If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, a solo microwave will cover your main needs; choose one with a grill if you also want to brown dishes regularly. A combination microwave is worth considering if you’ll genuinely use its oven-style cooking, while a small electric oven is better suited to this than quick microwave reheating. In a small home, always compare the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model.
In a studio flat or small rented home, reheating and defrosting may matter more than extra cooking functions. UFC-Que Choisir lists student accommodation as one situation where a microwave can be useful; however, measure the available space before choosing a model.
If you’d also like to brown or cook dishes as you would in an oven, distinguish between a grill and fan-assisted cooking. The right choice depends on what you’ll actually cook and how much space the appliance can take up.
For occasional stays, start by thinking about the meals you’ll reheat, defrost or cook there. UFC-Que Choisir also mentions second homes as a possible use for a microwave.
Start with the cooking modes you’ll use, then check that the appliance, your dishes and the required clearances will all fit in your kitchen.
| Criteria | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | A solo microwave is for reheating and defrosting; a grill lets you brown dishes. For fan-assisted cooking, check that it’s listed as a mode on the combination microwave or mini oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions in its buying guide. | I mainly reheat prepared portions: a solo model may be enough. If I often brown dishes, I’ll look at models with a grill; if I mostly cook oven dishes, I’ll compare a combination microwave with a small electric oven. |
| Space and ventilation | Compare the external width, height and depth with the space available, then follow the clearances specified in the model’s manual. Whirlpool France reminds users not to block the vents on a freestanding microwave. | I have limited worktop space: the appliance needs to fit without blocking its vents or attempting an improvised built-in installation. |
| Capacity and dishes | Check the capacity, usable internal dimensions and, if applicable, the turntable diameter against the plates and dishes you normally use. Samsung France recommends comparing these details before choosing. | I want to use the dishes I regularly cook with, rather than choosing based only on the advertised capacity. |
| Power | To compare microwave mode, check its output power. Separately check the electrical input power and connection requirements for the other modes: these are not the same measurements, as illustrated by the specifications published by LG France for the MC-8090WH. | Defrosting and reheating are part of my daily routine; I don’t want to confuse microwave cooking power with the figure given for a combination mode. |
| Oven-style cooking | For a combination microwave, check the cooking modes and the size of dishes it can accommodate. If microwave reheating isn’t a priority, compare a small electric oven too: Moulinex France, for example, describes the Optimo 39 L as having fan-assisted cooking and a grill. | I often prepare dishes that need oven cooking: I’ll choose based on those dishes, rather than assuming that every combination microwave can replace my usual oven. |
Extra functions don’t guarantee a size that suits your kitchen: LG France gives the external dimensions of its MC-8090WH combination microwave as 53 × 32 × 42 cm.
Measure the space in all three directions, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
Microwave output power is not the same as the electrical input power used by a grill or combination mode. LG France’s specifications for the MC-8090WH distinguish between these measurements.
To compare reheating performance, look for microwave output power; check the electrical specifications separately before installation.
Whirlpool France says that the ventilation grilles and openings on its microwaves must be kept clear.
Don’t put a freestanding model in an alcove without checking the installation instructions for the exact model.
These ranges offer useful points of comparison across appliance types; check the functions and dimensions for each individual model.
Samsung France offers ranges of freestanding solo, grill and combination microwaves.
Whirlpool France offers freestanding microwaves with a grill or combination functions, among other options.
LG France offers combination microwaves that bring together microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking.
Moulinex offers another option with its small electric ovens, worth considering if oven cooking is your main priority.
These models let you compare solo microwaves with options to consider if you’d also like a grill. Compare their exact functions and installation requirements before choosing one for your small home.
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Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost, without a grill function. The product name lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer; check the dimensions and ventilation instructions in the manual before deciding where to put it.
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A solo model to consider for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen. The title mentions Quick Defrost; check the microwave output power, space required and ventilation clearances in the documentation for this model.
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Worth considering if you want microwave reheating as well as a grill for browning dishes. Before installing it, check that the available space meets the clearance requirements in the manual.
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Worth comparing for reheating and defrosting if you have enough space. The title describes this as a solo model, while other details mention a grill: confirm the functions included on the product page and in the manual before relying on it to brown dishes. Also check the installation clearances.
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A model to consider for reheating in a small kitchen. If you want to brown dishes, confirm that it has a grill and check its specifications on the product page; also check the overall dimensions, ventilation clearances and connection requirements in the manual.
Yes, if you mainly plan to reheat and defrost meals. For browning, look for a grill function; if you regularly want to cook with fan assistance, compare the functions and dimensions of a combination microwave or mini oven instead.
Follow the clearances in the manual for your chosen model, taking the position of its vents into account. Whirlpool France says the ventilation grilles and openings must not be blocked, so measure the available space before buying.
Compare microwave output power, not the electrical input power used by a grill or combination mode. The documentation for the LG MC-8090WH published by LG France distinguishes between these figures; check the connection requirements for the model you’re considering separately.
No. Check the cooking modes, the size of dishes it can accommodate and the installation requirements before relying on it for your usual cooking. If you mainly use fan-assisted cooking and rarely reheat food by microwave, a small electric oven may be better suited to the dishes you prepare.