For mostly reheating and defrosting
If you have access to a hob, oven or shared kitchen for other types of cooking, a solo microwave will handle these two tasks without adding a grill function you don’t need.
Which option suits your needs?
For occasional browning
A grill microwave lets you brown or crisp food as well as reheat it. Check that the appliance, its accessories and the space needed for ventilation are suitable for your accommodation.
For cooking without access to an oven
A combination microwave can bring several cooking modes together in one appliance. Before choosing one, compare its exact functions, size and electrical requirements with your accommodation’s facilities and rules.
Which type should you choose, and what should you check?
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combination microwaves. In student accommodation, your choice depends first on the cooking facilities you already have access to, then on the space available and installation requirements.
Solo microwave
Choose this: if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, and have another appliance for browning or oven cooking.
Limitation: it doesn’t have a grill function.
Grill microwave
Choose this: if you also want to brown or crisp food occasionally without using a separate oven.
Limitation: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has all the functions of a combination microwave.
Combination microwave
Consider this: if you don’t have access to a usable oven and also want oven-style cooking.
Consideration: check the space, ventilation and electrical specifications for the exact model before giving up worktop space for it.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Meals and containers | Compare the reheating and defrosting settings, then check the capacity and turntable size against the dishes you usually use. If you want to brown food, check that the necessary modes are available. | I mainly reheat individual portions, so my plate or dish needs to fit inside the cavity. If I want to brown a meal, I’ll need a function designed for that. |
| Space and ventilation | Measure the available width, depth and height. Allow for the clearances specified in the manual and don’t block the vents; Whirlpool recommends placing a freestanding model on a flat surface. | My worktop is narrow, so I need to be able to fit the appliance there and keep its vents clear—not just make sure the front fits. |
| Accommodation facilities | Ask for an inventory and a copy of the accommodation rules and any appendices. Crous de Paris explains that the appliances provided depend on the residence; Crous de Reims says that additional conditions may supplement its rules. | Before buying, I want to know whether a microwave or shared kitchen is already available, and which rules apply to my accommodation. |
| Electrical requirements and accessories | Compare the electrical specifications for the exact model with your accommodation’s requirements. Check the manual for guidance on accessories for each mode; don’t use metal containers in microwave mode. | If I choose a grill or combination model, I want to know which accessories are permitted in each mode and, if I’m unsure, get confirmation that the installation is suitable. |
What to avoid before you buy
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Buying without checking your accommodation’s rules
Crous de Paris says that the appliances provided vary by residence, and additional conditions may supplement local rules. An appliance could therefore duplicate what your accommodation already provides or not meet its requirements.
Before ordering, ask for an inventory and a copy of the accommodation rules and any appendices that apply to your residence.
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Measuring only the front
An appliance may fit the available width but not the depth, or it may not have enough space for ventilation.
Measure the surface in all three dimensions and allow for the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. Don’t block the vents.
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Choosing a function you can already use elsewhere
A grill or combination microwave may add little to your meals if you don’t use its extra modes or already have access to the equivalent appliance.
Check which hobs, ovens and shared kitchens you can actually use, then choose the functions you don’t already have access to.
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Confusing a grill rack with a microwave-safe container
A metal rack supplied with a grill model doesn’t mean that metal cookware is safe to use in microwave mode. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this restriction on metal containers.
Follow the manual’s instructions for each mode and use containers explicitly stated to be suitable for microwave mode.
Brands and models to consider
These examples illustrate specific functions and sizes; their features don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Samsung
The MS23K3614AW/EF is an example of a freestanding solo microwave to consider when comparing capacity and the space needed for your dishes.
- Samsung lists a 23 L capacity, automatic defrost and a 28.8 cm turntable for this model.
- This solo model isn’t suitable if you need a grill function.
Panasonic
The NN-E20JW and NN-GM23Q illustrate the difference between a solo and a grill model across specific product references.
- Panasonic lists a 20 L capacity and 800 W for the NN-E20JW; the brand specifies a 1,000 W grill for the NN-GM23Q.
- For the NN-GM23Q, use of the supplied rack depends on the mode and the instructions in the manual.
Electrolux
The EMZ725MMK is a useful reference when checking the electrical specifications of a freestanding grill microwave.
- Electrolux lists a total power rating of 1,350 W, a voltage of 230 V and a current of 10 A for the EMZ725MMK.
- The product information doesn’t describe this grill model as a fan-assisted combination microwave.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s freestanding range includes grill and combination microwaves to consider, depending on the type of cooking you’re looking for.
- The different functions in the range let you compare a need for browning with one for oven-style cooking.
- Whirlpool advises placing a microwave on a flat surface and keeping its vents unobstructed.
Microwaves to compare on Joybuy
These models let you compare 20 to 25 L capacities for reheating and defrosting, including options to consider if you’re looking for a grill. Check the functions of each model before choosing one for this feature.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, black
Worth considering if you want to reheat food and use a grill occasionally. Its product description lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W microwave power. Measure the available space and check the manual for clearances and which accessories are permitted in each mode.
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Freestanding Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L, titanium
If you’re considering several cooking modes for a small space, check this model’s functions and accessories before relying on it to brown or crisp food. Its product description lists a 21 L capacity and 800 W; also allow for the clearances specified for installation.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H solo, 25 L, black
The solo designation suggests this model is primarily for reheating and defrosting; it lists a 25 L capacity and 900 W. If browning is important to you, check the functions of the exact model rather than assuming it has a grill, and check the installation clearances too.
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Samsung MS23K3513 Solo Quick Defrost, 23 L
Worth comparing if you reheat and defrost food but don’t need a grill. The product description lists a 23 L capacity and Quick Defrost function; check the manual for the space needed around the appliance before installing it.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, 700 W, black
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting when these are more important to you than browning. Its product description lists six pre-set menus and 11 power levels; check the space, ventilation and electrical specifications in the manual for this model.
Frequently asked questions
Are microwaves always allowed in student accommodation?
Don’t assume the same rules apply everywhere. Crous de Paris says that the appliances provided depend on the residence, while Crous de Reims says additional conditions may supplement its rules. Before buying, ask for the rules and inventory that apply to your accommodation.
Can you use the metal rack in a grill microwave?
Only in the modes permitted by the model’s manual. Panasonic says a rack is supplied with the NN-GM23Q, but this doesn’t mean metal cookware can be used in microwave mode. Check the instructions for combination modes too.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances given in the manual for the model you choose, rather than relying on one measurement for every microwave. Place the appliance on a flat surface and keep its vents clear, as advised in Whirlpool’s installation guidance.
How can you check whether your accommodation’s electrical supply is suitable?
Compare the electrical specifications and instructions in the manual for your chosen model with your accommodation’s electrical supply. For example, Electrolux lists a total power rating of 1,350 W, 230 V and 10 A for the EMZ725MMK only. If you’re unsure about the socket or circuit, ask your accommodation manager to confirm it rather than altering the installation.