Student who mainly reheats portions
If you mainly want to reheat and defrost without creating extra washing-up, start with a solo model. Check that your usual container fits inside and that the appliance fits in the space you have in mind.
Which type suits each use?
Kitchenette owner who wants to brown food
If you reheat meals but would sometimes like to brown them without making room for a separate oven, consider models with a grill. A grill alone won’t replace fan cooking.
Someone who cooks without a convenient oven
If you regularly prepare meals that need both a grill and fan cooking, a combi could take over some of the jobs of an oven. You’ll still need to allow enough room for it, including the required installation clearances.
What should you check first?
For a student or compact kitchen, start with the meals you prepare, then measure the space you actually have. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the uses of solo, grill and combi microwaves; the instructions for your chosen model set out its installation requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | External dimensions and door clearance; clearances specified in the instructions. | When worktop space is limited, I need to be able to open the door without getting in the way of meal preparation, while leaving enough room for ventilation. Around 33% of consumers would put installation at the top of their list. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Defrost setting; cavity or turntable dimensions to fit your usual containers. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food, I want controls suited to these everyday tasks rather than oven functions. This would be the main priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill; accessories supplied for using it. | For browning or finishing certain dishes now and again, I want to keep the convenience of microwave reheating while having the option to brown food too. Around 20% of consumers would put this use first. |
| Oven-style cooking | Whether convection or fan cooking is explicitly listed; space needed to install the combi. | Without a convenient oven to hand, I want to cook and brown meals regularly in the same appliance. This partial replacement would be the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Going by the cavity capacity alone
A capacity in litres doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or whether your dish will fit on the turntable. You also need to allow for the open door and ventilation clearances.
Measure the space and one of your usual containers, then compare them with the exact model’s external dimensions, cavity, turntable and instructions.
-
Choosing a combi just to reheat food
A grill and fan cooking won’t add anything if you only plan to reheat and defrost. According to UFC-Que Choisir, these are among the features that distinguish a combi from a solo model.
Choose a combi for oven-style cooking you genuinely expect to do. Otherwise, start by comparing solo models.
-
Using another appliance’s ventilation clearances
The clearances specified by Panasonic France for the NN-DF385M apply to that model; they don’t set the requirements for every microwave.
Check the instructions for the exact variant you’re considering before planning to install it on a shelf or under a cupboard.
-
Confusing the legal guarantee with a commercial warranty
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity and any commercial warranty may not have the same terms. The DGCCRF notes that a commercial offer may simply extend the protection period already provided for by law.
Compare the terms and exclusions of the commercial offer with the rights you have against the professional seller under the statutory guarantee.
Brands to consider
Panasonic
Panasonic’s French product pages let you look at examples of solo, grill and multifunction microwaves.
- The NN-K10JW product page gives the external and internal dimensions, as well as the turntable diameter: useful measurements for checking how the appliance will fit your space and dishes.
- The clearances specified for the NN-DF385M apply to that model only; check the instructions for the one you’re considering.
Sharp
The Sharp R-940/94ST combi is an example of a model that combines microwave, convection and grill functions.
- Sharp Consumer Electronics’ instructions describe how to reheat, defrost and prepare meals using these functions on this model.
- Its specifications and installation requirements shouldn’t be assumed to apply to other Sharp models.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s dimensions guide can help you plan measurements for a compact kitchen.
- It gives typical dimensions for freestanding microwaves as around 43 to 60 cm wide, 25 to 41 cm high and 30 to 50 cm deep.
- These ranges are general guidelines, not the dimensions or installation clearances for a specific appliance.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as grill models for occasional browning. If you’re looking for fan cooking, check that the function is explicitly listed before choosing an appliance.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's, solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating and defrosting portions without needing a grill function. The product name lists six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a turntable. Before setting aside a space for it, check the door clearance and the clearances specified for this variant.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1, grill microwave, 20 L, black
For everyday microwave use, with a grill for browning food too. The product name lists a microwave power output of 700 W. Measure the space needed to open the door and check this variant’s instructions for the required clearances.
Image unavailable
LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, grill microwave, 25 L, white
For reheating and defrosting, with a grill for browning a dish from time to time. The product name mentions a digital display. Check the instructions for ventilation space and the clearance needed when the door is open; don’t assume it has fan cooking just because it has a grill.
Image unavailable
Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, grill microwave, 25 L, titanium
For meals you want to reheat or defrost, with a grill as an extra option. The product name lists 900 W. Before installing it in a small kitchen, compare its dimensions, door clearance and the clearances in its instructions with the space available.
Image unavailable
Galanz P4, compact microwave, 20 L
For a small home where reheating is the main priority; this model’s description also mentions defrosting and dial controls. Before choosing it for a specific space, check its dimensions and installation clearances, its power rating and whether its plug is compatible with your electrical installation.
Frequently asked questions
What should you measure before installing a microwave in a kitchenette?
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the space needed to open the door and meet the clearances in the instructions. Also compare your usual dish with the dimensions of the cavity or turntable: the capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether it will fit.
Can you use the same ventilation clearances for every model?
No. Follow the clearances specified for the exact model. For the NN-DF385M, Panasonic France specifies 15 cm above, 10 cm behind, 5 cm on one side and an opening of more than 40 cm on the other; these figures aren’t instructions for another appliance.
When should you choose a combi instead of a solo microwave?
Choose a combi if you plan to use its grill and fan cooking regularly to replace some oven cooking. If you mainly reheat and defrost portions, first check whether a solo model meets your needs and is easier to fit in your chosen space.
What statutory guarantee applies to a microwave bought in France?
For a microwave bought from a professional seller in France, the DGCCRF states that you can invoke the statutory guarantee of conformity for two years. Any commercial warranty is separate: read its terms and don’t confuse it with the rights you have against the seller.
What should you do with your old microwave when replacing it?
In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when buying an appliance of the same type. Check the take-back arrangements for your old appliance when choosing a new one.