Who is each option for?

Renters who mainly reheat portions

If you mostly eat leftovers and ready meals, or need to defrost food, a solo microwave covers these needs without adding extra cooking modes.

Anyone who wants to brown food without an oven

If you mainly want to brown a pizza, gratin or vegetables from time to time, a grill will do the job. However, it won’t replace fan-assisted cooking.

People without an oven who cook regularly

In a studio flat, kitchenette or holiday home without an oven, a combination microwave with fan-assisted heat lets you cook dishes in a similar way to an oven, as well as reheat food, provided you have a suitable place for it.

Which features should you prioritise?

First decide whether you need to reheat, brown or cook food as you would in an oven. If you already have a suitable space for a traditional oven and use it regularly, that’s still an option too.

Criteria What to check Who it’s for
Reheating and defrosting Check that the capacity suits your portions and that there’s a defrost programme. If I mostly reheat leftovers and defrost food, I look for controls that suit these everyday tasks. Around 25% of consumers would put this need first.
Browning and grilling Check that it has a grill and see which accessories are included. If I want to brown food occasionally without planning to cook dishes in an oven, I look first for a grill setting. This would be the priority for around 19% of consumers.
Cooking without an oven Look for fan-assisted, fan-forced or explicitly stated convection cooking, and check the temperature range. Without a separate oven, I want to be able to cook or roast, not just reheat and brown food. Around 31% of consumers would make this their main criterion.
Space and ventilation Measure the appliance and the space needed to open its door, then check the manual for the required clearances. If my worktop space is very limited, I need to be able to open the door and keep the vents clear. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise how well the appliance fits in their space.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing based only on the cavity capacity

    The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how much worktop space an appliance will take up. According to the manufacturers’ specifications, the 25 L Whirlpool MCP349WH measures 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm, while the 35 L Samsung MC35R8088LC measures 52,8 × 40,4 × 48,1 cm.

    Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door, before choosing a model.

  • Blocking the vents to save space

    Whirlpool France advises against blocking a microwave’s vents or placing anything on top of it. So an appliance that fits in an alcove isn’t necessarily installed correctly there.

    Check the manual for your chosen model to find out where it can be placed and what clearances it needs, and keep its vents clear.

  • Confusing a grill with fan-assisted heat

    A grill is for browning food. For oven-style fan-assisted cooking, check that the appliance has fan-assisted or fan-forced heat. For example, Bosch describes the Bosch FEL023MS2 as a microwave with a grill, with no convection mode listed.

    If you want to cook or roast without a separate oven, check the cooking mode and temperature range of the model you’re considering.

  • Using the same containers in every mode

    An accessory that’s suitable for use with the grill or convection mode isn’t automatically suitable for microwave mode. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using metal utensils in microwave mode.

    Follow the manual’s instructions for each mode, particularly for the supplied racks and plastic containers.

Brands to consider

Whirlpool

Whirlpool France’s range includes the MCP349WH, a freestanding combination microwave with microwave, grill and fan-forced heat modes.

  • The MCP349WH has a 25 L cavity, according to its manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Its dimensions of 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm need to be checked against the space available.

Panasonic

Depending on the model, Panasonic France’s range includes combination microwaves that bring together microwave, grill and convection cooking.

  • Panasonic lists a convection temperature range of 30 to 220 °C for the NN-CT55RW.
  • Check the modes, temperatures and dimensions of the specific model before choosing.

Samsung

Samsung France’s freestanding range includes solo microwaves, models with a grill and combination microwaves.

  • The MC35R8088LC combination microwave is listed with a 35 L cavity and a convection function.
  • Its external dimensions of 528 × 404 × 481 mm mean you’ll need to measure the available space carefully.

Bosch

The FEL023MS2 is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill, for reheating and browning food when fan-assisted cooking isn’t required.

  • Bosch lists this model with a 20 L cavity and a grill.
  • Its specifications don’t mention convection, so don’t choose it for this function without confirming it first.

Appliances for reheating or browning

These two appliances are suitable for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen; one also has a grill for occasional browning. If you want to cook with fan-assisted heat without a separate oven, check that the model you’re considering has this function.

Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter Titanium grill microwave

Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L grill microwave, Titanium

For reheating and occasional browning in a kitchenette. The listed capacity is 25 L and the stated microwave power is 900 W. If you want to cook using fan-assisted heat, check that the appliance has this function rather than assuming it does because it has a grill. Also check the clearances in the manual before installation.

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Whirlpool MWP 101 W 20 L microwave

Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L microwave, 700 W

For reheating and defrosting when a grill isn’t a priority. The listed capacity is 20 L and the stated power is 700 W. If you want to brown food or cook using fan-assisted heat, look for these functions explicitly. Also check the manual for the installation clearances.

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Frequently asked questions

Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a kitchenette?

A combination microwave with a grill and fan-assisted or fan-forced heat can handle basic oven-style cooking as well as reheating. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between these functions. However, check the capacity, modes and space required for your chosen model.

Can you install a combination microwave in an alcove or under a wall cabinet?

Only if the manual for that model allows it and you follow the specified clearances. Whirlpool France advises keeping the vents clear and not placing anything on top of a microwave. Make sure you also leave enough room to open the door.

Is it normal for the fan to keep running after cooking?

This can be normal, depending on the model. Whirlpool France states that the fan may continue running for 1 to 5 minutes after some appliances have been switched off. If your model behaves differently from the description in its manual, check the instructions.

Can you use a metal rack in a combination microwave?

Only use it in modes that are explicitly permitted in the model’s manual. UFC-Que Choisir advises against metal utensils in microwave mode. A rack supplied for another mode isn’t automatically suitable for microwave mode.

What statutory guarantee applies to a microwave bought from a retailer in France?

According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual in France. Keep your receipt and the product description in case you need to report a lack of conformity.