Student or renter who mainly reheats food
You mostly heat up or defrost portions. A simple model lets you focus on the space you have and controls suited to the way you’ll use it, without paying for cooking modes you don’t need.
Which option is right for you?
For anyone who also wants to brown or crisp food
You reheat meals every day, but would sometimes like to toast a slice of bread or brown the top of a dish. A microwave with a grill is suited to this, without confusing browning with convection cooking.
Household without a conventional oven
If oven cooking is a regular part of your meals, it’s worth considering a combination microwave with convection. Measure the space carefully and check its cooking modes before relying on it for these dishes.
What should you look for?
Simple microwave
Choose this: when reheating and defrosting account for most of your meals.
Bear in mind: this type of appliance doesn’t do the job of a grill or a convection oven.
Microwave with grill
Choose this: if you’d also like to brown or crisp the top of a dish occasionally.
Bear in mind: the grill doesn’t replace convection for oven-style cooking.
Combination microwave with convection
Choose this: if you don’t have a conventional oven and plan to cook dishes that need this setting regularly.
Bear in mind: there are more functions to get to grips with, and you’ll need to check the dimensions of the specific model.
If you don’t have a conventional oven and your kitchen is small, start with the way you’ll use the appliance most. Then compare the dimensions and features of the model you’re considering with the meals you usually make.
| What you need | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Defrost programmes and enough room for the plates you usually use. | I want to heat up everyday portions and defrost food without lots of different cooking modes; around 40% of consumers are said to prioritise these uses. |
| Occasional browning or crisping | Grill setting, suitable accessory and usable space beneath the grill. | I mainly want a grill for finishing a gratin or browning a slice of toast now and then; this would be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Cooking without a conventional oven | Convection and available temperatures; external dimensions and ventilation instructions. | Without a conventional oven, I need to cook dishes regularly, not just reheat food; around 30% of consumers would put this need first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity alone
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you the external dimensions or the size of the turntable. Two appliances with similar capacities can take up different amounts of worktop space.
Compare the height, width, depth and turntable diameter, then measure the space available, including the room needed to open the door.
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Choosing a combination model just to reheat leftovers
Convection is mainly useful if you plan to cook oven-style dishes. If you’ll mainly be reheating food, these extra functions may end up going unused.
Think about the meals you make regularly. If you’re unlikely to brown food or cook using convection, start by looking at simple models that fit your space.
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Blocking the vents on a freestanding model
Whirlpool says that blocked ventilation openings can cause the appliance to overheat.
Keep the vents clear and follow the installation instructions in the manual for the model you choose.
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Assuming the microwave will heat food evenly because of its power rating
UFC-Que Choisir assesses reheating and defrosting separately in its testing process. The stated power rating alone doesn’t tell you how well an appliance performs in these areas.
If these results matter to you, look for tests of the exact model that assess how evenly it reheats or defrosts food.
Brands to consider
Panasonic
The range includes models with a grill and combination models with convection.
- Panasonic lists the NN-GT65QBEPG as having a 1,100 W quartz grill and automatic defrost.
- Check the dimensions and features of the specific model: those of a microwave with a grill don’t tell you what to expect from a combination model.
Whirlpool
The range includes freestanding microwaves as well as combination models.
- Whirlpool describes the MWSC833W as a 33 L combination microwave with a 36 cm turntable, a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- For a freestanding model, check the manual to see how much clearance to leave around the vents.
Samsung
The range lets you compare standard, grill and combination microwaves.
- For the solo MS23T5018AK, Samsung lists a Quick Defrost function and a 28.8 cm turntable.
- These features apply to this specific model. If you’re considering a different one, measure the space available too.
Models to suit your needs
These models are suited to reheating and defrosting, with or without a grill for occasional browning or crisping. For each one, check the installation requirements for the space you have in mind.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih with grill, white
For reheating, with a grill for the occasions when you want to brown or crisp a dish.
Stated capacity: 25 L; stated power: 1,000 W. Check the manual for ventilation clearances and the space needed to open the door.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, black
For everyday microwave use, with the option to brown or crisp food occasionally.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated power: 700 W. Also measure the space available to open the door.
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Samsung MS23K3513 Solo with Quick Defrost, 23 L
For prioritising reheating and defrosting over browning or convection cooking.
Stated power: 1,150 W; LED display. Before installation, check the manual for ventilation clearances and measure the space needed to open the door.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) digital, black
For reheating and defrosting with digital controls in a small kitchen.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated power: 700 W; 11 power levels and six preset menus. Check the required ventilation clearances before installation.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L
For a studio flat where reheating and defrosting are the main requirements.
Stated power: 700 W; six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Measure the space and check the manual for ventilation clearances.
Frequently asked questions
Is a simple microwave enough if I don’t have a conventional oven?
Yes, if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, or make simple dishes in the microwave. If you regularly want to roast food or bake, consider a combination model with convection instead, and check its cooking modes and dimensions.
Does a grill replace convection?
No. A grill browns or crisps the top of a dish, while convection is a different cooking mode. Choose based on what you plan to cook, and check the features of the specific model.
What should I measure before installing a freestanding microwave?
Measure the available height, width and depth, and don’t forget to allow room to open the door. Also follow the clearance and ventilation instructions in the manual for the model you choose.
Is the power rating enough to compare how well microwaves reheat food?
No. The stated power rating alone doesn’t tell you how evenly an appliance reheats or how well it defrosts food. If these factors are important, look for tests of the exact model; UFC-Que Choisir assesses them separately in its testing process.