Studio flat dwellers without a traditional oven
If you mainly reheat portions and defrost food, a solo microwave may be all you need. If you want to brown food or cook dishes in an oven-style way, you’ll need to consider a different type.
Which option is right for you?
Students and people with a second home
UFC-Que Choisir lists these as situations where a microwave can come in handy. Start with the meals you plan to make: a grill or convection function is only worth having if you’ll use it.
Small kitchens where you want to keep appliances to a minimum
A combination microwave with convection is worth considering if you need several cooking modes without installing a separate appliance. However, check how much space you’ll need around the model you choose, not just its internal capacity.
What should you check before choosing?
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a grill, which is useful for browning dishes, and a combination microwave, which adds convection cooking. First decide which modes you’ll use, then check the dimensions and instructions against your kitchen.
Solo microwave
Worth considering: for reheating, defrosting and simple microwave cooking.
Limitation: this option won’t meet your needs if you want to brown food or cook using convection.
Microwave with grill
Worth considering: if you’d also like to brown or grill dishes from time to time.
Limitation: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has a convection function.
Combination microwave with convection
Worth considering: if you don’t have a traditional oven but want to use one appliance for some oven-style cooking.
Limitation: check the available space, ventilation requirements and which accessories can be used with each mode for the model you choose.
| Consideration | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Look for microwave and defrost settings, then check that the controls suit the way you’ll use the appliance day to day. | I mainly prepare portions, leftovers and frozen food; browning isn’t part of my usual meals. |
| Browning and oven-style cooking | For browning, look for a grill. For convection cooking, check that this function or convection is clearly listed. | I don’t have a traditional oven, but I want to brown dishes or cook some recipes that need oven-style heat. |
| Space and installation | Compare the appliance’s external width, depth and height with the space available. Check the instructions for door clearance and ventilation gaps. | My worktop space is limited, so the appliance must fit and be usable with the required clearance around it. |
| Containers and packaging | Check that they’re suitable for the mode you’re using. For microwave-safe food packaging, follow the manufacturer’s power and heating-time instructions, as recommended by Anses. | I sometimes heat food in its packaging and want to know what instructions to follow before putting it in the appliance. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination microwave just for reheating
Grill and convection modes won’t add anything if you don’t need them for the meals you prepare.
Make a note of the dishes you usually cook. If none need browning or oven-style cooking, start by comparing solo models.
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Measuring the width only
An appliance might fit across but be too deep, obstruct the door or lack the required ventilation clearance.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, then compare it with the external dimensions and instructions for the exact model.
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Assuming a grill means convection
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a grill, which is useful for browning dishes, and a combination microwave that can cook using convection.
If your recipes need oven-style cooking, look specifically for “convection” in the list of functions.
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Ignoring food packaging instructions
Even if packaging is suitable for microwave use, you still need to follow its heating instructions.
Check the manufacturer’s guidance and follow the specified power and heating time, in line with Anses recommendations.
A few brands to consider
These ranges and models are examples that help illustrate the different functions; they’re no substitute for checking the instructions for the product you choose.
Panasonic
The range includes solo microwaves as well as models with a grill.
- Panasonic France lists the dimensions of the solo NN-E20JW as 443 × 330 × 258 mm (W × D × H).
- The NN-GD35 adds a grill. Check the dimensions and clearances for the specific model you’re considering.
Samsung
The range includes combination models with microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Samsung France describes the MC28H5015CK/EF as a 28 L model with all three modes.
- The stated power supply for this model is 230 V / 50 Hz. Check the instructions and installation requirements for the model you choose.
Whirlpool
The range includes freestanding microwaves with different cavity designs and cooking modes.
- Whirlpool France describes the MWF255B as a 25 L model without a turntable, and lists a grill + microwave mode for the MCP349WH.
- Check the functions, accessories and installation requirements separately for the model you choose.
Solo and grill microwaves on Joybuy
These models are suitable for reheating and defrosting, with a grill option on some. If you need convection, check that this function is explicitly listed: the word “combination” or the presence of a grill isn’t enough.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L grill microwave, 800 W, Titanium
For reheating and defrosting, with a grill for browning dishes too. Before installation, check the depth, ventilation clearances and electrical specifications in the instructions. A grill doesn’t confirm that the appliance has a convection function.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, 700 W, black
Combines reheating and defrosting with a grill function for browning simple dishes. Before deciding where to put it, compare its external dimensions and ventilation clearances with the requirements in its instructions. If you want to cook using convection, check separately that this mode is available.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L grill microwave, 900 W, Titanium
For everyday microwave cooking and browning with the grill. Also measure the available depth and check the instructions for ventilation and electrical supply requirements. If you plan to cook oven-style dishes, make sure the model has a convection function.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave, 700 W
For reheating, defrosting and simple microwave cooking, with six power levels and a 30-minute timer as stated in the product name. If you’d like to brown dishes, look at the functions on a model with a grill instead. Check the instructions for clearances and power supply requirements before installation.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L grill microwave, black
For reheating and defrosting, with a grill for browning. If microwave power is important to you, check the MH6535GIS instructions to confirm it. Also check whether it has a convection function, as well as the clearances and power supply requirements for installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a solo microwave cook food too?
Yes. As well as reheating and defrosting, it can handle some simple microwave cooking. If your dishes need browning or convection cooking, look for a model with a grill or convection mode, depending on what you want to make.
Can a microwave with a grill replace a convection oven?
A grill function alone won’t provide convection cooking. For this type of recipe, look specifically for a combination microwave with convection and check that its modes are suitable for the dishes you want to make.
Can I put a microwave in a cupboard recess?
Only if the model’s instructions allow it and you can leave the required ventilation clearances. Before choosing an appliance, also measure the depth and the space needed to open the door.
How should I heat food in its packaging?
First check that the packaging is labelled as microwave-safe, then follow the power and heating-time instructions given by its manufacturer. Anses recommends following these instructions when reheating packaged food.
What should I check about the power supply before buying?
Check the requirements for the specific model and your installation rather than assuming that all appliances need the same supply. For example, Samsung France lists a 230 V / 50 Hz power supply for the MC28H5015CK/EF; this specification doesn’t apply to other models.