For reheating and defrosting
If you live in a studio flat and mainly use your appliance for these two tasks, a solo microwave should do the job. Check its external dimensions before putting it on a small worktop.
Which type is right for you?
Your choice depends mainly on what you want to cook, beyond everyday reheating.
For the occasional browned or crispy finish
If you usually reheat meals but would also like to brown or crisp some dishes, a model with a grill gives you that option. However, a grill is not the same as the fan-assisted cooking found in a combination microwave.
For cooking without a separate oven
If you don’t have access to a usable oven, a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking can handle some oven-style tasks. Measure the available space and check the installation requirements for the model you choose.
What should you check before choosing?
First decide what you’ll actually cook, then measure the available space with the door open.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Check the exact model’s specifications for microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking functions separately. According to UFC-Que Choisir, combination models can grill and cook using fan-assisted heat; a grill alone does not confirm that the latter function is included. | I mainly reheat meals, but I want to know whether I’ll occasionally brown or crisp dishes, or whether the appliance will also need to handle some oven-style cooking. |
| Size | Compare the external width, depth and height, then check the space in front of the door and the clearances specified in the manual. For example, Panasonic France gives dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for the 20 L NN-E20JW and 520 × 520 × 327 mm for the 30 L NN-C69KS combination model. | My worktop space is limited, so the appliance needs to fit in its spot and still be usable with the door open. |
| Containers | Check the instructions for the dish, film or bag before putting it in the microwave. The DGCCRF advises that film or a bag without a clear statement confirming it is microwave-safe should not be used. | I reheat ready meals and want to choose the right container for each one. |
| Model support | Check that your chosen model is still available, what’s included in the box, and what the manufacturer says about spare parts and repairs. ADEME recommends checking the information that can help you identify appliances designed to last. | I’d rather check the accessories and repair options before choosing a model. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination microwave based on capacity alone
An appliance with several functions can still be too deep or get in the way when you open the door. Panasonic France gives an external depth of 520 mm for the NN-C69KS combination model, compared with 330 mm for the solo NN-E20JW.
Measure the space for the appliance and the room in front of it, then check the manual for the exact model’s ventilation clearances.
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Assuming a grill is the same as fan-assisted oven cooking
A grill lets you brown or crisp food, but it doesn’t mean the appliance can cook using convection. This distinction matters if you want it to replace some of the functions of an oven.
Look for “fan-assisted cooking” or “convection” and the corresponding temperature range in the model’s specifications.
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Heating food in packaging without checking its instructions
Instructions vary between types of packaging. Anses says that heating food too intensely can increase the migration of substances from some packaging.
Follow the product instructions. For film or a bag, the DGCCRF advises against using it in the microwave unless it is clearly labelled as microwave-safe.
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Assuming a model mentioned here is still available
A product specification can still be useful for comparing functions and dimensions, even if the model is no longer sold. For example, Samsung France says the MC28H5015AW is no longer available.
Before making your choice, check with the retailer that your preferred model is available and confirm which accessories are included.
Which branded models should you compare?
These models give you examples of different functions and sizes to compare. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean that they’re available from any particular retailer.
Panasonic
Panasonic France lists three different types: the solo NN-E20JW, the NN-K10JW with grill, and the NN-C69KS combination model with fan-assisted cooking.
- The specifications give the external dimensions: 443 × 330 × 258 mm for the NN-E20JW, 443 × 340 × 258 mm for the NN-K10JW and 520 × 520 × 327 mm for the NN-C69KS.
- The 30 L NN-C69KS takes up more space than the two 20 L models listed here. Also check whether the model you’re interested in is available.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers freestanding microwaves with a grill as well as combination models. Check the exact functions of each model to tell them apart.
- The MWF259SG specifications list a 25 L cavity, microwave and grill functions, and dimensions of 49 × 46,8 × 32,5 cm.
- These functions don’t confirm that the MWF259SG has fan-assisted cooking. Check this feature if you’re looking for oven-style cooking.
Samsung
Samsung France distinguishes between the uses of a standard microwave, a grill model and a combination model, depending on the space you have and how you cook.
- The MC28H5015AW specifications describe a 28 L combination model with microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Samsung France says this model is no longer available. Its specifications help explain the category, but don’t confirm that you can buy it.
Which models can you browse on Joybuy?
These models give you a chance to explore microwaves for everyday reheating, including a grill model for browning or crisping. If you plan to cook using fan-assisted heat without a separate oven, check explicitly that the appliance you’re considering has this function.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L black microwave
For reheating or defrosting meals in a kitchenette. The model name indicates 700 W, 11 power levels and a defrost function. Check the cooking functions and required installation clearances before deciding where to put it.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
Worth considering if you mainly use a microwave for reheating and defrosting. The model name indicates 700 W, six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Measure the space and check the manual for installation instructions.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
Consider this if you’d like to brown or crisp food occasionally as well as reheat meals. The title gives a microwave power rating of 700 W. If you also want to cook using fan-assisted heat, check this function separately for the exact model.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting, without the need for grilling or fan-assisted cooking. The model name mentions quick defrost and a 23 L capacity. Check the dimensions and required clearances in the manual.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L microwave
A 700 W model to consider for everyday solo microwave use. Before installing it in a kitchenette, check the required clearances in the manual and make sure there’s enough room to open the door.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a kitchenette?
It can handle some oven-style tasks if the model really does have fan-assisted cooking. UFC-Que Choisir lists grilling and fan-assisted cooking among the functions of combination models. Before choosing one, check that the appliance will fit in your kitchenette and that you can meet the clearances specified in its manual.
What measurements should I take before buying?
Measure the available width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the door. Then compare these measurements with the exact model’s external dimensions and installation instructions. For example, Panasonic France gives dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for the NN-E20JW and 520 × 520 × 327 mm for the NN-C69KS combination model.
Is a grill model enough for oven-style cooking?
Not if your cooking needs fan-assisted heat: having a grill doesn’t confirm that this function is included. To handle this type of cooking, look for convection or fan-assisted cooking and its temperature range in the specifications for the model you’re considering.
Can you put any type of packaging in a microwave?
No. The DGCCRF advises following the instructions for containers intended to come into contact with food. Film or a bag without a clear statement confirming it is microwave-safe should not be used in a microwave. Also follow the product’s reheating instructions: Anses warns that heating food too intensely can increase the migration of substances from some packaging.