Student who mainly reheats meals
If you mainly reheat and defrost food, start by comparing solo models. Check that the turntable can accommodate your plates and that you have space for the appliance on your worktop.
Which type is right for you?
Small household that wants to brown or crisp food
A grill model adds a browning function to the usual reheating options. It makes more sense if you plan to brown or crisp food regularly, but don’t need convection cooking.
Second home without a practical oven
A combination microwave can bring together microwave, grill and convection cooking. Check the modes available on the model you’re considering, as well as the space needed for the appliance and its accessories.
What should you check?
Start with the way you plan to cook, then compare the model’s dimensions and instructions with the space you have available.
| Feature | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compare the width, depth and height, the door opening and the turntable diameter. Allow for the clearances specified in the instruction manual: capacity in litres alone doesn’t tell you how much space the appliance needs. | I’m short on space, but I still want to open the door and use my usual plates. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the controls and defrost functions available on the model. A solo microwave covers these needs without adding grill or oven modes. | I mainly need to reheat meals, and I also defrost portions of food or bread. |
| Grill | Check that the model has a grill and find out which modes it works with. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the browning function of a grill microwave and the convection cooking offered by a combination model. | I want to brown or crisp dishes often enough to make use of this function. |
| Oven-style cooking | Look specifically for a convection mode and check which accessories are included. According to UFC-Que Choisir, combination models can handle some basic functions of a conventional oven, although modes vary between models. | Without a practical oven in my second home, I’d genuinely use these extra cooking modes. |
| Installation | Check the model’s instruction manual for the required clearances and permitted location. Whirlpool France advises keeping the ventilation grilles clear and not placing anything on top of the appliance. | I need to be able to leave enough space around the microwave, even on a narrow worktop. |
What should you avoid?
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Going by capacity in litres alone
The capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit in the available depth, whether its door will open easily or whether the turntable will accommodate your dishes.
Measure the space and your largest plate, then compare these measurements with the exact model’s external dimensions, turntable and required clearances.
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Choosing a combination model without planning to use its cooking modes
If you almost always reheat and defrost, oven-style functions won’t meet your main needs. You’ll also need to find room for a combination model and its accessories.
Think about the dishes you’d like to cook using the grill or convection mode, then compare the available settings and the space needed for the models you’re considering.
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Overlooking ventilation when installing the appliance
Blocking the vents or placing objects on the appliance goes against Whirlpool France’s installation guidance.
Before buying, check the instruction manual for your chosen model and make sure the space allows for the required clearances.
A guide to the brands
Panasonic
Panasonic’s French product pages offer examples of solo, grill and combination microwaves to compare.
- The NN-E20JW product page lists a capacity of 20 L, dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm and a 255 mm turntable.
- These specifications apply to this model. Check the dimensions and functions of any other appliance separately.
Samsung
Samsung’s French guide distinguishes between standard, grill and combination models based on available space and cooking habits.
- This distinction can help you decide whether browning or an additional cooking mode would suit your needs.
- For installation, check the dimensions and instructions in the manual for the exact model.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s general guidance is a useful starting point when planning where to install a freestanding microwave.
- The brand advises keeping the ventilation grilles clear and not placing anything on top of the appliance.
- Check the instruction manual for the exact clearances required by your chosen model.
Microwaves to compare on Joybuy
These models let you compare solo microwaves, a grill model and a combination model for reheating or additional cooking. Check the functions of each model and the space it needs before you choose.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat food and use a grill to brown or crisp dishes. The model name indicates a microwave power of 700 W. Check the manual for the space needed for installation and which modes are compatible with your accessories.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L microwave
An option to compare if you mainly need to reheat food. The model is listed at 700 W. Measure the available space and check the manual before installing it.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L digital microwave
Worth comparing if you’d like digital controls for reheating and defrosting. The model name lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six pre-set menus. Check the turntable diameter and installation instructions to make sure it will fit your space.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L solo microwave
Its stated capacity of 25 L may be worth considering if you use larger dishes. The model name indicates 900 W. Check how much space it takes up, including the required clearances, and confirm the cooking modes on the product page.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you’re looking for additional cooking modes in one appliance. Its stated capacity of 42 L makes it especially important to check the dimensions, clearances and space needed for the accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 20 L microwave work in a studio flat?
Yes, provided the turntable fits your dishes and the appliance’s dimensions, door opening and required clearances suit the space. For example, Panasonic lists a 255 mm turntable and dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for the NN-E20JW. Check each other model separately.
When should you choose a grill microwave instead of a solo model?
Choose a grill model if you regularly want to brown or crisp food as well as reheat it. According to UFC-Que Choisir, this function alone isn’t the same as the convection cooking offered by some combination models.
Can you put a microwave on a narrow shelf?
Only if the space meets the model’s installation requirements, including the required clearances and room to open the door. Whirlpool France advises against blocking the ventilation grilles or placing anything on top of the appliance. Check the manual before choosing a shelf.
Does the legal guarantee of conformity cover a second-hand microwave?
Yes. In France, it applies to second-hand goods sold by a trader to a private individual, just as it does to new or refurbished goods. The DGCCRF states that this guarantee is mandatory. Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller if you find that the item doesn’t conform to its description.