For reheating and defrosting in a small home, a solo microwave should do the job; choose a grill model if you’d also like to brown dishes from time to time. If you need the appliance to take over some of the jobs of an oven, consider a combination microwave with convection cooking. Check that its dimensions, accessories and the clearances specified in the manual are suitable for your set-up.
If you want one appliance for reheating, defrosting and some oven-style cooking, consider a combination microwave with convection cooking. Make sure its cavity is large enough for your dishes and that you can install it in line with the manual.
If you mainly need to reheat and defrost meals, a solo microwave may be all you need. A grill is only worth considering if you also plan to brown dishes.
If you’d like to brown dishes occasionally but don’t need convection cooking, look at models with a grill. Check which modes are available rather than assuming a grill can do the job of an oven.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between reheating, browning with a grill and convection cooking. Before comparing how much space each appliance takes up, think about the dishes you actually want to make.
Choose this: if you mainly reheat and defrost portions.
The drawback: this option won’t meet your needs if you want to brown dishes or cook using convection.
Choose this: if you’d also like to brown dishes from time to time.
The drawback: a grill alone doesn’t offer convection cooking.
Choose this: if you don’t have an oven and want to cook some dishes in an oven-style way.
The drawback: check that the model and its ventilation clearances will fit in the space you have in mind.
| What you need | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| To replace some of the jobs of an oven | Look for convection cooking to be listed explicitly, and check that your dishes will fit in the cavity. | I don’t have a conventional oven and want to cook some dishes in ways other than simply reheating them. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this cooking need. |
| To reheat food without taking up too much worktop space | Check the external dimensions and the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s manual. | In my studio, I mainly reheat portions and need to leave room for the rest of the kitchen. Around 42% of consumers put simplicity and saving space first. |
| To brown dishes occasionally | Check that it has a separate grill mode and that your cookware is suitable for each mode you use. | I’d like to brown some dishes, but oven-style cooking won’t be my main use. Around 25% of consumers prioritise browning. |
A grill can brown dishes, but on its own it doesn’t provide the convection cooking you may want to replace some of the jobs of an oven.
If that kind of cooking matters to you, look for «convection» to be listed explicitly among the modes for the exact model you’re considering.
The cavity capacity doesn’t tell you whether the appliance and its ventilation clearances will fit on your worktop. For example, Whirlpool lists the MWSC9133SX as having a 33 L capacity and an external depth of 54 cm.
Measure the space, then compare it with the appliance’s external dimensions and the clearances required in the manual.
The cookware you can use depends on the mode. A container that’s suitable for the grill may not be suitable for microwave mode.
Check the instructions for each mode in the model’s manual before using a container or accessory.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer, as the Ministry of the Economy points out. A commercial extended warranty doesn’t replace it.
Before buying an extended warranty, compare its services and exclusions with the rights you already have.
Combination models worth considering if you’re looking for several cooking modes in a freestanding appliance.
Combination models to consider if convection cooking is one of the features you’re looking for.
A model to consider if you want to reheat food and have the option to brown dishes.
These Joybuy models suit different needs: everyday reheating, browning dishes or some types of convection cooking. Start by choosing the modes you need, then check the space available and read the manual for the model you’ve chosen.
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Worth considering if you reheat meals and would also like to brown dishes occasionally, but don’t need convection cooking.
The model name indicates a capacity of 20 L and a power output of 700 W. Check the full clearance requirements in the manual before installation.
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Worth considering if you don’t have a conventional oven and want a combination appliance for different types of cooking.
The model name indicates a capacity of 39 L. Compare its external dimensions, cavity capacity and the clearances specified in the manual with the space and dishes you have in mind.
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If you mainly reheat or defrost meals, this solo model is a better match than one chosen for browning or oven-style cooking.
The model name mentions quick defrost and a capacity of 23 L. Check the manual to make sure you have enough space and ventilation.
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Worth considering if you want several cooking modes in one appliance, provided you have a suitable space for its size.
The model name indicates a capacity of 42 L. Before buying, check the dimensions, ventilation clearances and whether the connection is compatible with your planned set-up.
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Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost food. If you plan to brown dishes, check that the exact model has a grill before choosing it.
The model name indicates a capacity of 25 L and a power output of 900 W. Also check the clearance requirements in the manual.
It can take over some of an oven’s jobs if the model has a convection function and its cavity is suitable for the dishes you make. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from simple reheating and grilling. Also check the accessories and installation requirements for your chosen model.
Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth with the space available, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether the installation is suitable.
Not without checking the instructions for your model: the cookware you can use may vary depending on the mode. Check the manual before switching between grill, microwave or combination mode.
No. The French Ministry of the Economy points out that the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. A commercial extended warranty is separate, so check what it adds and what it excludes before buying.
Take it to a collection point or recycling centre, return it to a retailer, or give it to a social and solidarity economy organisation. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition lists these options for electrical and electronic equipment.