Students who reheat meals
If you mainly use the kitchenette to reheat or defrost portions, a solo model may be all you need if you’re not looking to brown food. UFC-Que Choisir lists a microwave among the useful appliances for student accommodation.
Who is this choice for?
Those with a cramped kitchenette
If worktop space is limited, compare the appliance’s external dimensions with the space available, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you how much space it will take up.
Students without a practical oven
If you want to brown dishes under the grill or prepare certain foods as you would in an oven, check which cooking modes the appliance actually offers. A grill and fan-assisted cooking are not the same function. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between grill microwaves and combination models.
What matters in a kitchenette?
When choosing a microwave for a student kitchenette, start with what you’ll mainly use it for. Then check that the appliance and its installation will fit the space available.
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost portions and don’t need to brown food or cook with a fan-assisted mode.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t have a grill for browning food.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you also want to brown or grill certain dishes.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also offers fan-assisted cooking.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you don’t have a practical oven and plan to use an oven-style cooking mode listed for the model regularly.
Bear in mind: a combination microwave can take up a lot of space. Check the dimensions and required clearances before choosing one.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who is most likely to prioritise it |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The defrost function, power settings and space for the plate you use. | If you mainly prepare portions and want controls suited to this, around 36% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Size and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. Check the ventilation instructions in the manual for the exact model. | When every centimetre of worktop space counts, I check the appliance’s actual footprint and clearances before choosing: around 29% of consumers make space and installation their priority. |
| Browning or grilling | Check that the model has a grill mode and that it’s suitable for the dishes you want to prepare. | If you want to brown or grill some dishes without using the appliance mainly as an oven, around 14% of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Oven-style cooking | Look for a clearly listed fan-assisted or convection mode, then check the dimensions and installation requirements. | If there’s no practical oven in the accommodation, I may prioritise an appliance that also offers some oven-style cooking: around 21% of consumers make this their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by capacity without measuring the appliance
The cavity volume doesn’t tell you how much space the appliance takes up externally, and ventilation may require extra space around the microwave.
Measure the space available, your usual plate and the room needed to open the door. Then check the manual for the model you’re considering.
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Confusing a grill with fan-assisted cooking
A grill is mainly used for browning food. It doesn’t mean the model can cook using a fan-assisted mode.
Check the cooking modes listed for the exact model rather than relying on the word ‘combination’ or the presence of a grill alone.
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Buying before checking what’s provided in your accommodation
For furnished accommodation covered by the French decree, the minimum inventory includes a hob and an oven or microwave oven. This doesn’t tell you which appliances are present or usable in a particular property.
Check the inventory and confirm which appliances are actually provided before deciding what you need.
Brands to know
Bosch
The FFL023MS2 is an example of a freestanding solo microwave, designed for tasks such as reheating and defrosting.
- Bosch France lists a 20 l capacity, a maximum microwave power of 800 W and dimensions of 442 × 260 × 345 mm (W × H × D).
- The FFL023M range manual says to observe the ventilation clearances when installing the appliance in a cabinet. Check the instructions for your chosen model and location.
LG
The NeoChef MH6535GDS is an example of a microwave with a grill.
- LG France describes this model as a grill microwave.
- LG’s claims about even reheating are the brand’s own statements, not the result of an independent comparison. Also check the clearances specified in the manual.
Whirlpool
The MCP349WH is an example of a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking, for those planning to cook oven-style dishes.
- Whirlpool France lists a 25 l cavity and dimensions of 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm.
- Whirlpool’s claims about crisping results are the brand’s own statements, not the result of an independent comparison. Check the clearances in the manual before deciding where to put it.
Samsung
The MS23K3513AK/EF is an example of a 23 l solo microwave with a listed defrost function.
- Samsung France lists external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm (W × H × D).
- The stated power consumption is 1 150 W; this shouldn’t be confused with the microwave’s output power.
Solo and grill microwaves
This selection features solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting portions, as well as a model with a grill for browning some dishes.
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Heinrich's, compact 20 l solo microwave
For reheating or defrosting portions with a solo microwave.
Capacity: 20 l; power: 700 W; 6 power levels; 9.6-inch turntable; external dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 l digital microwave
For reheating leftovers and defrosting by time or weight.
Power: 700 W; 11 power levels; 6 pre-set menus; external dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 l solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting with a solo-style appliance.
6 power levels; 29 automatic programmes; 28,8 cm turntable; external dimensions: 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 l microwave with grill
For reheating or defrosting portions and browning some dishes using the grill.
Maximum microwave power: 700 W; turntable: 245 mm; external dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. Allow at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear for ventilation.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 l microwave
For reheating and defrosting portions with a solo microwave.
Microwave power: 700 W; 6 power levels; 0 to 30-minute timer; external dimensions: 452 × 362 × 262 mm. Allow at least 10 cm of clear space on all sides for ventilation.
Frequently asked questions
Does furnished student accommodation have to include a microwave?
Not necessarily. For the furnished accommodation covered by the relevant French decree, the minimum furniture and equipment requirements include an oven or microwave oven. Check the inventory and confirm which appliances in the property are actually usable.
Can I install a freestanding model in a recess?
It depends on the installation requirements for the model and location. The Bosch FFL023M range manual says to observe the ventilation clearances when installing the appliance in a cabinet. Check the manual for the exact model before choosing a recess.
How can I compare microwaves beyond their stated power?
Also compare the usable dimensions, controls and whether the cooking modes suit your needs. UFC-Que Choisir describes a test protocol that assesses factors including how evenly food is reheated, but a protocol alone doesn’t provide a result for any particular model.
What warranty applies to a microwave bought from a trader in France?
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to an individual. For a new product, the presumption that a defect existed at the time of purchase lasts for two years. Any commercial warranty is separate from this statutory right. The French Ministry of the Economy explains the applicable conditions.
What should I do with an old microwave?
The French Ministry responsible for the ecological transition lists options including taking it to a collection point or recycling centre, returning it to a retailer, or handing it in to a social and solidarity economy organisation.