If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, start with a basic microwave; a grill model is worth considering if you occasionally want to brown a dish. A combination microwave or mini oven may be a better fit if you also want to cook food as you would in an oven. Just check you have enough space and ventilation, and if you live in Crous accommodation, check the rules that apply to your home.
If you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, a basic microwave will do the job without adding oven functions you may not need. If you live in Crous accommodation, check the rules attached to your tenancy agreement before considering another cooking appliance. The rules published by Les Crous distinguish between microwaves and other appliances.
If you want to reheat leftovers or prepare simple meals, start by thinking about how you’ll use a microwave. If you also plan to cook oven meals regularly and there isn’t an oven on site, compare a combination microwave and a mini oven based on the space available.
A microwave with a grill still lets you reheat food, while giving you the option to brown a dish. Check that you’ll make enough use of the extra function: a grill doesn’t offer the same cooking as the fan oven function on a combination microwave.
Start by choosing the functions you need for your meals, then measure the space and the dishes you plan to use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes combination microwaves in particular by their grill and fan oven functions.
Consider it if: you regularly reheat and defrost food, but don’t need to brown dishes or cook as you would in an oven.
Drawback: it has neither a grill nor a fan oven function.
Consider it if: you mainly use a microwave but would like to brown food from time to time.
Drawback: the grill doesn’t replace a fan oven, and the rack is one more thing to clean.
Consider it if: you want one appliance for reheating and some types of oven cooking.
Drawback: UFC-Que Choisir describes combination models as more expensive. Also check their size and whether you’ll use the functions on offer.
Consider it if: your main priority is cooking or browning food as you would in a small oven.
Drawback: it doesn’t offer the same reheating and defrosting functions as a microwave. If you live in Crous accommodation, check the applicable rules before buying one.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | Look for reheating and defrosting modes, then consider whether you’ll actually use a grill or fan oven function. Don’t confuse a grill with oven-style cooking. | I mainly reheat individual portions, or I also need to brown food and cook oven meals. |
| Usable dimensions | Compare the external dimensions with the space you have in mind. Check the cavity and turntable dimensions against your plates: capacity in litres isn’t enough on its own. | My usual dishes need to fit inside the appliance without it taking up the whole worktop. |
| Installation | Check the manual for the required clearances and keep the vents unobstructed, as recommended by Whirlpool France. If you live in Crous accommodation, check the rules attached to your tenancy agreement before choosing a mini oven. | I want to be able to put the appliance in the space I’ve planned and follow the rules for my home. |
| Cleaning and containers | Check whether the cavity and turntable are easy to reach for cleaning. For cling film and bags, the DGCCRF recommends not using them in a microwave unless they are clearly labelled as suitable for this use. | I’d prefer an appliance that’s easy to clean after spills, and I check my containers before reheating food. |
A combination microwave adds functions such as a grill and fan oven, while a mini oven is designed first and foremost for oven cooking. You don’t need these functions just to reheat and defrost food.
Make a note of the meals you usually prepare. If you don’t brown food or cook in an oven, start by comparing basic microwaves.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will fit in your chosen spot or whether your dish will fit inside the cavity.
Measure the space and your dishes, then compare these measurements with the model’s external and internal dimensions and turntable size.
Whirlpool France says not to block a microwave’s ventilation openings. Check the required clearances for the model you choose.
Check the manual before ordering to make sure you have a suitable spot, and leave the vents unobstructed.
The rules published by Les Crous allow microwaves and distinguish other cooking appliances from those provided by Crous. So a mini oven’s small size doesn’t tell you whether you’re allowed to use it.
Check the house rules attached to your tenancy agreement before choosing this appliance.
These examples show different types of appliance and features found on certain models. They don’t necessarily apply to every model from each brand.
Panasonic France offers a range of basic, grill and combination microwave models.
The EMZ421MMK is a freestanding microwave model featured by Electrolux France.
The Principio OV125330 mini oven is an example to consider if oven cooking is more important to you than the functions of a microwave.
Whirlpool France’s installation advice highlights one thing to check with any freestanding microwave: ventilation.
These models offer a few options for reheating food in a small home, with different functions depending on the model. If you want to brown food, check particularly carefully for a grill: the Hisense H25MOBS7H is described as a solo model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you usually reheat meals and would also like a grill function. The listing states 20 L and 700 W. Compare the turntable, overall size and clearances specified in the manual with the space you have available.
Image unavailable
For reheating, the listing states 25 L and 900 W. Check the dimensions and manual to make sure it will fit in your chosen space. If you want to brown food, confirm the model’s functions before buying, as it’s described as a ‘solo’ model.
Image unavailable
According to the listing, this solo model has a 20 L capacity, 700 W power, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. If you have a small worktop, compare its dimensions and turntable with your dishes, and check the manual for ventilation requirements.
Image unavailable
For reheating and defrosting, the listing mentions six preset menus, express start and 11 power levels. Check that your plates will fit inside the cavity and that the space you have complies with the manual.
Image unavailable
For reheating, the listing states 20 L, 700 W and six power levels. Measure the available space and check the usable dimensions for your dishes, as well as the model’s ventilation requirements.
Don’t assume it’s allowed: the rules published by Les Crous distinguish between microwaves, which are permitted, and other cooking appliances, except those provided by Crous. Check the house rules attached to your tenancy agreement before buying one.
Don’t install a microwave in a way that blocks its vents. Whirlpool France recommends keeping the ventilation openings clear. Check the manual for the model’s required clearances before deciding where to put it.
Look for clear labelling that says it’s suitable for microwave use. The DGCCRF recommends not using cling film or bags in a microwave if they don’t carry this indication.
No. Also compare the turntable diameter and internal dimensions with your plates and dishes. Separately, measure the space available for the external dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual.