Tenants who mainly reheat meals
If you mainly defrost and reheat everyday portions, a basic microwave will handle these tasks without making you pay for cooking modes you won’t use. Just check that your plates fit inside the cavity.
Who is each type of microwave for?
Small households that occasionally want to brown a dish
If reheating is still your main use but you’d sometimes like to brown a dish, look for models with a dedicated grill. According to UFC-Que Choisir, this function lets you brown food; it shouldn’t be confused with convection.
People who regularly cook without an oven
If you need one appliance for baking or roasting, look for a combination microwave with fan oven. Check its temperature range, the size of dishes it can accommodate and how much space it will take up once installed.
What should you look for?
Start with the meals you want to prepare: whether you need to reheat, brown or cook using convection will determine the type of appliance to choose. Then check that it fits in the space you have, with the door open and the vents unobstructed.
| Priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | External dimensions, door opening and turntable size for your plates. | I want to deal with everyday portions without giving up too much worktop space. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise this compact reheating need. |
| Browning or grilling | A clearly specified grill mode and accessories that are compatible with it. | I mainly reheat meals, but I’d also like to brown a dish from time to time; nearly 33% of consumers would put this finishing touch at the top of their list. |
| Cooking without an oven | A convection function, temperature range and the size of dishes it can accommodate. | I also plan to cook or roast regularly and don’t want to buy several appliances. For around 25% of consumers, this cooking capability would be the top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a grill with convection
A grill can brown or crisp up a dish, but that doesn’t mean the appliance has the modes of a convection oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grill microwaves from combination models with convection.
If you regularly cook or roast without an oven, look specifically for a convection or fan oven function and check its temperature range.
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Choosing based on capacity alone
Two microwaves with a similar capacity can take up different amounts of space or fit dishes of different sizes. A door that can’t open fully may also make your chosen spot impractical.
Compare the external dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the usable cavity dimensions with your largest dishes.
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Installing a freestanding model without leaving its vents clear
Whirlpool warns that the ventilation grilles must not be blocked and advises against placing objects on top of the appliance.
Check the instruction manual for the exact model before choosing an alcove or a spot beneath a wall unit, then leave the required clearances.
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Assuming advertised energy savings apply in every case
Panasonic’s energy-saving figures for certain Inverter combination models are based on specific comparisons with built-in ovens; they don’t apply to every model or every type of cooking.
If energy use is important to you, check the model and the conditions behind the claim rather than assuming you’ll achieve the same results with your own meals.
Brands to compare
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers a range of freestanding microwaves, including grill and combination models. It’s worth comparing them if you’re deciding between browning food and having a more versatile cooking appliance.
- The range lets you compare different types of appliance without necessarily opting for a built-in model.
- For each model, check that your dishes will fit and read the ventilation instructions in the manual.
Electrolux
The Electrolux EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding grill microwave for reheating food and occasionally browning dishes.
- Electrolux lists microwave and grill modes for this model, with stated power ratings of 800 W and 1 000 W respectively.
- Don’t choose this model for convection cooking unless you’ve confirmed that the specific variant has this function.
Panasonic
The Panasonic NN-E20JW solo model and NN-CD88 convection combination model illustrate two different options for a home without an oven.
- Panasonic lists a 255 mm turntable for the NN-E20JW; the NN-CD88 combines microwave, grill and convection functions up to 220 °C.
- Check the dimensions and the dishes that fit the specific model you choose rather than assuming one model has the same features as another.
Microwaves for different needs
These Joybuy models cover everyday reheating, occasional browning and, in the case of a convection combination model, some of the cooking you might need when you don’t have an oven. Start by choosing the functions you need, then check the dimensions and instruction manual against the space you have.
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Beko MGC20100B1, black grill microwave, 20 L
For everyday reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown dishes from time to time.
The product description states a microwave power of 700 W. If you plan to cook food that you’d usually prepare in an oven, check the available modes rather than relying on the grill alone; also consult the manual for installation guidance.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), black digital microwave, 20 L
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in a small space.
The product description lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six preset menus. If you need to brown food or cook using convection, check that these modes are available before buying. Also check the plug, voltage and installation clearances for the model.
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Samsung MS23K3513, solo microwave, 23 L
For reheating meals and defrosting food when a grill isn’t a priority.
The product description mentions quick defrosting. Measure your dishes and the space you have; if you’d also like to brown food or cook using convection, check that the model you choose has these functions clearly listed.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, white grill microwave, 25 L
For reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown a dish occasionally.
The model name includes ‘grill’, but check the power rating on the listing for the specific variant you choose. If you want to cook or roast using convection, check separately that this mode is available and consult the installation manual.
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LG MJ3965ACS, black combination microwave, 39 L
Worth considering if you want one appliance to handle some of the cooking you’d usually do in an oven, as well as reheating and defrosting.
The product description lists grill and convection functions. Its stated capacity of 39 L makes it especially important to measure the space, check that the door can open fully and allow for the clearances specified in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a freestanding microwave in an alcove?
Only if the space allows you to follow the installation instructions for the model you choose. Whirlpool says not to block the ventilation grilles and advises checking the manual; make sure you leave the required clearances before choosing a spot beneath a wall unit.
Can a grill microwave replace a conventional oven?
A grill is suitable for browning or crisping food, but that alone doesn’t prove the appliance can handle the cooking you’d do in a fan oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grill models from combination models; if you regularly cook or roast, check for a convection function and its temperature range.
How can I check whether my dish will fit in the microwave?
Measure your dish and compare it with the usable dimensions of the appliance, particularly the turntable diameter if there is one. Panasonic lists a 255 mm turntable for the NN-E20JW and a 360 mm one for the NN-CD88. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether a particular dish will fit.