For individual portions
If you mainly reheat leftovers and ready meals, a solo microwave may be all you need. Compare the space required for installation with the dimensions of your usual plates and dishes.
Which option is right for you?
The right format depends first and foremost on the meals you prepare and the space you have for the appliance.
For versatile, compact kitchens
If you also want to brown food or cook as you would in an oven, compare grill, combination and mini oven models based on the functions you’ll use and the space you actually have.
For microwaveable packaged meals
If you often heat trays or pouches, check their preparation instructions and choose an appliance that lets you set the power and time as directed on the packaging.
What should you check before choosing?
First, choose the heating method that suits your meals, then check that the appliance, your dishes and its location are all compatible.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Compare a solo microwave for reheating and defrosting with grill or oven functions if you plan to use those too. Check the power and time settings. | I mainly reheat portions or leftovers: oven functions are only useful if I plan to use them. |
| Space and dishes | Measure the space, the door opening and your dishes. Check the size of the turntable or cavity, as well as the ventilation clearances specified in the manual: the capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether a dish will fit. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to open the appliance and fit my plates inside without compromising the space needed for ventilation. |
| Containers | Check the packaging labels, the accessories permitted in the manual, and the power and time instructions. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for microwaveable products. | I sometimes heat a meal in its packaging: I need to check that it’s designed for this use rather than judge by how it looks. |
| Browning and cooking | A grill adds a browning function; a combination model brings together microwave and oven functions, depending on the model. A mini oven is suitable for oven cooking but doesn’t provide a microwave function. Check the functions and accessories for each appliance. | If I mainly want to brown or cook dishes, these functions will matter more to me than microwave reheating alone. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination model just for reheating
The grill and oven functions of a combination model won’t add anything to your meals if you don’t use them.
Think about the meals you usually prepare: if you rarely brown food, start by comparing the dimensions and settings of solo models.
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Relying on the stated capacity alone
A capacity in litres doesn’t confirm that a wide or tall dish will fit, or that the appliance can be installed properly.
Measure your dishes, the available space and the door opening; also check the manual for ventilation clearances.
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Heating packaging without reading the instructions
Anses warns that heating food for too long can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging.
Follow the specified power, time and preparation method. If the container isn’t designed for microwave use, use one that’s explicitly stated to be compatible.
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Assuming a rack makes all metal items safe to use
A rack designed for a specific appliance and setting doesn’t make other metal utensils compatible; Whirlpool warns, in particular, of the risk of sparks.
Only use a rack if the manual permits it for the selected setting, and don’t add any unauthorised metal items.
A few brands to consider
These examples illustrate different formats: a brand’s product range is no substitute for checking the manual for the model you’re considering.
Samsung
Samsung describes the MS23K3515AS as a 23 L solo microwave with Quick Defrost.
- An example of a model to consider if reheating and defrosting are your main uses.
- Compare its dimensions with your dishes and follow the model’s manual for ventilation requirements; Samsung’s general guidance may vary by appliance.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers microwaves with a grill for people who want to add browning to their reheating options.
- Consider these models if you plan to use the grill regularly.
- Check the functions and permitted accessories in the manual: having a grill doesn’t make all containers compatible.
Bosch
The Bosch CMG7241B1 is a compact built-in oven with a microwave function; Bosch lists its cavity capacity as 45 L.
- This format is worth comparing if you want to combine oven and microwave functions in a built-in appliance.
- Check the dimensions of the housing niche and the installation requirements before choosing this model.
Microwaves to compare on Joybuy
These models are for microwave reheating; some names also indicate a grill function. If mini oven cooking is your priority, compare that type of appliance separately.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, 700 W
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and use a grill too. Check the space required, the size of your dishes and which accessories are permitted for each setting.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L microwave, 900 W
For microwave-reheated meals, compare its stated capacity with the size of your dishes. Check the clearances required in the manual before deciding where to place it.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L freestanding microwave, 800 W
If you’re looking for a countertop appliance for everyday meals, measure the space and your plates before choosing. Check the model’s installation requirements in the manual.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave with Quick Defrost
A solo model to consider if you reheat and defrost without needing a grill function. Compare your dishes with the interior space and check the manual for this appliance’s ventilation clearances.
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Hkoenig VIO7, 23 L freestanding microwave, 900 W
For reheating on a worktop, check that the appliance has enough room for the door to open and for ventilation. Also compare the interior space with your usual containers.
Frequently asked questions
Should you follow the power and time settings on a microwaveable meal?
Yes. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for microwaveable food products. Before using an automatic programme, check that it matches the instructions on the meal.
Can you use any container in a microwave?
No. Check that the container is designed for this use and is suitable for your appliance according to its manual. The DGCCRF notes that substances can migrate from materials that come into contact with food; don’t assume packaging is compatible based on its appearance alone.
Can you put a metal rack in a microwave?
Only if the manufacturer approves that rack for the model and setting you’re using. Samsung distinguishes between the rack designed for some of its appliances and other metal items: check the manual before each relevant use.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s manual. Samsung gives a general guideline of at least 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, but notes that requirements vary by appliance.