If you mainly need to reheat and defrost, a solo microwave may be all you need. Choose a model with a grill if you also want to brown dishes, or a combination microwave with a proper oven mode for some types of cooking without a separate oven. In every case, check the external dimensions and ventilation clearances required, then compare the turntable and cavity with the dishes you use. The stated capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit your kitchen.
In a studio flat or holiday home, your priority is to reheat and defrost food without paying for features you’re unlikely to use day to day. Que Choisir Ensemble’s buying guide distinguishes between solo, grill and combination models.
You’d like to cook some dishes in an oven without adding several appliances. Check that the combination microwave has a convection or fan oven function, and that its dimensions suit the space you have available.
You reheat food every day but would also like to brown some dishes. A grill can be useful for this, though it won’t replace every function of an oven. Que Choisir Ensemble describes the grill as a feature for browning dishes.
Consider this if: you want to reheat, defrost and cook simple dishes without a grill or oven mode.
Bear in mind: it won’t let you brown dishes with a grill or cook using fan heat.
Consider this if: you want to brown some dishes as well as reheat and defrost food.
Bear in mind: a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan oven function. Check the depth and accessories too.
Consider this if: you don’t have a separate oven and want to cook some dishes using an oven function.
Bear in mind: a multifunction model may take up more space. Check the specific modes, accessories and dimensions.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the defrost settings and the stated microwave output power. Check that the controls suit the way you’ll use it. | If I reheat meals every day and defrost food without using a grill, I prioritise simple functions. Around 36% of consumers put these tasks first. |
| Space and dish size | Measure the width, depth and height, and check the door clearance. Consult the manual for ventilation clearances and compare the turntable with your dishes. | If I have limited worktop space, I want to make sure the appliance and my dishes will actually fit. Around 29% of consumers prioritise space and dish size. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | Look for an explicitly stated convection or fan oven function, then check the dimensions and any required accessories. | If I don’t have a separate oven, I want to cook some oven dishes with a single appliance. Around 21% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Occasional browning | Check that the model has a grill, and make sure you have enough space and the right accessories for this mode. | If I want to brown some dishes without replacing an oven, I look at models with a grill. Around 14% of consumers prioritise occasional browning. |
Two appliances with a stated capacity of 20 L can have different external dimensions. For example, Panasonic lists a depth of 330 mm for the solo NN-E20JW and 340 mm for the grill model NN-K10JW. The capacity in litres won’t tell you whether the appliance and your dishes will fit in your kitchen.
Measure the space, door clearance and your dishes, then check the manual for the required clearances for the model you choose.
A grill is used to brown food, while some Crisp functions use a dedicated dish. Neither feature on its own confirms that the appliance has convection or fan heat for oven-style cooking.
Make a list of the dishes you want to prepare, then check the cooking modes, settings and required accessories for the exact model number.
The DGCCRF advises against reusing single-use containers. Anses also recommends following the preparation instructions for food products designed for microwave use.
Use a container in good condition that is stated to be compatible with the mode you’ve selected, and follow the heating times and power settings on the packaging.
The brand’s French product pages feature a solo model and a grill model, both with a stated capacity of 20 L.
The French models mentioned range from a 20 L solo microwave to a 33 L combination model with fan cooking.
The MC28M6035CS/EF is an example of a 28 L combination microwave listed with a grill and hot-air circulation.
The MH6535GDR NeoChef is an example of a grill model with a stated capacity of 25 L.
This selection includes solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as grill models for occasionally browning dishes.
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A solo model with a defrost function, for reheating and defrosting without an added grill feature.
20 L; 700 W; 6 power levels; 30-minute timer; 9.6-inch turntable; stated dimensions of 44.6 × 36.3 × 24.3 cm.
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The grill works alongside the microwave and defrost functions, so you can brown dishes from time to time.
25 L; stated microwave power of 900 W; stated 1,150 W quartz grill; stated dimensions of 53.6 × 43.6 × 33 cm; 28.8 cm turntable.
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A model with microwave, defrost and grill functions, for reheating and the occasional browned or grilled dish.
25 L; 1,000 W stated in the product name; turntable; automatic programmes with weight control; stated dimensions of 38.8 × 47.6 × 27.2 cm.
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With microwave, defrost and grill functions, this model suits everyday reheating and the occasional browned or grilled dish.
25 L; 5 power levels; 29.2 cm turntable; stated external dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm.
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A solo model designed for reheating meals or drinks in a small space.
20 L; dial controls.
Do both: first measure the space available for the appliance and check the clearances required in the manual, then compare your dishes with the turntable and cavity. For the NN-E20JW, Panasonic lists a 20 L capacity, a 255 mm turntable and external dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm, in width × depth × height order.
Don’t block the ventilation openings. Whirlpool warns that blocked ventilation can cause overheating. Check the manual for your chosen model to find out how it should be installed and what clearances it needs.
No. Check that it’s labelled as suitable and is in good condition, then follow the heating instructions on the packaging. For grill or convection cooking, check separately that the container is suitable for that mode in both the container and appliance manuals. A microwave-safe label alone doesn’t answer this question.
For a purchase made by an individual from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to seek a remedy under this guarantee. Any commercial warranty is separate.
No. For appliances covered by the relevant European rules, CE marking is required before they can be placed on the market and represents the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. The DGCCRF explains that it is not a certification mark. Check the conformity information for the specific model sold in France.