If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave will do the job. Choose a model with a grill if you’d also like to brown food from time to time. If you regularly cook dishes as you would in an oven, consider a microwave with a fan oven function or a mini oven instead. In either case, check the space available, the size of dishes it can accommodate, ventilation requirements and the modes listed in the model’s manual.
If you need to reheat meals and defrost food in a small space, start by looking at solo microwaves. A model with a grill is worth considering if you’d also like to brown food now and then. Neither option replaces all the cooking functions of an oven.
If one appliance needs to handle several types of meal, compare a microwave with a fan oven function against a mini oven. The right choice depends on how often you reheat and defrost food, the dishes you use and the space available.
If you regularly bake or grill dishes, look at the cooking modes offered by a fan oven combination microwave or mini oven rather than choosing based solely on whether it has a grill. Check that your dishes fit inside and that you can install the appliance with the required clearances.
Start with the meals you prepare, then check that the functions you need suit the size of your dishes and the space you have in mind.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Check the difference between reheating and defrosting, browning with a grill, and cooking with a fan oven function. Check the programmes for the exact model: having a grill does not mean it has a fan oven function. | Do I mainly reheat ready-cooked meals, or do I also want to cook and brown dishes regularly? Your answer will help you choose between a solo microwave, a model with a grill or an appliance that offers oven-style cooking. |
| Space and dishes | Compare the external dimensions with the sizes of dishes the appliance can accommodate. For a microwave, check the turntable or cavity too; the capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether a dish will fit. | My usual plates, tins and dishes need to fit inside without taking up all the worktop space. |
| Installation | Check the manual for clearance requirements, ventilation openings and placement restrictions. Also check the power supply and plug type for the model you’re considering. | I have a stable surface and enough room around the appliance, especially if I plan to place it under a shelf. |
| Containers | Check that your container is suitable for the mode you’re using and follow the food packaging instructions. Anses recommends following these instructions; for some films and pouches, DGCCRF advises against using them in a microwave unless they are specifically labelled as suitable. | I want to use my containers for the meals I have planned, without assuming that a microwave-safe container is also suitable for the grill or fan oven function. |
The capacity won’t tell you whether your plate, tin or dish will fit inside.
Measure the containers you usually use and compare them with the dimensions of the cavity, turntable or dishes listed for the model you’re considering.
A grill browns food, but having one doesn’t mean the appliance can cook using a fan oven function.
If you plan to cook oven dishes regularly, check the modes for the exact model instead of relying on the word ‘grill’ alone.
Whirlpool France warns that blocking a microwave’s ventilation can cause it to overheat.
Before choosing where to put it, check the model’s manual and make sure its ventilation openings are unobstructed.
Packaging or an accessory that’s suitable for one mode won’t necessarily be suitable for others. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for food intended for microwave cooking.
Check the instructions on the container and packaging. Only use a rack or metal accessory in modes expressly permitted by the model’s manual.
Whirlpool France offers a range of freestanding microwaves with different functions. Check each model individually.
Moulinex mini ovens make it easy to compare cooking modes based on the dishes you want to prepare.
Samsung France Support provides French-language documentation for the MC28H5015CK combination microwave.
These models are designed for reheating and defrosting in a home without a full-size oven; some also have a grill for browning food from time to time. If you regularly want to cook dishes as you would in an oven, check that the appliance has a suitable function rather than assuming a grill will do the job.
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For reheating and defrosting, with a grill for occasional browning. The title lists a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Check the manual for clearance requirements and which containers are suitable for each mode.
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For reheating and defrosting in a small home. The title describes this as a solo microwave, while the description also mentions a grill. If that feature matters to you, check the modes in the manual for the H25MOBS7H model.
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The description lists reheating, defrosting and a grill for an occasional golden finish. The title specifies a capacity of 25 L and a power rating of 900 W. Before buying, check the manual for the voltage, plug type and ventilation requirements for your chosen location.
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This model is presented as suitable for reheating and defrosting, with a grill for certain dishes. The title lists a capacity of 25 L. Before setting aside a spot for it, check the manual for the power supply, plug type and required clearances.
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For reheating and defrosting when browning isn’t needed. The description lists a microwave power rating of 800 W and a 28.8 cm turntable. Check the manual for ventilation clearances before installation.
Not for every dish: it’s best suited to reheating and defrosting. If you want to brown food from time to time, look at models with a grill. For regular oven-style cooking, consider an appliance with a suitable cooking mode or a mini oven.
No. The extra functions are useful if you’ll actually use them and have enough space. If you mainly reheat meals, a solo model may be enough. If you often use oven dishes, compare the usable dimensions of a mini oven too.
Measure your dishes, then check the sizes the model can accommodate in its product listing or manual. Capacity in litres alone won’t confirm whether a particular tin or dish will fit.
No. Check that it’s microwave-safe and follow the reheating instructions: Anses recommends following the instructions for the food products concerned. For some films and pouches, DGCCRF advises that you shouldn’t use them in a microwave unless they are specifically labelled as suitable.
Yes. The ventilation openings must be kept clear. Before installing the appliance on your worktop, check the clearance requirements and placement restrictions in the manual for the exact model, as well as its power supply requirements.