Studio flat dweller who mainly reheats food
You want to reheat portions and defrost food without giving up too much space for an appliance. A basic microwave will do the job, but be sure to check its actual footprint before choosing one.
Who are these appliances for?
Someone without an oven who cooks occasionally
You’d also like to make dishes such as gratins, quiches or cakes. Depending on how often you plan to cook these, distinguish between a grill, which is mainly for browning, and a combination microwave with a proper convection function.
Second-home owner who prioritises oven cooking
If pizzas, roasts or cakes matter more to you than reheating meals, compare a countertop mini oven with a combination microwave. Check how much space you’ll need to set it up and follow the model’s ventilation instructions.
What should you prioritise?
If you live in a small home without a conventional oven, start with the way you’ll use the appliance most, then check that it can be installed and used where you plan to put it.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting without taking up too much space | Compare the external dimensions with the space available and check the manual for ventilation clearances. | When worktop space is limited, I mainly want to reheat meals and defrost food without making room for oven functions. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this need for compact reheating. |
| Browning dishes from time to time | Check that the appliance has a grill and find out which accessories can be used with this mode. | I’d sometimes like to brown a dish, but baking and roasting aren’t my main uses. Occasional browning would be a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Combining reheating with oven-style cooking | Look for a separate convection mode, rather than just a grill, then check the dimensions and installation instructions. | Without a conventional oven, I need to reheat meals and cook oven-style dishes using a single appliance. This versatility would come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Prioritising oven cooking | Compare the cooking modes, the size of dishes the appliance can accommodate and the ventilation requirements for a mini oven. | I make roasts and cakes more often than I reheat portions, so I could consider an appliance dedicated to oven cooking. Around 20% of consumers would put this type of cooking at the top of their list. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the cavity capacity
The capacity in litres won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop. For example, Panasonic lists a depth of 520 mm for its NN-C69K combination microwave, compared with 374 mm for Samsung’s MS23K3513AK/EF solo microwave, according to Samsung.
Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. Then check the manual for the exact model to find out its ventilation clearances.
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Assuming a grill is the same as convection
A grill can brown the surface of a dish, but having one doesn’t mean the appliance also has the convection mode needed for certain types of oven cooking. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses these modes against separate criteria in its test protocol.
If you plan to bake cakes or roast food regularly, check the available modes and temperature range, then compare the appliance with a mini oven.
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Using the same container for every mode
A container that’s suitable for microwave reheating won’t necessarily be suitable for the grill or convection mode. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes, in particular, between using plastic in microwave mode and using it with these other functions.
Before using each cooking mode, check the container’s markings and the appliance manual.
Brands to consider for different needs
Samsung
The MS23K3513AK/EF solo microwave is a useful benchmark for reheating and defrosting.
- Samsung lists a 23 L capacity, Quick Defrost and external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm for this model.
- This is a solo model. If you want to brown or oven-cook food, consider a different type of appliance.
Whirlpool
The MWF255B is a useful example to consider if you’re looking for a freestanding microwave with a grill and no turntable.
- Whirlpool lists a 25 L cavity and dimensions of 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm for this model.
- The claim that its usable capacity is comparable to a 30 L cavity comes from Whirlpool. It isn’t an independent measurement that applies to other models.
Panasonic
The NN-C69K is an example of a combination microwave with convection, for anyone who wants several cooking functions in one appliance.
- Panasonic lists a 30 L capacity, a 1 000 W quartz grill and convection adjustable from 40 to 220 °C for this model.
- Its listed dimensions of 520 × 327 × 520 mm mean you’ll need to check the available depth and installation requirements particularly carefully.
Moulinex
The Moulinex guide is a useful starting point for comparing a countertop mini oven with a combination microwave when oven cooking is your main priority.
- The brand offers mini ovens from 19 to 60 L and suggests a capacity below 33 L for some people looking for a compact model.
- This capacity guide doesn’t replace checking the dimensions, ventilation requirements and dish sizes that the model can accommodate.
Microwaves for different needs
These models represent three of the options discussed above: a basic microwave for reheating, a model with a grill for occasional browning, and a combination microwave with convection for more cooking options. Compare their functions with your needs before measuring the space you’ll need.
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Beko MGC20100B1, microwave with grill, 20 L, black
Worth considering if you’d like to add occasional browning to your reheating options.
The product name lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W power. Check separately whether the cooking modes suit the oven-style dishes you want to make.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), microwave, 20 L, black
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning food.
The product name lists 700 W, 6 pre-set menus, 11 power levels and a defrost function. Check the dimensions and installation clearances before you buy.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, microwave with grill, 25 L, white
Compare it with other grill models if you’d like to brown some dishes as well as reheat them.
The product name lists a 25 L capacity and a digital display. If you plan to cook oven-style dishes regularly, check that it has a separate convection mode.
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Samsung MS23K3513, solo microwave, 23 L
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, rather than choosing an appliance for browning dishes.
The product name lists a 23 L capacity, Quick Defrost and an LED display. Check the space needed to open the door and ventilate the appliance.
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LG MJ3965ACS, combination microwave, 39 L, black
Worth considering if you want to combine reheating and oven-style cooking in one appliance.
The product name lists a 39 L capacity. For a small home, measure the space carefully and check the cooking modes and installation instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace a conventional oven?
It can replace some oven uses if the model has the cooking modes you need, but it won’t necessarily handle every type of dish. UFC-Que Choisir assesses factors such as browning, evenness and temperature stability. If test results are available for the model you’re considering, check them rather than relying on the word ‘combination’ alone.
Can I use the same container in the microwave, grill and convection modes?
No. Don’t assume that a container is suitable for all three modes. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes, in particular, between using plastic in microwave mode and using it with the grill or convection function. Check the container’s markings and the appliance manual before each use.
Is capacity in litres enough to help me choose a compact appliance?
No. Capacity tells you about the cavity, while the external dimensions determine how much space the appliance takes up. Samsung lists dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm for its MS23K3513AK/EF solo microwave, while Panasonic lists 520 × 327 × 520 mm for its NN-C69K combination microwave. You’ll also need to allow for the door to open and the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
Does an extended warranty replace the statutory guarantee?
No. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity protects consumers if a new or second-hand product sold by a business does not conform to the contract, according to the Ministry of the Economy. A commercial warranty is separate, so compare what it actually covers and check its exclusions before taking one out.