If you’ll be reheating and defrosting food regularly, start by comparing solo microwaves. A grill or combination model is only worth considering if you also plan to brown food or cook dishes in an oven-style mode. Then choose between a freestanding or built-in model based on the space available. For a built-in microwave, check the niche dimensions and the instructions for the exact model. In either case, make sure your dishes will fit inside and that the controls are easy to use regularly.
If plates, leftovers and ready meals often go in the microwave, easy-to-repeat settings and a defrost function matter more than cooking modes you’ll rarely use. UFC-Que Choisir lists reheating and defrosting among the appliance’s main everyday uses.
A freestanding model takes up worktop space but can be moved. A built-in model needs a niche that fits its exact reference: the appliance dimensions published by Bosch and the installation dimensions published by Electrolux refer to different measurements.
If you plan to brown dishes or cook some foods in an oven-style mode, look at models with grill and combination functions. UFC-Que Choisir assesses reheating, defrosting and other functions separately. The presence of an extra mode alone doesn’t tell you how well the microwave will perform for your main uses.
First decide where you’ll put the appliance, then consider which functions you’ll actually use. Finally, compare the usable space inside the cavity and how easy the controls are to use for your usual meals.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the power levels, start control and defrost setting. To assess how evenly it heats, look for test results for the specific model. | When leftovers and portions to defrost are often on the menu, I want to be able to start and adjust the appliance without lots of fiddly steps; around 42% of consumers prioritise this everyday convenience. |
| Location and usable space | Measure the space and the largest dish you’ll use. For a built-in model, also check the niche, ventilation and door opening requirements in the instructions for that model. | If my kitchen has limited space, I need to fit the appliance in without giving up the dishes I use; around 33% of consumers put this constraint first. |
| Cooking functions | Check whether the model you’re considering has grill or convection modes, and whether you plan to use them. | If I also want to brown food or cook dishes in an oven-style mode, reheating alone won’t cover all my needs; around 25% of consumers put these extra functions first. |
Two models with similar-looking front panels aren’t necessarily designed for the same niche dimensions or installation requirements.
Measure the cabinet and check the instructions for the exact model, including the installation dimensions, ventilation requirements and door-opening direction.
If the niche isn’t compatible, you may need to modify the cabinet before installation.
Grill and convection modes are designed for uses beyond reheating and defrosting. Although both the freestanding MCP349WH combination model and the MCP341WH solo model are listed with a capacity of 25 L, their depths differ in Whirlpool France’s product specifications.
Make a note of the dishes for which you’d actually use these modes, then compare the dimensions of the models on your shortlist.
The stated capacity won’t tell you whether your plate or largest dish will fit and can be used as intended.
Measure the dish and compare it with the turntable diameter or the model’s usable internal dimensions.
French rules on household waste electrical and electronic equipment, published on Légifrance, require it to be collected separately from unsorted municipal waste.
Arrange for it to be collected through an appropriate scheme and ask the seller what take-back options are available with your purchase.
Whirlpool France’s freestanding range lets you compare solo and combination models.
Samsung’s freestanding solo microwaves are worth considering if you’ll mainly use your microwave for reheating and defrosting.
Panasonic solo models are worth comparing if power settings and turntable size matter for the dishes you usually cook.
Bosch built-in microwaves are worth considering if your kitchen already has a suitable niche.
An Electrolux built-in model with a grill is worth comparing if you want to brown food and have a suitable cabinet.
These freestanding models offer a range of sizes and controls for reheating and defrosting. If you’re also considering a grill, check the modes available on the model you choose. For a built-in installation, start by checking your niche dimensions.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance for regular reheating and defrosting.
The title lists a capacity of 23 L and mentions 1 150 W. Before comparing heating power, check the product details to distinguish the microwave output from the rated input power. Also check the instructions for the clearance needed around the appliance.
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Worth comparing if you prefer straightforward controls for regular reheating and defrosting.
The title lists 700 W, six power levels, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. Check the space available and the clearances required in the instructions.
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Worth considering for a worktop space and everyday reheating and defrosting.
The title lists 700 W and a capacity of 20 L. Before choosing this size, compare the appliance’s footprint and the ventilation requirements in the instructions with the space you have available.
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Worth comparing if you want to reheat and defrost, and might occasionally want to brown food.
The title lists 1 000 W and a capacity of 25 L. Check the VIO9 product details to confirm which modes are available, then make sure its dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions suit your worktop.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding model for everyday reheating and defrosting. Check that your dishes will fit on the turntable.
The title lists 700 W, five power levels, a defrost function, a 30-minute timer and a 245 mm turntable. Measure the space available and check the instructions for the external dimensions and ventilation requirements.
Yes, if you mainly want to reheat, defrost and cook simple dishes. UFC-Que Choisir lists reheating and defrosting as the main everyday uses. Consider a grill or combination model if you also plan to brown food, grill dishes or cook in an oven-style mode.
The same front-panel width doesn’t guarantee that a model will fit. Check the niche, available depth, ventilation and door opening requirements against the instructions for the exact model. For example, Bosch publishes appliance dimensions for the BFL523MB3F, while Electrolux publishes installation dimensions for the Y4SM25TBK.
No. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using a sealed container in a microwave oven because pressure can build up inside. Before heating it, also check the instructions for both the container and the appliance.
Take your old appliance to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in unsorted municipal waste. French rules published on Légifrance cover separate collection. Ask the seller what take-back options are available with your purchase.