Student who mainly reheats meals
If you want to reheat and defrost without needing to brown food, a freestanding solo microwave is a good match. Compare the worktop space it takes up with the clearance it needs for ventilation.
Which option is right for you?
Someone who wants to brown food occasionally
If you sometimes want to brown a dish but don’t expect the appliance to handle oven-style cooking, look at models with a grill and check which accessories are approved for that function.
Renter without a conventional oven
If you plan to cook dishes that need convection, compare combination microwaves with the space you actually have available. Que Choisir distinguishes this category from solo and grill models for uses that can replace an oven.
What should you check first?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting make up most of your meals.
Bear in mind: it has neither a grill nor convection for browning food or cooking it like an oven.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you mainly want to brown or crisp food occasionally.
Bear in mind: the grill doesn’t replace convection, and you’ll need to choose containers according to the mode you use.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: not having an oven means you genuinely need to cook with convection.
Bear in mind: check the space it needs and the instructions for each cooking mode carefully.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, depth, height and door clearance, then allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions. Also check that your dishes fit inside the cavity. | In a cluttered kitchenette, I want to be able to install the appliance without giving up my usual dishes; around 44% of consumers put space and capacity top of their list. |
| Cooking modes | Know the difference between microwave-only, grill and convection. Check the modes and accessories for the specific model rather than just counting its programmes. | Without a conventional oven, I need to decide whether a grill for browning a few dishes will be enough, or whether I’ll cook with convection too; for around 33% of consumers, cooking functions come before other criteria. |
| Everyday use | Check how easy it is to reach the surfaces that need cleaning, and read the instructions on containers for each mode. | If I use the appliance every day, I want controls and cleaning to be manageable, without mixing up the rules for different modes; simplicity is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging how much space you need by litres alone
Capacity tells you neither the external dimensions nor how much room you need to open the door and ventilate the appliance. A microwave might fit your dishes but still not fit the space you have for it.
Measure the space and check the dimensions and clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model.
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Choosing a combination microwave when you only need to reheat food
Que Choisir distinguishes combination models by their ability to handle some of the tasks of a conventional oven. If you don’t use these modes, the extra controls and cleaning add hassle without meeting a cooking need.
Make a note of the meals you usually plan to cook. If they only need reheating and defrosting, compare solo microwaves first.
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Using the same container for every mode
According to Que Choisir, plastic that is suitable for microwave use should not automatically be used with the grill or convection. A sealed container can also create a risk of pressure build-up.
Check the mode you’ve selected, the instructions on the container and packaging, and the appliance manual. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for food intended for microwave cooking.
Brands to consider
Compare ranges by cooking type and the dimensions of the specific model, rather than assuming what it can do from the brand name alone.
Panasonic
The range includes both solo and combination models: two distinct options, depending on whether you only want to reheat food or also cook with convection.
- Panasonic France lists a capacity of 20 L, 800 W of power and external dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for the solo NN-E20JW model.
- Don’t assume that this solo model has the same functions as a combination model; check the specifications of the model you’re considering.
Whirlpool
The freestanding range includes models that combine several cooking modes.
- Whirlpool France describes the MWF259SG as a 25 L model with a grill and other cooking functions.
- For this model, compare its listed dimensions of 49 × 46,8 × 32,5 cm and weight of 19,6 kg with the space you have available.
Electrolux
Freestanding models with a grill let you consider browning food without assuming they also have convection.
- Electrolux France lists a capacity of 21 L, an 800 W microwave and a 1 000 W quartz grill for the EMZ421MMK.
- This is a grill model. Don’t choose it on the assumption that it can cook like a combination microwave with convection.
Samsung
The freestanding range is divided into solo, grill and combination categories, making it easier to start your search with the cooking functions you need.
- Samsung France features all three categories in its freestanding microwave range.
- Then check the dimensions, functions and accessories for the specific model you’ve chosen: the category alone doesn’t tell you everything about an individual model.
Solo and grill microwaves on Joybuy
These models are suited to reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen; the Beko also has a grill for occasional browning. If you plan to cook with convection, look for this function on a combination model rather than assuming one of these appliances has it.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, black
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and have a grill for occasional browning.
20 L capacity; microwave power of 700 W as stated in the product name. The grill should not be confused with a convection function.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L
A solo model to consider if your meals mainly need a microwave, with no need for a grill.
20 L capacity and stated power of 700 W. Before setting aside space for it, check the dimensions and required clearances in the manual.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo, 23 L
Compare it with 20 L models if you’re looking for more capacity while still opting for a solo microwave.
Quick defrost function and display, as stated in the product name. Check the dimensions in the correct order and allow for ventilation clearances before choosing where to put it.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting, with the control functions listed in the product name.
Stated power of 700 W, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function. Check the plug and installation instructions for the model before buying.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, black
Compare this model if you’re looking for a solo microwave with digital controls for reheating and defrosting.
Stated power of 700 W, 11 power levels, six preset menus and a defrost function. Check that your dishes fit on the turntable, and read the ventilation and power supply instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a plastic container in a microwave with a grill?
Not in every mode: according to Que Choisir, plastic should only be used in microwave mode, not with the grill or convection. Also follow the instructions on the container, food packaging and appliance manual.
Can you reheat a meal in a sealed container?
No. Que Choisir warns that heating a sealed container in a microwave can cause pressure to build up. Check the instructions for the container and meal before starting to cook.
What statutory guarantee applies to a new microwave bought in France?
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to a new microwave bought from a professional seller in France. The Ministry of the Economy states that you can claim under it for two years; it is separate from an optional commercial guarantee.
What should you do with your old microwave when replacing it?
An old microwave should be taken to an appropriate collection point for electrical equipment. The ministry responsible for the environment lists collection points, waste centres, retailers and social and solidarity economy organisations among the options. Check the arrangements in your area.