Students who mainly reheat meals
If you prepare individual portions and mostly use your appliance for reheating and defrosting, a solo microwave may be all you need, as long as you’re not expecting it to brown food or cook like an oven.
Who are these options for?
Students who want to brown food occasionally
If you reheat most of your meals but sometimes want to brown the top of a dish, a model with a grill can do the job without assuming you need an oven function.
Students without a conventional oven
If gratins, baking or roast-style dishes feature regularly on your menu, consider a combination microwave with the cooking functions you need. Then make sure it fits in your accommodation with the required ventilation space.
What to consider when choosing an appliance
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo microwaves, models with a grill and combination microwaves according to how they cook. Start with the meals you actually make, then check that an appliance suited to those meals can be installed in your space and fit your dishes.
| Your needs | What to check before buying | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the available settings and the cavity dimensions against the size of your containers. | I mainly prepare simple portions and don’t need to brown them; around 39% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Occasional browning | Confirm that it has a grill and check which accessories are supplied for using it. | I often reheat meals, but would sometimes like to brown a dish; around 23% of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Cooking with one appliance | Check for convection or fan-assisted cooking, the available temperatures and the space needed for installation. | I don’t have a separate oven and want to regularly cook dishes that need oven-style cooking; around 23% of consumers prioritise this versatility. |
| Mostly oven cooking | Compare the functions and footprint of a mini oven with those of a combination microwave, especially if you’re also keeping a microwave. | I make gratins or baked goods more often than I reheat meals; for around 15% of consumers, traditional cooking is the main need. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a combination microwave for functions you’ll rarely use
A combination microwave only saves space compared with a second appliance if you genuinely need its oven-style cooking functions. If you mainly reheat and defrost, you may not use its extra features.
Make a note of the meals you usually prepare. If you rarely bake, make gratins or cook roast-style dishes, compare solo models and models with a grill first.
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Measuring only the available width
A microwave may fit on your worktop but still not have enough room for the door to open or for the ventilation clearances specified for that model.
Measure the width, height and depth, then check the door clearance and the gaps required in the manual. Samsung France gives a general guide of 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary by model.
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Relying on the capacity in litres alone
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you on its own whether your usual plate or dish will fit in the cavity and be able to turn.
As well as checking the stated capacity, compare the internal dimensions and turntable diameter with the containers you use.
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Confusing a commercial warranty with your rights against the seller
Any commercial warranty is separate from the legal guarantee of conformity. In France, you can claim under the latter from the retailer if goods are not as described or do not conform, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy.
Keep your proof of purchase and make a note of which retailer to contact if you need to report a conformity issue.
Brands to consider
These brands offer ranges worth comparing for their features and sizes; always check the specifications of the particular model you’re interested in.
Samsung
The French range includes microwaves and combination models to compare, depending on the space you have available for installation.
- Samsung France provides general guidance on the clearances to leave around a microwave.
- The brand notes that the manual for each model specifies the clearances actually required.
Whirlpool
In France, Whirlpool offers freestanding models with a grill as well as combination models for different cooking needs.
- The range lets you compare the need for browning separately from the need for oven-style cooking.
- Extra features, including the steam cooking mentioned by the brand, depend on the model you choose.
LG
LG offers models with a grill and combination microwaves, allowing you to compare capacity, features and footprint.
- LG’s product information distinguishes between the 23 L MH6336GIB model with a grill and the 39 L MJ3965ACW combination model.
- Their features and dimensions cannot be assumed to apply to other LG models.
Panasonic
Some Panasonic combination models are worth considering if you plan to use fan-assisted cooking.
- Panasonic describes a fan-assisted cooking function on the NN-C69KSM.
- Check the settings and temperatures on the product page for the specific model you’re considering.
Electrolux
Electrolux freestanding microwaves give you models with a grill to compare, as well as a range of sizes.
- The Electrolux EMZ421MMK product page lists its external and internal dimensions separately, which is useful when measuring your space.
- These dimensions apply to this model only and don’t represent the whole range.
Microwave picks on Joybuy
These freestanding models let you compare reheating options and, depending on the model, browning features. Before you decide, check each appliance’s cooking settings and the space needed for installation.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and occasionally brown the top of a dish.
Stated power: 700 W. Compare the size of your dishes with the cavity dimensions and check the manual for installation clearances.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter with grill, 25 L
Worth comparing if you’re interested in browning as well as reheating.
Stated power: 900 W. A grill alone doesn’t mean the appliance has fan-assisted cooking; check the settings, required installation space and internal dimensions before buying.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H Solo, 25 L
Worth a look for reheating portions in a small home.
Stated power: 900 W. If you’d also like to brown food, confirm that the product specifications list a grill; check the cavity dimensions and all the clearances specified in the manual.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat simple portions and aren’t looking for a model with browning functions.
Stated power: 700 W. If defrosting is essential for your meals, check for the relevant setting in the product information or manual; also make sure you have enough room for installation.
Frequently asked questions
When should you choose a combination microwave instead of a solo model?
Choose a combination microwave if you’ll regularly use its oven-style cooking functions and it genuinely means you won’t need to make room for another appliance. If you mainly reheat and defrost, a solo model may be enough; if you want to brown food occasionally, check whether a model with a grill suits the dishes you make.
What should you measure before installing a freestanding microwave?
Measure the available width, height and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. Then compare your dishes with the dimensions of the cavity and turntable. Check the ventilation clearances required in the model’s manual: Samsung France’s general guide doesn’t replace these instructions.
Is the capacity in litres enough to choose the right size?
No. Capacity alone doesn’t guarantee that your containers will fit or turn properly. Also check the internal dimensions and, if the appliance has a turntable, its diameter.
Who should you contact if a microwave bought in France has a conformity issue?
Contact the retailer under the legal guarantee of conformity, which is separate from any commercial warranty. According to the DGCCRF, claims must be made within two years of delivery, whether the item is new or second-hand.