Students who reheat meals
If you mainly use your microwave to reheat leftovers and ready meals, or to defrost food, oven-style functions may not be a priority. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from grill and convection functions.
Which type of microwave is right for you?
Students without an oven
If you regularly plan to make dishes that need browning or convection cooking, check which setting suits your needs: grill and convection are not the same function. UFC-Que Choisir describes the grill function as suitable for browning and gratinating, while Panasonic France explains how convection works on the NN-CD58RS.
Residents with a small kitchenette
If space is limited, compare the microwave’s external dimensions with the space available, and check that the turntable and cavity can accommodate the dishes you use. Samsung France notes that ventilation clearances vary by model.
What should you check before buying?
Start with the cooking function you genuinely need, then make sure the appliance and your dishes will fit in the available space. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combination models; Samsung France notes that ventilation clearances depend on the model.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who will care most? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and dishes | Measure the space and door clearance; compare the external dimensions, turntable, cavity and clearances listed in the manual. | If my worktop is small, I want to know whether the appliance will fit while leaving the required clearances, and whether my dishes will fit inside. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s size and whether it can accommodate their dishes. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check for microwave and defrost functions, as well as the controls and portion sizes you usually prepare. | For everyday meals, I mainly want to reheat and defrost, without paying for modes I’m unlikely to use. Around 29% of consumers prioritise these basic functions. |
| Convection cooking | Check that a convection mode is explicitly listed, and confirm its settings, usable dimensions and which accessories are suitable for that mode. | If I don’t have access to an oven and regularly prepare dishes that need oven-style cooking, I’ll check that convection is included. Around 21% of consumers make this type of cooking their priority. |
| Browning and cleaning | Check for a grill and read the instructions for cleaning and using the accessories. | If I want to brown or gratinate food occasionally, I’ll check for a grill and find out how to care for the appliance. Around 14% of consumers prioritise occasional browning and easy cleaning. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the advertised capacity in litres
Capacity alone won’t tell you whether your dishes will fit or whether the appliance can be installed with the required ventilation clearances.
Measure the space and the dishes you use, then check the appliance’s external dimensions, cavity dimensions, turntable diameter and the instructions in the manual for that model.
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Assuming a grill is the same as a combination oven
A grill is used to brown or gratinate food; it doesn’t mean the appliance has convection cooking. So the functions you expect may not be included on the model you choose.
Make a list of the dishes you plan to prepare and check separately for a grill and convection, rather than relying on the word ‘combination’ in the product name.
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Assuming all accessories and packaging are microwave-safe
Instructions vary depending on the appliance, setting and accessory. Anses warns that heating food for longer or at a higher temperature can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging into the food.
Follow the appliance manual for each setting, as well as the preparation instructions on the packaging in question.
Brands to compare
Samsung
The MS23K3515AK/EF is an example of a solo microwave you can use to compare dimensions and reheating and defrosting functions.
- Samsung France lists a 23 L capacity and external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm for this model.
- This is a solo model, so don’t expect it to have a grill or convection. Specifications may differ on other Samsung models.
LG
The MH6535GDR is an example of a grill microwave you can use to compare the turntable and overall size.
- For this 25 L model, LG France lists a 292 mm turntable and external dimensions of 476 × 272 × 388 mm.
- The LG France product page lists the MH6535GDR as ‘Suspended’, so check whether it’s available before looking for one. The product page doesn’t describe it as a convection model.
Panasonic
The NN-CD58RS is a useful reference for comparing a model that combines microwave, grill and convection functions.
- The Panasonic France specification sheet lists convection settings from 30 to 220 °C, a 340 mm turntable and external dimensions of 520 × 391 × 310 mm.
- The Panasonic France page listed this model as unavailable, so check its availability. These specifications and the manufacturer’s cooking claims don’t automatically apply to other models in the range.
Whirlpool
The MWP 253 B is another example of a grill model you can use to compare capacity, turntable size and dimensions.
- For this model, Whirlpool France lists a 25 L capacity, a 27 cm turntable and external dimensions of 48,3 × 28,1 × 41,9 cm.
- The Whirlpool product page listed the MWP 253 B as out of stock. Claims about the grill’s speed come from the manufacturer and don’t prove it’s generally better than other models.
Microwaves on Joybuy for different needs
The models below cover reheating and defrosting, grill browning and combination cooking. Compare their dimensions and listed functions with the dishes you use and the meals you plan to prepare.
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LG MH6535GIS grill microwave, 25 L, 1000 W
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with a grill for browning certain dishes.
The product listing gives a 29,2 cm turntable and external dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm.
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Candy Essenza CMCA29EDLB/ST combination microwave, 29 L
Worth considering if you want to reheat food and also have grill and steam functions.
The product listing gives a 31,5 cm turntable and external dimensions of 52,3 × 44,9 × 30 cm.
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COMFEE' CM-E202CC(WH) digital microwave, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering for everyday reheating and defrosting, with adjustable power settings and pre-set programmes.
The product listing gives 11 power levels, 6 pre-set menus and defrosting by weight or time. External dimensions are 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo microwave, 23 L, 1150 W
Worth considering if your main needs are reheating and defrosting, and you’re not looking for a grill function listed for this model.
The product listing gives a 28,8 cm turntable, 29 automatic programmes and an LED display.
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LG MJ3965ACS combination microwave, 39 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a model that also offers convection cooking, as well as microwave and grill functions.
The product listing also gives defrosting and steam cooking functions, a 36 cm turntable and external dimensions of 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a compact microwave in a very tight recess?
Don’t rely on the external dimensions alone: check the manual for your model and leave the ventilation clearances it specifies. Samsung France notes that these spaces vary between models, so any indicative figure shouldn’t be treated as a universal rule.
Can I use the metal rack supplied with a grill or combination microwave?
Follow the appliance manual and the instructions for the setting you’re using. Samsung distinguishes the rack supplied specifically with its appliances from other metal objects, which it advises against using. This isn’t general permission to use a metal rack with every brand or on every setting.
Can I heat food in its packaging?
Only if the packaging and appliance instructions allow it for the setting, power level and time you’ve chosen. Anses warns that heating food for longer or at a higher temperature can increase the migration of substances from some packaging into food.
Is paid extended warranty cover essential in France?
No. When an individual buys goods in France from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory and separate from an optional commercial warranty. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request application of this statutory guarantee. Check the terms of any extended cover before paying for it.
What should I do with my old microwave when buying a new one?
In France, when a new product is sold, the retailer must take back an equivalent used product free of charge under the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme. Ask the seller about the arrangements before delivery.