Start with a basic microwave if you mainly reheat leftovers, soups, ready meals and food that needs defrosting. A grill is useful for occasional browning, while a combination model is worthwhile if you genuinely plan to cook pizzas, quiches or pastries without a separate oven. A compact mini oven prioritises traditional cooking, but it cannot replace the speed of microwave reheating.
If your small kitchen is mainly used for quickly reheating or defrosting food, a basic model is a practical place to start. However, measure the available space and the diameter of your usual plate: in 2023, two-thirds of students in France lived away from the family home, according to the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
For simple meals without equipping the entire kitchen, choose according to how often you will actually be browning or cooking food. Que Choisir lists second homes among the situations in which a microwave is used.
When worktop space is limited, the choice is between an appliance dedicated to reheating and one that can cook as well. A combination model or mini oven only makes sense if its depth, weight and your usual dishes are compatible with the available space.
Start with the meals you prepare most often, then check the space you actually have available and the dishes you want to use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Overall size and usable capacity | Compare the width, height and depth with the available space. Also check the turntable diameter or cavity dimensions against your largest dish; litre capacity alone is not enough. | I want the appliance to fit on a narrow worktop while still accommodating my plate, bowl or everyday dish. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the reheating and defrosting functions and the power levels. Even reheating and defrosting are separate criteria in Que Choisir’s testing protocol. | My meals are mainly leftovers, soups, individual portions or frozen food that needs defrosting, without adding several appliances. |
| Cooking and browning | A grill is useful for occasional browning. For pizzas, quiches, pastries or roasting, look for fan-assisted cooking and check that your dishes fit inside the cavity. | I sometimes want a browned finish or oven-style recipes, rather than just reheating food. |
| Dishes and cleaning | Check which containers are permitted for each mode, as well as the shape of the turntable or cavity. Consult the manual for the specific rules covering the grill and convection functions. | I use my usual dishes and want to be able to clean an appliance easily when it is shared or used frequently. |
Two appliances with a similar capacity can have very different depths and turntables. In the examples cited by Samsung France and Panasonic France, a 23 L solo model is 374 mm deep, compared with 520 mm for a 30 L combination model.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, then compare them with your widest plate or dish. Also check the turntable and cavity depth.
The grill and fan-assisted cooking functions are only useful if you genuinely prepare recipes that need cooking or browning. These appliances may also take up more space and weigh more than a basic microwave.
Make a list of your meals during a typical week. If it mainly consists of leftovers, soups, ready meals and defrosting, start by comparing compact solo models.
The rules for containers depend on the mode being used. Que Choisir specifically distinguishes the microwave function from the grill and convection functions.
Before choosing a grill or combination model, check your existing dishes, baking tins and accessories, then consult the instructions for the exact model.
A used microwave falls under the waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme, which supports the collection and recycling of the appliances concerned.
When replacing it, find out about the collection, repair, donation or drop-off options available near you.
Worth considering for a freestanding solo microwave designed for reheating and defrosting in a small home.
An option to compare when looking for a freestanding microwave with a grill, if browning is an occasional addition to everyday reheating.
Worth considering as a combination solution when the appliance also needs to handle some recipes usually cooked in an oven.
A useful reference for a compact mini oven when traditional cooking matters more than microwave reheating.
Joybuy options with solo microwave and grill functions for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, occasional browning in a small home.
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For everyday reheating and defrosting, with the added option of occasional browning.
Listed dimensions: 47 × 26 × 37 cm; 29.2 cm turntable and 950 W grill.
Check the required ventilation clearances and that your containers are suitable for grill mode.
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An option for leftovers and frozen food, with a grill for the occasional pizza, toast or gratin.
Listed dimensions: 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm; 245 mm turntable, nine power levels and 800 W grill.
The grill provides browning, but does not replace fan-assisted cooking for oven-style recipes.
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Designed for reheating and defrosting portions, with a grill for browning selected dishes.
Listed capacity of 25 L, 28.8 cm turntable, dimensions of 485 × 293 × 410 mm and microwave power of 900 W.
Compare its 410 mm depth and ventilation clearances with your worktop space.
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Worth considering if reheating and defrosting individual portions are your main requirements.
Listed capacity of 23 L, 28.8 cm turntable, dimensions of 48.9 × 27.5 × 37.4 cm, six power levels and automatic programmes.
This model is not suitable for browning or cooking with fan-assisted heat.
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A compact option for reheating and defrosting in a kitchen with limited worktop space.
Listed dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm; 20 L capacity, eleven power levels, six pre-set menus and defrosting by time or weight.
Check the turntable diameter, internal dimensions and ventilation clearances before installation.
A basic microwave is generally sufficient for reheating and defrosting. However, check the external dimensions, turntable diameter and your usual dish: the litre capacity alone does not confirm compatibility.
It can cover some uses thanks to its grill and fan-assisted cooking, particularly for browning, cooking pizzas or baking pastries. Choose it as your only appliance only if its dimensions, cavity, accessories and your usual recipes are compatible; the Panasonic NN-C69KSM cited by Panasonic France is 520 mm deep.
No, compatibility depends on the cooking mode. Que Choisir explicitly distinguishes the microwave function from the grill and convection functions: check the container material, the manufacturer’s instructions and the model manual before use.
In its table published in May 2026, ADEME estimates the annual consumption of a microwave oven at 40 kWh and its indicative annual cost at €8, based on its usage and tariff assumptions. Your cost will depend on how often you use it, its power and your electricity tariff.
A used microwave comes under the waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme. The authorities recommend prioritising repair, donation or drop-off at a suitable collection point rather than putting it in household waste.