No oven, but keen to cook
If you want to cook meals or bake, rather than simply reheat food, look for a convection function. Then compare the cavity and turntable with the dishes you actually use.
Which type is right for you?
Small-home dwellers who need quick meals
If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave may be all you need. Measure the space where you plan to put it, and keep the vents clear in line with the model’s instructions.
For the occasional crispy topping
If you want to brown a pizza, quiche or vegetables without regularly baking, the grill function is worth looking at. Panasonic France lists these dishes among the uses for the grill on its NN-GT46KB.
What should you look for first?
If you don’t have a conventional oven, start by choosing an appliance that can cook the food you want to make. Then check that you have enough room for both the appliance and your dishes.
| What you need | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Oven-style cooking | Whether it has convection, its temperature range, and the usable dimensions of the cavity or turntable. | I don’t have a conventional oven and want to bake or cook oven dishes. Around 50% of consumers prioritise this type of cooking. |
| Browning and gratins | Whether it has a grill mode and the size of dishes that can be used with it. | I mainly want a golden finish on a quiche or gratin. Browning is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Reheating and defrosting | External dimensions, room for your usual plates and ventilation requirements. | When my meals are already cooked or frozen, I mainly want to reheat or defrost them; around 17% of consumers prioritise these uses. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a grill is the same as convection
A grill is for browning or crisping the top of a dish. It doesn’t provide the fan-assisted cooking you may be looking for when baking or roasting.
If this type of cooking matters to you, check specifically for “convection” or “fan-assisted” cooking, along with the model’s temperature range.
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Choosing based only on capacity in litres
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether a cake tin, rectangular dish or large plate will fit inside the appliance.
Measure the dishes you normally use and compare them with the turntable diameter and the internal dimensions of the model you’re considering.
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Blocking the vents to save space
Whirlpool France warns that blocked ventilation openings can cause the appliance to overheat quickly.
Place it on a flat surface and leave the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model.
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Confusing freestanding and built-in models
Whirlpool France distinguishes between freestanding microwaves and models designed to be built in. You can’t assume a freestanding appliance will fit in an alcove just because its dimensions seem suitable.
Before deciding where to put it, check the permitted installation type and the model’s installation diagram.
Brands to know
Panasonic
Panasonic France offers solo, grill and combination microwaves with convection. The functions and dimensions to compare vary by model.
- The NN-C69K specifications state that convection can be set to 40 °C or between 100 and 220 °C.
- Check the turntable dimensions and cooking modes for the exact model reference: one model’s specifications won’t apply to the whole range.
Samsung
Samsung France offers, among other options, combination microwaves with convection and grill, including the MC28H5015CK/EF.
- The MC28H5015CK/EF specifications list microwave, grill and convection modes.
- For models with connected features, check the terms of use and whether they’re available in your country.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France distinguishes between freestanding combination microwaves and built-in models.
- Its installation advice highlights the importance of the surface you place it on and proper ventilation.
- Check the instructions for each model reference to confirm its installation type and the clearances required.
Models to consider on Joybuy
These models cover two needs: reheating, with the option to brown a dish, or cooking a wider range of foods in a combination appliance. For the latter, check the cooking modes and installation requirements for the model you choose.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L grill microwave, 900 W, Titanium
This grill model is suited to reheating meals and browning a dish now and then. That’s a different kind of cooking from convection.
Stated capacity: 25 L; stated power: 900 W. Before placing it on a worktop, check its dimensions and the ventilation clearances required.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L combination microwave, 1000 W, black
Worth considering if you want to reheat food and give some dishes a golden finish. Check the available modes before expecting it to cook in the same way as an oven.
Stated capacity: 25 L; stated power: 1000 W. Check that your dishes fit inside, and follow the instructions for installation and ventilation.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, 700 W, black
This grill model could suit you if you mainly reheat food but also want to brown dishes occasionally.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated power: 700 W. Make sure your plates and dishes fit inside. A grill is not the same as convection.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L combination microwave, black
Worth a look if you want to cook more than just reheated meals in one appliance. Compare its cooking modes with the recipes you plan to make.
Stated capacity: 39 L. Measure the available space and your dishes, then check the instructions for the installation type and ventilation clearances.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L 3-in-1 combination microwave
Consider this if you want several cooking options in one appliance without adding a separate oven. Check it has the modes you need for your dishes.
Stated capacity: 42 L. Make sure the appliance and your dishes fit in the space available, and check the instructions for the required installation type and ventilation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave completely replace a conventional oven?
It can cover some oven uses if the model has the cooking modes you need and enough room for your dishes. For example, Panasonic France states that the NN-C69K has convection settings up to 220 °C. Also check the cavity size, which accessories are suitable for each mode and the temperatures your recipes require.
What size dish should I measure before buying?
Measure the dishes you actually plan to use, including their width, length and height. Compare these measurements with the internal dimensions and, if the appliance has one, the turntable diameter. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether a dish will fit.
What should I bear in mind when installing a freestanding microwave?
Place it on a suitable surface and keep the vents clear. In its installation advice, Whirlpool France specifies a flat surface and a room temperature between 5 and 35 °C. Follow the instructions for your model for clearances and electrical connection.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in an alcove?
Don’t assume you can: Whirlpool France distinguishes between freestanding models and appliances designed to be built in. Check the product details and instructions for your chosen model to see whether this installation is permitted and what ventilation requirements apply.