For everyday reheating and defrosting
If you mostly eat meals that need reheating, leftovers or food that needs defrosting, start by comparing basic microwaves. Make sure the cavity and turntable can accommodate the containers you usually use.
Which option is right for you?
Your choice depends mainly on what you actually cook, not just on the lack of space for a traditional oven.
For browning or oven-style cooking
A microwave with a grill lets you brown food from time to time. If you also plan to cook dishes that need fan-assisted heat, look for this function on a combination model: the word ‘grill’ alone isn’t enough.
For small portions you want to roast or crisp
An air fryer is worth considering if this is a priority in your meals. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that this category can be bulky and noisy, so also consider how much room you’ll need to use and store one.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the meals you usually make, then check that the functions you want will fit into the space actually available in your kitchenette.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the model’s functions and the usable size of the cavity or turntable. A capacity in litres doesn’t guarantee that a particular dish will fit. | I mainly reheat meals and defrost food, so a basic microwave covers these needs without a grill function. |
| Browning or oven-style cooking | Know the difference between a grill, which browns food, and the fan-assisted or convection heat of a combination model. For the latter, check the temperatures, accessories and dimensions of the exact model. | I’d like to brown food from time to time. If I also want to cook oven-style dishes, I need to look specifically for a combination model with fan-assisted heat. |
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height, then allow for the door to open and the clearances specified in the manual. Also check that your dishes will fit inside the cavity. | My worktop space is limited, so an appliance needs to fit physically and still have room for the door to open and for ventilation. |
| Hot-air cooking | Check the usable capacity, specific functions, cleaning requirements and space needed for the air fryer. Some models offer reheating and defrosting, but not all. | I mainly cook small portions that I want to roast or crisp. I’ll check whether an air fryer offers a function my current appliances don’t already cover. |
| Installation | Follow the model’s instructions on the supporting surface and clearances, and don’t block its vents. Before using a cooking appliance, also check the rules that apply where you live. | In a bedroom or small kitchenette, I need a place that’s suitable for the appliance, not just a nearby socket. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Mistaking a grill for a fan oven
A grill browns or crisps food; on its own, it doesn’t provide the convection cooking needed for some oven-style dishes.
If this type of cooking matters to you, look for the words ‘fan-assisted’, ‘convection’ or ‘fan-forced’ and check the functions in the model’s manual.
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Choosing by capacity in litres alone
The cavity capacity tells you neither the appliance’s external dimensions nor how much space you need to open the door. For example, Whirlpool lists dimensions of 45.2 × 26.2 × 35 cm for its solo MWP201SB, compared with 52 × 30.1 × 49.4 cm for its combination MCP349WH.
Measure the space and check that your plates and dishes will fit inside, too.
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Blocking the vents
Whirlpool warns that blocked ventilation openings can cause the appliance to overheat.
Place the microwave on a flat surface, keep its vents clear and follow the clearances specified in its own manual.
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Buying several appliances for the same jobs
UFC-Que Choisir advises against buying more appliances than you need when the functions you want are already covered by an oven or another appliance. It also describes air fryers as bulky and a little noisy.
Make a list of the cooking you do regularly, then compare it with the functions of the appliances you already own before adding an air fryer.
Brands and ranges to compare
These examples help you tell the different types of appliance apart. Functions and dimensions vary from model to model.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s French range includes examples of freestanding solo, grill and combination microwaves.
- Whirlpool’s product listings include the 20 L solo MWP201SB, the 20 L grill MWP203SB and the 25 L combination MCP349WH with fan-assisted heat.
- Their dimensions and functions differ, so compare the exact model rather than relying on the range name alone.
Philips
A brand to consider if you’re looking for an air fryer for small portions cooked with hot air.
- According to Philips’ product listing, the 4.2 L NA229/00 offers 13 modes, including reheating and defrosting.
- Check the space needed, the instructions in the manual and the functions of the model you’re considering. The NA229/00’s features aren’t standard across all air fryers.
Panasonic
Its French combination models let you compare appliances that bring together several cooking methods.
- Panasonic lists fan-assisted heat on the NN-C69KSM. Its NN-CT55RW product listing also mentions a convection oven, a grill and an air-fry function.
- Before choosing a combination model for a kitchenette, check its dimensions, weight and manual-specified clearances against the space you have available.
Samsung
Samsung’s French freestanding range includes solo, grill and combination microwaves.
- Samsung describes the MC32DB7746KCE1, for example, as a 32 L combination microwave with several cooking modes, including an Air Fry function.
- Check the functions and dimensions of the model you choose. A feature on this combination model won’t be available on solo or grill models.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes a solo microwave and grill models for reheating, defrosting or browning food in a home without an oven. It doesn’t include a combination microwave with fan-assisted heat or an air fryer, so check the exact functions of each model before choosing.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, black
Worth comparing if you reheat and defrost meals and would like the option to brown food from time to time. This model is listed with a capacity of 20 L and a power output of 700 W. Check the installation clearances in its manual. If you want to cook with fan-assisted heat, look for this function explicitly on the model you choose.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning food. It has a listed capacity of 23 L. As this is a solo model, check that it suits the meals you usually prepare and that you have enough space for the door to open and for ventilation.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L microwave, black
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting, with the possibility of browning food too. The title describes a 25 L, 900 W solo model, while the description also mentions a grill. Confirm this function and the included accessories for the model supplied. Also check that the space available allows for the clearances specified in its manual.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, 25 L grill microwave, white
Worth comparing if you want to defrost food and brown some dishes using a grill. It has a listed capacity of 25 L. Descriptions give different grill power ratings, so check this figure and the installation clearances in the documentation for the exact model.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L grill microwave, titanium
Worth considering if you use a microwave to reheat or defrost food and would also like to brown dishes. The title lists a capacity of 25 L and a power output of 900 W. If you expect oven-style cooking, check for a fan-assisted heat function. Also check the space available and the model’s electrical and ventilation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can a basic microwave replace a traditional oven?
Not for every dish. It’s suitable for reheating, defrosting and some cooking, but it can’t provide the fan-assisted heat of an oven on its own. If your meals need this type of cooking, look for a combination microwave that explicitly lists this function.
Can an air fryer replace a microwave?
Not necessarily. An air fryer is mainly designed for hot-air cooking. Some models, such as the NA229/00 according to Philips, also offer reheating and defrosting modes. If these functions are essential for you, check the features and suitable containers for the model you’re considering.
How much space should you allow for a freestanding microwave?
Allow for its external dimensions, the door opening and the clearances required by its manual. Whirlpool recommends placing the microwave on a flat surface and keeping the vents clear; its installation advice specifies an ambient temperature between 5 and 35 °C. Check the clearances for the exact model you choose.