If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave may be all you need. Choose a model with a grill if you also want to brown dishes, or a combi if you’ll genuinely use oven-style cooking. A small conventional oven is another option if baking and roasting are your priority and you have the space, but it won’t replace a microwave. Whatever you choose, measure the space, check the ventilation requirements and follow the instructions for your containers.
If you mostly want to reheat or defrost food in a studio flat or second home, a solo model can save you paying for cooking modes you won’t use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo microwaves, grill models and combi models.
The space available and the ventilation requirements in the manual matter just as much as the capacity of the cavity. Étudiant.gouv also describes accommodation with a shared kitchen or a microwave already provided, so check what your accommodation includes before buying one.
If you plan to make more than just reheated meals, check that the modes you want, such as a grill or fan-assisted heat, are included on the exact model you’re considering. A small conventional oven may also suit you if oven cooking is your priority and you have somewhere to put it.
Your choice depends on which functions you’ll use and how much space you have. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a grill, which is useful for browning dishes, and oven-style cooking, which some combi models offer. Whirlpool also advises against blocking the ventilation openings.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Microwave and defrost functions; space for your dishes. | If I mainly want to reheat and defrost food without paying for modes I won’t use, I’d choose a simple model. Around 33% of consumers put these uses first. |
| Space and installation | The accommodation inventory and external dimensions; the ventilation instructions in the manual. | In a small kitchen or accommodation, I’d first check where the appliance can go and whether one is already provided. Around 27% of consumers put available space ahead of other criteria. |
| Oven-style cooking | Whether it actually has fan-assisted or convection cooking; the microwave function, if you need that too. | If I want to cook without installing a separate oven, I’d check the exact modes and whether they suit the way I plan to use it. Around 27% of consumers prioritise oven-style cooking. |
| Browning and grilling | Whether it has a grill mode; which accessories and containers are permitted by the manual. | If you want to brown certain dishes without necessarily needing fan-assisted cooking, a grill mode may be enough. Around 13% of consumers prioritise browning and grilling. |
A grill and oven-style cooking are separate functions. The word “grill” alone doesn’t mean an appliance has fan-assisted cooking.
Check the cooking modes listed for the exact model and look separately for a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
The cavity capacity doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or whether its ventilation openings will be clear.
Measure the space available and check the dimensions and installation instructions in the manual before ordering.
Some student accommodation has a microwave or gives you access to a shared kitchen.
Ask for an inventory of the accommodation and check the residence rules before you buy.
Two models listed on Samsung France illustrate different functions: the solo MS23K3515AK/EF and the MG23K3614AW/EF with a grill.
The MCP349WH is an example of a freestanding combi microwave with fan-assisted heat.
LG France describes the MH7265DDS as a 32 L grill microwave.
The Optimo 19 L OX444810 is an example of a small conventional oven to consider if oven cooking is your priority and you have space to install it.
This selection includes solo microwaves, models with a grill and a combi microwave, so you can compare reheating and cooking functions to suit the space you have.
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Worth considering if you want a simple appliance for reheating and defrosting.
20 L; 700 W; 6 power levels; 30 min timer; defrost function; 360° turntable.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food with the added option of grilling.
25 L; 1000 W; digital display; white.
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Worth considering if you want a microwave with a grill and defrost function.
25 L; 1000 W; black.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat or defrost food and have a grill mode too.
20 L; 700 W microwave power; 800 W grill power; black.
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Worth considering if you want a microwave with additional cooking modes.
29 L; 1000 W microwave power; 1000 W grill power; steam cooking; stainless steel.
Check the inventory and the rules for your residence first. Étudiant.gouv describes shared kitchens and accommodation that may already have a microwave; residents must follow the house rules.
No, not necessarily for furnished accommodation covered by Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015. The list specifies an “oven or microwave oven”, so a microwave isn’t compulsory. This rule alone doesn’t determine what equipment must be provided in every second home or university room.
Compare the model’s dimensions with the available space and follow its installation instructions. For freestanding appliances, Whirlpool advises against blocking the ventilation openings. The exact clearances required depend on the manual for the model you choose.
Follow the usage instructions on the container or its packaging. The DGCCRF recommends checking the instructions for microwave use, while Anses also advises following the preparation instructions for packaged food designed for this purpose. A microwave-safe label doesn’t automatically mean the container is suitable for a grill or conventional oven.
You can contact the professional seller to claim under the legal guarantee of conformity, if the item is covered. The Ministry of the Economy explains that this applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold to consumers. It is separate from an optional commercial extended warranty.