If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave may be all you need. A model with a grill adds browning, while a combination microwave with convection is a better choice if you plan to cook regularly as you would in an oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions, and an electric mini oven such as the Moulinex Optimo OX444810 does not replace a microwave. Before choosing, check the appliance and cavity dimensions, as well as the clearance required for installation.
They mainly need to reheat and defrost food, and don’t want to give up space or pay for controls for oven functions they’re unlikely to use. UFC-Que Choisir lists these uses among the factors to consider when choosing a microwave.
They want to cook and brown food regularly while keeping microwave functionality in a single appliance. UFC-Que Choisir describes combination models as bringing together microwave, grill and convection functions.
They need to check that the appliance, its ventilation clearances and their dishes will all fit in the available space. The cavity and turntable dimensions published by LG France illustrate the measurements to check separately from the external dimensions.
Choose this if: you often reheat portions and defrost food, and don’t need browning or oven-style cooking.
Bear in mind: this option doesn’t include a grill or convection, as set out in UFC-Que Choisir’s descriptions of the different functions.
Choose this if: you’d like to brown or grill food occasionally while keeping microwave reheating and defrosting functions.
Bear in mind: a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has convection. Check the modes listed for the exact model.
Choose this if: you want to reheat, defrost and cook regularly using a single appliance.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says combination models cost more than solo models. Check the size and cooking results for each model.
Choose this if: oven-style cooking is your priority and you have another suitable way to reheat and defrost food, or are happy to manage without a microwave.
Bear in mind: Moulinex France describes the Optimo OX444810 as an electric oven and doesn’t list a microwave function.
When choosing a practical appliance for a small kitchen without an oven, shoppers may have different priorities. Each row below sets out a key reason for choosing a particular type of appliance.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost setting, controls and cavity size against the dishes you use. | If I mainly reheat portions and often defrost food, I prefer simple controls to oven functions I’m unlikely to use. Around 40% of shoppers in this group put reheating and defrosting first. |
| Oven-style cooking without adding an oven | Check that convection is explicitly listed and find out which modes can be used together. Consult test results for the exact model. | If I want to cook oven-style dishes regularly without adding more appliances, I check that a combination model will suit the way I cook. Around 30% of shoppers in this group prioritise this type of cooking in an appliance that also has a microwave function. |
| Occasional browning | Check that a grill is listed, and don’t assume that the appliance has convection just because it mentions a grill. | If I want to brown food from time to time without making oven cooking my priority, I mainly look for a grill as well as a microwave. Around 10% of shoppers in this group prioritise occasional browning. |
| Prioritising mini-oven cooking | Check which modes are actually available and whether you have another way to reheat and defrost food using a microwave. | If I mainly cook in an oven and can manage without a microwave function, I also compare mini ovens. Around 10% of shoppers in this group prioritise this type of cooking. |
| Making sure the appliance fits and has room to ventilate | Measure the appliance, cavity and your dishes, then follow the clearance requirements in the manual. Samsung France gives a general guide of 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, although requirements vary between models. | If space is very limited, I check the external footprint, usable space inside and required ventilation clearances. Around 10% of shoppers in this group put this compatibility first. |
A grill browns food; it doesn’t prove that the appliance offers the convection cooking you’d expect for oven-style dishes.
If you plan to cook regularly as you would in an oven, check that convection is explicitly listed in the product details and the model’s manual.
External dimensions, cavity dimensions, turntable size and ventilation clearances each affect different aspects of the fit.
Measure your available space and dishes, then compare them with the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model.
The French product details for the Moulinex Optimo OX444810 describe an electric oven and don’t mention a microwave function.
Before choosing this option, consider how often you cook in an oven compared with how often you reheat and defrost food.
The MS23K3515AK/EF solo model and MG23K3515AK/EF grill model let you compare different functions within this range.
The NeoChef MH6535GDR is a grill model to consider when the dimensions of the appliance and cavity matter.
The NN-CD88QSEPG is a combination microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions, for those who want to cook without a separate oven.
The MAX34/BL is an example of a solo model worth considering if you’re checking its footprint and available cavity space.
The Optimo 19 L OX444810 is a useful point of comparison if you’re considering a mini oven rather than a microwave.
The products below are solo microwaves or models with a grill, so you can compare options for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning.
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Worth considering for everyday reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, defrost function, 30-minute timer and 360° turntable.
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Worth considering if you want to keep the microwave function and add a grill for occasional browning.
21 L capacity and 800 W microwave power.
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Worth considering if you want microwave functionality and grill browning, without assuming that it also has convection.
25 L capacity and 900 W microwave power.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a microwave with a grill for reheating and occasional browning.
25 L capacity, 1,000 W power and digital display.
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Worth considering if you want to keep the microwave function and have a grill for occasional browning or grilling.
25 L capacity and 1,000 W power.
Also compare the cavity and turntable dimensions with your dishes, then check the external dimensions against the space you have available. For the MH6535GDR, LG France lists a cavity measuring 322 × 228 × 335 mm and external dimensions of 476 × 272 × 388 mm. These measurements relate to different requirements.
Samsung France gives a general guide of at least 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary between models. Measure your available space and follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose.
Look for test results for the model in question published by UFC-Que Choisir. Its testing protocol covers factors such as the temperature at several points on a reheated plate, defrosting, grilling and combination cooking, and checks for microwave leakage. The protocol describes the tests; it doesn’t, by itself, provide results for a specific model.
When you buy from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies under its legal conditions. In its guidance published on 3 October 2023, the DGCCRF states that claims must be brought within two years of delivery of the goods, whether new or second-hand. An additional commercial warranty doesn’t replace statutory guarantees.
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking shows the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable regulatory requirements, and isn’t a certification mark. It doesn’t replace cooking test results for a particular model.