If you mainly reheat ready-made meals, start by comparing freestanding microwaves: their features are designed for exactly this kind of use. A mini oven is worth considering if you also want to cook or grill food, while an air fryer is a good fit if you’re looking to brown smaller portions. Whatever you choose, check the space available, how the door or drawer opens, and the clearance required in the instruction manual.
If you often eat leftovers or portions that just need warming up, a microwave’s reheating and defrosting functions are the first things to consider. Also check that your usual containers are suitable for this kind of use.
The internal capacity won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit in your home. Compare its external dimensions, the space needed to open the door or drawer, and the clearances specified in the instruction manual.
A mini oven or air fryer is worth considering if grilling, baking or roasting matters as much as reheating. Check the size of the dishes or basket, and which parts need cleaning after use.
Start with the meals you make most often, then check that your chosen appliance can be installed and used in the space available.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday reheating | Reheating and defrosting functions; compatibility with your dishes. | When a meal is already cooked, I mainly want to warm it up without choosing an additional cooking mode. Around 46% of consumers put this need for straightforward reheating first. |
| Size and installation | External dimensions, door or drawer opening, and the clearances specified in the manual. | In a kitchen where every centimetre of worktop space counts, you need to be able to position and open the appliance without anything getting in the way. The space that’s actually available is the main priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Cooking and cleaning | Cooking modes suited to your meals, the size of the dish or basket, and cleaning instructions. | If I also want to brown smaller portions, I’m happy to compare cooking modes and the parts that need looking after. Around 18% of consumers give these additional uses top priority. |
The litre capacity describes the cooking cavity, not the space the appliance takes up on your worktop. For example, Whirlpool says its 20 L MWP201W measures 45.2 × 26.2 × 35 cm and reminds users not to block the ventilation grilles.
Measure the space and the room needed to open the appliance, then check the manual for the clearances required for the model you’re considering.
Convection, grilling and hot-air cooking functions are also designed for cooking or achieving a browned texture. Their presence alone doesn’t mean a mini oven or air fryer will suit your usual meals, such as a plate of food or a dish with sauce.
Make a list of the meals you eat most often. If you mainly want to warm up ready-made meals, compare microwave functions first. If you also want to brown food, look at the cooking modes.
The container and the recommended settings for a packaged meal matter just as much as your choice of appliance. The Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for microwaveable food.
Follow the power and cooking time shown on the packaging. If the container isn’t suitable for your chosen cooking mode, use one designed for food contact and that type of use.
Whirlpool says metal can reflect microwaves and cause sparks that could damage the appliance.
Remove metal cutlery and containers unless the instructions for both the appliance and the container explicitly allow them to be used together.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a freestanding microwave mainly for reheating and defrosting.
The Principio OV125330 mini oven is worth considering if oven cooking or grilling is part of what you need.
The Easy Fry Compact EY101815 is an example of an air fryer for cooking or browning smaller portions.
These models are freestanding microwaves for reheating meals in a small home. Compare their controls and capacities, then check the installation dimensions before making your choice.
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Worth comparing if you reheat and defrost ready-made portions and want digital settings. The product name lists 700 W, six pre-set menus and 11 power levels. Before buying, check the manual for ventilation requirements and the space needed to open the door.
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An option with straightforward controls for reheating or defrosting. The product name lists 700 W, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a turntable. Check the ventilation clearances and whether the door can open fully in your chosen spot.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting with a choice of settings: the product name lists 700 W and six power levels. If space is limited, check the external dimensions and ventilation instructions before choosing this model.
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Worth comparing if the turntable diameter matters for your usual plates: the product name lists a 245 mm turntable, 700 W, five power levels and a defrost function. The internal capacity won’t tell you how much worktop space you’ll need. Check the external dimensions, door opening and ventilation requirements.
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Worth considering for reheating small meals in a 20 L microwave. Before choosing it for a home in France, check its external dimensions and installation instructions, and make sure its plug is compatible with your socket.
Compare its external dimensions with the space available, then allow room to open the door and meet the clearances specified in the manual. The litre capacity isn’t enough to go on: for example, Whirlpool says its 20 L MWP201W measures 45.2 × 26.2 × 35 cm and that its ventilation grilles must not be blocked.
Use a container designed for food contact and suitable for microwave use, following its instructions. For a meal sold in microwaveable packaging, the Anses recommends following the preparation instructions, including the specified power and cooking time.
Don’t put a metal tray or utensil in the microwave unless the instructions for both the appliance and the container explicitly allow it. Whirlpool explains that metal can reflect microwaves and cause sparks. If in doubt, transfer the meal to a microwave-safe container.
Check the manuals for the specific models to find out which parts can be removed and how they can be cleaned, then look into repairability information and service options. ADEME says that consumer guides can help you assess how easy household appliances are to repair and how durable they are.