The busy home worker at lunchtime
Mostly reheats a single portion and wants simple controls, without needing an oven for cooking.
Who is this choice for ?
The home worker with a small kitchen
Needs to consider where the appliance will go, how the door opens and the required clearances before choosing.
The home worker who also wants to brown food
Compares a mini oven with a combination microwave to get a grill or fan-assisted cooking, as well as reheating, depending on the model.
What to compare
Keep the appliance you already have
Worth considering : if it suits your usual meals and the way you want to heat them.
Check : the instruction manual and which containers are suitable.
Solo microwave
Worth considering : for reheating a portion or defrosting, if you don’t need oven cooking.
Limitation : a solo model may not have a grill or fan-assisted cooking.
Mini oven
Worth considering : if browning food or oven cooking is part of your usual routine.
Limitation : the Moulinex OX444810 does not have a microwave mode, according to Moulinex.
Combination microwave
Worth considering : if you’ll genuinely use the microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking functions available on your chosen model.
Limitation : these extra functions may not justify the space it takes up if you only need to reheat food.
| Priority | What to check | Who is this relevant to ? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheat a portion | Whether it has a microwave mode, the controls, and the turntable diameter or container size. | If I mainly want to heat my lunch quickly without using an oven, around 36 % of consumers concerned prioritise this need. |
| Make sure the appliance fits | The external dimensions, how the door opens and the clearances specified in the manual. | If workspace is limited, I check where it will go before choosing a size; around 29 % of consumers concerned prioritise the space it takes up. |
| Brown food or cook it in the oven | Whether it has a separate grill and fan-assisted cooking function, as well as a microwave mode if needed. | If my meals also need browning or oven cooking, I compare the specific functions of each model; around 21 % of consumers concerned prioritise these extra functions. |
| Avoid an unnecessary appliance | The functions available on the appliance I already have, suitable containers and accessory care. | If my current appliance already suits my meals, I can avoid adding another appliance to maintain; around 14 % of consumers concerned prioritise this option. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a grill with fan-assisted cooking
These functions are not interchangeable. The Severin MW 7885 is a solo microwave with neither a grill nor fan-assisted cooking, while the MW 7752 lists both modes, according to Severin.
Check each function you need separately in the product specifications and the manual for the exact model.
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Choosing based only on the advertised capacity
The internal capacity doesn’t guarantee that your dish will fit inside the appliance or that it will suit the space you have in mind. The product information for the Severin MW 7885 gives two different capacities.
Measure your container and the space available, then check the external dimensions, door opening and clearances specified in the manual.
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Using annual averages to work out the cost of a lunch
Annual consumption figures for each category are not enough on their own to compare the cost of reheating a particular meal in these appliances.
Instead, compare the functions you actually need and how you’ll use them.
Brands and models to know
These brands illustrate specific functions and models; their inclusion here does not constitute a brand recommendation.
Severin
The MW 7885 and MW 7752 illustrate a solo microwave and a combination microwave respectively.
- Severin lists a 24,5 cm turntable for the MW 7885. The MW 7752 includes a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- The MW 7885 has neither a grill nor fan-assisted cooking. Its product information gives two different capacities, so check the specifications for the exact model before comparing capacities.
Moulinex
The Optimo OX444810 is a mini oven to consider if browning and oven cooking are among your needs.
- Moulinex lists a capacity of 19 L and six modes, including a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- This model does not have a microwave mode. Moulinex’s stated functions are not the result of an independent test.
LG
The MH6032GAS is a 20 L microwave with a grill, according to LG France.
- LG lists dimensions of 454 × 262 × 344 mm and features an EasyClean coating.
- The brand’s description of the coating does not mean that all its microwaves need less maintenance.
Whirlpool
The MWP251W is an example of a solo microwave, useful for comparing functions rather than as a current buying recommendation.
- Whirlpool describes this model as a 25 L solo microwave.
- Whirlpool says the MWP251W is no longer in its catalogue.
Appliances available on Joybuy
This selection includes solo and combination microwaves for reheating meals, with extra functions such as a grill on some models.
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LG MH6535GIS, combination microwave, 25 L
Worth a look if you want to reheat meals and have a grill too.
The product information describes touch controls and an EasyClean coating. It also lists a defrost function.
Do not put metal containers in the appliance when using microwave mode, in accordance with the instructions provided.
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Candy Essenza CMCA29EDLB/ST, 29 L
Worth considering if you want a microwave with a grill and would also like to compare other cooking modes.
The product information lists a 29 L cavity, a 31,5 cm turntable, a grill and a steam function.
It also mentions Auto Menu and Auto Crispy functions.
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COMFEE CMO-MP012OC(BK), 19 L, 700 W
Worth a look for reheating or defrosting with a solo microwave.
The product information lists five power levels, a 30 minute timer and a 245 mm turntable.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 B, black, 20 L, with grill
Worth considering if you want a microwave with a grill function and simple controls.
The product information lists a 245 mm turntable and two mechanical control dials.
Use microwave-safe containers and avoid metal, in accordance with the instructions provided.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, white, 20 L, 700 W
Worth a look for reheating or defrosting with simple settings.
The product information lists six power levels, a 30 minute mechanical timer and a 245 mm turntable.
Use only microwave-safe containers and do not put metal in the appliance, in accordance with the instructions provided.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before installing a freestanding appliance ?
Compare the model’s external dimensions with the space available, then check its manual for door opening and installation clearances. The cavity capacity does not replace these checks.
Can you reheat a meal in its packaging ?
Only if the container is suitable for the heating mode you’re using and you follow its instructions. Anses recommends following the power and cooking time guidance on food packaging; the DGCCRF advises against putting a container in the oven if it is not designed for that purpose.
How can I compare how easy appliances are to clean after lunch ?
Check the cavity, accessories and care instructions in the manual for the specific model. A function or coating described as making cleaning easier does not remove the need to follow those instructions.
What should you do with your old appliance when buying a new one in France ?
When you buy a new appliance, the French Ministry for Ecological Transition says the retailer must offer to take back your old appliance under the “one-for-one” scheme, including for online purchases.
Who should you contact if a product bought from a professional seller in France develops a fault ?
You can exercise your statutory legal guarantee of conformity through the professional seller, under the conditions set out by law. The DGCCRF states that the period is two years from delivery of the goods; an optional commercial warranty does not replace this legal guarantee.