For everyday reheating
In student accommodation or a second home, you may mainly want to reheat and defrost food. A solo model is worth considering if you rarely need to cook dishes in the way you would in an oven.
Who are these options for?
For cooking without a traditional oven
You may also want to brown or bake dishes as you would in an oven. Know the difference between a grill, which browns the surface, and a model whose specifications explicitly list a fan oven function.
For making the most of limited space
Your worktop may be narrow, or your kitchen may have an existing built-in space. Measure the space and your dishes, then check the installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
Which features should you prioritise?
Start by choosing the cooking functions that suit your meals, then make sure the appliance and your dishes will actually fit in your kitchen.
Solo microwave
Choose this if : you mainly reheat and defrost food, and don’t plan to brown or regularly cook dishes as you would in an oven.
Keep in mind : it has neither a grill nor a fan oven function.
Grill microwave
Choose this if : you also want to brown or crisp the top of your dishes.
Keep in mind : a grill on its own won’t do the same job as a fan oven.
Combination microwave with fan oven
Choose this if : you regularly plan to make tarts, cakes or other dishes that would normally be cooked in an oven.
Keep in mind : don’t assume a model has a fan oven function just because it’s described as a “combination” microwave; check the cooking functions for the specific model.
| What matters | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the power or defrost settings and make sure there’s enough room for your plates. | If I mainly reheat meals and defrost food, I want controls suited to these everyday tasks rather than functions I’ll rarely use. Around 38 % of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check that the model explicitly has a grill for browning and a fan oven function if your dishes need it. | Without a convenient traditional oven, I want to regularly cook more than just reheated meals; the function I need depends on my recipes. For around 31 % of consumers, replacing some oven tasks comes first. |
| Worktop space | Compare the appliance’s external dimensions with the size of your dishes and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. | When worktop space is limited, I need enough room around the appliance while still being able to fit my usual dishes inside. Making space for a freestanding model is the priority for around 23 % of consumers. |
| Built-in space compatibility | Measure the built-in space and check it against the installation instructions for the built-in model. | If my kitchen already has a built-in space, I want to make sure the appliance fits the unit before choosing its functions. Around 8 % of consumers put this compatibility first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a grill with a combination microwave that has a fan oven
A grill can brown the top of a dish, but on its own it won’t meet the same needs as a fan oven for foods that would normally be cooked in an oven.
Make a list of the recipes you plan to cook, then check which cooking functions are explicitly listed for the model.
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Choosing a capacity without measuring the space
The cavity capacity won’t tell you the appliance’s external dimensions, the ventilation clearance it needs or the size of the dishes that will fit inside.
Measure your worktop and dishes, then compare those measurements with the product dimensions and the instructions in its manual.
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Using the same container for every cooking function
According to Anses, using excessive power or reheating food for too long can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging. UFC-Que Choisir notes that plastic isn’t suitable for grill or convection functions.
Follow the reheating instructions and choose a container suitable for the function you’re using. Don’t reuse single-use packaging to reheat food.
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Ordering a built-in model before checking the space
Compatibility depends on the dimensions of the unit and the appliance’s specific installation instructions, not just its capacity.
Compare the measurements of the space with the exact model’s manual. If the unit or installation needs to be altered, ask a suitably qualified professional to assess the work.
Brands to consider
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding microwaves with grills and combination models; functions vary by model.
- Whirlpool France lists the MCP349WH as having a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- The MWF259SG is listed with microwave and grill functions. Check the list of functions rather than assuming the whole range has a fan oven.
Samsung
The range includes models combining microwave, grill and convection functions for those who want several cooking options.
- Samsung France lists the MC28H5015CK/EF as a 28 L model with all three functions.
- Check the dimensions and functions of the model you choose; one model’s features won’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Electrolux
Electrolux built-in models may suit kitchens that already have a compatible built-in space.
- Electrolux’s product information distinguishes the EVM6E46X, which has a grill, from the KVLBE08X, which also has fan-assisted cooking.
- For the KVLBE08X, Electrolux specifies a built-in space measuring 450 × 560 × 550 mm. Check the dimensions and manual for the exact model before planning a built-in installation.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models are suited to everyday reheating and, depending on the model, a wider range of cooking tasks. Compare their listed functions with the dishes you cook and the space you have available. Being included here doesn’t mean they’ll all meet the same needs.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and also brown the top of dishes: the Joybuy France product listing for this model specifies a grill.
The title lists a capacity of 21 L and power of 800 W. Check the dimensions, ventilation requirements and cooking functions before using it for dishes that would normally be cooked in an oven.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H Solo, 25 L
Worth looking at if reheating and defrosting are your main uses; check which functions are available if you’d also like to brown the top of dishes.
The title lists a capacity of 25 L and power of 900 W. Measure the space and check the manual for the required clearances.
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LG MJ3965ACS combination microwave, 39 L
Worth looking at if you want several cooking functions in one appliance: check that this version has the functions your recipes need.
The title lists a capacity of 39 L. Compare the external dimensions, ventilation clearance and the size of your dishes before choosing this model.
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Heinrich's Solo, 20 L
This solo model is suited to reheating and defrosting rather than cooking with a grill or fan oven.
The title lists 700 W, six power levels, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. Check the available space and installation instructions.
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Samsung MS23K3513 Solo, 23 L
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if you don’t need grill or fan oven cooking.
The title lists a capacity of 23 L, power of 1150 W and Quick Defrost function. Check the full reference for the version on sale, as well as its dimensions and ventilation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can a solo microwave replace a traditional oven?
Not for every dish: a solo model is mainly for reheating and defrosting. If you want to brown the top of dishes, look for a grill; for cooking that needs a fan oven, check that the model you choose explicitly has this function.
How can I check whether a freestanding microwave will fit in my kitchen?
Compare the width, height and depth of the space with the appliance’s external dimensions, allowing for the clearances specified in its manual. Measure your usual dishes too: the capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether they’ll fit.
Can I use the same containers in the microwave, grill and convection modes?
No: according to UFC-Que Choisir, plastic that’s suitable for microwave-only use shouldn’t be used with the grill or convection functions. When reheating, also follow the packaging instructions for power and cooking time. Anses warns that overheating food can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging.
Can I choose a built-in model in the same way as a freestanding one?
No: a built-in model must fit the space and meet the manufacturer’s installation instructions. For example, Electrolux specifies a built-in space measuring 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the KVLBE08X. This measurement applies to that specific model and doesn’t replace the manual for the appliance you’re considering.