Mostly for reheating and defrosting
In a studio flat or holiday home, a solo microwave is ideal for reheating meals and defrosting food, without adding cooking modes you’re unlikely to use.
Which type is right for you?
For the occasional gratin
A microwave with a grill handles everyday reheating and also lets you brown or gratinate certain dishes. Check that the specific model you’re considering includes a grill function.
For cooking without a conventional oven
A combination microwave is worth considering if you’ll also use the grill and fan-assisted cooking. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these functions from those of a solo microwave. However, measure the available space before relying on a single appliance for several purposes.
What sets the different models apart?
Start with the dishes you actually make, then check that the appliance fits in your chosen spot with enough room for ventilation. The cavity capacity alone won’t tell you how much worktop space you’ll need.
| Priority | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The reheating and defrosting functions, followed by the appliance’s dimensions and turntable size. | If I mostly heat up meals, I’d rather choose an appliance with functions I’ll use regularly. Around 39% of consumers put this need first. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | Whether it explicitly includes a grill and fan-assisted cooking, as well as the overall size and installation instructions for the combination model. | Without a conventional oven, I want to cook in ways other than using microwave power, all with one appliance. Around 23% of consumers put this need first. |
| The occasional gratin | The grill function and the instructions for using each cooking mode. | I mostly reheat food, but would sometimes like to brown a dish without needing the other functions of an oven. Around 23% of consumers prioritise the option of occasional browning. |
| Keeping a separate compact oven | The space available for both appliances and the clearance requirements in each appliance’s instructions. | If I have room for a compact oven already, I can keep a separate appliance for oven cooking. For around 15% of consumers, this remains the priority. |
Mistakes to avoid in a small kitchen
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Choosing based on cavity capacity alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will fit under a shelf or on a shallow worktop. For example, Electrolux France gives the dimensions of the Electrolux EMZ421MMK as 262 × 442 × 345 mm.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then check the instructions to allow for the door, cable and required clearances.
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Treating a freestanding model like a built-in appliance
A Bosch manual rules out installing or using the freestanding microwave it describes in a built-in cabinet. Whirlpool France also says not to block the ventilation grilles on its appliances.
Follow the installation requirements for the exact model and the clearances set out in its instructions. Don’t assume a recess is suitable just because the appliance fits inside it.
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Choosing a combination model just for reheating
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes combination models by their grill and fan-assisted cooking functions. If you don’t plan to use them, they won’t meet your main need.
Think about the meals you usually make: choose a solo model for reheating and defrosting, a grill model for browning, or a combination microwave if you also need oven-style cooking.
Brands to consider, model by model
The ranges below illustrate features and installation requirements to compare model by model. They don’t indicate how much space you’ll need in your own kitchen.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers freestanding microwaves, including grill and combination models.
- Whirlpool lists combination modes, a grill and Crisp programmes for the MWSC 933 SB.
- Whirlpool says not to block the ventilation grilles or place anything on top of the appliance. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering too.
Electrolux
Electrolux France offers freestanding microwaves with a grill for anyone who’d also like to brown their food.
- The EMZ421MMK specifications list microwave, grill and microwave with grill modes.
- Its dimensions of 262 × 442 × 345 mm apply to this specific model. Compare them with those of the model you plan to install.
Bosch
Bosch Électroménager France offers freestanding microwaves; its built-in appliances have different installation requirements.
- The freestanding range lets you look for an appliance without planning to install a built-in model.
- A Bosch manual states that the freestanding microwave it covers isn’t designed to be installed or used in a built-in cabinet. Check the instructions for your specific model.
Microwaves for reheating or browning
These models are mainly suited to reheating and defrosting; the Beko MGC20100B1 also has a grill. If fan-assisted cooking is your priority, look instead for a combination model with the right functions for your space.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and have a grill for browning them too.
The model name indicates a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Check the dimensions and ventilation requirements before choosing where to put it.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L solo microwave
Worth a look for reheating and defrosting if you’re after a solo microwave.
The product title gives a capacity of 25 L and a power rating of 900 W. If you also want to brown food, check the cooking modes for this specific model before buying.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
One to consider if reheating and defrosting make up most of your microwave use.
This model is described as a 23 L solo microwave with Quick Defrost. Check its instructions to find out how much space to leave around the appliance.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
This solo model is suited to a small kitchen where you mainly need to reheat and defrost food.
The product title lists 700 W, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function. Check the dimensions and ventilation requirements before installing it.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if you’d like digital controls.
The product title lists 700 W, eleven power levels, six preset menus and a defrost function. Check the turntable size and installation instructions to make sure it suits your dishes and available space.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a freestanding microwave in a recess?
Only if the instructions for that specific model allow it and you meet its ventilation requirements. A Bosch manual rules out using the freestanding model it describes in a built-in cabinet; Whirlpool France advises against blocking the ventilation grilles.
Can a combination microwave replace a compact oven?
It can handle some oven tasks if the model has the cooking functions you need. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the grill and fan-assisted cooking functions found on combination models. Before deciding against a separate oven, check the exact modes, dimensions and installation instructions.
What legal guarantee applies to a microwave bought from a professional seller in France?
According to the DGCCRF, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a consumer. It is separate from any commercial guarantee. Keep your proof of purchase and details of the fault to support a claim.
What should you do with your old microwave when replacing it?
In France, ask whether you can return your old electrical appliance of the same type when buying a new one. The Ministry for Ecological Transition describes this as a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme. Ask the retailer how to hand over the appliance.