If you mainly reheat and defrost food, start by comparing solo microwaves. Choose a grill model if you also want to brown food, or a combination model if one appliance needs to handle some oven-style cooking too. A compact convection oven is better suited to regular cooking, but it won’t reheat food using microwaves. In a kitchenette, always check the appliance’s external dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual for the model you choose.
You want to reheat and defrost food every day without making room for oven functions you’re unlikely to use. UFC-Que Choisir lists student accommodation as one of the situations in which a microwave may be a good choice.
You’re looking to combine a microwave, grill and some oven-style cooking in one appliance. A combination microwave may be worth considering, as long as its size and cooking modes suit your space and the dishes you make.
You care more about cooking and browning food than reheating it in a microwave. A compact convection oven may suit this priority; UFC-Que Choisir also cites second homes as a setting where people may need an appliance.
First decide whether microwave reheating is essential, then think about which cooking methods you’ll actually use. Next, measure the space: the internal capacity alone won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit.
Consider it if: reheating and defrosting make up most of your use.
Bear in mind: on its own, it doesn’t offer grill or fan-assisted cooking functions.
Consider it if: you reheat food often and would like to brown it from time to time.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance has fan-assisted cooking.
Consider it if: you need a microwave and also plan to use oven-style cooking functions regularly.
Bear in mind: some combination models take up a lot of space. Check the functions and dimensions of the exact model.
Consider it if: your main aim is to cook and brown food in a worktop appliance.
Bear in mind: it won’t reheat or defrost food using microwaves.
| Factor | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | External dimensions, door opening and clearances specified in the model’s manual. | I need to leave enough room to use the worktop and open the appliance without obstruction. For around 33% of consumers, available space is said to be the main priority. |
| Everyday reheating | Whether it has a microwave function and defrost settings suited to how you use it. | If I reheat meals every day, I don’t want to choose based on oven functions alone. Around 17% of consumers would put reheating and defrosting first. |
| Several functions in one appliance | Whether it genuinely offers microwave, grill and fan-assisted modes, and whether the accessories are compatible with each mode. | Without a usable oven, I want to cook in different ways without adding more appliances. This versatility is said to be the main need for around 25% of consumers. |
| Oven-style cooking | Cooking modes, thermostat and usable cavity dimensions for your dishes. | I often make dishes that need cooking or browning, and can manage without microwave reheating. Oven-style cooking would come first for around 25% of consumers. |
The ADEME-INC study published in February 2026 compares combination ovens with convection ovens for specific uses. It doesn’t show that one type of appliance always uses less energy than the other. To compare two models, look at the functions you’ll use and the conditions of any available comparisons.
Having several cooking modes in one appliance is only useful if you really plan to cook or brown food. If you’ll mainly use it for reheating and defrosting, those modes don’t meet your main need.
Think about the meals you usually make before comparing appliances. Make separate notes of what you reheat, defrost, brown and cook in the oven.
Two appliances with similar capacities aren’t necessarily similar in their external dimensions. You’ll also need to allow room for the door to open and for ventilation clearances.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare these with the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model.
The manual for one freestanding microwave we looked at prohibits installing it in a cabinet and specifies clearances around the appliance. These instructions apply to that particular model, not to every appliance.
Before choosing a cabinet space or shelf, check that the product manual allows this location and that the vents will remain unobstructed.
A brand’s stated repair terms, the statutory guarantee and collection or take-back schemes are not the same thing.
Compare the repair options, keep your proof of purchase and ask the retailer about taking back your old appliance.
These examples illustrate different types of appliance to compare; their features don’t apply to every model from each brand.
The FFL023MS2 is an example of a freestanding solo microwave designed for reheating and defrosting.
The freestanding range includes microwaves with grills and combination models to consider if you want more than reheating.
Models that combine microwave and convection functions are worth considering if you also want the appliance to handle some oven-style cooking.
The Optimo 19 L is an example of a compact oven for when cooking and browning matter more than microwave reheating.
These models are suitable for reheating in a kitchenette, with grill options to consider for some uses. If you’re looking for an appliance that can partly replace an oven, check separately whether it has fan-assisted cooking. A “grill” label alone doesn’t guarantee this.
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Worth considering if you reheat food often and also want to brown it occasionally.
Stated capacity: 20 L; power stated in the title: 700 W. Before installing it, check the clearances required in the manual.
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Worth considering if reheating is your priority and you want to check whether a freestanding model will fit on your worktop.
Stated power: 700 W. If a grill or fan-assisted cooking matters to you, confirm that the required mode is included before buying, and check the manual for ventilation instructions.
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Compare this model if you want to reheat food in a 25 L cavity and are also looking for an option for browning.
The title states 1 000 W but doesn’t specify which mode this power refers to. Check the model’s documentation to confirm the grill and combination functions, as well as installation clearances.
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Worth considering for reheating if you’d also like to look at a browning function.
Power stated in the title: 800 W. Check the cooking modes and allow enough space for ventilation and the door to open.
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Worth considering if you’re mainly looking for a microwave for reheating and defrosting.
Stated power: 900 W. The “Solo” title and the grill mentioned in the description don’t match, so confirm that it has a grill before relying on this function. Also check the clearances in the manual.
Measure the available width, height and depth, remembering to allow enough room to open the door. Then check the appliance’s weight, the surface it will stand on and the ventilation clearances in the manual for the exact model. The clearances specified for another model aren’t a general rule.
No. A container that’s suitable for microwave use isn’t necessarily suitable for the grill or convection mode. UFC-Que Choisir specifically notes that plastic intended for microwave use shouldn’t be used with these heating modes. Check the container’s markings and the appliance manual too.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. If the appliance doesn’t match its description, contact the seller under this guarantee. This is separate from returning an item because you’ve simply changed your mind, or making a claim under a commercial warranty.
Take this electrical appliance to an appropriate collection point rather than putting it with ordinary household waste. The Ministry for Ecological Transition lists collection points and recycling centres. When buying a similar appliance, also ask the retailer about its “one-for-one” take-back arrangements.