Choose a solo microwave if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, a model with a grill if you’d also like to brown dishes now and then, or a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking if you plan to cook regularly without a separate oven. UFC-Que Choisir says that combination models bring together some of the basic functions of a conventional oven, but whether one is right for you depends on what you plan to cook. Before buying, check the model’s dimensions and installation requirements against the space in your kitchen.
If you mainly prepare single portions, reheat leftovers and defrost food, start by thinking about those needs before looking for extra cooking modes. Also measure how much worktop space the appliance can take up.
For a kitchen you use from time to time, choosing between a solo model and one with a grill depends in part on whether you want to brown dishes while you’re there. A combination model is worth considering if you also plan to cook dishes using oven-style settings.
If you want to cook gratins, tarts or cakes, look at combination models with fan-assisted or convection cooking. The usable capacity and installation requirements need to suit both the dishes you make and the space available.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost portions and don’t need a browned finish.
Limitation: a solo model doesn’t have the grill or fan-assisted cooking modes needed for some oven-style dishes.
Choose this if: you want to brown or crisp a dish occasionally as well as reheat it.
Limitation: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has fan-assisted cooking for making tarts or cakes.
Choose this if: you genuinely plan to make dishes that need oven-style cooking, without installing a separate oven.
Limitation: check the capacity, space required and cooking results for the exact model. The term ‘combination’ alone doesn’t tell you these things. UFC-Que Choisir assesses factors such as browning and evenness when using fan-assisted cooking.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Check which functions are actually listed for the model: microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking. Make sure the dishes you plan to cook are suited to the available modes. | I mainly reheat meals, or I also want to brown gratins and cook oven-style dishes. |
| Space and ventilation | Compare the width, depth and height, as well as the door opening, with the space you have. Check the manual for ventilation clearances. Samsung gives general guidance of 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, but requirements can vary by model. | In my small kitchen, the appliance needs to fit with the required clear space around it, not just sit on the worktop. |
| Electrical connection | Check the manual for the voltage, frequency, connection details and power consumption. Don’t confuse power consumption with the microwave output power quoted for cooking. | I want to make sure the appliance I choose is compatible with my electrical supply. |
| Containers | Follow the time and power instructions on packaging designed for microwave use. For the grill or fan-assisted cooking, use the accessories and containers specified in the manual. | I sometimes have meals in a tray, so I need to know whether it’s suitable for the reheating mode I’m using. |
Grill and fan-assisted cooking modes aren’t necessary if you only reheat leftovers and defrost food.
Make a note of the dishes you usually prepare. If none need browning or oven-style cooking, start by comparing solo models.
A microwave may fit in your chosen spot without meeting the clearance requirements for installation.
Measure the available space, including room to open the door, then follow the clearances in the manual for the exact model. Don’t install a freestanding model in an enclosed space unless the instructions say you can.
These figures refer to different measurements, so the quoted microwave output power alone isn’t enough to check the electrical connection.
For installation, check the power consumption and electrical specifications in the manual. To compare reheating performance, look for measurements taken under comparable conditions.
A tray isn’t necessarily suitable for every cooking mode or reheating time.
Follow the instructions on the packaging and in the appliance manual. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for food products designed for microwave use.
The Panasonic NN-E20JW is an example of a solo microwave for reheating and defrosting in a kitchen where space is at a premium.
The Samsung MG23K3515CK/EF is an example of a freestanding grill microwave to consider if you’d like to brown dishes now and then.
The Whirlpool MCP349WH is an example of a freestanding combination microwave for when some dishes need oven-style cooking.
These models cover reheating, occasional browning and cooking with a combination microwave. If you’re choosing one for a kitchen without an oven, start with the modes you need, then check the space required and the installation instructions for each appliance.
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Worth considering if you reheat meals and would also like to brown a dish from time to time. The model name lists 20 L and 700 W. Check the ventilation clearances and electrical specifications in the manual before deciding where to put it.
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This model is suited to reheating and defrosting rather than browning. Its name lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six pre-set programmes. If you want to cook oven-style dishes, check which modes it offers before choosing it.
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The grill is useful for browning food occasionally, while the listed 25 L capacity may appeal if you prepare larger portions. The product name mentions 1 000 W but doesn’t specify what this figure refers to, so check the manual for connection details and ventilation clearances.
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Consider this for reheating and defrosting if you don’t need to brown your food. The name lists a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Before placing it in a small kitchen, check its dimensions and the clearances required in the manual.
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This 42 L combination model is for anyone considering oven-style cooking too, provided it has the modes needed for your recipes. Its capacity makes it especially important to check the dimensions, ventilation clearances and electrical connection before buying. The ‘3-in-1’ name doesn’t tell you how well it cooks.
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model has a fan-assisted or convection function suited to the dishes you make. UFC-Que Choisir says combination models bring together some of the basic functions of a conventional oven. Before relying on one as your only cooking appliance, check its capacity and modes, and look for cooking tests of the model you’re considering.
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for the model you buy. Samsung gives general guidance of at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above, but says that requirements can vary depending on the appliance.
No. Check that the container is suitable for the mode you’re using and follow its preparation instructions. For food packaging designed for microwave use, Anses recommends following the instructions for cooking time and power.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a trader sells a new product to a private individual in France. It also covers second-hand and refurbished goods in the circumstances set out by law. Keep your proof of purchase so you know which seller to contact to exercise your rights.