If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, a basic microwave may be all you need. A grill adds browning, but it won’t cook food in the same way as an oven. If you regularly want to make quiches, bakes or roasts in the same appliance, look for a combi model with a fan oven function, and check that you have enough space and suitable cookware. If oven cooking matters more to you than microwave reheating, compare a mini convection oven too: the ADEME–National Consumer Institute review found no overall advantage for the combi models over the fan ovens it assessed.
If space is limited and you mainly reheat or defrost individual portions, consider whether you also want to grill or oven-cook dishes. Those are the uses that make it worth looking beyond a basic microwave.
If you want to keep the number of appliances down, a combi model can handle reheating and some oven cooking. Make sure its dimensions, interior and accessories suit the meals you plan to prepare.
For quiches, bakes or roasted vegetables, remember that a grill is for browning, while a fan oven function is designed for oven-style cooking. The size of your dishes matters just as much as the stated capacity in litres.
Start with the meals you make, then check the functions, the space you’ll need and which containers you can use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Look for clearly stated microwave, grill and fan oven functions. Check the adjustable temperature and any accessories needed for the cooking you have in mind. | I mainly reheat and defrost: a basic model may do the job. If I want to brown food, I’ll look for a grill; for regular oven-style cooking, I’ll look for convection. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions in its buying guide. |
| Space and cookware | Compare the external width, height and depth with the space available, allowing for the clearances specified in the manual. Also check the interior, turntable and included accessories. | In my small kitchen, the appliance needs to fit in the space I’ve set aside and hold the dishes I actually use. |
| Reheating and containers | To compare defrosting and reheating performance, look for independent tests where available. Check that containers are suitable for each mode; when using packaging designed for microwaves, follow its power and timing instructions. | If I often reheat packaged meals, I want to be able to follow the instructions without using an unsuitable container. Anses warns that using too high a power setting can increase the migration of substances from some packaging. |
| Oven cooking | Compare a combi model with a fan oven function and a mini convection oven, based on the recipes you plan to make. Also consider whether you need a microwave for reheating or defrosting. | If I mainly cook oven dishes, I won’t assume a combi model will give better results: the ADEME–National Consumer Institute review found no clear advantage for the combi models over the fan ovens it assessed. |
A grill browns or gratinates food; it doesn’t do the same job as a fan oven when cooking bakes or roasts.
Make a note of the meals you cook most often. If oven cooking is essential, look for a stated convection function, check its temperature range and make sure the right accessories are available.
The stated capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit in your chosen space or whether your dish will fit on the turntable or inside the cooking cavity.
Measure the space and your dishes, then compare the appliance’s external dimensions, turntable size, required clearances and included accessories.
The ADEME–National Consumer Institute review found no clear advantage for combi models compared with the fan ovens it assessed. The right choice depends on the dish and the appliance, among other things.
If you mainly cook in an oven, compare a mini convection oven too. Give a combi model more weight in your decision if you also regularly use the microwave to reheat and defrost food.
According to Anses, reheating at too high a power setting can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging.
Use containers that are suitable for the selected mode, and follow the power and timing instructions on packaging designed for microwave use.
These examples highlight features to check on each model, rather than specifications shared by every appliance from a particular brand.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding combi appliance with microwave and fan oven functions.
Consider this brand if you’re looking for a combi model with a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
Offers convection microwaves, with capacities and functions that vary by model.
These models are mainly useful for comparing reheating and defrosting options in a home without an oven, with a grill listed on some models. If you plan to cook regularly in the oven, check separately for a genuine fan oven function.
Image unavailable
For reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown food from time to time. The model name indicates a 20 L capacity, 700 W microwave power and a grill. If you plan to cook oven dishes, check whether it has a fan oven function.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you want to combine reheating with occasional browning. Its name indicates a 25 L capacity and 900 W power. Check the dimensions and electrical requirements, and make sure it has a fan oven function if you want to cook as you would in an oven.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting where space is limited. The product name includes “Solo”, while the model information also mentions a grill. Confirm that it has this function before choosing it to brown dishes, and check how much space you’ll need to install it.
Image unavailable
This model combines microwave cooking with a grill for browning. Its name indicates a 25 L capacity. If you want to compare its microwave power or use it for oven-style cooking, confirm the exact specifications before buying.
Image unavailable
Designed for reheating and defrosting rather than browning. The product name indicates six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the electrical requirements, and choose a different type of appliance if a grill or fan oven function is essential for the meals you make.
It can handle some oven cooking if the model has a genuine fan oven function and can fit the dishes you need for your recipes. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from a basic grill; however, the ADEME–National Consumer Institute review found no overall advantage for combi models over the fan ovens it assessed.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check the appliance’s external dimensions and the clearances required for that model. Also compare your dishes with the cooking cavity or turntable, and check which accessories are included.
Only use containers that are suitable for microwave use, and follow the instructions on packaging designed for microwaves. Anses notes, in particular, that reheating at too high a power setting can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging.
Don’t just look at the stated power: where available, check independent tests of reheating and defrosting performance. For care and cleaning, consult the model’s manual for instructions on cleaning the cooking cavity and accessories.
Take it to an electrical equipment recycling point rather than putting it in your household waste. The Ministry for Ecological Transition lists options including collection points, returning it to a shop and passing it on to a reuse organisation, depending on the appliance’s condition.