For cooking without an oven
If you also want to prepare dishes that need oven-like heat, look for a clearly stated convection or fan-assisted cooking mode. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these functions from simple reheating and grilling.
Who is this advice for?
For a small kitchen
You’ll need to find a spot where the appliance can be installed and used in line with its manual. Check the chosen model’s external dimensions, door opening and required clearances.
For occasional browning
If you mainly reheat and defrost meals but would sometimes like to brown a dish, check that the appliance has a grill mode. This doesn’t automatically mean it can cook using convection, as the Electrolux EMZ421MMK product information makes clear.
What should you check before buying?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly want to reheat and defrost.
Limitation: it won’t, on its own, meet your needs for oven-style cooking or browning.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown the top of some dishes.
Limitation: a grill mode doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance offers convection.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you want to cook some oven-style dishes using a single appliance.
Check: functions and capacities vary, and some models can be deep. An oven mode won’t guarantee the same results for every recipe.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking like in an oven | Look specifically for a convection or fan-assisted cooking mode, and check the instructions for using your dishes. | If I want to prepare more than just food that needs reheating, I’ll check the available cooking modes first: around 31% of consumers prioritise oven-style cooking. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and door opening, then check the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. | In a narrow kitchen, I want to know whether the appliance will fit in the space available and can be used in line with its manual; around 25% of consumers prioritise available space and installation requirements. |
| Browning | Check for a grill mode and find out which containers are suitable for it. | If I mainly want to brown the top of certain dishes, a grill may meet my needs without requiring convection: around 19% of consumers prioritise occasional browning. |
| Everyday use and electrical supply | Compare the reheating and defrosting controls, power consumption for each mode, and the connection instructions. | For mainly everyday use, I look for simple controls and take account of any other appliances running at the same time; around 25% of consumers prioritise simplicity and their available power supply. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “combination” guarantees fan-assisted cooking
An appliance with microwave and grill functions doesn’t necessarily have a convection mode. The Electrolux EMZ421MMK product information, for example, lists microwave and grill modes but no convection.
Check the modes available on the exact model you’re considering. If your recipes need it, look specifically for “convection” or “fan-assisted cooking”.
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Comparing capacity in litres alone
The stated capacity isn’t enough to tell you whether the appliance will fit in your kitchen, whether the door will open properly or whether your usual dishes will fit inside. Dimensions and clearances vary between models.
Measure the space and the dishes you plan to use, then check the manual for installation and ventilation requirements.
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Confusing microwave output power with electrical power consumption
Electrical power consumption varies depending on the mode used. Enedis points out that the power ratings of appliances running at the same time add up.
Check the power consumption for the modes you’re interested in and the connection instructions in the manual, taking into account any other appliances in use at the same time.
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Assuming the same container works in every mode
A container that’s suitable for microwave mode isn’t automatically suitable for the grill or convection. The wrong container may be damaged or make the food unsuitable for the selected mode.
Follow the instructions on the container and in the manual for the mode you’re using, as well as the reheating instructions on food packaging.
Brands to consider, depending on the functions you need
LG
The MJEN2863G is a freestanding 28 L combination microwave, with stated external dimensions of 511 × 310 × 480 mm.
- LG’s product information includes details such as the cavity dimensions, turntable diameter and power consumption for each mode.
- This is manufacturer-supplied information. A UFC-Que Choisir test of the LG MJ3965BPS covers a different model, so it can’t be used to draw conclusions about the MJEN2863G’s performance.
Whirlpool
According to the manufacturer’s product information, the MWSC9133SX is a 33 L combination microwave with a grill, stated fan-assisted cooking and a 36 cm turntable.
- Its stated dimensions are 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm.
- Compare its depth and the clearances specified in the manual with the space available. The brand’s claims about “crispy” cooking results aren’t independent evidence of performance.
Sharp
Sharp lists microwave, grill and convection functions for the 42 L YC-MC422AE-SB.
- The Joybuy product listing for this model gives external dimensions of 553 × 326 × 505 mm.
- Its capacity and dimensions need careful checking in a small kitchen. Marketing claims about efficiency don’t, on their own, amount to a comparative test.
Panasonic
The French product information for the NN-CD58RS describes a 27 L combination microwave with a grill, convection and hot air cooking.
- Panasonic states that it has a 34 cm turntable and convection adjustable from 30 to 220 °C.
- The British taste study cited by the brand concerns chips, so its findings can’t be generalised to all recipes or the preferences of French consumers.
Electrolux
The 21 L EMZ421MMK is an example of a microwave with a grill, for consumers who want to brown dishes, among other things.
- The manufacturer’s product information lists microwave, grill and combination modes.
- The modes listed for this model don’t include convection; this feature shouldn’t be assumed to apply to every model in the range.
Products on Joybuy
This selection includes microwaves with a grill and combination models, so you can compare browning or some oven-style cooking functions against your space and installation requirements.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L, titanium
Worth considering for reheating, defrosting and browning with a freestanding appliance; convection isn’t listed in the information for this model.
Capacity: 21 L. Microwave power: 800 W. Stated dimensions: 55 × 42 × 34 cm.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Consider this if you need to reheat, defrost and grill, rather than cook using convection.
Microwave power: 700 W. Stated dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. Freestanding.
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Candy Essenza CMCA29EDLB/ST, 29 L
Compare this if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance that combines microwave, grill and steam cooking; check that these modes suit the dishes you prepare.
Capacity: 29 L. Stated microwave and grill power: 1 000 W each. Stated dimensions: 52,3 × 44,9 × 30,0 cm.
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Sharp YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L
Worth looking at if you want microwave, grill and convection functions; check the space available carefully, as this is a large model.
Capacity: 42 L. Stated external dimensions: 553 × 326 × 505 mm.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L, black
Consider this if you want to combine reheating, defrosting, grilling and convection in one appliance; check the external dimensions before deciding where to put it.
Stated capacity: 39 L. Turntable: 36 cm. Stated dimensions: 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm.
Frequently asked questions
Can a freestanding microwave be installed in an enclosed recess?
Not necessarily: the external dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that this type of installation is suitable. Compare the available space, door opening and ventilation clearances with the instructions in the manual. For a built-in model, check the specified niche dimensions for that particular model.
What power rating should I check in a small home?
Check the electrical power consumption for the modes you’ll use, and take account of other appliances running at the same time. Enedis points out that their power ratings add up. The 1 950 W LG gives for convection on the MJEN2863G is not its microwave output power.
Can I use the same container for reheating and browning?
Not automatically: containers suitable for microwave mode may not be suitable for the grill or convection. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking the mode you’re using into account; follow the appliance manual and the instructions on the container. Anses also recommends following the power and cooking time stated on packaging intended for microwave use.
How should I clean the cavity after grilling?
Let the appliance cool down and follow the instructions in its manual. UFC-Que Choisir recommends using a sponge lightly dampened with washing-up liquid, then rinsing and drying the cavity, and advises against abrasive products. Any technical work inside the appliance should be carried out by a professional.
What statutory guarantee applies to a new microwave bought in France from a professional seller?
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual. For a new product, the French Ministry of the Economy states that the guarantee lasts for two years, during which the buyer doesn’t have to prove that the fault existed on the date of sale. An optional commercial guarantee doesn’t replace it.