Everyday reheating
If you mainly prepare simple portions and defrost food, look for controls and a cavity that suit the dishes you use rather than extra functions. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide and H.Koenig’s VIO8 product page describe this kind of use.
Who is this guide for?
A very compact kitchenette
Measure the available space, the door opening and the clearance needed for ventilation before choosing. 60 Millions de consommateurs points out that models vary in size, while Whirlpool France recommends keeping the ventilation openings clear.
A kitchen without an accessible oven
If you’re considering convection cooking, check that this function is listed explicitly and make sure the appliance and your dish will fit in the space available. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between grill and convection functions; Whirlpool France lists the dimensions of its MWSC833W model.
What should you compare?
The right compromise depends on which functions you’ll use, how much space you have and what you’d like to cook.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who prioritises it most |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The defrost settings and microwave output power; check that your plates can rotate on the turntable. | If I only use it for everyday portions, I’d rather not give up space for functions I’ll rarely use. Around 33% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Fitting and available space | The external dimensions and door opening; check the manual for clearance and ventilation requirements. | In a kitchenette, I need to be able to fit the appliance in and keep its vents clear. Around 25% of consumers put size and installation first. |
| Browning and gratins | Whether a grill mode is explicitly listed; check the manual for compatible modes and accessories. | If I only want to brown food or make a gratin occasionally, I’ll look for a grill without assuming it also has convection. Around 17% of consumers put occasional browning at the top of their list. |
| Cooking without an oven | Whether a convection or fan-assisted function is explicitly listed; check the usable cavity dimensions and installation requirements. | If I don’t have access to an oven, I might consider a combination microwave if I plan to cook more than just grill and it will fit in my kitchen. Around 25% of consumers prioritise convection cooking. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a grill with fan-assisted cooking
A grill can brown food or make a gratin, but that doesn’t mean the appliance has a convection function. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the uses associated with these functions.
Check the product details and manual for microwave, grill and convection modes separately.
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Choosing based on capacity alone
The internal capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop, whether your dish will fit inside or whether the vents will remain unobstructed.
Compare the external dimensions, the size of your dishes and the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. Whirlpool France advises keeping the ventilation openings clear.
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Confusing two power ratings
Electrical input power and microwave output power are different measurements. LG France lists both for the MS2535GIB.
Compare power ratings with the same label and for the same mode; don’t use them alone to predict cooking results.
Brands and models to know
H.Koenig
According to H.Koenig’s product details, the VIO8 is an example of a simple option for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen.
- H.Koenig lists a 20 L cavity, a 24,5 cm turntable and 700 W of power for the VIO8.
- These specifications don’t include a grill or convection function; check the installation instructions for the model.
Samsung
According to Samsung France, the MG23K3513AK/EF is a grill option that adds to the standard reheating functions.
- This model is listed as a 23 L grill microwave.
- Having a grill doesn’t mean the model has a convection function. Samsung’s manual says not to use the appliance if the door or its seals are damaged.
Whirlpool
According to Whirlpool France, the MWSC833W is a freestanding combination microwave with a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- Whirlpool lists a 33 L cavity and external dimensions of 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm, in width × height × depth order.
- With this size, it’s important to check the available space carefully. The manufacturer’s descriptions don’t prove that it delivers results equivalent to a conventional oven.
Panasonic
Panasonic France lists the NN-E20JW as a solo model and the NN-C69KSM as a model with a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- The manufacturer lists capacities of 20 L and 30 L respectively for these two models.
- Functions and capacity vary by model, so check the exact product name before comparing.
LG
According to LG France, the MS2535GIB is an example of a solo microwave worth considering if turntable size and overall dimensions matter.
- For this model, LG lists a 25 L capacity, a 292 mm turntable, 1 000 W microwave output power and 1 350 W power consumption in microwave mode.
- The two power ratings refer to different measurements; the product details don’t describe this model as having a grill.
Models available on Joybuy
These models showcase grill options, solo microwaves and a combination model with extra cooking functions.
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H.Koenig VIO7, grill microwave, 23 L, 900 W
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost, with the added option of a grill function.
The product details list 900 W microwave power, a 1 000 W grill and a 27 cm turntable. Listed dimensions: 48,2 × 28 × 32,1 cm. The description says to install it on a clear worktop and advises against built-in installation unless the manual says otherwise.
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Beko MGC20100B1, grill microwave, 20 L
Worth a look if you want to reheat and defrost, with a grill mode in a 20 L appliance.
The product details list 700 W in microwave mode, an 800 W grill and a 245 mm turntable. Listed dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. The description says to leave at least 10 cm of space at the sides and back for ventilation.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, solo microwave, 20 L
Worth considering if you only need to reheat, cook simple dishes and defrost, without a grill function.
The product details list 700 W microwave power, a 245 mm turntable and six power levels. The stated external dimensions are 452 × 362 × 262 mm. The description says to leave at least 10 cm of clear space on all sides for ventilation.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), digital microwave, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting in a compact space, with digital controls.
The product details list 700 W, 11 power levels and six pre-set programmes. Defrosting can be set by time or weight. Listed dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
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LG MJ3965ACS, combination microwave, 39 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for more than reheating and grilling, and have enough space.
The description lists microwave, grill, convection, steam and hot air modes. The stated capacity is 39 L and the dimensions are 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm. This model may take up a significant amount of space in a small kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Is a grill enough if I don’t have an oven?
A grill may be enough if all you need is to brown food or make a gratin. For convection cooking, check that the model explicitly lists a fan-assisted or convection function; a grill doesn’t necessarily include one.
What should I measure before installing a microwave in a kitchenette?
Measure the appliance and the available space, then check the clearance specified in the manual for your chosen model and keep the vents clear. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether it will fit; Whirlpool France recommends keeping the ventilation openings unobstructed.
How should I care for the appliance, and when should I stop using it?
Follow the manual when cleaning the cavity and door surfaces. The Samsung MG23K3513AK manual warns against using the oven if the door or its seals are damaged, until it has been repaired by a qualified person.
What should I do with my old microwave?
ADEME says you can return electrical equipment to a shop or take it to a suitable collection point.