Students who mainly reheat meals
You live in a studio flat and mainly want to defrost or quickly reheat portions, soups, leftovers and ready meals. UFC-Que Choisir describes a solo microwave as suitable for these everyday uses.
Who is it for?
Students who also want to brown dishes
Reheating is still your priority, but you would like to brown certain dishes from time to time. A microwave with grill meets this need without making oven cooking its primary purpose.
Students who cook oven-style dishes
You regularly prepare pizzas, quiches, pastries or gratins. In that case, compare a multifunction combination microwave with a compact mini oven, taking into account the available space, your dishes and the installation instructions.
Buying priorities
Start with the meals you usually prepare, then check the actual dimensions and cooking functions before choosing a format.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking uses | Identify whether you need to reheat, defrost, brown or cook using fan-assisted heat. Check the exact modes: a grill does not confirm the presence of fan-assisted heat. | I want to avoid a bulky appliance whose functions do not match the meals I actually prepare. |
| Available space and compatible dishes | Measure the width, depth and height of your worktop. Also compare the appliance’s external dimensions with the diameter and length of your usual dishes. | My appliance must fit in the available space and accommodate the portions or dishes I use. Moulinex states in its guide that a mini oven of less than 33 L may suit one person or a student, subject to the dimensions and dishes involved. |
| Meals prepared at home | Choose the functions that are useful for the meals you prepare at home, without assuming that this automatically means preferring one type of appliance. Also check which containers are compatible with the selected mode. | I want to be able to prepare more meals at home. In an Ifop survey for COP1 conducted in June 2023 among 812 representative students in France, 71% said they had chosen to eat at home more often rather than in restaurants because of inflation; this figure does not measure the type of appliance they owned. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by capacity without measuring the worktop
A small capacity does not guarantee that the appliance will fit in the intended space or that your dishes will fit inside it. For example, the Moulinex Principio OV125330 and UNO 15 L mini ovens accommodate different dish sizes.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then compare them with the model’s external dimensions and those of your usual dishes.
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Confusing the grill function with full oven cooking
The grill is used for browning, while fan-assisted heat is a separate function that must be confirmed in the technical specifications. According to UFC-Que Choisir, combination microwaves add oven-style cooking functions.
For pizzas, quiches, cakes or regular oven cooking, look specifically for a fan-assisted heat function or a mini oven with the modes you need.
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Installing the appliance before reading the instructions
Placement, connection and cooling requirements depend on the type and model. Electrolux explains, in particular, that the cooling fan may continue running after use on certain microwaves.
Before ordering and using the appliance, consult the instructions for the exact model to check clearances, ventilation, connection requirements and any restrictions on built-in installation.
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Using containers that are not microwave-safe
Metal containers can damage the appliance, and not all plastics are suitable for microwave cooking.
Only use containers explicitly designed for microwave use and follow the instructions in the manual.
Brand guide
Moulinex
Moulinex offers freestanding mini ovens in France, with different capacities and cooking modes. In its own guide, the brand recommends models of less than 33 L for students or people living alone when they do not cook large quantities.
- The manuals for the Principio OV125330 and UNO 15 L detail the cooking modes and the dish sizes they can accommodate.
- The compact size stated by the brand does not remove the need to check the chosen model’s external dimensions and placement instructions.
Electrolux
Electrolux is a useful reference when checking the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and cooling a microwave.
- The French support pages explain that the cooling fan may continue running after use, depending on the model.
- Instructions for a built-in appliance must not be applied to a freestanding microwave.
Panasonic
Panasonic is an example of a combination microwave for students considering a multifunction appliance rather than a solo model.
- In a UFC-Que Choisir test published in 2016, the Panasonic NN-DS596BUPG combined microwave cooking, fan-assisted heat and steam.
- This information concerns that specific model and does not describe the entire current range.
Joybuy options for a studio flat
These Joybuy options cover everyday reheating and defrosting, as well as occasional browning in a studio flat. Check the instructions and the intended location before installation.
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Heinrich's solo microwave 20 L, 700 W
An option for reheating and defrosting portions in a small space.
Stated external dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm; six power levels, 30-minute timer, defrost function and turntable.
Best suited to everyday microwave use rather than regular oven-style cooking; consult the instructions for placement requirements.
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LG MH 6535 GIH grill microwave 25 L, 1000 W
It is suitable if you want to reheat, defrost and occasionally brown dishes using one appliance.
A quartz grill, touch controls, digital display, rapid defrosting, keep-warm function and automatic programmes are listed. Dimensions: 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm.
The grill does not confirm fan-assisted cooking: check that the modes required for your recipes are included, along with the installation instructions.
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LG MH6535GIS grill microwave 25 L, 1000 W
An option for simple meals that also require occasional browning.
A 950 W grill, five power levels, 29,2 cm turntable, touch controls, defrosting and automatic programmes with weight control are listed.
For regular pizzas, quiches or pastries, check that the expected cooking functions are clearly listed for this model.
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Beko MGC20100B1 grill microwave 20 L, 700 W
It combines reheating, defrosting and browning for students with a suitable worktop.
700 W microwave, 800 W grill, nine power levels, 245 mm turntable and mechanical timer. Dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm.
The specification states that at least 10 cm of clearance is required at the sides and rear; check this space and that the socket is suitable for your chosen location.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) microwave 20 L, 700 W
A solo model for quickly reheating leftovers and defrosting food in a compact kitchen.
External dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm, six preset menus, express cooking, eleven power levels, timed or weight-based defrosting and a memory function.
It is designed for reheating and defrosting; check the instructions for clearance, connection and positioning requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for a student studio flat?
Yes, if your meals mainly consist of portions to reheat, leftovers, soups, ready meals and food to defrost. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it can also cook certain simple foods, but it does not replace the grill or fan-assisted heat functions needed for oven-style recipes.
When should you choose a combination microwave rather than a grill microwave?
Choose a grill model if you mainly want to brown dishes. Opt for a combination microwave only if you also need fan-assisted heat and want to combine microwave and oven functions in one appliance; UFC-Que Choisir states that combination models are more expensive than basic models.
What mini oven capacity is suitable for one person?
In its guide, Moulinex recommends a mini oven of less than 33 L for students, people living alone and couples who do not cook large quantities. This is not a universal rule: external dimensions, the size of your dishes and the cooking modes matter just as much as capacity.
Why check ventilation and clearances before buying?
Requirements depend on the model and its installation type. Electrolux explains that the cooling fan may continue running after use on certain microwaves, so consult the instructions before placing the appliance under a shelf, inside a cupboard or against a wall.
Can you use any container in a microwave?
No. Metal utensils or containers are not suitable for microwave use, and not every plastic box is microwave-safe. Check the container’s marking and the appliance instructions.