you’re using and the instructions on the container. UFC-Que Choisir says plastic may be suitable for microwave mode, but not for grill or convection, where it could melt. You should also avoid sealed containers in microwave mode because pressure could build up.
What should I measure before putting a microwave in a kitchenette?
Measure the appliance, the space available on your worktop and the room needed to open the door, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual. The Panasonic guide for the NN-CD88 requires a flat, stable surface, space around the appliance and unobstructed vents. Check the instructions for any other model you’re considering.