For everyday reheating and defrosting
If you already use your main oven for baking, a solo microwave suits these everyday tasks without adding a grill or fan oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions in its microwave buying guide.
Who are these options for?
For browning small portions
You keep your oven for longer cooking, but sometimes want to brown a dish in the microwave. A model with a grill can do the job; a grill alone doesn’t provide fan-assisted cooking, as the functions listed for the Electrolux Y4SM25TBK show.
For a second cooking cavity
When your main oven is in use, a combination model can cook certain dishes if you plan to use its oven modes. Whirlpool France describes the MCP349WH as having fan-assisted cooking with a circular heating element and fan; this feature is specific to that model.
What sets the models apart?
First decide whether your new appliance only needs to provide microwave functions, add a grill or act as a second cooking cavity. Then treat built-in installation as a separate consideration: it doesn’t determine the cooking modes on its own.
Solo
Choose this if: your existing oven will continue to handle browning and baking.
Bear in mind: this type of appliance doesn’t add a grill or fan oven.
With grill
Choose this if: you mainly want to brown a small dish from time to time.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has fan-assisted cooking.
Combination with fan oven
Choose this if: you plan to use a second cooking cavity while your main oven is in use.
Bear in mind: some of its functions may duplicate those of the oven you already own.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Relevant shopper needs |
|---|---|---|
| Essential functions | Decide whether reheating and defrosting are enough; check that the specific model has the functions you want. | My oven already takes care of cooking dishes, so I mainly want to reheat and defrost without adding another oven function. Around 37% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Browning | Check that it has a grill and includes any accessories needed to use it. | For a small portion that needs browning, I’d like to use the microwave instead of turning on the main oven every time. This occasional browning would be a priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Second cooking cavity | Check for fan-assisted cooking and combination modes, and make sure there’s enough room for your dishes. | If the oven is in use, I’d like to cook another dish in a separate cavity. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise this option. |
| Installation | Compare the three dimensions of the housing or worktop space with the model’s product details and instructions. | My kitchen has a specific space for the appliance, so I need to be able to install it in accordance with the instructions. For around 18% of consumers, this compatibility would be the most important consideration. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a combination model for programmes you won’t use
In a kitchen that already has an oven, you may not use the combination model’s fan oven if you don’t need a second cooking cavity.
Start with the dishes you actually plan to cook in it. If you’ll mainly use the appliance for reheating and defrosting, look at solo models first.
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Confusing a grill with fan-assisted cooking
A grill can brown the top of a dish, but it won’t provide the fan-assisted cooking you need to use the microwave as a second oven.
If having this second oven function matters to you, look specifically for fan-assisted cooking or convection, and check the modes listed for the exact model.
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Checking only the front width of a built-in model
The depth, height of the housing and installation requirements matter too. Electrolux France gives the installation dimensions for the Electrolux Y4SM25TBK as 380 × 560 × 550 mm; these don’t apply to other models.
Measure the housing in all three dimensions and compare them with the product details and installation instructions before ordering.
Brands to consider, model by model
The models below show how configurations can differ. Check the specifications of the model you’re interested in rather than assuming they apply to an entire brand.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France lists the MCP349WH, a 25 L freestanding combination microwave.
- The official product details describe fan-assisted cooking with a circular heating element and fan. This is worth considering if you’ll use it for oven-style cooking in a second cavity.
- This feature is specified for the MCP349WH. Check that it’s included on any other model you’re considering.
Electrolux
Electrolux France lists the Y4SM25TBK, a built-in microwave with grill.
- Its product details list microwave, grill and microwave-with-grill modes, as well as a housing size of 380 × 560 × 550 mm.
- The grill is useful for browning, but shouldn’t be mistaken for fan-assisted cooking.
Bosch
Bosch Home Appliances France lists both the 20 L BFL523MB1F built-in microwave and the 44 L CMA485GB2 built-in compact combination oven.
- These two models let you consider separately whether you need to replace your microwave functions or want a second cooking cavity with a Hotair function.
- Their dimensions and functions differ. Check the model number and matching housing dimensions before choosing either configuration.
Panasonic
Panasonic France lists freestanding combination models, including the NN-C69K and NN-CS88.
- The NN-C69K product details describe fan-assisted cooking, while those for the NN-CS88 also list steam and two-level convection.
- These modes vary by model. Check which ones you’ll use, the appliance dimensions and its availability before making your choice.
Microwaves for different needs
These Joybuy models cover everyday reheating with a solo microwave, browning with a grill model and second-cavity cooking with combination models. First decide which functions you’ll use alongside your current oven, then check that the appliance will fit in the space available.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI with grill, 25 L, 900 W, titanium
Worth considering if you want to reheat and brown small dishes in a freestanding appliance.
The model name indicates a capacity of 25 L and a power rating of 900 W. If you also want fan-assisted cooking, check separately whether this function is included. Consult the instructions for the clearance required in your chosen location.
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Samsung MS23K3513 Solo with Quick Defrost, 23 L
For a household that uses its oven for baking and mainly wants to reheat or defrost food in the microwave.
This solo model is listed with a capacity of 23 L and Quick Defrost. Check the ventilation instructions before deciding where to place it.
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LG MJ3965ACS combination microwave, 39 L, black
Worth considering if a second cooking cavity would come in handy when your main oven is in use.
The model name indicates a capacity of 39 L. Before choosing a combination model, make sure you’ll use its cooking modes alongside your oven and that it can be installed in accordance with the instructions.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For replacing an appliance used mainly for reheating, without adding an oven function you already have.
The model name indicates a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. If defrosting is essential for your needs, check that this model has the function you want. Also consult the instructions when choosing where to place it.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB 3-in-1 combination microwave, 42 L
Worth considering if you plan to use a second cooking cavity for dishes that can’t wait until your main oven is free.
The model name indicates a capacity of 42 L. Check that its modes suit the dishes you cook, that the appliance fits in the space available and that its electrical specifications are compatible with your installation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a combination microwave useful if I already have an oven?
Yes, if you’ll genuinely use its second cooking cavity or additional cooking modes. Otherwise, a solo model may be enough for reheating and defrosting. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combination models, so consider which dishes your current oven can’t cook when you need it to.
Does a microwave with a grill also have fan-assisted cooking?
No. Having a grill doesn’t mean the microwave also has fan-assisted cooking. If you want to cook in a second ventilated cavity, look for fan-assisted cooking or “convection” in the model’s specifications. Electrolux France lists microwave and grill functions for the Y4SM25TBK, while Whirlpool France describes fan-assisted cooking for the MCP349WH.
What should I measure before replacing a built-in microwave?
Measure the height, width and depth of the housing, then compare them with the new appliance’s installation dimensions and instructions. A similar front width doesn’t guarantee it will fit: Electrolux France gives the housing dimensions for the Y4SM25TBK as 380 × 560 × 550 mm. These measurements apply to this model only.
Is the listed power rating enough to compare two microwaves?
No. Reheating and defrosting performance, as well as ease of use, also matter. UFC-Que Choisir’s published testing protocol looks at factors including evenness and speed of reheating, as well as defrosting. For a grill or combination model, compare the functions you’ll actually use too.