Renter who mainly reheats meals
In a studio flat or student accommodation, you reheat leftovers or single portions and defrost food. Oven-style cooking functions aren't a priority.
Which type suits each use?
Student who also wants to brown food
You mainly use your microwave for reheating, but would sometimes like to brown a gratin, a slice of toast or a pizza. A grill model is a good fit for this middle-ground use.
Someone in a small home without a usable oven
You want to cook dishes that need oven-style heat without installing several appliances. A combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking is worth considering, provided you can follow its installation instructions.
What sets the models apart?
Que Choisir distinguishes between solo models, grills for browning food, and combination microwaves that add fan-assisted cooking. Start with the meals you want to prepare, then check whether the function you need will fit in the space available.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Oven-style cooking | Whether it has a proper fan-assisted cooking function and enough capacity for the dishes you plan to make. | I don't have another usable oven and want to cook dishes rather than just reheat them; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Basic reheating | Reheating and defrosting functions, without choosing cooking modes you won't use. | If I mainly reheat leftovers or defrost portions, that's all I need; around 25% of consumers would put this first. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill; this function alone doesn't mean the appliance has fan-assisted cooking. | I'd sometimes like to brown a dish without regularly cooking as I would in an oven; around 17% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Space and installation | External dimensions and the clearances required in the instructions for the exact model. | I have limited worktop space: even an appliance that seems to fit must have enough room for ventilation. For around 25% of consumers, this would matter more than extra functions. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Taking the word ‘combination’ at face value
A grill can brown or crisp food, but it doesn't mean the appliance has fan-assisted cooking. On the other hand, you don't need this function if you only want to reheat food.
Check the cooking modes for the exact model and choose one that suits the dishes you plan to make.
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Measuring the appliance without allowing for ventilation
A microwave might fit on your worktop but still not have the clearances required for safe installation.
Also check that the door can open fully and allow for the spaces specified in the instructions. The instructions for the Whirlpool MWP 3391/SupremeChef, for example, require at least 30 cm of clear space above it. This doesn't automatically apply to other models.
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Comparing power ratings that mean different things
Microwave power, grill power and electrical input power describe different specifications.
Check what each figure refers to, and confirm the required voltage in the instructions or on the appliance's rating plate.
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Putting your old appliance in household rubbish
Used microwaves should be taken to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment.
When replacing an appliance in France, ask the retailer about the take-back options available or use a suitable collection point.
Brands to compare
These ranges show some of the configurations you can compare. The features and requirements mentioned apply to the models listed, not every appliance from each brand.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding microwaves with a range of cooking modes, including the 33 L MWSC9133SB with grill, Crisp and steam functions.
- Whirlpool's product details for the MWSC9133SB give its external dimensions as 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm, which can help you work out how much space you'll need.
- Installation requirements vary by model. Don't assume that the 30 cm of clear space above the MWP 3391/SupremeChef also applies to another model without checking first.
Panasonic
Panasonic offers freestanding combination microwaves with microwave, grill and convection functions, including models in the NN-C69 and NN-CD88 ranges.
- Panasonic's product details for the NN-C69KSM list an adjustable convection temperature of 40 °C, then a range from 100 to 220 °C.
- Before choosing a model, check its dimensions and exact cooking modes against your available space and the dishes you plan to make.
Samsung
Samsung's range includes solo microwaves, grill models and combination microwaves. The extra cooking modes available depend on the model.
- Samsung's guide recommends comparing factors such as capacity, power, dimensions and turntable.
- Samsung says that using Smart Control on the MC32DB7746KCE1 requires a Samsung account and a Wi-Fi connection.
Severin
Severin offers freestanding combination microwaves with a grill and fan-assisted cooking, including the MW 7773.
- According to Severin, the MW 7773 lets you use the microwave, grill and hot-air functions separately or together.
- For this model, check its dimensions and whether you can order it before planning where to install it.
Microwaves to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes models for basic reheating, browning food or combination cooking. First decide which modes you need, then check the installation requirements for the model you choose.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, black
Worth considering if you want to reheat food and brown dishes occasionally without choosing a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking.
The product name lists a microwave power of 700 W. Check the instructions for the clearances required for installation.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L microwave, black
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting in a small home. If you want to brown food, check the cooking modes for this model before making your choice.
The product name lists a microwave power of 900 W. Also check the installation clearances and electrical specifications in the instructions.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you want the appliance to do more than reheat food. Check the product details for this model to confirm it has the cooking modes your recipes need.
Its stated capacity is 39 L. Also measure the external space required and check the instructions for ventilation clearances.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave, black
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning food or cooking as you would in an oven.
The product name lists 700 W, six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. Check the space required for ventilation and the electrical specifications before installation.
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COMFEE CMO‑MP012OC(BK), 19 L microwave, black
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if you don't need a grill or fan-assisted cooking.
The product name lists 700 W, five power levels, a 30-minute timer and a 245 mm turntable. Check its external dimensions and installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a studio flat?
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model has a fan-assisted function suited to the dishes you plan to make. Que Choisir distinguishes this function from a basic grill, so check the available modes, capacity and space requirements before relying on a combination microwave as your main cooking appliance.
Can you install a freestanding combination microwave in a recess?
Only if the instructions for that model allow it and you can meet all the specified clearance requirements. The instructions for the Whirlpool MWP 3391/SupremeChef require at least 30 cm of clear space above it and rule out installation in a cupboard. Check the instructions for your own model rather than relying on these measurements.
What should you check if you want to get your microwave repaired?
Before buying, find out whether repairs are available and whether spare parts are stocked for the model you're considering. In France, according to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition, the repair bonus is deducted directly from the bill for eligible repairs. Ask the repairer whether your appliance and the work required meet the conditions.
What should you do with an old microwave in France?
Take it to a suitable collection point for electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in household rubbish. The ministry responsible for the ecological transition says that participating shops can take back household appliances. Check the arrangements at your chosen shop or collection point.