For reheating and defrosting in a limited space, a solo microwave is enough if you don’t need browning or oven-style cooking. Choose a model with a grill for occasional browning, or a combination microwave with convection if you also want to cook certain dishes and don’t have a practical oven. In every case, measure the space available, allowing for the ventilation clearances specified for the model.
If you mainly reheat portions and defrost food in a studio flat or holiday home, start by comparing solo models. Check that your plates fit on the turntable and that the appliance will fit in your chosen spot with enough room for ventilation.
A model with a grill is a good choice if you want to brown a dish occasionally while keeping all the usual microwave functions. However, a grill on its own does not provide convection cooking.
If you also need oven-style cooking, look for a combination model whose specifications confirm that it has convection or fan-assisted cooking. Pay particular attention to its depth, weight, accessories and the space it needs around it.
First decide whether you mainly need to reheat, brown food or cook oven-style dishes. Then check that your choice fits the available space and the model’s installation requirements.
| What you need | What to check | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Defrost settings and turntable diameter for the dishes you usually use. | I mainly want to reheat portions and defrost food without paying for functions I won’t use; around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Cooking without a practical oven | Whether it has convection or fan-assisted cooking, the capacity of the cavity and any necessary accessories. | Without a practical oven, I sometimes need to cook a dish another way; around 29% of consumers prioritise this type of cooking. |
| Browning or grilling | Whether it has a grill setting and instructions for using its accessories. | I reheat my meals, but I also like to give them a golden finish from time to time; around 21% of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Finding space for the appliance | External dimensions, clearances required by the manual and space for your dishes. | Space is so limited that the appliance and its ventilation clearances have to fit before anything else; around 14% of consumers put size first. |
The cavity capacity won’t tell you whether the casing, turntable and required clearances will suit your kitchen. External dimensions vary from one model to another.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare them with the appliance dimensions and the ventilation instructions in its manual.
A grill is for browning and grilling; having one does not mean the microwave offers convection cooking.
If you want to cook oven-style dishes occasionally, check that the combination model’s specifications explicitly state that it has convection or fan-assisted cooking.
Anses says that heating food for too long or at too high a power setting can increase the migration of substances from certain food packaging. DGCCRF advises against using cling film and bags in a microwave unless they are clearly labelled as microwave-safe.
Follow the time and power instructions for the container or food, and only use cling film or a bag if its label clearly states that it is suitable for microwave use.
Whirlpool France warns that blocked ventilation openings can cause the appliance to overheat.
Keep the vents clear and follow the clearance instructions in the manual for your chosen model.
The range reviewed includes both a compact solo microwave and combination models. Compare individual models rather than assuming they all take up the same amount of space.
Solo and grill models let you compare everyday reheating with the option of occasional browning.
The freestanding combination models in the range reviewed bring several cooking modes together in one appliance.
These models let you compare solo microwaves for reheating, a grill model for browning and a combination model to consider if you also want to cook without a practical oven. Check the functions and installation requirements of each model before choosing.
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Worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning. The stated capacity is 23 L; check the dimensions and ventilation clearances required for your chosen space.
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Compare this model if you’re looking for a 20 L appliance for reheating and defrosting. The model name indicates 700 W, 11 power levels and a defrost function; also check the voltage requirements and clearances in the manual.
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Worth considering if you want to brown dishes occasionally as well as reheat them. The name indicates a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W; if you need convection cooking, check that this setting is explicitly listed for the model you choose.
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Compare this model if you’re looking for a 25 L capacity for microwave cooking. The name indicates 900 W; check the cooking modes and installation clearances in the manual before deciding where to put it.
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Worth looking at if you want several cooking modes in one appliance. Its stated capacity of 42 L makes it particularly important to check the dimensions, supporting surface and ventilation. Also check the manual for the cooking modes and accessories you’ll need for your dishes.
No. The shelf must allow you to install the appliance in line with its manual, particularly when it comes to ventilation. Whirlpool France advises against blocking the vents; check the exact clearances before choosing a spot.
No. Only use suitable containers and follow their instructions for heating times and power settings. Anses warns against heating certain types of packaging for too long or at too high a power setting; for cling film and bags, DGCCRF advises against using them unless they are clearly labelled as microwave-safe.
Only if the manual allows that accessory for the cooking mode you’re using. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using metal containers and utensils in microwave mode; don’t assume that an accessory intended for the grill is also suitable for this mode.
Check the model’s input power, not just its microwave output power. For example, the Joybuy listing for the Whirlpool MWP 101 W gives an input power of 1 200 W and an output power of 700 W; check the specifications of the appliance you choose and make sure your electrical installation is compatible.
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model has convection or fan-assisted cooking. UFC-Que Choisir describes this as an option with combination microwaves; however, check the usable capacity, accessories and cooking modes needed for the dishes you want to prepare.