If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave will do the job. Choose a model with a grill if you also want to brown dishes, or a combination microwave with fan-assisted heat for some oven-style cooking. Before you buy, check the dimensions, ventilation clearances, power consumption for each mode and which accessories suit your needs.
If you want to cook certain dishes in one appliance, check that fan-assisted heat is explicitly listed and make sure you have enough room to install it. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes combination microwaves that offer oven-style cooking functions.
For student accommodation or a second home, a solo model may be a good choice if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food. Check that the turntable can accommodate your usual plates.
If you want to brown the tops of some dishes but don't need fan-assisted heat, check that the microwave has a grill and find out which accessories can be used with this mode.
Start by thinking about the cooking you’ll actually do, then check that the appliance and its installation requirements will suit your kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo microwaves, grill models and combination microwaves with oven-style cooking functions.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking without an additional oven | Check the modes listed for the exact model, the size of dishes it can accommodate, its external dimensions and its power consumption. | If you don't have a usable oven, you may want to cook some dishes in the microwave. Don't assume that a grill alone will be enough. Around 27% of consumers prioritise cooking without an additional oven. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check for a defrost function, the power levels and the turntable diameter against the size of your plates. | If your meals mainly consist of portions to reheat and frozen food, basic functions and turntable size may matter more than oven-style cooking modes. Around 33% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Browning dishes | Check that a grill is explicitly listed, along with the cavity dimensions and the modes in which accessories can be used. | If you want to brown the tops of some dishes but don't need an oven function, make sure the model has a grill. Around 20% of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Fitting into a small space | Compare the width, depth and height, door opening, clearances specified in the manual and power consumption for the modes you plan to use. | When worktop space is very limited, the appliance's actual size and its ventilation requirements can determine whether it will fit the space. Around 20% of consumers prioritise fitting an appliance into a small space. |
A grill and fan-assisted heat are different modes. So a microwave with a grill won't necessarily be suitable for cooking that requires fan-assisted heat.
Make a list of the dishes you want to prepare and check the modes listed for the exact model reference.
You may still need a second appliance for the cooking you want to do.
The internal capacity doesn't tell you the external dimensions or the space needed for ventilation. The cavity dimensions also matter when choosing dishes to use inside.
Measure the space, the door opening and your dishes, then check the product details and manual for the model.
For the Samsung MC28H5015CK/EF, Samsung France lists a microwave output power of 900 W and electricity consumption of 1 400 W in microwave mode.
Check the power drawn in the modes you plan to use and the electricity supply available where you intend to install the appliance.
According to Samsung France, the MS23K3513AK/EF is a solo model with a defrost function, while the MC28H5015CK/EF is a combination model with convection, grill and microwave modes.
The MWP203SB is an example of a freestanding 20 L model with a grill, according to Whirlpool France.
The MJ3965ACS is a 39 L combination microwave that LG France describes as having microwave, grill and oven modes.
According to Panasonic France, the NN-CD58RS is a combination microwave with several cooking modes, including an air-fry function.
The MM20CF2E is a 20 L solo microwave with mechanical controls, as presented by Midea France.
These models cover reheating and defrosting, with grill or combination cooking options for those who need them.
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This model is designed for reheating and defrosting in a small space.
Capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W; 6 power levels; 30-minute timer; 9.6-inch turntable.
Listed dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm. Check the manual for the required ventilation clearances.
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This model combines reheating and defrosting with a grill mode for browning some dishes.
Capacity: 21 L; listed power: 800 W; grill rated at 1 000 W; defrost by weight or time.
Listed dimensions: 55 × 42 × 34 cm. The description requires a minimum clearance of 10 cm on each side and 20 cm above for ventilation; check the manual for this model reference.
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This model is described as suitable for reheating and defrosting in a kitchen where space is at a premium.
Capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W; 11 power levels; defrost by time or weight.
Listed dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm. Check the ventilation clearances required for the appliance.
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This solo model is designed for reheating meals and quick defrosting.
Capacity: 23 L; 29 automatic programmes listed; 28,8 cm turntable.
Listed dimensions: 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm. Check the dimensions and clearances required for installation.
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Its microwave, grill and convection modes make it suitable for more than just reheating.
Capacity: 39 L; listed dimensions: 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm.
This size takes up a fair amount of room, which is worth bearing in mind in a small kitchen. Check the specified clearances and power consumption for the modes you plan to use.
Not for dishes that need fan-assisted heat. Check that this function is explicitly listed among the model's modes rather than assuming it is included just because the product mentions a ‘grill’.
Don't block the ventilation openings. Measure the space and follow the clearances in the manual for your chosen model; the appliance's dimensions alone aren't enough.
For each mode and accessory, follow the container's instructions and the appliance manual. Don't assume a container or rack is suitable for every use; the DGCCRF advises following the instructions for containers that come into contact with food.
An old electrical appliance can be taken to a collection point, household waste recycling centre, retailer or social and solidarity economy organisation, depending on the options listed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Ask the retailer about its take-back arrangements.