If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in a studio flat, start by comparing solo microwaves. Choose a model with a grill if you’d also like to brown dishes from time to time. A combination microwave is worth considering if you’ll use its oven cooking modes, while a mini oven is better suited to a different priority: regular oven cooking. Whichever you choose, check the external dimensions, the ventilation clearances specified in the manual and the available socket.
In a studio flat, student accommodation or holiday home, your main aim may be to reheat and defrost food without adding lots of appliances. UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide lists student accommodation and holiday homes among the situations where a microwave is worth considering.
If oven cooking matters as much as reheating, compare the cooking modes on a combination microwave with those of a mini oven. The right choice depends on what you actually cook and how much space you have for the appliance.
Before you buy, check what’s already provided. In France, the decree setting out the minimum furniture required in a furnished rental specifies an oven or a microwave, but not necessarily both, according to the text published by Légifrance.
Start with the use that matters most to you, then check that the appliance will fit in the space you have in mind. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combination microwaves. If oven cooking is your main priority, look at mini ovens too.
| Need | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The model’s functions and the usable interior space for your containers. | If you mainly need to reheat or defrost meals, oven modes aren’t a priority. Around 39% of consumers rank this need first. |
| Browning dishes from time to time | Whether it has a grill and the accessories needed to use it. | You usually reheat dishes but would sometimes like to brown them without installing a separate oven. Around 23% of consumers put this need first. |
| Oven cooking | The cooking modes actually available and the external dimensions of the combination microwave or mini oven. | If your home doesn’t have an oven and you plan to cook dishes in one regularly, reheating alone won’t be enough. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this use. |
| Fitting the appliance | Width, height and depth, allowing for the clearances specified in the manual; the condition and suitability of the socket. | If you’re fitting it into an alcove or placing it on a narrow shelf, available space and the electrical installation may determine your choice before the functions do. For around 15% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
An appliance with a capacity that looks right may be too deep for your worktop or may not have enough room for ventilation. For this specific model, the Continental Edison CEMO28UX94 manual requires at least 20 cm of clearance above it.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual for the model you’re considering. Don’t assume the requirements are the same as for another appliance.
If you only reheat and defrost food, the extra functions won’t serve your main need. According to UFC-Que Choisir, combination microwaves offer more cooking options, but your choice should still depend on the dishes you plan to make.
Make a note of the dishes you’d like to cook each week. Start by comparing solo models if reheating is your main priority, then look at grill or combination models if you need their additional modes.
Food packaging isn’t necessarily suitable for microwave use. The DGCCRF advises using containers only as intended, while Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for microwaveable products.
Check the labelling and usage limits for the container. If in doubt, transfer the food to a suitable dish.
Its freestanding microwave range lets you compare solo, grill and combination models.
Worth a look if you’re after the features of a combination microwave rather than reheating alone.
Its built-in LMF4263TET model is intended for kitchens with a suitable housing unit, rather than a simple space for a freestanding appliance.
One to consider if oven cooking matters more to you than using a microwave.
These freestanding models cover reheating and defrosting, with a grill on some models for browning dishes from time to time. Compare their overall dimensions before choosing the one that suits your kitchenette.
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For everyday reheating and defrosting, with a grill for browning dishes too. The product listing specifies 700 W and a 20 L capacity. Check the required clearance above the appliance in the manual, and the box contents if you need the grill accessories.
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For reheating meals and defrosting food, without a grill function. The product listing specifies six power levels, a 30-minute timer and dimensions of 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm. Check the manual for the required clearances and power supply before deciding where to put it.
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For reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown dishes from time to time. The product listing specifies a quartz grill, 900 W microwave power and dimensions of 53,6 × 43,6 × 33 cm. Compare these measurements with your available space, allowing for the clearances specified in the manual. Check which accessories are included if you need them.
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For reheating and defrosting, without the need for an oven function. The product listing specifies a 28,8 cm turntable, automatic programmes and dimensions of 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm. Check the manual to see how much space to leave around the appliance.
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For reheating and defrosting, with a quartz grill for browning dishes. The product listing specifies a 25 L capacity and automatic programmes. Check the manual for the required clearances and electrical specifications. Also check which accessories are included if you plan to use the grill.
Only if the alcove meets the installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen, including its ventilation clearances. For example, the manual for the Continental Edison CEMO28UX94 requires at least 20 cm of clearance above this particular appliance. Measure your space and check the exact manual before you buy.
Don’t plan any changes until you’ve checked the appliance’s electrical requirements and your existing installation. If you’re unsure about the socket or circuit, ask a qualified professional or your landlord before carrying out any work. The requirements for altering an installation can’t be determined from the microwave’s stated power alone.
Not necessarily a microwave. In France, the decree setting out the minimum furniture required in a furnished rental specifies an “oven or microwave”, according to the text published by Légifrance. Check which of these appliances is actually provided in the property.
Only use it if the labelling and instructions say it’s suitable, and follow any usage limits. The DGCCRF advises choosing containers suitable for their intended use, while Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for microwaveable meals. Otherwise, transfer the food to a suitable dish.