Studio flat dweller without an oven
You want to reheat, defrost and occasionally cook using a single appliance on your worktop. Available space matters just as much as any extra features.
Who is this guide for?
In a small home without a usable oven, the features to prioritise depend mainly on the dishes you want the appliance to prepare.
Second-home owner
You’re looking for an appliance that’s easy to use for everyday meals, with the option to brown or cook certain dishes without adding another piece of equipment.
Occasional cook
If you only want to brown a dish now and then, look at models with a grill. If you’re also planning to cook with fan assistance, compare combination models.
Which features should you compare?
Start with the dishes you prepare, then check that the type of appliance you choose will actually fit in the space you have in mind.
Microwave-only
Choose this: for reheating and defrosting, if you don’t need to brown dishes or cook with fan assistance.
Limit: it doesn’t have a grill or a fan-assisted oven mode.
Microwave with grill
Choose this: if you mainly want to brown or crisp up a dish occasionally.
Limit: a grill alone doesn’t replace fan-assisted cooking.
Combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking
Choose this: if you also want the appliance to handle some dishes you’d usually cook in an oven.
Bear in mind: pay particular attention to its dimensions, weight and the clearances specified in the manual.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday use | Check the power settings, defrost function and whether the controls are easy for you to use. | I mainly reheat leftovers and defrost portions, so microwave functions matter more to me than an oven mode. |
| Extra cooking options | Know the difference between a grill, which browns food, and fan-assisted cooking. Check the modes and programmes on the exact model. | For occasional browning, I’d look at a model with a grill; for cooking pizzas or cakes too, I’d compare combination microwaves with fan-assisted cooking. |
| Space needed | Compare the external width, depth and height, door opening and clearances specified in the manual. Also check that your dishes will fit inside the cavity. | My worktop space is limited. A capacity in litres alone doesn’t tell me whether the appliance and my dishes will fit. |
| Ease of use | Look at how clear the controls are, the programming options, access to the cavity and how easy it is to clean. UFC-Que Choisir includes these factors in its microwave testing protocol. | If several people will use the appliance, I’d prefer straightforward controls that don’t mean having to consult the manual before every meal. |
What should you look out for?
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Choosing a combination model just for reheating
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a combination microwave adds cooking functions and can cost more. If you don’t use those modes, they won’t make it any better suited to reheating.
Make a note of the dishes you actually prepare: choose a microwave-only model for reheating and defrosting, a grill for browning, or fan-assisted cooking if you plan to cook oven-style dishes.
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Going by capacity in litres alone
Internal capacity doesn’t tell you how deep the appliance is or how much room you need to open its door. For example, Whirlpool lists dimensions of 49 × 37.3 × 54 cm and a weight of 27.45 kg for its 33 L MWSC9133SB.
Measure the space and compare it with the external dimensions of the exact model. Allow for the clearances specified in its manual before deciding where to put it.
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Assuming a product listing means it’s currently available
A model can still be useful for comparing features even if it’s no longer available to buy: the French Panasonic NN-CD58RS page listed the model as unavailable.
Before ordering, check the full model number, the seller and the availability of the product you’ve actually chosen.
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Forgetting about your old appliance when replacing it
In France, electrical and electronic equipment is covered by a dedicated collection scheme, as outlined by the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
Arrange for your old appliance to be taken back or find a suitable collection point, rather than putting it out with your household rubbish.
Brands worth comparing
These models illustrate differences in size and features; they don’t indicate whether a particular model is available from any given retailer.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s freestanding range includes models with a grill and combination microwaves.
- Whirlpool lists a 33 L capacity and a 36 cm turntable for the MWSC9133SB, which has microwave and grill functions.
- Its listed dimensions of 49 × 37.3 × 54 cm and weight of 27.45 kg make it particularly important to measure the space available.
Panasonic
The Panasonic NN-K10JW and NN-CD58RS show the difference between a model with a grill and a combination microwave with convection.
- Panasonic lists a 20 L capacity and a grill for the NN-K10JW; the NN-CD58RS combines microwave, grill and convection from 30 to 220 °C.
- Check that the model you choose is available: the French NN-CD58RS page listed it as unavailable.
Samsung
The Samsung MC28H5015AW is an example of a 28 L combination microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Samsung France lists a microwave power output of 900 W for this model.
- The stated 230 V / 50 Hz supply applies to this specific model; it doesn’t confirm whether another appliance will work with your electrical installation.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models cover straightforward reheating, browning with a grill and cooking with a combination microwave. Compare each one against the dishes you plan to prepare and the space available in your studio flat.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W, black
For reheating and adding a browned finish now and then, this 20 L model has a grill but isn’t described as a fan-assisted microwave. Check the clearances in its manual before setting aside space for it on your worktop.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter with grill, 25 L, 900 W, Titanium
Worth considering if you want to reheat, defrost and brown food using the same appliance. At 25 L, it’s important to measure your worktop and check the manual for the clearance and connection requirements for the exact model.
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LG MH6535GIS with grill, 25 L, black
Designed for reheating and occasional browning, this 25 L model is listed with a grill function. If the grill’s power output is a deciding factor, check it in the manual for the exact model. Also check the clearances and connection requirements before installation.
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Heinrich's microwave-only, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating and defrosting without browning, the product title for this model lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer. As it’s a microwave-only model, choose a different type if you need a grill or fan-assisted cooking. Check the manual too, to make sure it’s suitable for the space you have in mind.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB 3-in-1 combination microwave, 42 L
Worth comparing if you want to cook and brown dishes without a traditional oven: this model combines microwave, grill and convection functions. With a listed capacity of 42 L, it’s particularly important to check the external dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual in a studio flat. Check the defrost functions too, if you need them.
Frequently asked questions
Will a combination microwave always replace a traditional oven?
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide, a combination microwave can grill and cook using fan assistance, but whether it’s right for you depends on the dishes you prepare. If you only need to reheat and defrost, consider a microwave-only model instead; if you want to brown dishes occasionally, compare models with a grill.
What should you measure before buying a microwave for a studio flat?
Measure the available width, depth and height, then allow for the door to open and the clearances specified in the manual. Check the size of your dishes too: capacity in litres isn’t enough on its own. For example, Whirlpool lists dimensions of 49 × 37.3 × 54 cm for its 33 L MWSC9133SB combination microwave.
How can you check whether your socket is suitable for your chosen microwave?
Compare the information on the rating plate and in the manual for the exact model with your home’s electrical installation. For example, Samsung lists a 230 V / 50 Hz supply for the MC28H5015AW. This specification applies to that model only and doesn’t tell you whether another appliance or your socket will be suitable.
What should you do with an old microwave in France?
Arrange for it to be taken back or use a collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment. In its FAQ dated 17 January 2023, the Ministry for Ecological Transition explains that ‘1-for-1’ take-back applies when you buy equipment of the same type, with no minimum shop floor area. ‘1-for-0’ take-back, with no purchase required, applies to shops with at least 400 m² of sales space dedicated to this equipment.