Student in a studio flat without an oven
If you reheat portions and defrost food, start with a basic microwave. A grill is worth considering if you also make dishes that need browning and have enough room for the appliance.
Who are these appliances for?
Occupant of a second home or temporary rental
A freestanding appliance could suit you if you only cook occasionally. Measure the space, allow room to open the door and follow the ventilation clearances in the manual for your chosen model.
Someone who cooks without a conventional oven
If quiches, pizzas or pastries regularly feature on your menu, compare the settings on a combination microwave with those on a mini oven. The word ‘combination’ alone doesn’t mean a model will suit every recipe.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the meals you make, then compare the features you need with the space available and the dishes you already use.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Look for a defrost function and controls suited to your usual portion sizes. A mini oven with a defrost setting still doesn’t work like a microwave. | I mainly reheat ready-made meals, so I don’t need to choose an appliance just for its extra cooking functions. |
| Cooking and browning | UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between basic, grill and combination microwaves. Check the settings on the specific model; for a mini oven, see whether it has a fan oven function. | I’m interested in browning dishes, or I regularly make quiches and pizzas: these require different cooking features. |
| Available space | Compare the external width, height and depth, door clearance, cavity dimensions and turntable size. The capacity in litres alone won’t tell you what size dishes will fit. | My worktop space is limited, but my plates and dishes also need to fit inside the appliance. |
| Ventilation | Check the manual for the required clearances and any restrictions on where the appliance can be placed. Don’t assume the clearances for another appliance will apply. | I want to position the appliance without blocking its air vents or restricting movement around the kitchen. |
| Containers | Check that your containers are suitable for the mode you’re using: microwave, grill or convection. Anses recommends following the cooking instructions on food packaging designed for microwave use. | I’d like to use my usual containers, but I’ll check they’re suitable before switching cooking modes. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based only on the stated capacity
A capacity of 23 L tells you neither how much worktop space the appliance will take up nor what size dishes will fit inside.
Measure the space and the dishes you use most, then compare the exact model’s external dimensions, cavity and turntable.
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Putting a freestanding appliance in a recess that’s too small
Required clearances vary by model. For example, the Schneider SCMWN20SMW manual calls for 30 cm above the appliance and 20 cm between it and each wall. These measurements aren’t a general rule for other microwaves.
Check the manual for your chosen appliance before deciding where to put it, and keep its air vents clear.
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Assuming a combination microwave suits every oven recipe
UFC-Que Choisir says a combination microwave can replace a conventional oven for some uses, but that doesn’t mean every model is suitable for every recipe.
Make a note of the dishes you cook often, then compare the combination microwave’s settings, cavity and accessories with those of a mini oven.
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Using the same container for every cooking mode
According to UFC-Que Choisir, plastic suitable for microwave use shouldn’t be used with the grill or convection function. Heating a sealed container can also be dangerous.
Check the container manufacturer’s guidance for the mode you’ve selected. If food is in its packaging, follow the cooking instructions too, as recommended by Anses.
Which models illustrate the different features?
These models have different configurations, and their features won’t necessarily apply to other models from the same brand.
Samsung
The MS23K3614AW/EF is an example of a freestanding solo microwave. Samsung France lists a capacity of 23 L and microwave power of 800 W.
- Samsung France publishes the external and cavity dimensions, which you can compare with your available space and the dishes you plan to use.
- This solo model isn’t the right choice if a grill is essential for the meals you make.
Electrolux
According to Electrolux France, the EMZ421MMK combines microwave, grill and microwave-with-grill settings.
- The stated grill function gives you the option to brown dishes as well as reheat food.
- Having a grill doesn’t mean this model offers the settings of a fan oven; check which containers are suitable too.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France describes the MCP349WH as a 25 L freestanding combination microwave, with a grill function that can be used alongside the microwave.
- This model brings together several settings worth considering if you alternate between reheating and light cooking.
- The features Whirlpool lists for this model don’t guarantee that it will suit every recipe you’d make in a conventional oven.
Moulinex
The Optimo 39 L is an example of a mini oven. Moulinex France lists fan-assisted cooking, conventional cooking, a grill and a pastry setting among its features.
- Compare these settings with the dishes you make regularly, particularly quiches and pastries.
- This mini oven doesn’t have a microwave function. Check how much space it takes up and the clearances specified in its manual too.
Microwaves to consider on Joybuy
These Joybuy models cover reheating and defrosting, with grill options for meals that also need browning. Compare their features with the dishes you usually make before choosing.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Worth considering if you reheat and defrost portions but would also like to brown some dishes. The product name lists a capacity of 20 L and power of 700 W. Allow for the clearances specified for this model, including 10 cm at the sides and rear, and check the usable cavity size and whether your containers are suitable for the grill.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L
For reheating and defrosting in a small home, this model is listed as having a capacity of 25 L and power of 900 W. Before relying on it for grilling, check the settings on the H25MOBS7H and which containers they accept. Also make sure there’s room for the specified clearances, including 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the rear.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L
An option for reheating and defrosting if you don’t need a grill function. The product name lists a power output of 700 W, six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Before installing it in France, check the required clearances, cavity size and electrical connection compatibility.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo, 23 L
This solo model is suited to those who mainly want to reheat and defrost, rather than use a grill. The product name lists a capacity of 23 L. Before setting it up in temporary accommodation, check the required clearances in the manual and compare the cavity dimensions with your dishes.
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LG MH6535GIS with grill, 25 L
Worth comparing if you’d like to reheat and defrost while having a grill for some dishes. The product name lists a capacity of 25 L. Confirm the grill power for the exact model, then check the ventilation clearances, cavity size and containers suitable for this function.
Frequently asked questions
What should you measure before buying a freestanding microwave?
Measure the available space, including room to open the door, then compare it with the model’s external dimensions. Check that the cavity and turntable will fit your dishes, and check the clearances in the manual too, as these vary by appliance.
Can a combination microwave replace a conventional oven?
Yes, for some uses, but not necessarily for every recipe. UFC-Que Choisir says a combination microwave can replace a conventional oven; however, compare the settings, cavity dimensions and accessories of the specific model with the dishes you regularly make.
Can you use the same container in a microwave and under the grill?
Only after checking that it’s suitable for each mode. According to UFC-Que Choisir, plastic suitable for microwave use shouldn’t be used with the grill or convection function, and containers shouldn’t be heated while sealed. For food in packaging designed for microwave use, follow the cooking instructions, as recommended by Anses.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in a closed cupboard?
Don’t do so unless the manual for that specific model explicitly allows it. The manuals for some Bosch freestanding microwaves state that they aren’t designed to be installed or used in a built-in cupboard. Check the installation guidance and clearances for the appliance you’re considering.