Without a conventional oven, a solo microwave is mainly useful for reheating and defrosting. A model with a grill adds browning, while a combination microwave with convection can also handle some oven-style cooking. UFC-Que Choisir says combination models are generally more expensive. Before choosing one for its extra features, check the appliance’s dimensions, the clearance it needs and the dishes you plan to use in it.
If you want to make more than just reheated meals, compare the grill and convection settings actually offered and check that the appliance can be installed in your home. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between grilling and convection cooking.
If you mainly want to reheat and defrost portions, a solo model may do the job without making grilling or convection a priority. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a solo microwave can also cook some foods suited to microwave cooking.
If you sometimes want to brown a dish but don’t need convection cooking, consider a model with a grill and check the settings on the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir describes the grill as a browning function that is distinct from convection.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost meals, and don’t expect the appliance to brown food or cook using convection.
Limitation: a solo model doesn’t include grill or convection functions.
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or crisp up some dishes.
Limitation: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has convection.
Choose this if: you’d also like to try some oven-style cooking, particularly with convection, and have a suitable place to install it.
Limitation: UFC-Que Choisir says combination models are generally more expensive; their settings and accessories vary by model.
For people looking for an appliance for a home without a conventional oven, cooking functions, available space, everyday meals and browning may all be different priorities. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between grill and convection functions; also check the dimensions and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Oven-style cooking | If you need both, check that the exact model lists convection and a grill; also check the temperatures and accessories you need for your recipes. | If I don’t have an oven but also want to cook some dishes, I check that convection is included. Around 31% of consumers prioritise oven-style cooking. |
| Space and dish size | Measure the width, depth and height; check the door opening, turntable or cavity, and the clearances specified in the instructions. | If worktop space is limited or my plates need to fit, I compare the appliance’s dimensions with those of my dishes. Around 25% of consumers prioritise where the microwave will go and its usable capacity. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost controls, capacity for your portions and turntable size; you don’t need a grill or convection for these uses alone. | If I mainly reheat and defrost portions, I prioritise the microwave functions and a suitable size. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these uses. |
| Occasional browning | Look for a grill function on the exact model’s product page; if you also want convection cooking, check for that separately. | If I want to brown some dishes without expecting oven-style cooking, I check that it has a grill. Around 19% of consumers prioritise browning. |
A grill is for browning, while convection is a different cooking method. So an appliance with a grill alone may not meet your needs if you want oven-style cooking.
Check that both settings are clearly listed on the product page for the model you’re considering, and that they suit the dishes you want to prepare.
If a recipe calls for a setting the appliance doesn’t have, you’ll need to choose another cooking method.
Depth, height, door clearance and ventilation space can also determine whether the appliance will fit in the space available.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, check that the door can open and follow the instructions for the exact model.
If the space doesn’t allow for the recommended installation, you may need to rethink the layout.
The internal volume and turntable diameter alone don’t tell you what size dishes will fit inside the appliance.
Compare your usual dishes with the turntable and cavity, then check that they’ll fit through the open door.
Extra features will only meet your needs if the appliance can be installed and used in your home. The Crous network’s guide sets out the rules for cooking appliances in its residences.
Work out which settings you really need, read the instructions and, if you live in a residence, check the rules provided for your accommodation.
Features you don’t use can add complexity without meeting your main needs.
The MAX 34/BL is an example of a freestanding solo microwave worth considering when space is limited.
LG France describes the MH6032GAS as a 20 L microwave with a grill.
Samsung France describes the MC28M6035CK/EF as a 28 L combination microwave.
Panasonic France describes the NN-CT56RB as a combination microwave with microwave, grill, convection and air-frying functions.
This selection includes solo microwaves, models with a grill and combination models. Compare their functions and dimensions with your needs and the space available.
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Worth considering if you reheat and defrost meals but also want to brown some dishes.
Stated capacity: 20 L; turntable: 245 mm; external dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm.
The product information lists a grill function; check the exact settings if convection matters for your recipes.
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Worth a look if you want microwave, grill and extra cooking functions in one freestanding appliance.
Stated capacity: 29 L; turntable: 31,5 cm; external dimensions: 52,3 × 44,9 × 30,0 cm.
The description mentions a grill, steam cooking and a low-temperature function; check which settings and accessories your recipes require.
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Worth considering if you’ll mainly use it for reheating and defrosting.
Capacity: 19 L; power: 700 W; turntable: 245 mm; 5 power levels.
Stated external dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
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Worth a look if you want an appliance that combines microwave, grill and convection functions.
Stated capacity: 42 L; external dimensions: 553 × 326 × 505 mm.
The description lists a temperature range of 140 to 230 °C; compare the appliance’s size and settings with your needs.
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Worth considering if you want microwave, grill, convection and steam functions in one appliance.
Stated capacity: 39 L; turntable: 36 cm; external dimensions: 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm.
The description mentions an accessory designed for steam cooking; check the dimensions and accessories needed for your installation.
No. It may be suitable for some grilling or convection cooking, but this depends on its settings and accessories. UFC-Que Choisir assesses different uses separately, including grilling and baking small cakes using convection. Check the model’s specifications against the recipes you make.
Don’t rely on the appliance’s dimensions alone: you also need to allow for the door to open and for ventilation. Samsung France gives general guidelines of 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, while noting that clearances vary by model. Follow the instructions for the appliance you choose.
Compare your dishes with the turntable and cavity dimensions, then check that they’ll fit through the open door. For the Whirlpool MAX 34/BL, the manufacturer’s product information lists a capacity of 13 L and a 28 cm turntable, so the capacity in litres alone won’t tell you what size dishes will fit.
The Crous network guide, updated on 2 September 2026, says that microwaves are allowed in the accommodation and shared areas covered by the guide, and recommends not using extension leads with multiple sockets. Check your residence rules too; the guide doesn’t explicitly cover every type of combination microwave setup.
Not necessarily. Check the container’s markings and the appliance instructions for the cooking setting you’re using. The DGCCRF recommends using products in line with their intended purpose; being suitable for one function doesn’t guarantee compatibility with all the others.