Which option suits each need?

Everyday reheating and defrosting

If you mainly prepare leftovers, ready meals or frozen food, a solo microwave covers your main needs. Even in a small home, though, check that you have enough worktop space for it.

Browning small dishes

You use your microwave for reheating but would also like to brown a dish from time to time. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this use of the grill from convection cooking, which is available on combination models.

Cooking in a studio flat without a usable oven

If reheating isn’t enough and you plan to cook dishes that would usually go in an oven, look at the cooking modes offered by a combination microwave. Its dimensions, cavity size and compatibility with the dishes you use matter just as much as its list of features.

What sets the models apart?

When choosing a freestanding microwave for a studio flat, first check that it will fit and can be properly ventilated. Then choose the cooking modes you’ll genuinely use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between reheating, grilling and convection cooking; the model’s manual sets out its installation requirements.

Criterion What to check Who is it for?
Space and ventilation Compare the external dimensions with the space available and leave the clearances specified in the manual. The cavity capacity doesn’t tell you how much room the appliance will take up. With limited worktop space, I need to be able to install the appliance without blocking its ventilation openings. Around 42% of consumers rank this as a priority.
Cooking without a separate oven Check that it has a convection function and that the cavity can accommodate the dishes you usually use. Without a usable oven, I also want to prepare dishes that need oven-style cooking. This comes ahead of the other criteria for around 33% of consumers.
Occasional browning Check that it has a grill function and find out which accessories are included with the model you’re considering. I mainly reheat meals but would sometimes like to brown them, without making convection cooking a priority. This is the top consideration for around 25% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing based only on capacity in litres

    The internal capacity tells you neither the external dimensions nor how much clearance the appliance needs. For example, Whirlpool lists its 20 L MWP201W model as 45.2 cm wide and 35 cm deep.

    Measure the space you have, compare all three dimensions of the exact model and check its installation instructions before you buy.

  • Blocking ventilation to save space

    Whirlpool warns that blocking the ventilation openings can cause the appliance to overheat.

    Follow the clearances specified in the model’s manual and don’t place anything against its ventilation openings.

  • Choosing a combination model for features you’ll rarely use

    A combination microwave offers more cooking options, including convection, but these are of little use if you only reheat and defrost food.

    Think about the dishes you’ll prepare regularly. If you only want to brown food occasionally, compare models with a grill too.

Brands to compare

These ranges give you a starting point for comparing features and dimensions. Always check the specifications of the model you’re considering.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool France offers solo, grill and combination freestanding microwaves.

  • Its product pages let you compare capacity and dimensions: the grill-equipped MWF259SG is listed as 25 L and 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm.
  • Features found on some models, such as Crisp or steam cooking, aren’t available across the whole range.

Samsung

Samsung France distinguishes its grill microwaves from its combination models.

  • The brand describes the MC32DG7646KKE1 as a multi-cooking model that includes an Air Fry function.
  • For connected features, check that you have Wi-Fi access, a Samsung account and a compatible device, and that you’ll actually use them.

Panasonic

Panasonic France offers combination microwaves with grill and convection functions.

  • The NN-CT57RM product page lists a 27 L cavity, a 1 300 W grill and convection settings from 30 to 220 °C.
  • For a studio flat, compare these features with the appliance’s dimensions and the size of the dishes you plan to use.

Joybuy products related to this choice

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a freestanding microwave will fit in my studio flat?

Compare the model’s external width, height and depth with the space available, then check the clearances required in its manual. Capacity in litres isn’t enough: Whirlpool’s 20 L MWP201W measures 45,2 × 26,2 × 35 cm. Keep its ventilation openings clear.

When is a grill enough instead of a combination microwave?

A microwave with a grill is a good choice if your main extra requirement is to brown or crisp food. If you plan to cook without a separate oven, look instead for a combination model with convection. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these two uses in its tests.

What are my rights if my new microwave doesn’t match its description?

In France, goods sold by a business to a consumer are covered by the legal guarantee of conformity, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. If the microwave you receive doesn’t match its description, contact the seller and explain the difference. This legal protection is separate from any commercial warranty.

What should I do with my old microwave when I replace it?

Old microwaves should be taken to a collection point for electrical equipment, rather than put in with ordinary household waste. The ecosystem organisation says that electrical kitchen appliances can be sent for recycling. Find out about the collection or drop-off options available to you.