For mainly reheating meals
If worktop space is limited and you mainly reheat or defrost meals, a solo microwave will do the job without adding a grill or oven function.
Who is each type best for?
For browning food without an oven
If you want to brown a pizza or gratin from time to time, look for a microwave with a grill. A grill does not necessarily mean the appliance has a convection oven function.
For cooking without a usable oven
If you also plan to cook or roast regularly, check the functions of a combination microwave and the size of dishes it can accommodate. Its dimensions and installation instructions matter just as much as its stated capacity.
What should you check before buying?
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combination microwaves according to how they are used. Start with the meals you actually prepare, then check how much space you have.
Solo microwave
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting make up most of your needs.
Bear in mind: a microwave-only model cannot brown or grill food and does not offer convection cooking.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you want to brown individual portions while still mainly using your microwave to reheat meals.
Bear in mind: a grill alone is not a substitute for a fan-assisted oven function.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you don’t have a usable oven and plan to cook or roast regularly.
Bear in mind: dimensions and available functions vary by model; it won’t necessarily replace every use of a full-size oven.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Cooking type and defrost programmes; external dimensions if your worktop is narrow. | If I mainly reheat leftovers and occasionally defrost a meal, I want to use the space I have for those tasks. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Browning and grilling | Whether it has a grill, any combination modes and which accessories are approved for each mode. | If I want to brown food occasionally without fitting a separate oven, I’m looking for a golden finish rather than convection cooking. Browning would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cooking without an oven | A documented convection function, usable capacity and the dimensions of dishes it can accommodate. | Without a usable oven, I want to cook or roast as well as reheat. Around 21% of consumers would put this cooking option first. |
| Installation | Ventilation clearances in the instructions and the model’s electrical specifications. | In a kitchen where space and sockets are limited, I need to be able to install the appliance without blocking its vents. Suitability for the available space would come ahead of other functions for around 14% of consumers. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Relying on the cavity capacity alone
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you how much worktop space the appliance needs. Whirlpool lists the combination microwave MWSC9133SB as 54 cm deep, compared with 35 cm for the solo MWP201W.
Measure the space, then check the depth, door clearance and installation clearances specified in the instructions for the model you choose.
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Blocking the vents on a freestanding model
Whirlpool warns that blocked ventilation can cause overheating. Placing an object on the appliance or against its vents can restrict airflow.
Keep the vents clear and follow the installation distances given in your appliance’s instructions.
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Using the same containers in every mode
An accessory designed for the grill is not automatically suitable for microwave mode. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that not all plastic containers are suitable for this use.
Choose containers that are compatible with the selected mode, and only use a metal rack as instructed by the manufacturer.
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Applying a conventional oven’s energy label
European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 65/2014 on energy labelling for ovens and range hoods does not cover ovens with a microwave heating function.
When comparing microwaves, look at their documented functions, dimensions and model-specific information rather than applying this energy label to them.
Brands to consider
These product ranges illustrate different functions. Choose based on the specifications and instructions for the particular model, not the brand alone.
Whirlpool
The freestanding microwave range includes solo, grill and combination models.
- Whirlpool describes the MWP201W as a 20 L microwave-only model and the MWSC9133SB as a 33 L combination microwave with grill.
- Check the functions and installation clearances for the model you choose; features listed for one appliance do not apply to the whole range.
Panasonic
Its product information helps you distinguish a microwave with grill from a model with convection.
- Panasonic describes the NN-GT21Q as having a combined microwave and grill mode, while the NN-CD88 includes a convection function.
- These features apply to the specific models listed. Check the available modes and accessories for the product you’re considering.
LG
The NeoChef range includes combination models designed for more than just reheating.
- LG lists microwave, grill and oven functions for the 28 L MJEN2863G.
- According to LG, this model measures 51.1 × 31 × 48 cm. Check the space you’ll need before choosing a combination model for a small kitchen.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models cover straightforward reheating, browning with a grill and cooking with a combination microwave. Start by choosing the function you need, then check the dimensions and instructions against your kitchen.
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Beko MGC20100B1, black 20 L microwave with grill
Worth considering if you want to reheat food and brown dishes from time to time. The product title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W; check the instructions for the space to leave around the appliance and which modes are compatible with your accessories.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, Titanium 25 L microwave with grill
An option with a grill if browning is one of your priorities. The product title lists a 25 L capacity and 900 W; measure the space and check the instructions for clearance and electrical connection requirements.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, white 25 L microwave with grill
Worth a look if you want a grill as well as reheating. The product title lists a 25 L capacity and 1,000 W, but doesn’t specify which function this power rating refers to. Check the cooking modes and ventilation instructions before choosing.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo, 23 L with LED display
Choose this if you want to prioritise reheating with a solo model rather than browning. The product title lists 1,150 W; check which function this figure refers to before comparing power ratings, and check the clearances specified in the instructions too.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L 3-in-1 combination microwave
Worth considering if you’re looking for cooking functions beyond reheating. Its stated 42 L capacity makes it particularly important to check the external dimensions, available modes and ventilation space.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a studio flat?
It can replace some oven functions if the model has a convection function and can accommodate the dishes you want to cook. UFC-Que Choisir presents combination microwaves as an alternative to a conventional oven, but a grill alone is not enough to provide the same functionality, and cavity size remains a key consideration.
Should you leave space around a freestanding microwave?
Yes, its vents must be kept clear. Whirlpool warns that blocked vents can cause overheating. Follow the clearances in your model’s instructions rather than relying on a distance that you assume applies to every appliance.
How can you check whether your socket is suitable for a microwave?
Compare the model’s rating plate and instructions with your electrical installation. As an example specific to this appliance, Whirlpool lists 230–240 V, 50 Hz and a Schuko plug for the MWP201W; these specifications should not be assumed to apply to another model.
Can you use a conventional oven’s energy label to compare microwaves?
No, not under European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 65/2014 on energy labelling for ovens and range hoods: it excludes ovens with a microwave heating function. Check the specifications for the appliances you’re comparing instead of applying this label to them.
What should you do if a microwave doesn’t match its description?
In France, a microwave sold by a professional to an individual is covered by the legal guarantee of conformity if it does not match the contractual description. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that this mandatory guarantee applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. It is separate from simply returning an item because you’ve changed your mind.