Everyday reheating
You’re furnishing student accommodation or a second home mainly for reheating meals and defrosting food, and oven-style cooking isn’t a priority.
Who are these options for?
Cooking without a separate oven
You’re short on space and want one appliance to handle some of the cooking you’d usually do in an oven.
Dishes with a browned topping
You regularly reheat food and would also like to brown certain dishes, without necessarily needing fan-assisted cooking.
Which criteria should you check first?
Standard microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost food.
Bear in mind: it won’t have a grill or fan-assisted cooking mode.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown dishes, but don’t expect to use fan-assisted cooking regularly.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the model has a convection function.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you plan to use oven-style cooking modes as well as reheating and grilling.
Bear in mind: an appliance with several cooking modes can still take up a lot of space, so measure it before you choose.
UFC-Que Choisir’s guide notes that reheating and defrosting are common uses; a grill adds browning, while a combination microwave may offer oven-style cooking. As everyone has different priorities, compare the features and measurements of the exact model you’re considering.
| What matters to you | What to check before you buy | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the power settings and defrost functions listed in the specifications for your chosen model. | If you mainly want an appliance for everyday meals, without extra cooking modes, around 33% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Space for the appliance and your dishes | Measure the space and door opening; compare the external dimensions, clearances specified in the manual, turntable diameter and interior height. | If worktop space is limited and your dishes need to fit inside the cavity, around 25% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s footprint and space for their dishes. |
| Oven-style cooking | Look specifically for a fan-assisted or convection mode, and check the appliance dimensions and listed accessories. | If you want to cook without also installing an oven, around 25% of consumers put oven-style cooking first. |
| Occasional browning | Check for a grill mode and, if needed, a mode that combines microwave and grill cooking. | If you mainly want to brown certain dishes while keeping the convenience of a microwave, around 17% of consumers prioritise occasional browning. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Relying on the capacity in litres alone
The capacity won’t tell you whether a particular dish will fit on the turntable or under the top of the cavity. The turntable diameter, interior height and external dimensions each relate to different space requirements.
Measure a typical dish and the space where you plan to put the microwave, then compare these measurements with the specifications and manual for the exact model.
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Assuming a microwave with a grill can cook with fan assistance
A grill browns food, but doesn’t guarantee that the microwave has a convection mode. Electrolux’s specifications for the EMZ421MMK and Whirlpool’s for the MCP349WH describe different modes.
Look for the cooking mode you want in the specifications for the exact model, rather than relying on a general product description.
If the mode you need isn’t available, you may need another appliance for that type of cooking.
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Choosing a combination microwave without checking its depth
Having several cooking modes doesn’t guarantee a compact appliance. Whirlpool gives the MCP349WH’s depth as 49,4 cm without packaging.
Before deciding whether the extra functions will be useful, check the dimensions, door opening and clearances specified in the manual.
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Using a container in a mode without checking that it’s suitable
A container that’s suitable for food isn’t necessarily microwave-safe, and an accessory designed for the grill isn’t automatically suitable for every mode.
Read the instructions on the container or its packaging, as well as those for the appliance and the mode you intend to use. The DGCCRF recommends following the stated conditions of use for containers.
Brands and models to consider
Samsung
The MS23K3614AK/EF is worth comparing if you’re looking for a freestanding standard microwave.
- Samsung lists a 23 L capacity, automatic defrost and a 28,8 cm turntable for this model.
- This is a solo model, so don’t choose it if you want a grill or fan-assisted cooking. Samsung recommends checking the model manual for clearance requirements.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is worth considering if you’d like a freestanding appliance with a grill.
- Electrolux lists microwave, grill and microwave-plus-grill modes, as well as a 27 cm turntable.
- The product title says “20 L”, while the specifications say “21 L”. Check the capacity with the seller or in the model documentation.
Whirlpool
The MCP349WH is a freestanding combination microwave to consider for oven-style cooking.
- Whirlpool lists a 25 L capacity and fan-assisted cooking for this model.
- Its stated depth without packaging is 49,4 cm. Measure the space carefully; the browning results associated with Crisp functions are claims made by the manufacturer, not independent measurements.
LG
The MH6382NW is another grill model worth considering for reheating and browning.
- LG lists a 23 L capacity, a quartz grill and a 28,4 cm turntable.
- The LG listing consulted shows the model as “Discontinued”, so don’t assume it’s currently available in France. The stated ease of cleaning comes from the manufacturer’s description.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These Joybuy models cover standard microwave use and microwave cooking with a grill, for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, browning certain dishes.
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H.Koenig VIO7, 900 W, 23 L, stainless steel
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with a grill for browning certain dishes.
23 L capacity and a 27 cm turntable.
The product description lists microwave, grill and microwave-plus-grill modes.
Stated dimensions: 48,2 × 28 × 32,1 cm.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L, 700 W, black
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with a grill for browning dishes.
245 mm turntable; stated grill power: 800 W.
The product description recommends leaving at least 10 cm at the sides and rear for ventilation. Check the model manual and use containers suitable for the mode you choose.
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COMFEE CMO-MP012OC(BK), 700 W, 19 L, black
Worth considering for everyday reheating and defrosting, with no grill function listed.
Five power levels and a 245 mm turntable.
Stated dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 B, 20 L, 700 W, grill function
Worth considering if you’re looking for a microwave for reheating and defrosting, with a grill function.
The product title lists a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 700 W, 20 L, black
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting, with stated dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
The product description lists 11 power levels, six pre-set menus and defrosting by weight or time.
Frequently asked questions
Is the stated capacity in litres enough to tell me whether my dish will fit?
No. Also compare the turntable diameter and interior height with the dimensions of your dishes. For installation, measure the external dimensions and the clearances specified in the model manual separately.
How much space should I leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the manual for your chosen model. As general guidance, Samsung recommends leaving 10 cm at the rear and sides and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary by model. These measurements aren’t universal.
Can I reheat a ready-meal tray or use the grill accessory in microwave mode?
Check the instructions on the container or its packaging, as well as those for the appliance and each mode. The DGCCRF recommends following the stated conditions of use for containers; UFC-Que Choisir notes that not all plastics are suitable for microwave use. An accessory supplied for the grill isn’t automatically permitted in other modes.
What should I check after buying, for care and after-sales service?
Check the manual for cleaning instructions and information about accessories for your model. In France, for goods bought by a consumer from a professional seller, the statutory conformity guarantee is separate from an optional commercial warranty extension. According to the DGCCRF, claims under the conformity guarantee are subject to a two-year limitation period from delivery, under the conditions set by law.
Can I be charged to have my old microwave taken away when I replace it?
The DGCCRF states that free “one-for-one” take-back of equivalent used equipment applies when you buy a new product, including under the obligations that apply to online sellers. Check the take-back arrangements offered by the seller.