Student or studio flat dweller
You mainly reheat leftovers or ready meals and defrost food. A standard microwave covers these needs; extra cooking functions are only useful if you plan to use them.
Who are these options for?
Small household without an oven
You want to reheat food, but also make gratins or cook dishes that need hot-air cooking. A combi microwave can bring these functions together, as long as you allow enough room for the appliance, its door to open and ventilation.
Holiday home owner
You want to keep the number of appliances to a minimum. If you mainly cook using an oven and can set aside a separate space with a suitable installation, a compact oven is another option.
What sets these appliances apart?
For a small kitchen without an oven, start with the types of cooking you’ll actually do. Then check that the appliance and its installation will fit the space you have in mind. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between standard, grill and combi models based on the functions they offer.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the available settings and the turntable dimensions with the dishes you usually use. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food, I don’t need oven functions for those tasks alone. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Cooking and browning | For oven-style cooking, look for fan-assisted cooking or convection; also check the grill and the model’s temperature range. | Without a separate oven, I want to be able to make gratins and cook some dishes using hot air in the same appliance. Oven-style cooking would be the priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Space and ventilation | Measure the space and the door clearance, then follow the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. | My worktop space is limited: even if the functions suit me, the appliance needs to fit and have proper ventilation. Around 25% of consumers would make installation their top criterion. |
| Separate oven | Check the space set aside for the compact oven, its power rating and whether the electrical circuit is suitable. | I mainly cook using an oven and can give it a separate space, while keeping a separate appliance for reheating. This dedicated cooking option would be the priority for around 8% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Confusing a grill model with a fan-assisted combi microwave
The grill browns food; on its own, it doesn’t provide the hot-air cooking needed for some oven-style dishes.
If this type of cooking matters to you, look for “fan-assisted”, “convection” or “hot air” in the model’s specifications, then check its temperature range.
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Relying on the cavity capacity without measuring the space
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you whether the depth, open door and ventilation clearances will work in your kitchen. Whirlpool points out that a microwave’s ventilation openings must not be blocked.
Measure the space where you plan to put it and check the installation instructions for the exact model before ordering.
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Choosing a compact oven without checking the electrical circuit
Legrand recommends a dedicated circuit and suitable protection for an electric oven. Check the electrical installation in your home before choosing this option.
Compare the appliance’s specifications with the available circuit, and have an old or uncertain installation checked by a qualified professional.
If the circuit needs adapting, you may also need to pay an electrician to carry out the work.
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Leaving disposal of your old appliance until delivery day
Replacing a microwave also means thinking about what to do with the old one. Ecosystem offers a “one-for-one” take-back service when you buy an equivalent electrical appliance.
Before ordering, ask the seller how to arrange this, especially if your new appliance is being delivered to your home.
Brands to consider
These brands offer models worth comparing for their functions and size. The specifications below relate to the models named, not their entire ranges.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding standard, grill and combi microwaves, depending on the model.
- According to Whirlpool France, the MCP349WH combines microwave, grill and forced-air cooking in a 25 L cavity; its stated dimensions are 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm.
- Crisp, steam and AutoClean functions are only available on certain models, so check the specifications of the one you’re considering.
Panasonic
Panasonic offers combi models that combine microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- Panasonic France lists a 30 L cavity for the NN-C69KSM, with a fan-assisted temperature setting of 40 °C and a range of 100 to 220 °C, plus a 1 000 W grill.
- This model measures 52 × 32,7 × 52 cm and weighs 22,2 kg, so check you have enough space and a suitable surface before choosing it.
Samsung
Samsung has combi models with convection, grill and microwave functions, which vary by model.
- Samsung France states that the MC28H5015AW combines all three modes in a 28 L cavity and lets you switch off the turntable.
- This model reference doesn’t guarantee availability, so check the specifications and the offer for the model you’re planning to buy.
Appliances to compare on Joybuy
These appliances suit two different needs: the SHARP combines several modes for anyone considering oven-style cooking too, while the Electrolux and Beko models pair reheating with a grill for occasional browning. Check the functions and space required for each model before choosing.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combi microwave
Worth considering if you want one appliance for reheating and oven-style cooking, provided its settings suit the dishes you make. It has a stated capacity of 42 L. Check the space required, ventilation and electrical requirements in the manual for the exact model.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L grill microwave, Titanium
For reheating and occasional browning, without the need for fan-assisted cooking. The product name lists a capacity of 25 L and a power rating of 900 W. Check the manual for ventilation clearance and that the electrical supply at your chosen location is suitable.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, black
Worth comparing if you mainly reheat food but also want to brown or grill dishes from time to time, without fan-assisted cooking. The product name lists a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Before installing it, check its dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual against the space available.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combi microwave replace a conventional oven?
A combi microwave with fan-assisted cooking can handle some oven-style cooking as well as reheating, but it may not suit every dish or quantity you’d cook in a conventional oven. Compare the capacity, internal dimensions, temperature range and accessories with the way you usually cook.
Can you install a combi microwave in a cabinet recess?
Only if the model’s manual allows this location and installation method. For a freestanding appliance, Whirlpool advises that the ventilation openings must not be blocked. A built-in model must be installed according to its own instructions.
What should you check before installing a separate compact oven?
Check both the space available and the electrical circuit for the oven. Legrand recommends a dedicated circuit for an electric oven. If your installation is old or you’re unsure about it, have it checked by a qualified professional before choosing an appliance.
How can you arrange for your old microwave to be taken away?
Ask the seller about their take-back arrangements before replacing your appliance, especially if it’s being delivered to your home. Ecosystem offers a “one-for-one” take-back service when you buy an equivalent electrical appliance; confirm where and how to hand over your old microwave.