Choose a solo microwave if you mainly want to reheat and defrost, a model with a grill if you’d also like to brown dishes, or a combination microwave if you plan to cook food as you would in an oven. In a small kitchen, check the space each model needs for ventilation and its power consumption, as well as its dimensions.
Whether you live in a studio flat, have a kitchenette or own a holiday home, you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, rather than expect the appliance to replace an oven. UFC-Que Choisir lists these types of homes among the situations where a microwave may be worth considering.
You’d like to keep the convenience of a microwave while browning some dishes too. A model with a grill can do the job, but that doesn’t mean it can handle every type of oven cooking.
You regularly prepare meals that need more than just reheating. A combination microwave may be worth considering, as long as you have enough space and the right electrical supply for the model you choose.
Start with the meals you’ll prepare most often, then check whether the right appliance will fit in your kitchen.
Choose this: if you want to reheat and defrost, without needing to brown food or cook as you would in an oven.
The trade-off: it doesn’t have grill or fan oven functions.
Choose this: if you’d like to brown or grill some dishes as well as reheat food.
The trade-off: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan oven function.
Choose this: if you regularly plan to cook food as you would in an oven, and the model you choose has the functions you need.
The trade-off: check its dimensions, accessories and power consumption carefully before buying.
| Priority | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | External dimensions and space needed for ventilation; the size of dishes that will fit. | If I mainly reheat meals in a studio flat or holiday home, I want an appliance that suits this purpose without taking up space for functions I don’t need. Around 50% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Browning and grilling | Listed grill settings and accessories approved in the instruction manual. | For the occasional grilled dish, I’d like to add a golden finish without making the appliance my main oven. Around 30% of consumers put this need first. |
| Cooking as you would in an oven | Whether the exact model has a fan oven function; its power consumption and installation space. | If I don’t have a practical oven and cook regularly, additional cooking modes become essential. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this use. |
A combination microwave can meet additional cooking needs, but those functions won’t add anything if you only reheat or defrost meals.
Make a note of the meals you’ll actually prepare. This will help you tell the difference between an occasional need for a grill and a regular need for oven-style cooking.
The capacity of the cavity doesn’t tell you how much worktop space the appliance will take up or how much clearance it needs for ventilation. Whirlpool France advises you not to block the air vents.
Measure the space available and check the external dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model.
The stated microwave power alone doesn’t tell you how much electricity the appliance uses when you use the grill or a combination mode.
Check the model’s electrical specifications and make sure they’re compatible with your power supply before installation.
Whirlpool France offers straightforward freestanding microwaves, including models with a grill and combination models.
Electrolux France offers freestanding microwaves with a grill, among other options.
LG France offers a range of combination microwaves, with microwave, grill and fan oven functions available on some models.
Samsung France’s support site lists both solo and combination microwave models.
These Joybuy models cover reheating with a solo microwave, browning with a grill and additional cooking with a combination microwave. First choose the option that suits the meals you make, then check the installation requirements for the model you’ve picked.
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For reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen, without the need to brown dishes. The stated microwave power is 700 W, and the product name lists 11 power levels. Check the manual for ventilation clearances and the electrical specifications needed for installation.
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For meals you need to reheat and dishes you’d sometimes like to grill. The product name lists a microwave power of 700 W. Check the manual for compatible accessories and required clearances, and check the power consumption too.
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For reheating and defrosting, without a grill function. The product name lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Compare its external dimensions with the space you have, then check the ventilation requirements in the manual.
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For reheating and defrosting, if this size fits on your worktop. The product name lists a connection power of 1 150 W, which is different from the microwave output power. Check the dimensions and clearances in the MS23K3513 documentation.
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Worth considering if you plan to use additional cooking modes regularly, beyond reheating. Its size means you’ll need to measure your worktop carefully. Also check the exact modes, installation clearances and maximum electrical power in the MJ3965ACS documentation.
Yes, if you mainly plan to reheat and defrost food. For browning and grilling, look for a model with a grill. If you regularly want to cook as you would in an oven, check that a combination model has the functions you need, including a fan oven function if required.
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model, as they vary between appliances. Whirlpool France advises you not to block the air vents or place anything on top of the microwave.
Check the model’s power consumption, voltage and current ratings, as well as the available power supply. Don’t confuse the microwave output power with the power the appliance may draw in its other modes.