Everyday reheating and defrosting
You’re kitting out a studio flat or holiday home mainly to reheat portions and defrost food, and don’t expect the appliance to cook like an oven.
Who are these options for?
Small dishes to brown
You sometimes make toasted sandwiches or gratins and want to be able to brown them, while still having the functions of a microwave.
Cooking without a conventional oven
You want to cook or roast small dishes in a kitchen with limited equipment. You’ll need to choose a combination model with cooking modes suited to your recipes, or a separate mini oven.
What should you consider when choosing?
Start with the meals you make most often: a grill is useful for browning dishes, while oven-style cooking calls for other modes. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between grill microwaves and combination models with fan-assisted cooking.
| Need | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost functions and external dimensions, rather than relying on the internal capacity alone. | If you regularly reheat portions and defrost food, basic functions matter more than an oven mode. Around 34% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Cooking with one appliance | Check that the exact model has fan-assisted cooking, then check its dimensions and installation instructions. | Without a conventional oven, I also want to cook small dishes, not just reheat them. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Occasional browning | Look for a grill mode; don’t assume a microwave + grill mode means the appliance has fan-assisted cooking. | If I want to brown a few dishes without doing all my cooking in this appliance, a grill meets my main need. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Prioritising conventional cooking | Compare the mini oven’s cooking modes and how much worktop space it will take up. | For small-scale cooking, roasting or baking, I’m happy to go without a microwave function in this appliance. Conventional cooking is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Choosing based only on capacity in litres
Internal capacity tells you neither the appliance’s external dimensions nor how much space you need to open the door and allow ventilation. For example, Electrolux lists external dimensions of 262 × 442 × 345 mm for the EMZ421MMK.
Measure your worktop and compare the external dimensions with the usable internal space. Check the manual for the clearances required for that model.
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Assuming a grill is the same as a conventional oven
A grill can brown dishes, but it doesn’t guarantee the modes needed for other types of cooking. A microwave + grill mode alone doesn’t mean the appliance has fan-assisted cooking.
Make a list of the dishes you want to prepare, then check that the model you’re considering has the right modes.
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Putting a freestanding model in an enclosed recess
Installation requirements vary by appliance. The Bosch manuals for the FFL023M and FFL053M state that these freestanding microwaves are not designed to be built in.
Before choosing a recess, make sure the manual for your chosen model allows this type of placement, and follow the specified clearance requirements.
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Trusting a model number without checking the listing
The same search can bring up different variants or listings with different specifications and delivery terms.
Before ordering, check the full model number, seller, stated availability and delivery terms.
Brands and ranges to consider
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding Electrolux microwave with a grill.
- Its product listing gives both the external and internal dimensions, which are useful for checking how the appliance will fit your space and the dishes you plan to use.
- This model combines microwave and grill functions; it shouldn’t be considered a fan-assisted model.
Whirlpool
The MCP 345 WH is an example of a 25 L freestanding Whirlpool microwave with a quartz grill and Crisp function.
- The MCP 345 WH listing specifies, among other details, a 28 cm turntable and a child lock.
- For oven-style cooking, check that the exact model has fan-assisted cooking. The grill and Crisp function alone don’t confirm this.
Samsung
The MS23T5018AK/EF is an example of a Samsung Solo microwave, designed for tasks such as reheating and defrosting.
- Samsung describes this model as having a Quick Defrost function that adjusts to the type and weight of the food.
- This Solo model won’t meet your needs if you want a grill or fan-assisted cooking.
Moulinex
The Optimo 19 L OX444810 is a freestanding electric mini oven to consider when conventional cooking is your priority.
- Its product listing includes conventional, fan-assisted and grill cooking modes.
- This mini oven has no microwave function, so you’ll need another appliance if quick reheating is essential.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models cover three needs: reheating and defrosting with a basic microwave, adding a grill for certain dishes, or considering a combination model if you need several cooking modes. Before buying, check the available space and the modes offered by the exact model.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L
For reheating and defrosting simple meals in a space you should measure before ordering. The product name states that it has 700 W, six pre-set menus and 11 power levels. Check the manual for the required clearances and the space needed with the door open.
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Samsung MS23K3513 Solo, 23 L
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning dishes: this model is listed as a Solo microwave with Quick Defrost. Check its dimensions, clearance requirements and the space needed to open the door.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
For keeping microwave functions while also being able to brown dishes occasionally. The product name states that the microwave power is 700 W. A grill doesn’t confirm that the appliance has fan-assisted cooking, so check the modes and ventilation instructions for this model.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L
Worth looking at if you want to reheat and brown food with one appliance. Check the cooking modes for the model being sold, particularly if you’re relying on fan-assisted cooking, and read its installation instructions. Don’t assume it has a particular grill power unless this is confirmed in the model specifications.
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LG MJ3965ACS combination microwave, 39 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for one appliance with microwave and oven-style cooking functions, provided you have enough space. Check the convection and grill modes for the version being sold, then measure the space, allowing for ventilation and room to open the door.
Frequently asked questions
What should you measure before buying a microwave for a studio flat?
Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare them with the appliance’s external dimensions. Also check how much room you’ll need to open the door, the usable internal dimensions for your dishes and the clearances specified in the manual. Capacity in litres won’t tell you this.
Can a microwave with a grill replace a conventional oven?
A grill can brown dishes, but it doesn’t guarantee the other cooking modes you’d get from an oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between grill models and combination models with fan-assisted cooking. Check the modes for the exact model against the dishes you plan to prepare.
What are your rights if an appliance bought from a retailer isn’t as described?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. If the appliance you receive doesn’t conform to the description, contact the seller to make a claim under this guarantee. It’s separate from simply returning an item because you’ve changed your mind.