Student who mainly reheats meals
If you mostly reheat leftovers and defrost food, a solo microwave may be all you need. A grill or fan-assisted cooking is only useful if you plan to use those cooking modes.
Which option is right for you?
Student who cooks without a conventional oven
For the occasional crispy topping, look at grill models. If you also want to cook using hot air, look for a combination microwave whose specifications explicitly mention fan-assisted cooking.
Renter with a small kitchen
Compare the appliance’s external dimensions with the space available on your worktop. Don’t forget to allow access to the plug socket and leave the clearances required in the manual for your chosen model.
What should you check before choosing?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting cover most of your meal-preparation needs.
Limitation: a solo model won’t meet your needs if you want to brown or grill food, or cook using fan-assisted heat.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or grill certain dishes, as described by UFC-Que Choisir.
Limitation: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan-assisted cooking mode.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: not having an oven means you’d also use the grill and fan-assisted cooking, two functions UFC-Que Choisir associates with combination models.
Worth considering: check that you’ll actually use these modes and that the appliance can be installed in the space you have in mind.
| Consideration | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday meals | Check that it has a microwave mode and a defrost function suited to the food you prepare. | I mainly reheat portions and defrost food; I don’t necessarily need an oven mode. |
| Browning and cooking | Check the listed modes for the grill and fan-assisted cooking separately. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grilling from the oven-style cooking offered by a combination model. | I’m interested in a grill for the occasional crispy topping. If I also want to cook without a conventional oven, I’ll look at combination models with fan-assisted cooking. |
| Space | Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth with the space available, then check the manual for clearance and ventilation requirements. | The appliance needs to fit on my worktop while meeting its installation requirements. |
| Everyday use | Check the controls, door opening and access to the cavity. Look at the cleaning features listed for the exact model. | I want to programme my meals, take dishes out and clean the appliance without unnecessary hassle. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination model just for reheating
Grilling and fan-assisted cooking serve a different purpose from simply reheating food. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between them in its microwave buying guide.
Make a note of the meals you usually prepare. This will help you work out whether you’ll use the grill, fan-assisted cooking or just the microwave mode.
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Relying on capacity in litres alone
Internal capacity doesn’t tell you the external dimensions. The Whirlpool MWP201SB and Electrolux EMZ421MMK specifications both list dimensions that you can compare with the space available.
Measure the space and compare the appliance’s width, height and depth, allowing for the clearances specified in its manual.
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Enclosing a freestanding model in a cabinet
The Bosch manuals for the freestanding FFL023M and FFL053M models state that they are not intended to be installed or used in a built-in cabinet.
Follow the manual for the exact model. For an enclosed space, look for an appliance explicitly designed for built-in installation and follow its installation diagram.
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Ignoring the instructions on a ready-meal tray
According to Anses, reheating at too high a power setting or for too long can increase the migration of substances from some packaging into food.
Follow the power and cooking-time instructions on the packaging, and check that the container is suitable for microwave use.
Which brands are worth comparing?
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s range of freestanding microwaves lets you compare solo and grill models, as well as combination options.
- The MWP201SB specifications list its external dimensions and 20 L capacity.
- Check the features and installation requirements for the exact model rather than assuming they apply across the range.
Samsung
Samsung describes the MC28M6035CK as a 28 L combination microwave with a grill and hot air circulation.
- This model is worth considering if you’re looking for extra cooking options in a home without a conventional oven.
- Samsung’s stated cooking results for its features don’t provide an independent comparison with other models.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK from Electrolux France is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill.
- Its specifications list a 21 L capacity, 800 W microwave power and a 1 000 W grill.
- Don’t assume this model’s grill means it has a fan-assisted cooking mode unless the manual explicitly says so.
Solo and grill microwaves on Joybuy
This selection includes solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as grill models for the occasional crispy finish. If you want to cook using fan-assisted heat without an oven, check that the model you’re considering has this function.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L, 700 W grill microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and use a grill from time to time. For fan-assisted cooking, check the modes listed in the manual. Also check the required clearances before installation.
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Heinrich's, 20 L, 700 W solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting. The product name lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual for the right plug, electrical supply and ventilation requirements for your home.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, 700 W microwave
An option for reheating and defrosting, without the need for oven-style cooking. The product name lists six preset menus and eleven power levels. Compare its dimensions and installation instructions with the space you have available.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L, 900 W grill microwave
Worth a look if you’d like a grill as well as reheating and defrosting. Check the space needed for this 25 L model and consult the manual for installation instructions. A grill alone doesn’t confirm that it has a fan-assisted cooking function.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L, 700 W microwave
Worth considering if you mainly need to reheat and defrost meals, rather than grill or cook in an oven-style mode. Before setting aside space for it, compare its dimensions and the ventilation instructions in the manual with your worktop.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for a studio flat without an oven?
Yes, if you mainly reheat and defrost meals. If you want to brown or grill food, look at grill models. For fan-assisted cooking too, consider combination models, in line with the uses distinguished by UFC-Que Choisir.
Can a grill microwave replace a combination microwave?
Not for every use. A grill is for browning or grilling, while a combination model with fan-assisted cooking also offers an oven-style cooking mode, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Check the modes listed for the exact model.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in an enclosed cabinet?
Don’t assume you can. The Bosch manuals for the FFL023M and FFL053M freestanding microwaves rule out installing or using them in a built-in cabinet. Follow the installation requirements for your exact model.
How much clearance should you leave around the appliance?
Follow the distances and ventilation instructions in the manual for your chosen model. Measure the space before buying and don’t block the ventilation openings.
Should you follow the instructions on a microwaveable tray?
Yes. Anses recommends following the time and power instructions. Reheating food at too high a setting can increase the migration of substances from some packaging into food.