If your conventional oven already takes care of cooking and you’ll mainly use the new appliance for reheating and defrosting, start by comparing standard microwaves that can accommodate your dishes. A combination microwave meets a different need if you’ll regularly use its grill or convection setting for small meals. If you’re looking for a second cooking cavity without a microwave function, consider mini ovens instead. In every case, check the available space, usable dimensions and installation instructions for the model you choose.
If your main oven already takes care of cooking, a standard microwave is worth considering for leftovers, drinks, defrosting and individual portions. Extra cooking modes are most useful if you have specific recipes in mind for them.
A combination microwave could suit you if you want to regularly use a small cavity with a grill or convection setting, especially when your conventional oven is in use. Check that its modes and dimensions suit the dishes you plan to cook.
If your priority is to cook a side dish or a small meal alongside whatever’s in your main oven, and you don’t particularly need microwave reheating, take a look at mini ovens.
Start with the task your current oven doesn’t handle conveniently, then check that the appliance you’re considering can fit your dishes and be installed in the space you have in mind.
Consider it: for reheating and defrosting while your conventional oven takes care of cooking.
Limitation: a single-function model doesn’t have a grill or convection setting for browning food or cooking it like a mini oven.
Consider it: if you regularly need to cook something extra in a small space, for example when your main oven is in use.
Limitation: the different modes and usage instructions need more attention. A combination microwave won’t automatically replace your existing oven for every dish.
Consider it: if you’re mainly looking for a second oven for conventional cooking.
Limitation: it doesn’t offer a microwave’s reheating and defrosting functions.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and ease of use | Measure the containers you use most often and compare them with the usable dimensions and, if there is one, the turntable diameter. | My oven already does the cooking, so I mainly want to reheat a portion or defrost food without juggling lots of settings. Around 36% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Extra cooking for smaller dishes | Check that the grill and convection settings suit your recipes, and make sure your accessories and cookware are approved for use. | When my main oven is in use, I’d like to regularly prepare a small dish to grill or cook separately. This would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| A second oven for conventional cooking | Compare the usable dimensions with your dishes, check the conventional cooking modes and allow enough room to open the door. | My priority is to cook a side dish while something else is in the oven; microwave reheating comes second. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise having this second cooking space. |
| Size and installation | Measure the space and check the instructions for the exact model to confirm the required clearances and permitted installation type. | Space is limited in my kitchen, so I first need to find an appliance with enough room around the door and vents. For around 14% of consumers, this constraint would take priority over the choice of cooking modes. |
Some models have a grill and convection setting, but these won’t necessarily be useful day to day if you already have an oven.
Think about what you’d regularly cook in it. If you’d still use your main oven for everything, start by comparing standard microwaves.
The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you whether your dish will fit through the door, sit on the turntable or have enough headroom inside the cavity.
Measure the containers you use most often, then check the internal dimensions and turntable of the exact model. For example, Darty lists a 28.8 cm turntable for the Samsung MS23K3513AK. This measurement doesn’t apply to other models.
Ventilation requirements and clearances vary by appliance. The instructions for the Samsung MS20A7013A, for example, specify the clearances you need to leave.
Measure the space behind and above where you plan to install it, then compare those measurements with the instructions for the exact model you’re buying. Don’t assume a freestanding appliance can be installed as a built-in model.
A commercial extended warranty is separate from the legal guarantee of conformity. According to the DGCCRF, the legal guarantee of conformity applies for two years to new and second-hand goods bought from a professional seller.
Compare the faults covered, exclusions and service arrangements under the extended warranty with the rights you already have under the legal guarantee.
These examples highlight specific configurations; they don’t mean every appliance from a brand has the same features.
The range featured here includes a single-function microwave, the MS23K3513AK, and a combination model, the MC28H5015AS.
The NN-C69KSM is an example of a combination microwave that pairs microwave cooking with convection.
The MWF259SG is an example of a 25 L combination microwave listed by Whirlpool France.
The Optimo 39 L is a worktop mini oven, with no microwave function listed.
These models let you compare a standard microwave with appliances that offer extra cooking functions, if you already have a conventional oven. Start by choosing according to how you’ll actually use the appliance.
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Worth considering if you already use your oven for cooking and mainly want an appliance for reheating and defrosting. The advertised capacity is 23 L. Check that your dishes fit inside the cavity and consult the instructions for the required clearances.
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Worth considering if you plan to cook smaller dishes separately while your main oven is in use. Its advertised capacity is 39 L: compare the usable dimensions with your dishes, then check the instructions for the permitted installation type and required clearances. Its extra functions don’t guarantee that it can replace your oven for every recipe.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for extra cooking options while keeping the convenience of a microwave. The model has an advertised capacity of 42 L; check that your containers will fit inside the cavity. Before choosing where to put it, also check the voltage, power plug and clearances specified for this model.
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Worth considering if you want to keep microwave reheating and also use a grill for certain dishes. The product listing gives a capacity of 25 L and microwave power of 900 W. This model is listed as freestanding: check your dish dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for reheating and defrosting, with the option of extra cooking functions to explore for your recipes. The product name lists a capacity of 23 L and power of 900 W. Before deciding where to put it on your worktop, check the cooking modes, approved cookware and clearances in the instructions.
Only if the installation instructions for the exact model allow it and you can leave the required clearances. The instructions for the Samsung MS20A7013A specify the distances to follow; don’t apply those instructions to another model.
Its cooking modes may be suitable for some smaller dishes, but that alone doesn’t mean it can replace your oven for everything. Compare the usable cavity size, accessories and the recipes you actually want to cook in it.
Follow the instructions for the mode you’re using and for your appliance. Bosch warns against using metal containers in microwave-only mode. Check separately which cookware is approved for the other modes and combinations.
Check what the extended warranty adds to the legal guarantee of conformity, including the faults covered and any exclusions. In France, the DGCCRF says this legal guarantee applies for two years to new and second-hand goods bought from a professional seller; a commercial extended warranty doesn’t replace it.