Students or studio flat residents without a practical oven
If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a basic microwave will do the job. If your meals also need oven-style cooking, look at the functions and footprint of a combination microwave.
Which option is right for you?
Start with the meals you’ll prepare most often, then consider how much space you have for the appliance.
People using a second home
To keep the number of appliances down, think about the meals you’ll prepare while you’re there. Reheating and defrosting may be all you need, while gratins and convection cooking call for other functions.
Small kitchens that already have an oven
Before adding an air fryer, consider whether you’d regularly cook portions that fit its basket. UFC-Que Choisir points out that it can duplicate what an oven does.
What should you compare?
First, separate reheating, browning and convection cooking. Then check the dishes you use and the space available.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Microwave function and defrost settings; check the cavity and turntable dimensions against the dishes you use. A basic model covers these needs without adding a grill or convection function. | Most of my everyday meals are leftovers to reheat or food to defrost. |
| Browning or cooking | A grill browns food; if you want convection cooking in the same appliance, look for a combination microwave. For small roasted or crispy dishes, also compare the size of an air fryer basket. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between basic microwaves, grill models and combination models. | I want to brown dishes occasionally, or I regularly need to prepare meals that require oven-style cooking. |
| Available space | Measure the appliance’s external dimensions, then check the manual for placement instructions and required clearances. Compare the capacity with your usual portions, but don’t confuse this with the amount of worktop space it takes up. | My worktop space is limited, so I’d rather avoid an appliance that duplicates the functions of my oven. |
| Installation and care | Check the ventilation instructions and installation surface requirements in the manual. For microwaves, Whirlpool advises keeping the ventilation openings clear. Also check how to clean the parts you’ll use most often. | The appliance will be in a small kitchen, so I need to be able to install it according to the manual and clean it easily after my usual meals. |
| Dishes and containers | Compare the size of your plates and dishes with the cavity or basket. Before using any cooking mode, follow the appliance manual and the container’s instructions to check that it’s suitable. | I want to use my everyday dishes without finding out after purchase that they don’t fit or aren’t suitable for the mode I’ve chosen. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Adding an air fryer just because it’s versatile
If you already have a practical oven, an air fryer may take up worktop space for cooking that your oven can do too. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering this risk of duplication.
Make a note of the small roasted or crispy dishes you prepare regularly. If your main needs are still reheating and defrosting, compare microwaves first.
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Confusing a grill microwave with a combination microwave
A grill lets you brown food, but that doesn’t mean the appliance also offers convection cooking. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grill models from combination models, which can handle some oven-style cooking.
Choose according to the meals you plan to make: occasional browning or oven-style cooking. Then check the functions of the exact model you’re considering.
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Measuring the appliance without allowing for installation
A model may fit on your worktop but still be poorly positioned if its vents are blocked. Whirlpool highlights this precaution for microwaves; placement instructions vary by appliance.
Before buying, measure the space and check the manual for the exact model you’ve chosen, including its placement and clearance requirements.
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Assuming every recipe will use less energy
In a 2024 test, UFC-Que Choisir found that the air fryers tested used less electricity than a mini oven when cooking a small quiche lorraine, with the same quantity. This result applies to that particular dish and comparison, not to every type of cooking.
To compare two appliances on energy use, look for tests using recipes, quantities and models similar to your own.
A few brand examples
These models illustrate features worth comparing; their inclusion here doesn’t mean they’re available on Joybuy.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France describes the MWP251W as a freestanding 25 L microwave with a microwave-only function.
- A useful model for comparing a 25 L cavity with the dishes you use.
- This model has neither a grill nor a convection function.
Samsung
The Samsung MC28H5015AW is an example of a 28 L combination microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions, according to Samsung France’s product details.
- Its three modes illustrate the features to look for if you want one appliance to handle some oven-style cooking.
- Check the dimensions and functions of any other model you’re considering. The term ‘combination’ alone doesn’t tell you how it should be installed or what controls it has.
Moulinex
In its Easy Fry range, Moulinex lists the Essential EZ130810 with a 3.5 L capacity and the Easy Fry & Grill Precision EZ505810 with air fryer and grill functions.
- These models help illustrate the difference between a basket designed for air frying and one that also has a grill.
- Compare the portions you plan to cook with the space needed for installation. These functions don’t replace a microwave for reheating and defrosting.
Philips
Philips France describes the Airfryer Série 3000 HD9252/90 as a 4.1 L model for two people.
- Its capacity gives you a point of reference when comparing the basket with the portions you cook.
- An air fryer is designed for air frying, not for the main microwave task of defrosting food.
Microwaves to consider on Joybuy
These models cover reheating and defrosting, with one grill model for occasional browning. For each one, compare its dimensions and manual instructions with the space you have available.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
For reheating and defrosting, without the need for a grill function. The product title specifies 700 W, 11 power levels and six pre-set menus. Check the manual for the clearance needed during installation.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave
Worth considering if you’d also like to brown dishes occasionally: the product title specifies a grill and 700 W microwave power. Don’t confuse a grill with a convection cooking function; check the modes and clearance requirements in the manual.
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Heinrich’s, 20 L solo microwave
For meals focused on reheating and defrosting. The product title specifies 700 W, six power levels, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual to allow enough space around the appliance.
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Cecotec, 20 L countertop microwave
An option to compare for straightforward microwave cooking. The product title specifies 700 W and six power levels. Before setting aside space for it in your kitchen, check its external dimensions and installation instructions.
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COMFEE CMO‑MP012OC(WH), 19 L microwave
For reheating and defrosting simple portions. The product title specifies 700 W, five power levels and a 245 mm turntable. Compare this diameter with your dishes, then check the external dimensions and clearance requirements in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
Can a basic microwave be enough for a studio flat?
Yes, if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, with the occasional microwave meal. Based on the functions distinguished by UFC-Que Choisir, choose a grill model for browning or a combination model if you genuinely need convection cooking.
Can an air fryer replace a microwave?
Not for the same tasks: an air fryer cooks small portions using hot air, while a microwave is designed for reheating and defrosting. It can complement a microwave, but UFC-Que Choisir also recommends avoiding duplication if you already have an oven.
What should you check before placing an appliance in a small kitchen?
Measure your worktop and check the manual for the exact model to find out about the installation surface and required clearances. Whirlpool advises keeping a microwave’s vents unobstructed; for an air fryer, follow the manufacturer’s placement instructions too.
Does the legal guarantee of conformity also cover a second-hand appliance?
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer in France. It covers cases where goods don’t conform to the contract; don’t confuse it with a retailer’s returns policy for a change of mind.