You mainly reheat individual portions
If you mostly need to reheat and defrost meals, a standard microwave is a good place to start. Only compare extra features if you genuinely plan to brown food or cook dishes in an oven.
Which option suits your home?
You don’t have another oven
If you regularly make dishes such as gratins, pizzas or cakes, compare a combination microwave with the modes you need against a compact mini oven. A mini oven alone won’t meet your microwave reheating needs.
You have very little worktop space
Measure the space available and the dishes you usually use. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you how much room the appliance takes up or how much usable space there is inside.
Which features should you compare first?
Start with the meals you actually prepare, then compare the features you need with the space available and the dishes the appliance must fit.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Look for reheating and defrosting for everyday use, a grill for browning, and convection if you want to cook as you would in a small oven. Check the modes available on the specific model. | I mainly reheat leftovers, so a standard model may be enough. If I often make dishes with a browned topping, I’ll look at a grill model; for regular oven-style cooking, I’ll compare a combination microwave or a mini oven. |
| Space and dishes | Compare the width, height, depth and clearance needed. Measure your dishes too, then check the turntable or internal dimensions: capacity in litres alone won’t answer these questions. | My appliance needs to fit on the worktop without stopping me from using my usual plates and dishes. |
| Results you want | If the results matter, look for reviews of the specific model that cover the feature you’re interested in. Que Choisir’s test protocol, for example, assesses defrosting, evenness of reheating, grilling and combination cooking. | A defrost programme or grill alone won’t tell me what results I’ll get from the model I choose. |
| Appliances you need | Work out whether you already have access to an oven and whether microwave functions are essential for you. A combination microwave brings several modes together in one appliance, while a compact mini oven focuses on oven-style cooking. | If I don’t have another oven, I may want one appliance for both reheating and cooking. If cooking and browning are my main priorities, a mini oven is also worth comparing. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
-
Choosing a combination microwave for modes you’ll rarely use
Convection and a grill are only useful if your meals call for those cooking methods. You don’t need them just to reheat and defrost food.
Think about the meals you make in a typical week. If you rarely prepare dishes that need browning or oven cooking, start by comparing standard and grill models.
-
Relying on capacity in litres alone
Two appliances with a similar capacity can take up different amounts of space and may not fit the same dishes.
Measure the space and your dishes, then check the external dimensions, turntable or internal space of the model you’re considering.
-
Expecting a mini oven to do everything a microwave can
A mini oven designed for conventional cooking and grilling won’t reheat or defrost food using microwaves.
If you need both types of function, compare the space taken up by two appliances with that required for a combination microwave.
-
Forgetting what to do with your old appliance
Used microwaves should be taken to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment, as outlined by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition.
Before replacing yours, find out about your options: returning it to a retailer, taking it to a collection point or handing it to an appropriate organisation.
A few brands to compare
Samsung
Samsung offers grill microwaves worth comparing if you want to brown portions without going straight for a combination model.
- Samsung describes the MG23K3515AK as a 23 L grill model, with stated external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 392 mm.
- These specifications apply to this specific model. Check the details of any other model before choosing.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers combination models to consider when you want oven-style cooking as well as microwave functions.
- Whirlpool lists a convection mode for the MCP349WH, while the brand describes the MWF259SG as a 25 L combination microwave without a turntable.
- Modes, accessories and dimensions vary by model, so check the details for the model and dishes you have in mind.
Moulinex
Moulinex mini ovens are worth comparing if cooking and browning matter more to you than microwave functions.
- Moulinex’s guide recommends a mini oven under 33 L for students looking for a compact option. The brand says one of its 15 L models can fit a 28 cm round dish or a 35 cm oval dish.
- These dish dimensions apply to this specific 15 L model, not to every mini oven from the brand.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models cover everyday reheating, browning with a grill and combination cooking. Compare their features with the meals you usually make, then check the available space and which dishes will fit each model.
Image unavailable
Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L standard microwave
Worth comparing if you mainly reheat and defrost food. This model is listed as a standard 23 L microwave. If you want to brown dishes, look instead at models with a grill. Be sure to measure the space and your dishes too.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave
For combining microwave functions with occasional browning. The model name indicates a 20 L capacity and 700 W power. Check the turntable size and external dimensions against your dishes and worktop space.
Image unavailable
LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, 25 L grill microwave
Another model to consider if you want the option to brown dishes. Its stated capacity is 25 L. Check the exact modes, the size of dishes it can accommodate and the space it needs before comparing it with other models.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CMO‑MP012OC(BK), 19 L microwave
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if you don’t regularly need to brown food. The product name lists 700 W, five power levels, a 30 min timer and a 245 mm turntable. Before buying, check the external dimensions, usable space for your dishes and electrical compatibility.
Image unavailable
SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you plan to use several cooking modes regularly, as well as reheating. Its stated capacity of 42 L makes it especially important to check the available space, compatible dishes, exact modes and electrical compatibility for your home.
Frequently asked questions
Is a standard microwave enough for a student studio flat?
Yes, if you mainly use it to reheat and defrost food. It can also handle some simple cooking, but it won’t brown dishes or offer the convection cooking of an oven.
When should you choose a combination microwave?
A combination microwave is worth comparing if you don’t have another oven and plan to use the grill or convection regularly. If you almost always reheat individual portions, weigh up how useful those extra modes will be against the space the appliance takes up.
What capacity will fit my dishes?
Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you. Measure your dishes, then check the turntable diameter or the model’s internal dimensions. Check the external dimensions separately to see where you can put it.
Can a compact mini oven replace a microwave?
A mini oven can meet your cooking and browning needs, but it can’t reheat or defrost food using microwaves. It’s best suited to you if you don’t need those functions or already have a microwave.
What should you do with an old microwave in France?
The Ministry for the Ecological Transition lists options for electrical equipment, including taking it to a collection point, returning it to a retailer or handing it to a social and solidarity economy organisation. Check what’s available near you or ask the retailer about their arrangements.