For everyday reheating
In a studio flat or holiday home, you may mainly want to reheat portions and defrost food. A standard microwave covers these essential needs without adding cooking modes you’re unlikely to use.
Who is each type of microwave for?
For the occasional golden topping
You reheat meals but would also like to brown or crisp a dish now and then. A grill microwave is suited to this, but its grill function should not be confused with convection cooking.
For cooking without a conventional oven
If one appliance also needs to cook or roast food, look for a combination model with convection cooking. Que Choisir describes this category as combining microwave functions with the basic functions of a conventional oven. Then check the settings and space requirements for the model you’re considering.
What should you look for in a small kitchen?
Start with the type of cooking you’ll actually do, then make sure the appliance can be installed and used where you plan to put it.
| Priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the available space, how the door opens and the model’s ventilation requirements. | I mainly reheat meals and defrost portions, and don’t need to brown my dishes. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill and read the manual for instructions on using this mode. | I make a gratin now and then and want to brown the top without using the appliance as my main oven. Browning would be a priority for around 22% of consumers. |
| Cooking without another oven | Look for convection cooking; compare the usable capacity, external dimensions and required clearances. | Without a conventional oven, I need an appliance that can cook or roast as well as reheat my meals. Oven-style cooking would be the top priority for around 45% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before installation
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Confusing a grill with convection cooking
A grill can brown or crisp food, but its presence doesn’t mean the appliance has an oven-style cooking mode for roasting or baking.
If you want to cook without another oven, look for “convection” in the specifications and the manual for the exact model.
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Measuring only the appliance body
A microwave may fit on a shelf but still not have enough room for its door to open or for ventilation. Whirlpool France says that the air vents must not be blocked and that nothing should be placed on top of the appliance.
Measure the space and check that the door can open fully, then follow the clearances and installation instructions in the manual for the model you choose.
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Mistaking post-cooking ventilation for a fault
Electrolux says that the cooling fan may continue running after cooking has stopped on some models. In a small room, you may still hear it.
Check your model’s manual if the fan’s running time or behaviour seems unusual.
Brands and models to know
Panasonic
The NN-C69KSM is an example of a combination microwave to consider if convection cooking is important to you.
- Panasonic France lists a 40 °C setting and temperatures ranging from 100 to 220 °C for this model.
- Check the settings and installation requirements for the model you actually choose: these features don’t apply to every Panasonic microwave.
Samsung
Two Samsung combination models illustrate different features to consider when space for dishes is important.
- Samsung France says the turntable on the MC28H5015AW can be switched off. For the MC28M6035CS, the brand lists a 28 L capacity and 900 W of microwave output power.
- The turntable feature and the listed specifications apply to two different models, so don’t assume they’re all found on the same appliance.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s guidance highlights how important ventilation is in a small kitchen.
- Whirlpool France says not to block the air vents or place anything on top of a microwave.
- Check the manual for the exact model to find out the required clearances and permitted installation options.
Electrolux
The Y4SM25TBK is an example of a built-in grill microwave for projects where the dimensions of the housing are crucial.
- Electrolux France lists built-in dimensions of 380 × 560 × 550 mm for this model.
- These dimensions apply specifically to the Y4SM25TBK, which should not be confused with a freestanding combination microwave with convection cooking.
Grill microwaves for reheating and browning
Both of these freestanding models combine microwave and grill functions for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning. If you plan to cook without another oven, check separately whether the model you’re considering has a convection function.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, 700 W, black
Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost meals, with the occasional need to brown or crisp a dish. Before installing it, check the required clearances in the manual and make sure the air vents aren’t blocked.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L grill microwave, 900 W, titanium
Consider it for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning if its size suits your space. A microwave and grill combination doesn’t necessarily include convection cooking, so check for this function and the installation requirements if they’re important to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a studio flat?
A combination microwave with convection cooking can handle some oven-style cooking, provided its settings and capacity suit your recipes. Que Choisir describes combination models as bringing together microwave functions and the basic functions of a conventional oven. Before relying on one as your only cooking appliance, also check its dimensions and ventilation requirements.
Can you put any microwave in a housing unit or under a shelf?
No. The manual for the exact model must allow for this type of installation, and its air vents must remain clear. Whirlpool France says not to block the vents or place anything on top of the appliance. For a built-in model, also check the housing dimensions specified by the manufacturer.
Why does the fan keep running after cooking?
As Electrolux explains, the cooling fan may continue running after use on some microwaves. If it behaves differently from the description in your model’s manual, follow the manufacturer’s guidance.