If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, a standard microwave will do the job. Choose one with a grill if you also want to brown dishes, or a combination model with convection if you genuinely plan to cook without a separate oven. Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses. Before buying, compare the external dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the clearances specified in the manual for the model.
You prepare meals regularly and want to know whether a combination microwave with convection could meet your needs without adding another appliance. Que Choisir explains the functions these appliances offer, while Panasonic details the modes available on its NN-CD58RS model.
You mainly reheat and defrost individual portions, so start by checking what’s already provided. Étudiant.gouv says that some university rooms include a microwave.
You’d like to brown some dishes without necessarily needing fan-assisted heat. Que Choisir distinguishes between models with a grill and combination microwaves, so check the exact functions offered by the model you’re considering.
Start with what you’ll use most often, then check that the functions you want and the model’s dimensions are right for your space.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the controls, defrost setting, external dimensions and turntable diameter. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food, I’d rather avoid functions I won’t use. Around 33% of consumers prioritise these tasks. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | Check that a convection function is explicitly listed, along with the available modes and the accessories intended for the model. Panasonic France states that the Panasonic NN-CD58RS offers convection from 30 to 220 °C. | If my home doesn’t have a usable oven and I plan to cook food that needs convection, I’ll check that this function is definitely included. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this option. |
| Grilling and browning | Check the grill and microwave modes, whether they can be used separately or together, and which accessories are included. A grill alone does not mean the appliance offers convection. | If I want to brown or grill certain dishes, I’ll look for a grill without assuming I also need a fan oven. Around 17% of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Space and installation | Compare the external width, depth and height. Allow room to open the door and leave the clearances specified in the model’s manual. | If my worktop space is limited, I’ll check the position and ventilation before choosing, whatever functions I’m looking for. Around 25% of consumers prioritise installation. |
Panasonic France lists the NN-E20JW as measuring 443 × 330 × 258 mm (width × depth × height), and the NN-GD38 as measuring 495 × 378 × 292 mm. Samsung says ventilation clearances can vary between models, so the manual for the appliance you choose is the definitive guide to its installation.
The cavity capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop, whether its door can open or whether it has enough space for ventilation.
Measure the space and compare it with the external dimensions and clearances specified in the manual for the exact model.
These functions aren’t interchangeable. A programme that combines several heat sources doesn’t prove that each mode you want is available separately.
Check the modes and accessories listed for the model you’ve chosen, then check the instructions for how to use them.
What’s included can vary from one home to another, and accommodation rules may restrict the use of electrical appliances.
Check the accommodation inventory, your tenancy agreement and the residence rules before buying.
Its range includes standard, grill and combination models, which you can compare based on the modes you need.
The range includes standard microwaves such as the MS23K3513AK/EF, worth considering for reheating and defrosting.
The NeoChef MH6535GISA combines a microwave with a grill. Its functions should not be confused with those of a convection model.
The MWSC 9133 SB is a freestanding multifunction model worth considering if you’re looking at modes that combine different types of cooking.
This selection includes standard microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as a model with a grill, so you can compare options for a small kitchen.
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A 20 L standard model with a defrost function, for reheating and defrosting in a small home.
Six power levels, a turntable and stated external dimensions of 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
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For reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown dishes using the stated grill function.
Stated power: 1 000 W. The description gives dimensions of 38,8 × 47,6 × 27,2 cm (depth × width × height).
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A compact model designed for smaller spaces, with dial controls for reheating meals and drinks.
The product information lists a 230-type plug.
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This standard model offers reheating and defrosting, with mechanical controls.
Stated power: 700 W. Six power levels, a mechanical timer and external dimensions of 452 × 362 × 262 mm (width × depth × height). The description recommends leaving at least 10 cm of clear space on all sides for ventilation.
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For reheating and defrosting in a compact kitchen, with several settings and pre-set menus.
Stated power: 700 W. The product information lists 11 power levels, six pre-set menus and external dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
No. Compare the external dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. Samsung France says its general ventilation guidance doesn’t replace the instructions for each specific model.
Not just because it has a grill. If you need convection, check that this mode is explicitly listed in the specifications for the model you’ve chosen.
First check the accommodation inventory, as some university rooms already include a microwave. If you’re in a Crous residence, check the applicable rules too: the Crous guide, updated in September 2026, permits microwaves within the terms it describes, but doesn’t specify the rules for every grill or convection mode on a multifunction appliance.
Follow the manual for your model and the mode you’ve selected. Don’t assume an accessory intended for the grill or convection is suitable for microwave mode. Que Choisir notes, in particular, that metal utensils and some plastics aren’t suitable for this mode.
In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies, subject to its conditions, to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to an individual. According to the Ministry of the Economy, you can make a claim within two years of delivery. Any additional commercial warranty doesn’t replace it.