Everyday reheating and defrosting
You mainly reheat portions and leftovers, or defrost food. A standard microwave is suited to these tasks, without making you pay for oven functions you don’t need.
Who are these appliances for?
Limited space, but meals to cook
You’d also like to make dishes such as gratins or use a grill, without installing a built-in oven. Look at the settings on a combination microwave, then consider how much room it will really take up on your worktop.
A compact kitchen geared towards oven cooking
Quiches, pizzas and baking matter more to you than reheating portions. A mini oven is worth considering, provided your dishes will fit inside.
What should you look for?
First, decide whether microwave reheating or oven-style cooking will be your main use. Then make sure the appliance you choose can be installed in the space you have in mind.
Standard microwave
Choose this if : you mainly reheat and defrost portions; UFC-Que Choisir describes microwaves as quick for these tasks.
Bear in mind : a standard model won’t offer the grill or fan-assisted cooking functions you may want for certain dishes.
Combination microwave
Choose this if : you want one appliance for microwave reheating and cooking with a grill or fan-assisted heat, where these settings are specified for the model.
Bear in mind : dimensions vary between models, and a grill doesn’t necessarily mean that the appliance has fan-assisted cooking.
Mini oven
Choose this if : you prefer cooked or grilled dishes and can manage without microwave reheating.
Bear in mind : the size of dishes that will fit and the available settings, including defrosting, depend on the model.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check that the functions you want are included. To assess how evenly food reheats, look for tests of the specific model rather than relying on its power rating alone. | I mainly reheat portions and want to defrost food without using an oven for every meal. Around 36% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Several cooking functions in one appliance | Distinguish between a grill and fan-assisted cooking, then check which combined settings are actually available. | There isn’t room for two appliances, so I’d also like to be able to grill or cook certain dishes after defrosting the ingredients. Around 29% of consumers would put this versatility first. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check the cooking settings and the dimensions of dishes that will fit inside the cavity. | I make quiches or gratins more often than I reheat portions, so the space available for my dishes matters more. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise oven-style cooking. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space, allowing for the door to open and the specified clearances. Also check the plug, voltage and rated power against the manual. | My worktop space is limited, and I need to install the appliance without blocking its ventilation. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility over the choice of functions. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
-
Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
The cavity capacity doesn’t tell you how much worktop space you’ll need: the door must be able to open and the air vents must remain unobstructed.
Measure the appliance and the space where it will go, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual for that exact model.
-
Expecting a mini oven to reheat as quickly as a microwave
The mini ovens presented by Moulinex and Tefal are described by their manufacturers as offering oven-style cooking settings. That doesn’t mean they can reheat food using microwaves.
Make a list of the tasks you do most often. If reheating portions and defrosting food are top of the list, don’t automatically replace a microwave with a mini oven.
-
Heating a tray without reading its instructions
Anses says that reheating at too high a power may increase the migration of substances from some packaging into food.
Follow the packaging instructions on power, timing and whether any film needs to be removed. Only use containers that are suitable for microwave use.
-
Assuming an automatic programme guarantees good results
UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol assesses defrosting and evenness of reheating separately, among other things. The presence of a programme alone doesn’t tell you how well it performs.
If even results are particularly important for the food you prepare, look for tests of the exact model and follow the food preparation instructions.
Brands to consider for these tasks
Whirlpool
In France, Whirlpool offers freestanding standard and combination microwaves, including the MWP251W and MCP349WH.
- The product pages for these models distinguish between a microwave-only appliance and a combination model with a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- The MWP251W is listed as no longer in the catalogue, so its specifications shouldn’t be taken as confirmation that it’s available.
Samsung
Samsung’s range in France includes Solo microwaves and combination models, including the 32 L MC32DG7646CKE1.
- Samsung describes the MC32DG7646CKE1 as having several modes, including microwave, grill and oven cooking.
- Functions vary by model number, so check the product page for the exact model before choosing.
Moulinex
Moulinex describes the OX130130 as a compact mini oven for cooking dishes.
- According to Moulinex, it fits round dishes up to 28 cm or oval dishes up to 35 cm, and has conventional oven and grill settings.
- These settings don’t make it a microwave for reheating food.
Tefal
Tefal describes the Optimo OX485810 as a 39 L mini oven with several cooking settings.
- Its product page lists fan-assisted cooking, conventional heat, a grill and defrosting among its settings.
- Check that its capacity and dimensions suit your kitchen before opting for a model of this size.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models meet the reheating and defrosting needs discussed here; two also have a grill. If oven-style cooking is your priority, check the cooking settings rather than assuming that the word “grill” means the appliance has fan-assisted cooking.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1, microwave with grill, 20 L
Worth considering if you regularly reheat and defrost food and would also like a grill.
The product title lists a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. If you’re planning to cook using fan-assisted heat, check separately whether this setting is included. Also check the installation requirements in the manual.
Image unavailable
Samsung MS23K3513, Solo microwave, 23 L
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting are more important to you than grilling or fan-assisted cooking.
The listed capacity is 23 L and the product title mentions Quick Defrost. Check the ventilation clearances and electrical requirements in the model’s manual.
Image unavailable
LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, microwave with grill, 25 L
Worth considering if you want to keep microwave reheating and add a grill.
The product title lists a capacity of 25 L. For recipes that need fan-assisted heat, check that this setting is included among the model’s functions. Consult the manual for installation details.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), microwave, 20 L
Worth considering if you’re mainly looking for a microwave to reheat and defrost food.
The product title lists 700 W, six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. These settings don’t indicate how evenly food will reheat. Check the manual for the required clearances and power supply.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CMO‑MP012OC(WH), Inverter microwave, 19 L
Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost food and don’t need a grill.
The product title lists 700 W, five power levels, a 30-minute timer and a 245 mm turntable. Measure the space available and consult the manual for installation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before putting a microwave on a worktop?
Check how much space it will really take up, whether the door can open, and the ventilation and power supply requirements for that model. Whirlpool recommends placing its microwaves on a level surface and says the ventilation openings on a freestanding microwave must not be blocked. Check your appliance’s manual for its specific clearance and electrical requirements.
Can I reheat food in any plastic tray?
No. Use a tray that’s suitable for microwave use and follow its instructions on power, timing and preparation. Anses says that heating food for too long or at too high a power may increase the migration of substances from some packaging into food.
Can you refreeze food after defrosting it?
Don’t simply refreeze food once it has been defrosted: the French Ministry of Agriculture says this can encourage bacteria to multiply. When planning portions, follow the defrosting and storage instructions for the food in question.
What are my rights if an appliance bought from a professional seller in France isn’t as described?
According to the ministry responsible for the economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. If the appliance doesn’t match its description or the expected use, contact the seller to discuss the remedies available. This legal guarantee is separate from a returns policy for changing your mind.