Student in a kitchenette with no oven
If you mainly reheat and defrost portions, start by deciding whether you also need to brown food or cook as you would in an oven. The space available on your worktop can then help you choose between appliances.
Which option is right for you?
Owner of a holiday home
For occasional meals, distinguish between simple reheating and browning. If you also plan to cook oven-style dishes, check for a fan oven function rather than relying on the word ‘grill’ alone.
Tenant without a conventional oven
If the appliance will need to handle much of your cooking, compare a combination microwave with a fan oven function and a mini oven based on the dishes you usually make. Also measure the space needed for the door to open and follow the installation instructions.
What sets these appliances apart?
Standard microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat, defrost and cook using microwave power.
The downside: it won’t meet your needs if you want to brown food or cook using a fan oven function.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you also want to brown or grill dishes occasionally.
The downside: a grill alone does not provide the fan-assisted cooking you get from an oven.
Combination microwave with fan oven function
Choose this if: you want one appliance to handle both microwave cooking and some oven-style cooking.
Bear in mind: check that your dishes fit inside and that the appliance will fit in its intended spot.
Electric mini oven
Choose this if: oven cooking matters more to you than microwave reheating.
The downside: a mini oven does not provide a microwave function.
Once you’ve chosen an appliance type, compare its product details and instructions with your available space, the dishes you use and the way you cook.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Check for microwave, defrost, grill and fan-assisted or convection cooking separately. According to UFC-Que Choisir, the grill is for browning, while a combination model can also cook using fan-assisted heat. | I want to reheat meals, and only want to brown food or prepare oven-style dishes if I’ll genuinely use those functions. |
| Space and usable capacity | Compare the appliance’s width, height and depth with the space available. Check that the door can open, allow for the clearances specified in the instructions, and check the dimensions of the cavity or turntable. | In a small kitchen, the appliance needs to leave enough room for the door to open and fit the dishes I use. A suitable capacity in litres alone isn’t enough. |
| Everyday use | Look at the controls, programmes and how easy it is to access the cavity for cleaning. For comparisons of specific models, UFC-Que Choisir’s tests assess defrosting, grilling, fan-assisted cooking, ease of use and cleaning, among other things. | If I use this appliance often, I want to be able to select cooking functions and clean the cavity without unnecessary hassle. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Confusing a grill with fan-assisted cooking
A grill can brown food, but its presence doesn’t mean the appliance offers convection cooking.
For pizzas, cakes and other oven-style dishes, look specifically for ‘fan oven’, ‘convection’ or ‘fan-assisted’ in the model’s product details.
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
The capacity won’t tell you whether a rectangular dish will fit inside, or whether the door can open fully where you plan to put the appliance.
Measure your dishes and the available space, then check the internal dimensions, door clearance and installation instructions.
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Assuming all combination microwaves cook in the same way
UFC-Que Choisir assesses different functions separately, including defrosting, grilling and fan-assisted cooking. The term ‘combination’ alone doesn’t tell you how well the appliance performs for each type of cooking.
Check the functions of the exact model and, if a test of that model is available, look at the results for the dishes you plan to make.
A few brands to know
These examples illustrate different types of appliance; check the functions and dimensions of each individual model.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in microwaves in France, including some combination models.
- Whirlpool describes the MCP349WH as a 25 L freestanding combination microwave.
- Check the functions and the space actually available for your dishes in the details for the model you choose.
Samsung
Samsung offers combination microwaves with convection cooking, among other options; functions vary by model.
- Samsung’s details for the MC28H5015AW list a 28 L capacity, along with microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Don’t assume these specifications apply to another Samsung model; check its own features and dimensions.
Moulinex
Moulinex describes the Optimo 19 L as a freestanding electric mini oven.
- Its product details list fan-assisted cooking and six cooking functions.
- The product details don’t list a microwave function. Choose this type of appliance for oven-style cooking, not as a replacement for a microwave.
Appliances for different needs
These Joybuy options let you consider microwave reheating, browning, a combination appliance or mini oven cooking. Check the exact functions of the model you’re considering before choosing it to take over some of the jobs of an oven.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if you want to brown food as well as use a microwave. The title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W; if you’re planning to cook oven-style dishes, check separately for a fan oven function. Also check how much space is needed to open the door and follow the installation instructions.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB 3-in-1 combination microwave, 42 L
Worth looking at if you want one appliance for several types of cooking without a conventional oven. The title describes a 42 L 3-in-1 combination microwave: check exactly what its three functions are, the cavity dimensions and which dishes will fit, then check how much room it takes up with the door open.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L microwave
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a microwave for everyday meals. The title lists a 25 L capacity, but its 1000 W rating doesn’t specify which function it applies to. Check the microwave power and cooking functions in the MH6535GIS technical details. If browning or fan-assisted cooking matters to you, make sure those functions are specifically listed.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo microwave, 23 L
Worth considering if you mainly need to reheat and defrost. The title describes it as a 23 L solo model with Quick Defrost; if you want to brown food or cook using fan-assisted heat, look for a model that specifically lists these functions.
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Black+Decker BXOV3000E, 1500 W mini oven
Worth considering if you prefer oven cooking to a microwave function. The title lists 1500 W; before planning where to install it, check its external dimensions, door clearance and the space required according to the instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace a conventional oven?
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model has a genuine fan oven function. Usable capacity and results vary by appliance, so check which dishes it can accommodate, what functions it offers and, if possible, test results for the exact model.
What should you measure in a kitchenette?
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check how much room is needed to open the door and allow for the clearances specified in the instructions. Also compare the dimensions of your dishes with those of the cavity: capacity in litres alone won’t confirm that they’ll fit.
Is a microwave with a grill enough to make gratins?
A grill lets you brown food, as UFC-Que Choisir’s guide explains. If you also want to cook oven-style dishes regularly, look for a fan oven function: a grill alone doesn’t provide one.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in an alcove?
Don’t assume an alcove is suitable for a freestanding model. Check the model’s instructions for ventilation requirements, clearances and the space needed to open the door. The dimensions of a built-in appliance don’t tell you how to install a freestanding one.