If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave should do the job. Choose one with a grill if you also want to brown or crisp food from time to time. In a studio flat without an oven, a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking is better suited to simple oven-style cooking, provided its dimensions, ventilation and interior capacity work for your space and the dishes you use.
If you want to cook dishes rather than simply reheat them, look for a convection or fan-assisted function. UFC-Que Choisir identifies this feature on combination models. You’ll still need to check that your chosen model can accommodate your dishes and fits in the space you have available.
A solo microwave may be all you need for leftovers, ready meals and defrosting. Start by checking the interior capacity and how easy it is to use, rather than paying for cooking modes you won’t need.
A model with a grill adds browning to reheating. It’s handy for the occasional dish, but a grill on its own doesn’t replace a fan-assisted cooking function.
In a studio flat or small kitchen without a dedicated oven, work out what matters most before comparing features. The space you have available can be just as important as the cooking mode.
| What matters | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the external dimensions, how far the door opens and the ventilation clearances specified in the instruction manual. | If my worktop is narrow, I need to be able to open the door without blocking the vents. Around 29% of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the defrost functions and the size of dishes the cavity can accommodate. | If I mainly prepare leftovers or frozen portions, simple controls are enough for me. Reheating and defrosting are the top priorities for around 21% of consumers. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill and which accessories are approved for each mode. | If I want to brown a dish now and then, I need a grill, but not oven-style cooking. This is the main requirement for around 14% of consumers. |
| Oven-style cooking | Look for a convection or fan-assisted function; check its temperature range and the usable dimensions of the cavity. | Without a conventional oven, I also want to be able to cook simple dishes, not just reheat food. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this cooking capability. |
A grill browns food; it doesn’t mean the appliance offers convection cooking. This distinction matters if you plan to cook pizzas, cakes or other oven-style dishes.
Look specifically for “convection” or “fan-assisted”, then check the model’s temperature range and accessories.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you whether your dishes will fit inside, or whether the appliance will fit on your worktop with the door open.
Measure the space and the dishes you use most often. Also check the turntable size or the dimensions of the cavity without the turntable.
Blocked vents can cause overheating. A freestanding model must be installed in line with its specific instructions.
Leave the clearances specified in the instruction manual and keep the vents unobstructed. Whirlpool France also recommends installing the appliance on a flat surface.
According to Anses, overheating food increases the risk of substances migrating from some food packaging. A single-use container shouldn’t be reused as a permanent cooking dish.
Follow the time and power instructions on the packaging. If you’re unsure whether the container or cooking mode is suitable, transfer the food to an appropriate dish.
Whirlpool France’s freestanding range includes microwaves with a grill and combination models.
Panasonic France offers combination models that bring together microwave, grill and convection cooking.
Samsung France offers freestanding solo microwaves, models with a grill and combination microwaves with convection.
These models let you compare three ways to cook in a small home: cooking with a combination microwave, browning food with a grill, or mainly reheating and defrosting with a solo microwave.
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Worth considering if you don’t have a separate oven and want one appliance for reheating, grilling and convection cooking.
Stated capacity: 39 L. Before choosing this model, measure your available space, allow for the door to open and check the clearances required in the instruction manual.
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One to consider if you reheat and defrost food but would also like the option to brown dishes with a grill from time to time.
Stated capacity: 25 L. Check the grill’s power on the final product listing and the installation clearances in the instruction manual. Don’t assume it has a fan-assisted function.
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Consider this if you mainly reheat and defrost food, rather than browning dishes or cooking oven-style meals.
The title states 700 W, six pre-set menus and 11 power levels. Compare the size of your dishes with the cavity and check the instruction manual for ventilation requirements.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with the option to brown dishes, but don’t need a convection combination model.
The title states 700 W and a capacity of 20 L. Allow at least 10 cm at the sides and rear, then check the instruction manual for overhead clearance and any other model-specific requirements.
It can handle some simple cooking tasks if it has a convection or fan-assisted function and its cavity is suitable for your dishes. A grill alone isn’t enough: also check the temperature range, accessories and space needed for installation.
Leave the clearances specified in the instruction manual for your chosen model, as well as allowing for its external dimensions and the space needed to open the door. Whirlpool France recommends a flat surface and unobstructed ventilation openings. The measurements for another appliance aren’t a substitute for the instructions for yours.
No. The container must be suitable for the intended use, and you should follow its time and power instructions. Anses warns that overheating food increases the risk of substances migrating from some packaging. The DGCCRF also advises against reusing single-use containers.
Only use a rack or metal accessory if the instruction manual says it’s suitable for the selected mode. Don’t assume that instructions for the grill or convection mode also apply to microwave mode. Check the guidance for each programme before use.