No oven, regular cooking
You want one appliance that can reheat meals and cook food using convection. Check that your dishes will fit inside and that the microwave will suit your worktop.
Which type of microwave is right for you ?
Studio flat, mostly reheating meals
If you mainly reheat and defrost food and have limited space, a solo model could meet your needs without a grill or convection function. UFC-Que Choisir cites student accommodation as one example of this type of use.
Small kitchen, dishes to brown
You want to reheat and defrost food, but also brown some dishes, without necessarily needing convection. UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide distinguishes between grill microwaves and combination models.
Which factors matter most ?
Solo microwave
Choose this if : you mainly reheat and defrost food, with some microwave cooking.
Limitation : it won’t meet your needs if you want to brown dishes or cook using convection. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these functions from what a solo model can do.
Grill microwave
Choose this if : you want to brown some dishes as well as reheat and defrost food.
Limitation : having a grill doesn’t mean the model also has convection. LG France’s product details for the MH6535GDR list a grill, but no convection function.
Combination microwave with convection
Choose this if : you regularly want to cook dishes as you would in an oven, but still prefer to have just one appliance.
Check : UFC-Que Choisir says combination models are generally more expensive. The Whirlpool MWSC9133SX, given as an example by Whirlpool France, measures 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm excluding packaging.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between reheating, browning and convection cooking. For each model, also check the turntable or cavity size, the external dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions.
| What you need | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Defrost settings and controls; turntable diameter and the size of your usual dishes. | If I mainly reheat and defrost food in a small home, I focus on the features I’ll use every day. Around 45 % of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Browning dishes | Whether a grill is explicitly listed for the exact model; the available cooking modes. | If I want to brown dishes but don’t need convection, I look for an appliance that clearly states it has a grill function. Around 22 % of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Cooking as you would in an oven | Whether convection or fan-assisted cooking is explicitly listed; the external dimensions and clearances specified in the instructions. | If I don’t have a conventional oven but want to cook oven-style dishes, I check that the cooking mode and available space are suitable. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise this type of cooking. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a grill with convection
A reference to combination cooking or a grill doesn’t prove that a model has a convection setting. These functions are for different uses.
Check the modes listed for the exact model separately, and start with the dishes you want to prepare.
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Choosing based only on capacity in litres
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether your dishes will fit on the turntable or whether the appliance will suit your space. For example, Whirlpool France lists the Whirlpool MWSC9133SX as having a 33 L capacity and measuring 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm excluding packaging.
Measure the space and your dishes, then check the model’s instructions for the required clearances and ventilation guidance.
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Heating food in its packaging without checking the instructions
Under the conditions studied, Anses observed increased migration of substances when food was heated at high intensity.
Check that the packaging is microwave-safe and follow the stated power and heating time. Anses recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.
Some brands to know
LG
The French product details for the NeoChef MS2535GDR and MH6535GDR let you compare a solo model with a grill model. Both are listed as 25 L.
- LG France lists a grill and a 292 mm turntable for the MH6535GDR; it measures 476 × 272 × 388 mm.
- The same stated capacity doesn’t make these two models interchangeable for cooking; the MH6535GDR product details don’t list convection.
Whirlpool
According to Whirlpool France, the MWSC9133SX is a freestanding 33 L microwave combining microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- The brand lists a 36 cm turntable and a function that uses fan-assisted heat.
- It measures 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm excluding packaging. Compare these dimensions with your available space and check the installation instructions.
Samsung
The French product details for the MS23F300EEW/EF provide an example of a 23 L solo microwave.
- Samsung lists a 28,8 cm turntable.
- Samsung says this model is no longer available on its product page; this doesn’t tell you whether it’s available elsewhere.
Sharp
Sharp Electronics’ technical details for the R-239IN-A describe a solo model designed for reheating and defrosting.
- The product details list quick-cook and quick-defrost functions.
- They don’t list a grill or convection function for this model.
Joybuy products for these needs
This selection includes solo microwaves and grill models for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, browning dishes in a small kitchen.
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Heinrich's 20 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting in a home where space is limited.
Capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W; six power levels; defrost function.
9,6-inch turntable; stated dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
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Hkoenig VIO9 25 L microwave with grill
For reheating, defrosting and browning dishes with a worktop appliance.
Capacity: 25 L; microwave power: 900 W; grill power: 1 000 W; 27 cm turntable.
Stated dimensions: 48,4 × 28,5 × 42 cm. Designed for freestanding use; check the instructions before installing it in any other way.
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LG MH 6535 GIH 25 L microwave with grill
For reheating and defrosting, with the added benefit of a grill function.
Capacity: 25 L; power listed in the product name: 1 000 W. The description mentions a glass turntable and automatic programmes with weight control.
Designed for freestanding use; follow the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions.
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Galanz 20 L microwave
For reheating and defrosting in a small flat.
Capacity: 20 L; six power settings; digital display; defrost function.
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Beko MGC20100B1 20 L microwave with grill
For reheating, defrosting and browning dishes with a freestanding model.
Capacity: 20 L; microwave power: 700 W; grill power: 800 W; 245 mm turntable.
Stated dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. The description specifies at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear.
Frequently asked questions
Can a solo microwave cook food if I don’t have an oven ?
Yes. Some foods, such as vegetables or fish cooked in a parcel, can be cooked in a microwave, according to UFC-Que Choisir. This doesn’t mean the appliance has a grill or convection function, so choose based on the dishes you plan to prepare.
How can I check that the appliance and my dishes will fit in my kitchen ?
Compare the external width, height and depth with the space available, then check the turntable diameter or internal space against the size of your dishes. Also consult the instructions for your chosen model to allow for the required installation clearances.
Can I heat a ready-meal tray in its packaging ?
Follow the packaging instructions on whether it’s microwave-safe, as well as the power and heating time. Anses recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions. Under the conditions studied, it observed increased migration of substances when food was heated at high intensity.
Does the fan continuing to run after the microwave is switched off mean it’s faulty ?
Not necessarily. Whirlpool says that, on the microwaves concerned, the fan may continue running for 1 to 5 minutes. Check your model’s instructions and contact the after-sales service if it doesn’t operate as described.
Does a microwave with a grill always have convection too ?
No. The grill and convection are separate functions. Check that each is listed separately in the product details for the exact model and in its instructions.