Who are these options for?

Student who mainly reheats meals

In a basic kitchenette, your main needs are reheating portions and defrosting food, without having to install an oven. A solo microwave covers these tasks; just check that it fits on your worktop.

Student without a conventional oven

If you regularly make dishes that need browning or recipes that require fan-assisted heat, compare a grill or combi microwave with a mini oven. The right choice depends on which functions you’ll actually use, especially whether you still need to reheat food using a microwave.

Renter with limited worktop space

You’ll need to install the appliance without blocking its air vents. Measure the space available, then check the model’s manual for the required clearance.

What should you check before choosing?

Start with the meals you usually prepare, then match the functions you need to the space and cookware you have.

Solo microwave

Consider it: for reheating and defrosting, if you don’t plan to cook in an oven.

Bear in mind: it doesn’t have a grill for browning or fan-assisted heat.

Grill microwave

Consider it: if you reheat meals and also want to brown dishes regularly.

Bear in mind: a grill function doesn’t necessarily mean the microwave has fan-assisted heat.

Combi microwave

Consider it: if you’ll use the microwave, grill and fan-assisted heat to prepare meals.

Bear in mind: check that the model’s cavity and accessories are suitable for the dishes you plan to cook.

Compact mini oven

Consider it: if oven-style cooking matters more to you than reheating food in a microwave.

Bear in mind: a mini oven doesn’t have a microwave function.

Criteria What to check For my meals
Space and ventilation Measure the appliance’s width, depth and height. Allow for the clearances specified in its manual and locate the air vents. Samsung provides general guidance on clearances, but notes that they vary by model; Whirlpool advises keeping the vents unobstructed. My worktop needs to fit the appliance, allow the door to open and provide the required clearances.
Cooking functions Think about reheating and defrosting, a grill for browning, and fan-assisted heat for oven-style recipes. UFC-Que Choisir explains these functions separately in its microwave guide. Do I mainly reheat leftovers, or do I also regularly make gratins and oven-baked dishes?
Capacity and cookware Compare the cavity size and turntable diameter with the dishes you usually use. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for each function and the conditions for using containers; the DGCCRF advises using only containers intended for the purpose. My plate or dish needs to fit inside, and I need to be able to use a container that’s suitable for the function I choose.
Ease of use and cleaning Check the controls, how easy it is to reach inside the cavity, and how to remove the turntable or accessories. When comparing tested models, UFC-Que Choisir assesses factors including controls and cleaning as part of its test procedure. Between lectures, I want to be able to select the function I need and clean up splashes easily.

Which mistakes should you avoid?

  • Choosing a combi microwave just to get more functions

    A grill and fan-assisted heat are only useful if you’ll use them to prepare your meals. For reheating and defrosting, a solo microwave already covers the needs described.

    Make a note of the meals you eat in a typical week and identify which ones genuinely need a grill or oven cooking before you choose.

  • Measuring only the width of the space

    A microwave may fit on your worktop but still not have the clearance it needs for ventilation. Whirlpool advises keeping the air vents unobstructed and not placing anything on top of the appliance.

    Measure the available depth and height too, allow room to open the door, and follow the installation instructions in the manual for the model you choose.

  • Reheating a meal in its packaging without checking first

    A tray or container isn’t necessarily suitable for microwave use. The DGCCRF advises following the conditions of use for containers intended to come into contact with food.

    Check the container’s instructions and the appliance manual. Don’t use metal or aluminium foil in microwave mode; for grill accessories, follow the instructions for your particular model.

  • Using a mini oven as if it were a microwave

    A mini oven may offer oven cooking functions and a grill, but it won’t reheat food using microwaves. These appliances don’t cover exactly the same everyday tasks.

    Choose a mini oven if oven-style recipes are your priority. If microwave reheating and defrosting are part of your routine, compare solo, grill or combi models instead.

Brands and models to compare

Panasonic

Two models show the difference between a solo microwave and a combi: the NN-E20JW and the NN-CT55RW.

  • Panasonic lists the NN-E20JW as 20 L and 800 W. The 27 L NN-CT55RW has a grill and convection function, among other features.
  • These specifications apply to these particular models. Compare their dimensions and functions with your meals and the space available.

Samsung

Samsung’s guidance helps explain the differences between solo, grill and convection microwaves.

  • The brand also offers guidance on how much space to leave around a freestanding microwave.
  • Samsung notes that clearance requirements vary by model, so always follow the manual for the appliance you choose.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool’s guidance highlights what to consider when installing a freestanding microwave.

  • The brand advises keeping the air vents clear and not placing anything on top of the appliance.
  • This guidance doesn’t replace the full requirements in the manual for the model you’re considering.

Moulinex

The Optimo 19 L is an example of a mini oven to consider if oven cooking is your priority.

  • Moulinex lists fan-assisted, conventional and grill cooking functions for this model.
  • The Optimo 19 L doesn’t have a microwave function, so it isn’t a direct replacement for an appliance designed to reheat food using microwaves.

A grill microwave on Joybuy

This option combines microwave reheating and defrosting with a grill for dishes you want to brown. If you plan to cook using fan-assisted heat, compare the functions of a combi microwave or mini oven instead.

Beko MGC20100B1 grill microwave, 20 L, 700 W, black

Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L, 700 W grill microwave, black

Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost meals, with a grill for browning certain dishes. This model is listed as a 20 L, 700 W grill microwave, with no fan-assisted function mentioned in its name. Before installing it, check the required clearances in the manual and compare the available space and your usual dishes with its internal dimensions.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which appliance should I choose if I mainly reheat leftovers and ready meals?

A solo microwave handles reheating and defrosting without adding oven cooking functions. Consider a grill model if you regularly brown dishes, or a combi microwave if you’ll also use fan-assisted heat.

Can a combi microwave replace an oven in a kitchenette?

It can handle some oven cooking if the model has the functions you need and its cavity is large enough for your dishes. UFC-Que Choisir describes combi microwaves as appliances that combine microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking. Check the functions, accessories and installation requirements for the model you’re considering.

How much space should I leave around a freestanding microwave?

Follow the clearances specified in your model’s manual. Samsung gives a general guideline of at least 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary. Whirlpool advises keeping the air vents unobstructed and not placing anything on top of the appliance.

Can I use any box or a metal container in the microwave?

No. Check that the container is suitable for the function you’re using and follow its instructions. The DGCCRF advises using containers intended for the purpose. In microwave mode, avoid metal utensils and aluminium foil, and don’t assume that all plastics are suitable.

Is wattage enough to compare two models?

No. Start with the functions you need, then compare capacity, space requirements, compatible containers and accessories, controls and cleaning. Depending on the models tested, UFC-Que Choisir’s test procedure also looks at reheating, defrosting and cooking functions.