For reheating, defrosting and occasionally preparing simple portions, a basic freestanding microwave will generally do the job without adding features you rarely use. A grill model is worthwhile if you regularly brown or gratinate food; a combination microwave is worth considering if you do not have a usable oven and want oven-style cooking, provided you are happy with a larger, heavier appliance, as illustrated by guidance from Panasonic France and the ADEME/Institut national de la consommation study.
With limited worktop space and individual portions to prepare, a compact basic model is a good starting point for reheating and defrosting. UFC-Que Choisir lists a microwave among the useful appliances for student accommodation; however, always check the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions.
For quick meals without installing an oven, a basic freestanding appliance covers reheating and defrosting. A grill becomes useful if browning or gratinating is genuinely part of your usual cooking routine.
A combination microwave can expand your cooking options, but its size, weight and the available support space must suit your habits. This option is most useful when you regularly prepare oven-style dishes.
Start with the meals you prepare most often, then measure the available space and check the installation instructions for the exact model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Useful functions | Compare a basic model for reheating and defrosting, a grill for browning, and a combination model for oven-style cooking. Check which modes are actually available on the model’s product page. | I mainly reheat leftovers, soup or ready meals: a basic model may be enough. If I often prepare gratins or toasted sandwiches, a grill function makes more sense. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses. |
| Actual size | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the turntable diameter. A 20 L capacity alone does not tell you the appliance’s depth or the size of dishes it can accommodate. | My appliance must fit on the worktop without preventing a cupboard from opening. I also check that my plates and dishes fit on the turntable. |
| Installation | Check the voltage, frequency, rated input power and specified clearances. Install a freestanding model on a stable surface without blocking its ventilation openings. | I want to be able to plug in the appliance and position it without overcrowding my kitchenette. Whirlpool France points out that blocked ventilation can cause overheating. |
A 20 L appliance may be too deep for a shelf or unsuitable for the dishes you use. Blocked ventilation openings can cause overheating.
Measure the space and your dishes before buying, then compare the external dimensions, turntable diameter, weight and ventilation instructions in the manual.
You may rarely use the additional functions while giving the appliance more space. The ADEME/Institut national de la consommation study found no clear advantage for combination models over convection ovens for every type of dish, model or brand.
Choose a basic model if reheating and defrosting are your main priorities; opt for a grill if you regularly gratinate food, and choose a combination model only if you genuinely cook as you would with an oven.
These two figures may appear on the same product page, but they do not describe the same thing. Comparing them separately prevents you from mistaking an electrical specification for a direct indication of everyday performance.
Check the microwave output power, input power, voltage and frequency specified for the model sold in France.
Plastic suitable for microwave mode may melt under the grill or convection function. UFC-Que Choisir also states that metal must not be used in microwave mode and that a sealed container can create excess pressure.
Follow the instructions and check the container’s compatibility for each cooking mode, rather than relying on a general label.
The French range covers basic, grill and combination options that are useful when comparing a kitchenette with a space without an oven.
Samsung offers, among other options, freestanding solo microwaves with detailed specifications covering the turntable, power supply and power ratings.
The French range includes freestanding, grill and combination appliances, together with installation advice for freestanding models.
These Joybuy options include basic microwaves and models with a grill for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, gratinating food in student or temporary accommodation.
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An option for everyday reheating and defrosting, with the added benefit of browning and gratinating.
20 L, 700 W microwave power, 800 W grill, 245 mm turntable and dimensions of 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm.
Allow for the 10 cm side and rear clearances specified for installation, and use containers suitable for the grill.
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This solo model is designed for simple meals that need reheating or defrosting in a limited space.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute mechanical timer, 245 mm turntable and dimensions of 452 × 362 × 262 mm.
It does not have a grill; factor in its depth and the 10 cm ventilation clearance required on each side when measuring your space.
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A good choice if you want to add grilling to your reheating and defrosting functions.
25 L, quartz grill, rapid defrosting, keep-warm function, automatic programmes and dimensions of 47.6 × 38.8 × 27.2 cm.
Check the required ventilation clearances in the manual and choose dishes compatible with grill mode.
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A compact solution for quick meals and defrosting frozen food.
20 L, 700 W, dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm, express cooking, 11 power levels and defrosting by weight or time.
This model has no grill or oven-style cooking function; check the manual for connection and ventilation requirements.
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This model adds browning and gratinating to defrosting and reheating for a kitchenette with a suitable worktop.
25 L, 950 W grill, 29.2 cm turntable, five power levels, touch controls, automatic programmes and dimensions of 47 × 37 × 26 cm.
Check the required clearances in the manual and make sure your dishes and accessories are compatible with the grill.
A basic freestanding model will generally be enough for reheating, defrosting and preparing simple portions. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill and combination model are mainly worthwhile if you genuinely use browning or oven-style cooking functions.
No: the grill is mainly used for browning and gratinating. For oven-style cooking, look for a combination model with a suitable oven function, then check its size, weight and compatible accessories.
Measure the width, depth and height of the available space, then compare them with the model’s external dimensions and turntable diameter. Also observe the exact clearances specified in the manual and never block the ventilation openings, as Whirlpool France reminds users.
Compare the microwave output power for heating performance, but also check the input power and electrical supply. For example, Samsung France gives 800 W output, 1,150 W input and 230 V / 50 Hz for one of its models: these figures do not refer to the same thing.
No. UFC-Que Choisir states that metal must not be used in microwave mode and that plastic should only be used in microwave mode, not with the grill or convection function, unless the manufacturer expressly says otherwise. Sealed containers should also be avoided.