People living alone or students who reheat portions
If you mainly need to reheat and defrost meals, a solo model covers these basics. Check that it fits on your worktop rather than paying for cooking modes you won’t use.
Which type is right for you?
Que Choisir includes student accommodation and second homes among the situations where it’s worth thinking carefully about what you need a microwave to do.
People with a small kitchen who already have an oven
A microwave can be handy for leftovers, ready meals and drinks. A grill model is worth considering if you’d also like to brown or crisp small portions.
Renters without a usable oven
If you expect to cook dishes that need convection, consider a combination model rather than a basic grill microwave. Check its external dimensions, door clearance and the installation gaps it requires.
What should you look for before choosing?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly need to reheat and defrost meals.
The trade-off: it won’t brown food with a grill or cook with convection.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or crisp some dishes.
The trade-off: a grill on its own can’t replace convection for dishes that need it.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you’ll use convection for some dishes you’d usually cook in an oven.
Bear in mind: check that there’s enough room for the door to open and for ventilation.
Start with the dishes you actually make, then check that the features you need fit your available space and the installation instructions.
| Priority | What to check | Choose according to your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Look for reheating and defrosting functions, then decide whether you’ll use a grill for browning or convection. Que Choisir and Whirlpool France distinguish between these three uses. | I mainly reheat portions: a solo model may be enough. If I regularly crisp food, I’ll look at a grill model; for oven-style cooking, I’ll specifically look for convection. |
| Available space | Compare the external width, depth and height, capacity, and the space needed to open the door. For reference, Panasonic France lists dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for the 20 L NN-E20JW and 440 × 333 × 258 mm for the 20 L NN-GM23Q. | I have limited worktop space: I’ll measure the whole area and won’t assume the external size from the capacity in litres alone. |
| Ventilation | Check the instructions for the exact model to find out how much clearance it needs. Whirlpool France says to keep the vents clear and not to place anything on top of the appliance. | If the appliance needs to go in a tight space, I’ll check that the door can open and the vents will remain clear once the microwave is in place. |
| Containers and packaging | Check that the container is suitable for microwave use and follow the power and cooking time instructions on the packaging. Anses warns that intensive reheating can increase the transfer of substances from some packaging into food. | For a meal in a tray, I’ll follow the instructions on its packaging. If it’s not clear whether the tray is microwave-safe, I’ll transfer the food to a suitable container. |
What should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination model just to have fewer appliances
Convection is only useful if you plan to use it. A combination model may also take up more space than a compact one, so compare the dimensions of the models you’re considering, not just their features.
Make a note of the meals you usually cook and separate out reheating, browning and convection cooking before choosing a type.
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Measuring the appliance without allowing for ventilation
The external dimensions alone don’t tell you how much space you’ll need around the model. Whirlpool France warns that blocked vents can cause overheating.
Allow room to open the door, then check the instructions for the exact model to see how it should be installed. Keep the vents clear.
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Ignoring the instructions on food packaging
According to Anses, intensive reheating can increase the risk of substances transferring from some packaging into food.
Follow the power and cooking time instructions on packaging designed for microwave use. If you’re not sure whether a container is suitable, use an appropriate alternative.
Which brands and models should you compare?
Panasonic
Panasonic France’s product pages give you useful details for comparing a solo model, a grill and a combination microwave.
- The solo NN-E20JW and grill NN-GM23Q both have a 20 L cavity. Their published external dimensions are 443 × 330 × 258 mm and 440 × 333 × 258 mm respectively.
- These dimensions don’t replace the installation clearances listed in the instructions for each model.
Samsung
The Samsung MC28H5015CK/EF is an example of a combination microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions.
- According to Samsung France, this model has a 28 L cavity, a stated microwave output of 900 W and a turntable stop function.
- These features alone don’t tell you how much space you’ll need to install it. Check the model’s dimensions and instructions.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s advice explains the differences between a standard microwave, a grill and a combination model, as well as general installation precautions.
- Whirlpool describes a standard model as suitable for reheating and defrosting, a grill for browning and a combination model for oven-style cooking.
- For installation details for a specific model, you’ll need to check the instructions for that model as well as the general guidance.
Solo and grill models on Joybuy
These Joybuy models are suited to reheating in a small kitchen, with solo microwaves and models with a grill for browning. Start by choosing the feature you’ll use, then check the installation requirements for your chosen model.
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Beko MGC20100B1, black 20 L grill microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat portions and have a grill for browning them too. The title states a capacity of 20 L and a microwave output of 700 W. Check the instructions to see how much space to leave around the appliance.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L microwave
An option to consider if reheating is your main use and you don’t need to brown your food. The title states 20 L and 700 W. Check the dimensions and installation instructions for this model against the space you have available.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L grill microwave
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a grill as well as microwave functions. The title specifies a capacity of 25 L, a microwave output of 900 W and a titanium finish. Measure the space and check the required clearances before choosing this size.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L digital microwave
Worth considering if you want a model for reheating and defrosting with digital controls. The title lists 700 W, 11 power levels, 6 pre-set menus and express cooking. Check the instructions to plan its installation.
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Cecotec, black 20 L worktop microwave
An option to compare if you want to reheat food without needing a grill function. The title lists 700 W and 6 power levels. Check its external dimensions and required ventilation clearances before setting aside a spot for it.
Frequently asked questions
When is a solo microwave enough for a small home?
A solo microwave is suitable if you mainly use it for reheating and defrosting. Que Choisir and Whirlpool France distinguish these functions from the browning you get with a grill and the oven-style cooking possible with a combination microwave with convection.
Can a grill microwave replace an oven?
The grill can brown or crisp food, but on its own it doesn’t provide the convection needed for some oven-style cooking. If you plan to make these dishes, check that the model you’re considering specifically includes a convection function.
What should you check before putting a microwave on a worktop?
Measure the appliance, allow room to open the door and check the clearances specified in its instructions. Whirlpool France recommends a flat surface, clear vents and nothing placed on top. Always follow the specific installation requirements for the model you choose.
Can you reheat a meal in any food tray?
Only use a tray if it’s designed for microwave use, and follow the power and cooking time instructions on its packaging. Anses warns that intensive reheating can increase the transfer of substances from some packaging into food. If it’s not clear whether the tray is suitable, transfer the meal to an appropriate container.