Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost everyday portions; a grill model is also suitable for occasional browning or gratinating. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a combination microwave becomes worthwhile when it needs to handle some oven-style cooking using the grill and fan oven functions, provided its dimensions, cavity and accessories genuinely suit your kitchen and dishes.
For reheating, defrosting and preparing individual portions without adding several appliances, a compact solo model or compact grill microwave may be enough. Above all, check that your usual plates and containers can rotate on the turntable. Information based on UFC-Que Choisir and Whirlpool France.
For occasional stays, prioritise ease of use and the functions you will genuinely use. A grill helps with occasional browning; a combination model is more worthwhile if you also prepare dishes requiring a grill and fan oven. Information based on UFC-Que Choisir, Whirlpool France and Panasonic France.
In a furnished home covered by the decree of 31 July 2015, the minimum furnishings include an oven or microwave, in addition to a hob and a refrigerator. The legislation does not make a combination model compulsory. Source: Légifrance.
Choose this if: you reheat plates, defrost food and prepare a few quick dishes in a home occupied occasionally.
Good to know: it cannot gratinate food and does not replace fan oven cooking.
Choose this if: you also want to brown pizzas, quiches, tarts or gratins without installing an additional oven.
Good to know: the grill adds browning, but does not replace a fan oven function.
Choose this if: the appliance needs to handle some oven-style cooking, such as gratins, pizzas, simple bakes or roasts.
Good to know: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it is generally bulkier and more expensive than a solo model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking type | Identify the functions actually included: solo microwave, grill, or microwave with grill and fan oven. If you plan to cook as you would in an oven, check that the combination model explicitly mentions a fan oven. | I want to avoid an over-specified appliance if I only reheat and defrost. If I also prepare gratins or oven-style dishes, the extra functions become useful. |
| Size and dishes | Measure the intended space for height, width and depth. Also compare the cavity volume, turntable diameter, door opening and the size of your plates, dishes or tins. | My microwave needs to fit on the available unit while accommodating the dishes I use most often. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare microwave power on a like-for-like basis, the power levels and the defrost programme. For weight-based settings, check the permitted range in the model’s manual. | I want to adapt the heating to the food and quantities, rather than automatically using maximum power every time. |
| After-sales use | Check the manual, warranty terms and advertised parts availability for each model. Also check the seller’s arrangements for taking back your old appliance. | I want to be able to replace or have my old microwave taken away without basing my choice on a rating that does not automatically apply to this category. |
A combination model adds a grill and fan oven, but these functions are worthwhile if you genuinely cook dishes that need them. UFC-Que Choisir states that combination models are generally more expensive than solo appliances.
Keep a record of the meals you prepare over one or two weeks: reheating and defrosting point towards a solo model; occasional gratins or pizzas towards a grill; baking, roasting and oven-style cooking towards a combination model with a fan oven.
Capacity alone does not tell you whether a rectangular dish, tin or large plate will fit and be able to rotate. Models with different capacities can have very different turntable sizes.
Measure the dishes you use most, then compare their dimensions with the turntable, cavity, door opening and the model’s external dimensions.
These figures describe different things. Treating them as equivalent can distort a comparison of reheating performance between two models.
Compare the stated maximum or output microwave power on a consistent basis, then look at the power levels and independent tests where available.
The list of categories covered by the repairability rating cited by the Ministry for Ecological Transition does not mention microwave ovens. The absence of a rating therefore cannot be used to assess a model’s repairability.
Instead, compare advertised parts availability, access to manuals, warranty terms and the options for having your old appliance taken back.
A range worth considering when comparing compact freestanding solo, grill and combination appliances, with a variety of capacities and functions.
A possible option for a freestanding combination microwave designed to do more than simply reheat.
A brand to consider when a fan oven and grill need to complement microwave functions in a small home.
An option for comparing medium-sized freestanding grill microwaves designed for reheating, defrosting and gratinating.
Joybuy options for reheating, defrosting, gratinating or handling some oven-style cooking in a studio, pied-à-terre or second home.
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For a studio where the aim is to reheat and defrost without adding a bulky appliance.
700 W, 20 L, 11 power levels, weight- or time-based defrosting and six preset menus. Stated dimensions: 44 × 31.9 × 25.9 cm.
No grill or fan oven function indicated; check the turntable diameter, cavity and installation clearances based on your dishes.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasional gratinating, with a turntable suitable for fairly large dishes.
25 L, 900 W microwave, grill, combination mode, 11 power levels and a 28.8 cm glass turntable. Weight-based defrosting from 100 g to 2,000 g or time-based defrosting.
No fan oven indicated. Allow for the stated clearances of 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the rear.
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For a second home where reheating, defrosting and occasional browning need to coexist in one appliance.
25 L, quartz grill, rapid defrosting, automatic programmes with weight control and touch controls. Stated dimensions: 47.6 × 27.2 × 38.8 cm.
No fan oven is indicated; check the turntable diameter and microwave power based on your dishes and heating habits.
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For reheating, defrosting and gratinating in a single appliance if your worktop can accommodate its size.
25 L, 900 W microwave, 1,150 W quartz grill, six levels, 28.8 cm turntable, eight automatic programmes and weight- or time-based defrosting.
No fan oven is indicated. Its stated dimensions of 53.6 × 43.6 × 33 cm mean you must measure the available space and required clearances.
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For a home without a dedicated oven when you also want to prepare pizzas, gratins, simple bakes or roast dishes.
42 L, 1,000 W microwave, 1,300 W grill, 2,700 W fan oven, range from 140 to 230 °C, 11 power levels and 30 programmes.
Its stated dimensions of 553 × 326 × 505 mm and weight of 20 kg require a suitable location. Check the ventilation clearances and compatibility with your dishes.
It can handle some oven uses if the model explicitly combines microwave, grill and fan oven functions. This combination can be used to gratinate, bake simple pastries and roast; nevertheless, check the capacity, turntable, available temperatures, accessories and the dimensions of your dishes before relying on it for all your cooking.
Start with the external height, width and depth, then measure the intended unit or worktop. Next, check the capacity, as well as the internal dimensions and turntable diameter: Whirlpool France, for example, lists a 28 cm turntable for a 13 L model, while its 20 L MWP201SB has a 24.5 cm turntable.
Look for power levels and a defrost programme, then consult the manual for its conditions of use. When a programme works by weight, check the permitted range for the model concerned: it should not be assumed to apply to other appliances.
For the minimum furnishings of a furnished home covered by the decree of 31 July 2015, an oven or microwave must be provided. A hob and refrigerator are also included in the list; the legislation does not require a combination microwave. Source: Légifrance.