If you regularly reheat leftovers and defrost food, start by comparing freestanding solo microwaves if you have a suitable surface and can keep their vents clear. A built-in model is better suited to a fitted kitchen, provided the housing and installation are right for the exact model. Choose a grill or combination microwave if you’ll also use those cooking modes. In every case, check that your dishes fit inside the cavity: the stated power alone won’t tell you how evenly food will reheat.
For leftovers, prepared portions and frozen food, a freestanding solo microwave is a good starting point if you don’t use the grill or convection function. Above all, check that there’s enough room for your dishes and that the controls are easy to reach.
A built-in model gives you an integrated installation, but you’ll need to check the housing, depth, power supply and ventilation against the instructions for the model you’re considering. The capacity in litres alone won’t confirm whether it will fit in the cabinet.
A model with these functions is worth considering if you’ll use them regularly, as well as for reheating. Check which modes it actually offers: a microwave with a grill doesn’t necessarily have a convection function.
First decide which cooking modes you’ll use, then check where the microwave will go and whether your dishes will fit. After that, compare the controls and cleaning features.
Worth considering: for reheating and defrosting on a suitable surface, if you don’t regularly need a grill or convection function.
Keep in mind: it takes up visible worktop space, and its vents must be kept clear.
Worth considering: for a fitted kitchen, when the housing and cabinet suit the model you’ve chosen.
Keep in mind: it needs a fixed installation that follows the installation diagram and ventilation instructions in the manual.
Worth considering: if you also plan to use the grill regularly or, on a combination model that has it, the convection function.
Keep in mind: extra modes and settings, with no proven advantage if you only want to reheat leftovers.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Measure the height, width and depth. For a built-in model, check the housing and installation requirements against the instructions for that exact model; for a freestanding one, keep the vents clear. | I want the appliance to fit without getting in the way of using the worktop or requiring unexpected changes to the cabinet. |
| Dish size | Check the internal dimensions and, if there is one, the turntable diameter. Don’t rely on the stated capacity in litres alone. | My usual plates and dishes need to fit inside and turn if the model has a turntable. |
| Reheating | To compare results, look for tests carried out using the same method to assess evenness and speed. Consider defrosting separately from maximum power. | I often reheat portions or liquids and need defrost settings suited to the food I’m preparing. |
| Cooking modes | Distinguish between a solo microwave, a grill function and convection; check which modes the exact model offers. If browning or hot-air cooking is a priority, also compare a dedicated cooking appliance for the way you plan to use it. | If I mainly reheat leftovers, extra modes may not be much use; if I grill often, they become more relevant. |
| Cleaning and safety | Check how easy it is to reach the cavity, turntable and controls. Read the instructions on installation and suitable containers; a cleaning-assist function doesn’t guarantee a particular result. | After spills, I want to be able to clean the accessible parts and use containers marked as microwave-safe. |
The stated power alone won’t tell you whether food will reheat evenly or defrost properly.
To compare two models, look for comparable tests of reheating and defrosting, then see how their settings match the way you’ll use them.
The appliance dimensions and the space needed to install it are two different things, and they vary between models.
Measure the cabinet and check the chosen model’s diagram for depth, electrical access and ventilation requirements before buying.
If the housing isn’t compatible, you may need to adapt the cabinet or find that you can’t install the appliance you planned to buy.
The grill and convection functions give you more cooking options, but they aren’t necessary for simply reheating and defrosting food.
Make a list of the types of cooking you actually do. A solo microwave is worth considering for everyday reheating; look at other modes if you plan to use them.
The DGCCRF advises that cling film and bags should not be used in the microwave unless they are specifically labelled as suitable for this purpose.
Check the container’s label and the appliance instructions before reheating food in its packaging.
These models illustrate different sizes and functions. Measurements given for one model don’t apply to other appliances from the same brand.
The range includes freestanding microwaves, from solo models to appliances with additional functions.
The range includes built-in models for fitted kitchens, with functions that vary by model.
The built-in range includes appliances whose size needs to be checked against the available cabinet space.
The range shown by Panasonic France covers everything from solo microwaves to models that combine several cooking modes.
These five models are worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding microwave for everyday meals: four are described as solo models, while the LG also has a grill. Check the size of your dishes and the functions you’ll use before choosing.
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For reheating and defrosting on a worktop, this solo model offers a capacity of 20 L, 700 W and six power levels. 3D Wave and Ready2Clean are features stated by the brand, not measures of how evenly it heats or how easy it is to clean.
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Designed for reheating and defrosting, this model has six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a turntable. Check the manual for the clearance needed at the spot where you plan to place it.
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Worth considering if you’ll use the grill as well as the microwave: this white model has a capacity of 25 L, microwave power of 1,000 W and a digital display. The grill adds another cooking mode, but the stated power doesn’t demonstrate how evenly it reheats food.
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This white and stainless-steel freestanding model is an option for everyday reheating if you don’t use grill or convection functions. Check that you have enough space for the appliance and follow the ventilation instructions before installing it.
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For reheating or defrosting with a 19 L appliance, this white model has five power levels, a 30-minute timer and a 245 mm turntable. Check that this diameter suits your plates; the Inverter label alone doesn’t establish how evenly it heats food.
Choose a built-in model if you want an integrated installation and the housing, power supply and ventilation meet the instructions for that exact model. A freestanding model is suitable if you’d like to be able to move it, provided you have a suitable surface and don’t block its vents.
Don’t use the same measurement for every appliance: follow the installation diagram for the model you’ve chosen. Whirlpool France advises that the vents on a freestanding microwave must not be blocked; a built-in model must also meet the requirements for its cabinet and model.
Compare results from tests carried out using a shared protocol, rather than looking only at the stated wattage. For everyday meals, consider how evenly and quickly each model reheats food, as well as its defrosting performance. Que Choisir Ensemble says it has independent laboratories test microwaves sold in France.
Only if the label says it’s suitable for microwave use and you follow the instructions. The DGCCRF advises that cling film and bags should not be used in the microwave unless they are specifically labelled as suitable for this purpose.