Student or renter who mainly reheats meals
If reheating and defrosting are your main priorities, a solo microwave is a good place to start. Just check that your plates fit inside and that the appliance will fit in the space you have in mind.
Which appliance suits your needs?
Someone without an oven who wants to brown food now and then
A microwave with a grill adds browning to reheating and defrosting. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from convection cooking, so check the settings on your chosen model if you also want to cook food as you would in an oven.
Someone planning to cook oven-style dishes
For pizzas, bakes or cakes, compare a combination microwave with the cooking setting you need against a compact mini oven. Your choice will also depend on the space available, the accessories you need and how often you use a microwave to reheat food in your day-to-day life.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the dishes you actually make, then check that the features you need are compatible with the space and installation available.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking settings | Know the difference between a solo microwave, a grill and convection cooking; check the settings on the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir, for example, distinguishes browning with a grill from convection cooking. | I mainly reheat and defrost food: a basic model may be enough. If I want to brown food, I’ll look for a grill; if I regularly cook as I would in an oven, I’ll compare combination microwaves with mini ovens. |
| Available space | Compare the external width, height and depth, the space needed with the door open and the usable dimensions for your dishes. The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how much worktop space it will take up. | My appliance needs to fit in the kitchen, while still leaving room to open the door and remove a dish easily. |
| Installation | Check the model’s manual for ventilation clearances and permitted locations. Also check the voltage, power consumption, current and cable length in the product specifications. | I want to install the appliance in the space I’ve chosen, with a suitable power supply and the ventilation clearance required by the manufacturer. |
| Cooking needs | For a combination microwave, distinguish between microwave-and-grill cooking and convection cooking; check the settings and accessories needed for your dishes. UFC-Que Choisir assesses these cooking functions separately in its testing protocol. | If I mainly plan to make pizzas or bakes, I’ll check for the relevant function rather than relying on the word ‘combination’ alone. |
Two mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
A cavity that fits your plate doesn’t mean the appliance will fit on your unit. You’ll also need room to open the door; Whirlpool France highlights the extra depth needed when the door is open.
Measure the space and your dishes, then compare those measurements with the external and internal dimensions of the model you’re considering.
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Assuming a combination microwave automatically replaces an oven
According to UFC-Que Choisir, grill, combination cooking and convection cooking are distinct functions for different uses. So, the presence of one setting doesn’t mean the appliance will suit all the dishes you usually cook.
Make a list of the dishes you plan to cook regularly and check the settings and accessories you’ll need. If oven cooking matters more to you than microwave reheating, compare a compact mini oven as well.
A few examples from well-known brands
These examples show different configurations you can compare. The features mentioned apply to the specific models named, not every product from each brand.
Electrolux
The freestanding EMZ421MMK microwave is an example of the dimensions and power supply you’ll want to check against the needs of a small kitchen.
- Electrolux France lists dimensions of 262 × 442 × 345 mm and a 230 V / 10 A power supply for the EMZ421MMK.
- These specifications apply to the EMZ421MMK. Check the product details and manual for any other Electrolux model you’re considering.
Samsung
The MG23K3515CK/EF is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill.
- Samsung lists a capacity of 23 L and external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 392 mm for this model.
- Its grill function shouldn’t be confused with convection cooking. Check that it has the settings you need for your dishes.
Moulinex
The Optimo 19 L mini oven is a useful comparison if oven-style cooking is your priority.
- Moulinex lists convection, conventional heat and grill settings for the Optimo 19 L.
- A mini oven doesn’t have a microwave function, so consider your reheating and defrosting needs before choosing this option.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models are suited to reheating and defrosting; some also offer the option to brown food. Check the settings on the specific model before choosing an appliance for oven-style cooking.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill, 700 W, black
Worth considering if you reheat and defrost meals, with a grill for browning food now and then. Measure the space needed with the door open and check that the usable cavity dimensions suit your dishes.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L freestanding microwave, 800 W, titanium
For reheating and defrosting, with browning as an extra to check on the EMZ421MMTI product page. Check its settings and power requirements, and make sure there’s enough room to open the door before choosing a spot for it.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L solo microwave, 900 W, black
Worth comparing for reheating and defrosting if its 25 L capacity and dimensions suit your space. If you’d also like to brown food, check the exact settings for the H25MOBS7H in its product details and manual before choosing it for this purpose.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave, 700 W, black
For reheating and defrosting simple portions: the product description mentions six preset programmes and eleven power levels. Check the model’s dimensions, ventilation clearances and power requirements to make sure it’s suitable for your installation.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
A solo model to consider for reheating and defrosting. Before installing it in a small kitchen, check its dimensions and door clearance against the space available, then follow the ventilation instructions in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
Does a combination microwave always replace a conventional oven?
No. Choose one based on the dishes you want to cook and the settings actually available on the model. UFC-Que Choisir assesses grill, combination cooking, pizza and convection separately. Also check which accessories you’ll need for the way you plan to use it.
What should I measure for a kitchen without an oven?
Measure the available width, height and depth, the space needed to open the door and the size of your dishes. Then compare these measurements with the dimensions of the specific model and allow for the ventilation clearances given in its manual.
What should I check about the power supply?
Check the voltage, power consumption, current and cable length of the model you’re considering, then make sure they’re compatible with your installation. As an example for one specific model, Electrolux France lists 230 V and 10 A for the EMZ421MMK; these specifications don’t automatically apply to another Electrolux microwave.