For reheating and defrosting in a studio flat or second home, start by comparing the appliance’s external dimensions and installation requirements. A solo microwave may be all you need if you don’t want to brown your food. Choose a grill model if you regularly want to brown or crisp dishes, or a combination microwave if you also plan to cook without a conventional oven. A built-in model is only suitable if the housing and installation meet the requirements of the model you choose.
You want to reheat and defrost food without blocking the door or the ventilation openings. Whirlpool’s installation advice and Samsung’s guide recommend checking the actual space available, not just the stated capacity.
You want to use an appliance occasionally for leftovers, frozen food or simple meals. If that sums up how you cook there, you may not need the extra functions.
You also want to grill or cook simple dishes in a small space. A combination microwave may be worth considering; a built-in model will also require a suitable housing and installation.
Start by deciding what you’ll actually cook: choose a solo model for basic tasks, a grill model for browning, or a combination microwave for oven-style cooking functions too. Whichever type you choose, check its dimensions and instructions. A built-in model requires housing that’s compatible with that specific appliance.
| Feature | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Compare the width, height and depth, as well as the door opening, with the space available. Follow the clearances in the instructions and make sure the ventilation openings aren’t blocked. | In a narrow kitchenette, I need to be able to position the appliance, open the door and ventilate it properly; around 33% of consumers rank this compatibility as their top priority. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check that the appliance has the settings you need for your meals and that the cavity is big enough for the containers you usually use. | If I mainly need to reheat or defrost meals, I prefer controls suited to these everyday tasks; around 27% of consumers would prioritise this simplicity. |
| Grilling and browning | Check that it has a grill setting and see which accessories are included, then check the appliance’s external dimensions. | If I regularly want to brown simple dishes, I need a finish that a solo model can’t provide; around 20% of consumers would make browning their main priority. |
| Cooking without a conventional oven | Check which oven and grill settings the combination microwave actually has, along with its capacity and overall size. | Without a conventional oven, I want to be able to cook and grill, not just reheat; around 20% of consumers would put the versatility of a combination microwave first. |
The cavity capacity doesn’t tell you how much space the appliance will take up or how much room you’ll need in front of the door. Whirlpool and Brandt’s product information shows that these measurements vary between models.
Make a note of the external dimensions, the size of the cavity or turntable, and the space needed to open the door.
Whirlpool warns that blocked ventilation openings can cause overheating. A freestanding appliance doesn’t become a built-in model just because it fits inside a cabinet.
Follow the installation diagram in the instructions, keep the ventilation openings clear and don’t put anything on top of the appliance.
Oven-style cooking functions are only useful if you plan to use them. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this kind of use from that of a microwave intended mainly for reheating.
Think about the meals you usually prepare before choosing a combination microwave over a solo or grill model.
Built-in dimensions vary by model. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing size of 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the EVM6E46X; these measurements don’t apply to every appliance.
Measure the housing and check the socket, ventilation and fixing instructions in the manual for the model you’re considering.
If the housing or socket isn’t suitable, adjustments may be needed before installation.
Worth considering for compact freestanding microwaves, grill models and built-in options.
A range to explore if you’re comparing the uses of solo, grill and combination models.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a combination microwave to cook without a separate conventional oven.
An option if your kitchen already has a housing for a built-in appliance.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a freestanding grill microwave with detailed dimensions.
These freestanding models suit two needs in a small kitchen: reheating with a solo microwave, or adding a grill for browning. Compare their dimensions and instructions before choosing a spot for yours.
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Worth considering if you’d also like to brown simple dishes with a freestanding appliance. Check the instructions for the required clearance above the appliance and the space needed to open the door.
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A model to consider for reheating and defrosting if you don’t need a grill function. Before choosing a spot for it, check the ventilation clearances and door opening requirements in the instructions.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if you want a solo model with a display. Its stated external dimensions are 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm; remember to allow for the door opening and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Worth comparing if you’ll use the grill regularly and need a 25 L cavity. Its stated depth of 42 cm means you’ll need to check your worktop space and the clearances specified in the instructions carefully.
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Worth considering for reheating meals with a freestanding solo model. If you defrost food regularly, check which settings are available for this; also check the door opening and ventilation requirements before installation.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then compare them with the model’s external dimensions. Also check the door opening, cable route, and the size of the cavity or turntable for your dishes. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit.
Follow the distances and diagram in the instructions for the model you choose rather than assuming one measurement will suit every appliance. Whirlpool says the ventilation openings must be kept clear and that you shouldn’t put anything on top of the microwave.
A combination microwave could suit your needs if you plan to cook and grill simple meals and the model has the relevant settings. UFC-Que Choisir says this category can combine the basic functions of an oven and a microwave; however, check the capacity, dimensions and specific settings before deciding you don’t need a separate oven.
Check the delivery, collection of your old appliance and after-sales service options available with your order, particularly if it’s being delivered to a second home. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods bought from a professional seller; it is separate from the services offered by the retailer.