Students who mainly reheat individual portions
You mainly need to reheat, defrost or cook food quickly, and your accommodation already has a hob or oven: a basic microwave will generally meet your needs without adding features you rarely use.
Which students can benefit from this choice?
Students without a usable oven who cook regularly
You prepare meals that genuinely require a grill or convection cooking and have a suitable worktop: a combination model can partially replace an oven, once you have checked the dimensions, connection requirements and accommodation rules.
Crous residents or students using a shared kitchen
Check the accommodation rules and the equipment already provided. The Crous Network states that microwaves are permitted, while other cooking appliances may be prohibited and the number of appliances connected at the same time must be limited.
Buying priorities for student accommodation
Start by taking stock of the equipment in your accommodation. Then choose the functions that match your usual meals before measuring the space available.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment already provided | Check the inventory and make sure the hob, oven and any existing microwave are in working order. In furnished accommodation used as your main residence, also check the equipment specified in the tenancy agreement. | I want to avoid buying an appliance that duplicates equipment already available in my accommodation or residence. |
| Cooking functions | A basic model covers reheating and defrosting. Choose a grill for browning; only look for convection in a combination model if oven-style cooking is necessary. | My meals are mainly reheated or defrosted, or I regularly prepare dishes that need a grilled finish or oven cooking. |
| Space and cleaning | Compare the external dimensions, the ventilation clearance specified in the instructions, the cavity capacity and the size of your usual dishes. Also check which removable parts need cleaning. | My worktop space is limited and I want to be able to use the appliance with my everyday plates and dishes. |
| Rules and connection | Ask about the rules that apply in your residence, check the available socket and look at the model's input power. Follow the connection instructions in the manual. | I want to install the appliance without breaking the rules or overloading the residence's electrical system. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
-
Buying before checking the residence rules
The Crous Network permits microwaves, but other cooking appliances may be prohibited. A compact oven may therefore not be permitted in a bedroom or shared kitchen.
Ask for written confirmation of the local rules before choosing a compact oven, air fryer or combination model intended to replace an oven.
-
Confusing cavity capacity with the space actually available
An appliance with a capacity of 20 to 28 L may still be too tall or too deep for a small worktop. The accessories and clearance required around the appliance also matter.
Measure the worktop, your dishes and the ventilation space specified in the manual. Compare the external dimensions, not just the capacity in litres.
-
Choosing a combination model for features you will rarely use
Grill, convection, programmes and accessories are only beneficial if they match your usual meals. They do not automatically replace the need for an oven.
Make a note of the meals you prepare over one week: if you mainly reheat and defrost, a basic model is the more sensible choice; add a grill or combination model for regular use.
-
Using a multi-socket adaptor or too many appliances at once
The Crous Network asks residents to limit the number of appliances connected at the same time to avoid power cuts caused by the electrical capacity provided in the residence.
Connect the appliance to a suitable socket in accordance with the manual and avoid running it at the same time as other high-powered appliances when required by the residence.
Brand and range guide
Whirlpool
In France, Whirlpool offers freestanding microwaves, grill models and combination models. The MWF259SG is an example of a compact 25 L combination model with a grill, Crisp, steam and AutoClean functions.
- According to Whirlpool France, the MWF259SG combines a 25 L cavity, 800 W microwave power and dimensions of 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm.
- These specifications apply to this particular model: measure the space it will occupy and only choose its functions if they match the way you intend to use it.
Samsung
Samsung offers combination models that combine convection, grilling and microwave cooking. The MC28H5015CK is an example of a 28 L model.
- Samsung France lists 900 W microwave power, a 230 V / 50 Hz power supply and microwave consumption of 1 400 W for the MC28H5015CK.
- Before installation, check the space available, the connection requirements and whether the programmes offered will genuinely be useful.
Panasonic
Panasonic offers multifunction combination models. The NN-CT56RB brings together microwave, convection, grill and air-frying functions.
- Panasonic France lists a 27 L capacity, 1 000 W microwave power, convection from 30 to 220 °C and a 1 300 W quartz grill for this model.
- These four functions only make sense if the space available and your cooking habits justify them.
Sharp
Sharp offers grill microwaves; its documentation presents the R-667BK-A as a 2-in-1 microwave and grill appliance.
- Sharp's documentation describes a combination of microwave and grill cooking for dishes that need a grilled finish.
- Check the model, seller and technical specifications before buying to confirm that it meets your installation requirements.
Joybuy products for student accommodation
These Joybuy options cover reheating and defrosting needs and, for some models, browning in student accommodation.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1 20 L grill microwave, 700 W
Worth considering if you reheat and defrost food and occasionally want to brown dishes.
20 L microwave, 700 W, 800 W grill, nine power levels, mechanical timer and 245 mm turntable. Dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm.
It does not include a convection oven function. Allow at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear, and check the residence rules before installation.
Image unavailable
Whirlpool MWP 101 W 20 L microwave, 700 W
This basic model is suitable for reheating and defrosting everyday portions.
20 L capacity, 700 W power, six power levels, 30-minute timer and removable 245 mm turntable. Dimensions: 452 × 362 × 262 mm.
No grill or convection mode is specified. It requires at least 10 cm of clearance on all sides; also check whether your accommodation already has a microwave.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's compact solo 20 L microwave, 700 W
An option for individual portions, everyday reheating and defrosting.
20 L capacity, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute timer, defrost function and 9.6-inch turntable. Dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
This model has neither a grill nor convection. Check the manual for ventilation and connection requirements before installation.
Image unavailable
LG MH 6535 GIH 25 L grill microwave, 1 000 W
Consider this when browning is often part of your reheating and defrosting routine.
25 L grill microwave with quartz grill, rapid defrosting, keep-warm function, automatic programmes with weight control and glass turntable. Dimensions: 38,8 × 47,6 × 27,2 cm.
Convection cooking is not specified, so do not treat it as a confirmed oven replacement. Check the manual for the required connection and clearance.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) 20 L digital microwave, 700 W
It is suitable for simple meals that need reheating or defrosting when worktop space is limited.
20 L capacity, 700 W, 11 power levels, six preset menus, express cooking, time- or weight-based defrosting and memory function. Dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
No grill or convection mode is confirmed. Check the manual for ventilation, socket and power consumption requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is a microwave compulsory in furnished student accommodation in France?
Not necessarily. For furnished accommodation used as your main residence, the decree cited by Légifrance provides for cooking hobs and an oven or microwave oven. Check the inventory and make sure the equipment is working before buying.
Can I install a compact oven or air fryer in Crous accommodation?
Do not assume that you can. The Crous Network permits microwaves, but states that other cooking appliances may be prohibited; local measures may also supplement the rules. Ask your residence for approval before buying.
How much electrical power can I use in student accommodation?
Check the local rules, the socket available and the input power of the model you choose. The Crous Network asks residents to limit the number of appliances connected at the same time; for example, Samsung lists microwave consumption of 1 400 W for the MC28H5015CK.
Should I choose a grill or combination model for cooking in a studio?
Choose a grill if you will genuinely use the browning function, and a combination model if you also need oven or convection cooking. If your accommodation already has an oven or hob and you mainly reheat portions, a basic model will meet your needs more directly.
What rights apply to a non-compliant microwave bought from a professional seller?
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. Keep your receipt, product listing and correspondence with the seller.