Everyday reheating and defrosting
If you mainly reheat leftovers or ready meals and defrost food, without needing oven-style cooking, a solo microwave will cover your main needs.
Which option suits each need?
The occasional gratin in a small kitchen
A microwave with a grill is worth considering if you want to keep the reheating and defrosting functions while also being able to brown a dish from time to time.
Cooking in a holiday home without a full-sized oven
If one appliance also needs to handle some oven-style cooking, look at combination models with the modes you need, then check their actual dimensions.
What should you check before choosing?
First decide whether you need to brown food or cook with fan assistance, then check the dimensions and installation requirements against the space available.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | A defrost function and controls suited to the cooking times you typically use. | I reheat meals and defrost food, without planning to make gratins or cook in the oven. Around 33% of consumers put this basic need first. |
| Occasional browning | A grill mode and, if needed, a mode that combines microwave and grill. | I want to brown a dish from time to time as well as reheat food, but don’t need fan-assisted cooking; this is the main priority for around 17% of consumers. |
| Oven-style cooking | An explicitly listed convection or fan-assisted mode, plus any accessories needed for the dishes you plan to cook. | In a holiday home without a full-sized oven, I’d like one appliance to handle some cooking tasks. This is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | External dimensions, the cabinet space required for a built-in model, and the ventilation requirements in the manual. | In a narrow kitchen, I first need to be sure the appliance will fit in the space available. Installation comes before features for around 25% of consumers. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination model when you only need to reheat food
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes combination models by their additional cooking functions and notes that they cost more. If you don’t use the grill or fan-assisted cooking, these features won’t meet your main need.
Make a note of the dishes you genuinely plan to cook, then compare solo models first if reheating and defrosting are all you need.
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Relying on the litre capacity without measuring the space
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you the external dimensions or the size of the cabinet space required. For the built-in Electrolux EMSD253TMY, Electrolux France lists appliance dimensions of 388 × 595 × 377 mm and required cabinet dimensions of 380 × 560 × 550 mm.
Compare the appliance dimensions, the cabinet measurements if you’re planning a built-in installation, and the requirements in the manual separately.
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Blocking the ventilation on a freestanding model
Whirlpool France warns that blocked ventilation openings can cause the appliance to overheat.
Choose a suitable surface and follow the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model. Don’t place anything against its ventilation openings.
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Automatically turning up the power for a ready meal
Anses states that reheating at too high a power level increases the risk of substances from certain food packaging migrating into food.
Follow the preparation instructions, including the power level and cooking time specified for the dish.
Brands to compare features
Whirlpool
The brand distinguishes between conventional microwaves, models with a grill and combination models in its range.
- A useful distinction to help you start with your reheating, browning or cooking needs.
- Check the exact modes and ventilation requirements in the manual for the model you choose.
Samsung
Samsung France presents freestanding Solo, Grill and Combination ranges.
- The brand describes its Solo range as suitable for reheating and defrosting.
- Compare the programmes and dimensions of each model individually.
Electrolux
The EMSD253TMY is worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in microwave with a grill.
- Electrolux France lists a 25 L capacity and required cabinet dimensions of 380 × 560 × 550 mm for this model.
- These measurements are for the EMSD253TMY only; they don’t apply to other models.
Panasonic
The NN-CT56RB is an example of a model that combines microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Panasonic France also lists an air-fry function for this model.
- Its stated dimensions of 52,0 × 39,1 × 31,0 cm need to be checked against your available space; don’t assume they apply to other combination models.
Microwaves to consider on Joybuy
These solo and grill models let you compare options for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen, whether or not you occasionally need to brown food. If you also plan to cook using fan assistance, check for this function separately.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, as well as brown a dish occasionally.
The product title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W power. For oven-style cooking, check separately whether it has a convection mode; also allow for the ventilation space required for installation.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W
A solo model to consider if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning.
The product title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W power. Check the dimensions and ventilation requirements for your chosen location.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) digital
Worth comparing if you want to adjust reheating and defrosting settings using digital controls.
The product title lists a 20 L capacity, 700 W power, six pre-set programmes and 11 power levels. Before making room for it in a small space, check the dimensions and ventilation clearances in the manual.
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Samsung MS23K3513 Solo
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if you’re looking for a straightforward model with a 23 L capacity.
‘Solo’ shouldn’t be mistaken for a grill or convection function. Also check how much space the appliance needs around it.
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Hkoenig VIO7 freestanding
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food while also comparing options for browning.
The product title lists a 23 L capacity and 900 W power. Before choosing where to put it, confirm the cooking modes you need for your dishes, check the dimensions in the correct order, and allow for the ventilation clearances.
Frequently asked questions
What measurements should you take for a built-in microwave?
Measure the cabinet space and compare all three dimensions with the model’s requirements, separately from its external dimensions. For example, Electrolux France lists appliance dimensions of 388 × 595 × 377 mm and required cabinet dimensions of 380 × 560 × 550 mm for the EMSD253TMY; these measurements apply to this model only.
Do you need to leave space around a freestanding microwave?
Yes, its ventilation openings must be kept clear. Whirlpool France warns that blocking them can cause the appliance to overheat; check the required clearances in the manual for your chosen model.
Can a microwave with a grill replace a combination model?
A model with a grill can meet your need for browning, but a grill alone won’t replace fan-assisted cooking. If you plan to cook dishes in an oven-style way, check that the model you’re considering explicitly has a convection mode suited to this use.
How should you set a microwave to reheat a ready meal?
Follow the power and cooking time specified for the dish instead of automatically choosing the highest power setting. Anses warns that reheating at too high a power level increases the risk of substances migrating from certain food packaging.