You mainly reheat meals
In a studio flat or a holiday home you only use occasionally, you want to reheat and defrost portions without a host of extra functions. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes these uses from grilling and oven cooking.
Who is this guide for ?
You like to brown food from time to time
You usually reheat meals, but would also like to brown certain dishes without planning to use the oven regularly. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes grilling from convection.
You don’t have a usable oven
You’re planning to cook in the oven and need to compare a combination microwave with a mini oven, taking into account the space available and how important microwave reheating is to you. Moulinex describes the Optimo OX444810 as a mini oven, not a microwave.
Which criteria should you compare before buying ?
Solo microwave
Choose this if : you mainly reheat and defrost, and don’t expect browning or convection cooking.
Bear in mind : a solo model doesn’t usually offer grill or oven functions.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if : you mainly reheat meals, but would also like to brown or crisp them occasionally.
Bear in mind : having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has convection.
Combination microwave
Choose this if : you need to reheat and defrost, as well as cook dishes in the oven.
Bear in mind : check that convection is specifically listed and allow for the space required by the model.
Compact mini oven
Choose this if : conventional cooking, such as roasting or baking, matters more to you than microwave reheating.
Bear in mind : a mini oven won’t replace a microwave for the same reheating and defrosting tasks.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost setting, controls and the size of your usual plate. | In a studio flat, if I mainly reheat and defrost, I prefer settings suited to these tasks rather than modes I’ll rarely use. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Oven cooking without another oven | Check that convection or fan-assisted cooking is explicitly listed, along with the size of dishes the appliance can accommodate. | If I don’t have a usable oven and plan to do proper oven cooking, I check that the function is listed for the model I choose. Around 29 % of consumers make oven cooking their priority. |
| Occasional browning | Check for a grill, combination modes and the accessories approved for that model. | If I want to brown food from time to time without planning to cook in the oven regularly, I look for a grill and make sure not to confuse it with convection. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise occasional browning. |
| Finding the right appliance for a small kitchen | Measure the space and your dishes; check the manual for the ventilation clearances required for that model. | If my worktop space is very limited, I measure the appliance and make sure my dishes fit without blocking the vents. For around 14 % of consumers, size is the main priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a grill with convection
A grill is useful for browning food, for example; it doesn’t prove that the appliance can cook by convection like an oven.
Decide which dishes you want to prepare, then check the modes listed for the exact model.
If your planned dishes need convection and the appliance doesn’t have it, you may need to consider a different cooking appliance.
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
The cavity volume alone won’t tell you the external dimensions, turntable diameter or ventilation clearance required.
Measure the space and your dishes, then check the model’s manual for its ventilation requirements.
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Thinking a paid extension is required for your statutory guarantee
The statutory guarantee of conformity and a commercial warranty are separate. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance explains that the statutory guarantee applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual.
Check who the seller is and what any extended warranty covers before choosing one.
Brands to consider when comparing formats
Panasonic
The NN-E20JW, NN-K10JW and NN-CT56RB are examples of a solo model, a model with a grill and a combination model with convection, respectively.
- Panasonic France’s product pages make it easy to distinguish between these modes and check the dimensions of each model.
- Features and formats vary, so check the specifications for the exact model rather than assuming they’re the same across the range.
Samsung
The MS23K3513AK/EF is a solo option to compare for reheating and defrosting.
- Samsung France lists a capacity of 23 L and external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm.
- This is a solo model, with no grill listed in the specifications shown.
LG
The MH6535GDR is a model with a grill to consider if you want to compare the cavity and turntable.
- LG France lists a capacity of 25 L, a 292 mm turntable and a cavity measuring 322 × 228 × 335 mm.
- The word “grill” alone doesn’t confirm that this model has convection.
Whirlpool
The MWP 253 B is a freestanding microwave with a grill to compare, depending on the space available.
- Whirlpool France lists a capacity of 25 L and a 27 cm turntable for this model.
- The listed external dimensions are 48.3 × 28.1 × 41.9 cm; measure the space you have available.
Moulinex
The Optimo OX444810 is a mini oven alternative if conventional cooking is your priority.
- Moulinex France lists a capacity of 19 L, with features including convection and a grill.
- It’s a freestanding electric oven, not a microwave, so compare it based on the cooking tasks you have in mind.
Appliances to compare on Joybuy
The models below cover reheating and defrosting, occasional grilling, oven cooking in a mini oven and combination cooking. Compare the modes and overall size with the dishes you plan to use.
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Heinrich’s, digital solo microwave, 20 L
Worth comparing for reheating and defrosting in a small space.
The product name lists a capacity of 20 L, 700 W, 6 power levels and a 30-minute timer.
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Beko MGC20100B1, microwave with grill, 20 L
Worth comparing if you want to reheat and defrost, with a grill for occasional browning.
The product name lists a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Check the manual for the ventilation clearances required for this model.
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HOMCOM, mini oven with two hotplates and rotisserie
Worth considering if oven cooking matters more than microwave reheating.
This is an electric mini oven, not a microwave, so don’t choose it to replace a microwave for the same defrosting and reheating tasks.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, solo microwave, 20 L
Worth comparing for everyday reheating and defrosting, with no oven-cooking function listed in the name.
The product name lists a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Check the manual for the ventilation clearances required for the appliance.
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Sharp YC-MC422AE-SB, 3-in-1 combination microwave, 42 L
Worth comparing if you want reheating, grilling and convection cooking in one appliance.
The product name lists a capacity of 42 L. Its size and dimensions are worth considering in a small kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before choosing a microwave for a kitchenette ?
Measure the space and your dishes, then compare them with the external dimensions, cavity and turntable of the model you’re considering. Check its manual for the required clearances and make sure the air vents aren’t blocked.
Can a microwave with a grill also cook using convection ?
Not necessarily: having a grill doesn’t confirm that the model has convection. If you’re planning to cook in the oven, check that convection is explicitly listed in the specifications for that model.
Can I use a metal rack in every mode ?
No, not without checking the instructions for your model. Follow the manual and only use accessories approved for the mode you’ve selected. A rack supplied with a microwave grill doesn’t mean it’s approved for use in microwave-only mode.
What should I look for in microwave test results ?
Look for results covering the exact model. Que Choisir Ensemble describes assessing the door, controls, handling dishes and programming; its comparison also takes thermal safety into account. A test method alone doesn’t amount to a verdict on a specific model.
What statutory guarantee applies in France when I buy an appliance from a business ?
The statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance distinguishes it from commercial warranties; check who the seller is and the terms that apply to your purchase.