Reheating individual portions
If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, a basic microwave is designed to do just that. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from those offered by a grill and a combination microwave.
What will you use it for in a studio flat?
Cooking without a conventional oven
For browning and preparing oven-style dishes, compare the functions of a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking with those of a mini oven. Your choice will depend in part on whether you want to keep microwave reheating.
Making the most of a small worktop
Measure the space before choosing a capacity in litres. Clearance requirements vary between appliances: the instructions for the Whirlpool MWP 201, for example, require 30 cm of clear space above it and say it must not be installed in a cupboard.
What should you look for?
Start by choosing the cooking functions you’ll use, then make sure the appliance and your dishes will actually fit in your studio flat.
Basic microwave
Consider this if: you want to reheat and defrost food, without regularly needing to brown dishes or cook them in an oven.
The trade-off: it doesn’t include a grill or fan-assisted cooking.
Microwave with grill
Consider this if: you’d also like to brown or finish dishes under the grill.
The trade-off: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has fan-assisted cooking.
Combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking
Consider this if: you don’t have a conventional oven and want microwave, grill and oven-style cooking in one appliance.
The trade-off: pay close attention to its footprint: dimensions can vary considerably from one model to another.
Mini oven
Consider this if: oven-style cooking matters more to you than reheating food with microwaves.
The trade-off: it can’t defrost or reheat food using microwaves.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | Check the microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking functions separately. Make sure the model you’re considering offers the modes you need. | I mainly reheat meals, or I also need to brown dishes and cook oven-style food. |
| Installation | Compare the appliance’s external width, depth and height with the space available. Allow for the door opening and the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model. | My worktop needs to accommodate the appliance without blocking the door or ventilation. |
| Dishes | Check the shape of the cavity and, if the appliance has a turntable, its diameter. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether a particular dish will fit. | My plates and the dishes I use regularly need to fit inside the appliance. |
| Everyday use | Look at the controls, access to the cavity and cleaning instructions. Also check which accessories you’ll need for the functions you plan to use. | I want to prepare everyday meals and clean up splashes without making life harder in my small kitchen. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on capacity in litres without measuring the space
The cavity volume doesn’t tell you the appliance’s external dimensions or how much space it needs for ventilation. According to Whirlpool’s product specifications, the 20 L MWP201W measures 45,2 × 26,2 × 35 cm, while the 33 L MWP338SB combination microwave measures 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm.
Measure your worktop and the door clearance, and check the clearances required in the instructions for the model you choose.
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Choosing a combination microwave just for reheating
The grill and fan-assisted cooking offer different functions from reheating and defrosting. UFC-Que Choisir describes these extra features as options for oven-style cooking, not as essential for reheating a meal.
Make a note of the dishes you’ll actually prepare. If you don’t plan to brown food or cook it in an oven, compare basic models first.
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Confusing a mini oven with a combination microwave
A mini oven may offer fan-assisted cooking, like the Moulinex OV206630, but it doesn’t have microwave functions for reheating and defrosting.
Choose this option if oven-style cooking is your priority, and plan separately for your reheating needs.
Brands to compare
These brands represent different types of appliance; features vary between models.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s product specifications let you compare freestanding basic microwaves, models with a grill and combination microwaves.
- The specifications for the MWP201W, MCP 345 WH and MWP338SB detail the cooking type and capacity of each model.
- For installation, follow the instructions for your chosen model: those for the MWP 201 specify clearances.
Samsung
The Samsung MC28H5015CK/EF is an example of a freestanding combination microwave.
- Samsung’s product specifications state that it has a capacity of 28 L and offers convection, grill and microwave modes.
- These features alone don’t tell you how well it cooks or whether it will fit in your studio flat.
Moulinex
Moulinex offers mini ovens to consider if oven-style cooking is your priority.
- The documentation for the OV206630 mini oven lists fan-assisted cooking, an adjustable thermostat and a timer.
- A mini oven can’t replace microwave functions for reheating and defrosting.
Models available on Joybuy
These models include basic microwaves and models with a grill for reheating, defrosting or browning food in a studio flat. Check the cooking modes and installation instructions for each model before ordering.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, as well as use a grill to brown dishes. Check the full ventilation clearances in the instructions before making space for it on your worktop.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H solo microwave, 25 L, 900 W
This model is described as a solo microwave for reheating and defrosting. If you also want to brown food, check the cooking modes for this model; either way, make sure you follow its ventilation instructions.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI with grill, 25 L, 900 W
The grill adds to the microwave functions if you’d like to brown dishes in your studio flat. Compare the dimensions of this model with your worktop and follow the instructions on ventilation clearances.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
An option to consider if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning dishes. The product title lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer; check the instructions to find out where to install the appliance.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih with grill, 25 L, 1000 W
Compare this model if you’re looking for reheating, defrosting and grilling in one appliance. Before deciding where to put it, check the instructions for the required clearances and confirm the electrical specifications for the model on offer.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a freestanding microwave in a closed cupboard?
Don’t do so unless the instructions for that specific model explicitly say it’s safe. The Whirlpool MWP 201 instructions say not to place it in a cupboard and require at least 30 cm of clear space above it. Check the requirements for the appliance you’re considering.
Can a combination microwave work as an oven in a studio flat?
It can handle some oven-style cooking if it has both a grill and fan-assisted cooking. UFC-Que Choisir describes these as the basic functions of combination microwaves. Check the available modes, compatible dishes and accessories, and the space required for your chosen model.
Can you use the metal rack in a combination microwave while it’s in microwave mode?
Only use a metal rack in the modes and conditions permitted by the instructions for your model. Don’t assume that an included rack is suitable for every programme, especially microwave mode.