For a kitchenette without an oven, choose a solo microwave if you mainly plan to reheat and defrost food, a grill model if you’d also like to brown dishes occasionally, or a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking if you need to cook in a way that’s closer to using a conventional oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions in its buying guide. For a combination model, also check that the appliance, its open door and the clearances specified in the manual will all fit in your available space.
Whether you live in student accommodation, a holiday home or a kitchenette, you may also want to bake, brown or roast food. A combination microwave with genuine fan-assisted cooking is worth considering, provided its dimensions suit your space.
If you mainly use your microwave to reheat and defrost food, a solo model may be all you need. A grill model is worth considering if you’d like to brown some dishes from time to time, but don’t expect it to offer fan-assisted cooking.
The cavity capacity alone won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit in your home. Compare its external dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the clearances specified in the manual, then decide where you’ll store the accessories.
Choose this if : you mainly reheat and defrost food, and don’t plan to brown dishes or bake.
Bear in mind : it won’t replace a grill or fan-assisted cooking for these types of cooking.
Choose this if : you’d like to brown reheated dishes occasionally.
Bear in mind : a grill alone doesn’t offer fan-assisted cooking.
Choose this if : you need the appliance to bake cakes or roast food because you don’t have a conventional oven.
Bear in mind : there are more modes and accessories to get to grips with, and you’ll need to check the dimensions of each model.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Oven-style cooking | Whether it has separate grill and fan-assisted or convection modes; adjustable temperatures and any required accessories. | If I don’t have an oven, I want to be able to cook more than just reheated meals, including dishes such as gratins and cakes. Around 36% of consumers might put this type of cooking at the top of their list. |
| Size | External dimensions, door clearance and the clearances required in the manual; usable space for your dishes. | With a narrow worktop, I need to be able to position the appliance and open it without getting in the way of the rest of my kitchenette. This could be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Reheat controls, manual settings and the defrost function on the model you’re considering. | When I mainly need to reheat or defrost meals, I prefer controls that are easy to use every day. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this simplicity. |
| Cleaning and accessories | Accessories included, space to store them and instructions for cleaning the grill and cavity. | If every extra rack or dish needs to find a home in a small kitchen, I want to know what I’ll need to store and clean. This could be the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
A grill browns food, but it can’t do the job of fan-assisted cooking on its own when it comes to cakes or roast dishes. This difference matters particularly when you don’t have another oven.
If you plan to cook these dishes, look specifically for a fan-assisted, convection or fan oven mode, then check its temperature range and the accessories required.
A large cavity doesn’t guarantee that the microwave will fit on a narrow worktop or that its door will open fully.
Measure the space and compare it with the model’s external dimensions, taking account of the clearances specified in its manual.
The presence of a Crisp, air fryer or convection function doesn’t guarantee that food will brown or cook evenly. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses these aspects of microwave ovens.
Use the list of modes to narrow down your options, then look for a test of the exact model if its cooking performance will determine your choice.
Some modes may require specific racks and dishes, which also take up space when they’re not in use.
Check what’s included with the model and decide where you’ll store and clean any accessories you need for cooking.
In a kitchenette, having to take these parts out and put them away every time you use the appliance can be an added inconvenience.
The French range includes freestanding and built-in combination microwaves, with features that vary by model.
The range includes appliances that combine microwave, grill and convection functions, sometimes with an air fryer function.
The French range distinguishes between solo, grill and convection combination microwaves.
These two combination microwaves are worth considering if you’re looking for a versatile cooking appliance for a home without an oven. Compare their stated capacity with the space you have available. If you need a defrost function or a specific cooking mode, confirm that it’s available on the model you choose.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d like one appliance for both reheating and cooking in a home without an oven.
Stated capacity: 39 L. Before setting aside space for it, check its external dimensions and the clearances required for installation.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for several cooking modes in one appliance, provided its size suits your kitchenette.
Stated capacity: 42 L. If defrosting is essential for you, confirm that this model has the function you need before choosing it.
A combination microwave with a grill and fan-assisted cooking can cover some basic oven functions, including browning and fan-assisted cooking, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. However, this doesn’t guarantee the same results with every model. If a particular type of cooking is essential for you, look for a test of the model you’re considering.
Measure the available width, height and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. Allow for the ventilation clearances required in the model’s manual: its capacity in litres alone won’t tell you how much external space it needs.
These modes may involve extra racks, dishes and surfaces that can get splashed. Check which accessories are included and the model’s cleaning instructions, rather than assuming that a stated cleaning programme means you won’t need to clean it yourself.
Old microwaves are covered by the collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment described by the ministry responsible for ecological transition. Ask the retailer what take-back options are available with your purchase, particularly if your new appliance is being delivered.