Student in a studio flat with limited kitchen space
If you mainly reheat meals and defrost small portions, check the worktop space available, the size of the dishes that will fit and the clearance needed for ventilation.
Who is this guide for?
Owner of a holiday home
For occasional use focused on reheating and defrosting, a basic microwave may be all you need. A grill or combination cooking function is worth considering if you’ll actually use it while you’re there.
Living in a small home without a practical oven
If you also want to cook or brown food, compare a combination microwave with a mini oven, taking into account the space available and how often you’ll use microwave reheating for meals.
What should you check?
Start with the meals you actually prepare, then make sure the appliance, your dishes and the clearances specified in its manual will all fit in your chosen spot.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Size and dishes | Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth with the space available. Check that the door can open fully and, for a microwave with a turntable, that the turntable diameter suits your dishes; capacity in litres alone isn’t enough. | I need to fit the appliance into a small kitchen and still use my usual plates. |
| Cooking functions | According to UFC-Que Choisir’s guide, a grill microwave can brown food, while a combination model adds conventional oven functions. If traditional cooking matters more than microwave reheating, compare a mini oven too. | If I’m just reheating ready-cooked meals, I may not need a grill. If I regularly want to brown food or bake, that function will affect my choice. |
| Installation | Check the manual for the exact model to find the required clearances, and keep the vents unobstructed. Whirlpool says blocked ventilation can cause overheating. | My worktop is narrow, so I need to allow space around the appliance, not just account for its dimensions. |
| Containers | Check that the container or packaging is microwave-safe and follow its instructions for cooking time and power. Anses says that overheating food increases the risk of substances migrating from some packaging into food. | When I reheat a meal in its packaging, I want to know whether it’s suitable and what instructions to follow. |
| Warranty and repairs | For a purchase from a trader in France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the seller is responsible for defects under the statutory legal guarantee. Check separately the terms of any commercial warranty and the services available for the model you’re considering. | If the appliance is faulty or doesn’t match its description, I want to know who to contact and what repair options are available. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based only on capacity in litres
A cavity that suits your portions doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit on your worktop or that your dishes will fit on its turntable.
Measure the space, check the door opening and measure your usual dishes. Then compare the appliance dimensions and read the installation instructions for your chosen model.
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Choosing a combination model just for reheating
Grill and oven-style cooking functions aren’t necessary if you only need to reheat and defrost. They may also make it harder to find a suitable space for the appliance.
Choose a grill if you want to brown food, and a combination model for cooking functions you’ll genuinely use. Otherwise, start by looking at basic models.
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Blocking the vents to save space
Whirlpool says blocked ventilation can cause overheating.
Keep the vents clear and follow the clearances in your appliance’s manual, rather than relying on a distance you assume will suit every model.
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Reheating food in packaging without checking the instructions
According to Anses, heating food at too high a power setting or for too long increases the risk of substances migrating from some packaging into food.
Follow the instructions for power and cooking time. If the packaging isn’t suitable for microwave use, transfer the meal to a microwave-safe container.
A guide to the brands
Samsung
The MS23K3614AW/EF is an example of the brand’s freestanding solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting.
- Samsung lists a 23 L capacity, a 28,8 cm turntable and automatic defrosting for this model.
- These specifications alone don’t tell you how evenly it reheats food or how its thermal safety compares with another model.
Whirlpool
The brand offers basic microwaves, grill models and combination models. The MCP349WH combines microwave cooking, a grill and fan-assisted heat.
- Whirlpool lists a 25 L capacity and dimensions of 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm for the MCP349WH. Compare these with your worktop space.
- The brand offers repair services and genuine parts. Check what’s available for the specific model you’re considering.
Moulinex / Groupe SEB
Moulinex’s mini ovens are worth considering when traditional cooking matters more to you than microwave reheating.
- The range includes mini ovens designed for tasks such as cooking pizzas and baking pastries.
- A mini oven doesn’t offer microwave reheating or a defrost programme designed for this type of appliance.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models suit the reheating and defrosting needs discussed here; some also offer browning. If traditional cooking is your priority, include a mini oven in your comparison before you decide.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave, 700 W
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting simple meals without oven-style cooking functions. The product title lists 6 power levels, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual to find out how much space you’ll need for installation.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, 700 W
The grill is useful if you want to brown food as well as reheat it in the microwave, but this isn’t a fan oven. Compare the space available with the appliance’s dimensions and the clearances specified in its manual.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L microwave, 700 W
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning. If you need a grill, check the functions of the specific model before buying.
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Hkoenig VIO8, 20 L freestanding microwave, 700 W
Worth comparing if you want to reheat simple meals in a small kitchen. Before buying, check that the voltage and plug are suitable for your setup, then consult the manual for the ventilation clearances.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L microwave, 800 W
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and may also want to brown food. Check this model’s functions and dimensions, then allow for the clearances specified in its manual when working out how much worktop space you’ll need.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a microwave in any corner of my studio flat?
No. You’ll need to follow the instructions for your model and keep its vents clear. For its freestanding appliances, Whirlpool recommends a flat surface and says blocked ventilation can cause overheating. Check the exact clearances before choosing a cupboard recess or worktop space.
What container should I use to reheat a meal in the microwave?
Use a container intended for microwave use and follow the packaging instructions for power and cooking time. Anses says that heating food at too high a power or for too long increases the risk of substances migrating from some packaging into food. If the packaging isn’t suitable for microwave use, transfer the meal to a suitable container.
What warranty applies to a microwave bought from a trader in France?
The Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies in France to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. The seller is responsible for defects in conformity; any commercial warranty is separate.
Can the shop take back my old microwave?
Some shops can take back old appliances under certain conditions. According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, ‘one-for-one’ take-back is linked to buying a product of the same type. ‘One-for-zero’ take-back depends, among other things, on the sales area of the shop concerned.