Reheating and defrosting
You’re furnishing a studio flat or holiday home and mainly want to reheat meals and defrost food, without fan-assisted cooking. Que Choisir Ensemble’s guide distinguishes these needs from additional cooking functions.
Who is this guide for?
Cooking without a conventional oven
You’d also like to cook some dishes as you would in an oven. Check that the model has a fan-assisted cooking function and that its cavity will fit the dishes you use.
Fitting out a small space
You’ll need to consider the appliance’s external dimensions, the space required for ventilation and the size of your dishes. Samsung France points out that the required clearances can vary by model.
What should you check before buying?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly want to reheat and defrost food.
Bear in mind: don’t expect a grill or fan-assisted cooking unless these functions are listed.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or grill food.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has fan-assisted cooking.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you’d also like to cook with fan assistance in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: check that the function is included and that the cavity dimensions will accommodate your dishes.
In a studio flat or holiday home without a conventional oven, your priorities might be everyday reheating, fitting the appliance into a small space, oven-style cooking or browning food. For the appliances concerned, check the compliance information for the exact model. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that the CE mark is not an indicator of cooking performance.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is most likely to prioritise it |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday reheating | Check the microwave and defrost settings, along with the power and timer options available. | If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, you can prioritise these functions over options you’re unlikely to use. Around 31% of consumers in this group prioritise these uses. |
| Appliance size and dishes | Measure the appliance and the space around it; also compare the cavity and turntable dimensions with the size of your dishes. | When every centimetre counts and you need to fit your dishes inside, the appliance’s overall size and usable space become crucial. Around 31% of consumers in this group prioritise fitting an appliance into a small space. |
| Oven-style cooking | Confirm that fan-assisted cooking is available and check the cavity dimensions against the dishes you plan to use. | If you don’t have an oven and want to cook some dishes in the same appliance, check the cooking mode and the usable capacity. Around 23% of consumers in this group prioritise oven-style cooking. |
| Browning and gratins | Check that the appliance has a grill and read the instructions on which dishes and accessories to use for each mode. | If you mainly want to brown or grill food as well as reheat it, a grill may suit your needs, but it doesn’t guarantee fan-assisted cooking. Around 15% of consumers in this group prioritise browning. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring only the appliance casing
The appliance also needs room to ventilate, so a space that fits its external dimensions may not be suitable once you allow for the required clearances.
Check the manual for the exact model before deciding where to put it. Samsung France notes that ventilation clearances vary by model.
An unsuitable spot could mean reorganising your worktop.
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Assuming the capacity in litres tells you how big your dishes can be
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you the cavity dimensions or turntable diameter. These measurements can determine whether a dish will fit and rotate properly.
Compare the appliance’s usable dimensions with your dishes instead of relying on its capacity in litres alone.
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Comparing power figures that measure different things
Microwave output, electricity consumption and grill power are different measurements. The specification for the Sharp YC-MS01E-B, reproduced by Ovenmanuals.org, distinguishes between 800 W of microwave output and 1 270 W of electricity consumption.
Check what each figure refers to. A higher number alone doesn’t tell you how well the appliance cooks.
Brands to know
Panasonic
The NN-E20JW and NN-CD575M illustrate solo and multi-function use respectively.
- Panasonic France lists internal dimensions of 306 × 308 × 214 mm (W × D × H) for the NN-E20JW. For the NN-CD575M, the brand specifies a 27 L capacity, 1 000 W of Inverter microwave output and a 1 300 W quartz grill.
- Power ratings and capacity aren’t enough to assess cooking performance. Check the functions too, along with the usable dimensions for your dishes.
Samsung
The MG23K3614AW/EF is an example of a microwave with a grill.
- Samsung France lists this model as a 23 L microwave with grill.
- A grill doesn’t mean the appliance has fan-assisted cooking. Check the cooking modes and the dishes you can use in the model’s manual.
Sharp
The YC-MS01E-B is an example of a 20 L solo microwave with manual controls.
- Sharp’s technical specification, reproduced by Ovenmanuals.org, lists 800 W of microwave output, 1 270 W of electricity consumption and a 255 mm turntable.
- These specifications aren’t a cooking performance test. Compare the electrical figures separately from the usable size for your dishes.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes solo microwaves and models with a grill for reheating and defrosting, with browning options on some models. Before buying, check for the function you need, usable dimensions, clearances and compliance information for the exact version.
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Heinrich's — 20 L, 700 W solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting in a small home, with adjustable power settings.
20 L; 700 W; 6 power levels; 9.6-inch turntable; 30-minute timer.
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H.Koenig VIO7 — 23 L microwave with grill
For reheating and defrosting, with the added option of using the grill.
23 L; 900 W microwave output; 1 000 W grill; 27 cm turntable.
Designed for worktop installation; check that your dishes are suitable for the mode you’re using.
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H.Koenig VIO9 — 25 L microwave with grill
Add browning to your reheating and defrosting options.
25 L; 900 W microwave output; 1 000 W grill; 27 cm turntable.
Designed for worktop installation; check that your dishes are suitable for the mode you’re using.
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LG MH 6535 gih — 25 L microwave with grill
For reheating and defrosting, with an additional grill function.
25 L; 28,8 cm turntable; the description mentions rapid defrosting.
Check the available modes and compare the appliance dimensions with your available space.
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Beko MGC20100B1 — 20 L microwave with grill
For reheating and defrosting, with a grill function.
20 L; 700 W microwave output; 800 W grill; 245 mm turntable.
The description recommends at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear; check the instructions for the exact model.
Frequently asked questions
Are the same ventilation clearances suitable for every microwave?
No, the required clearances vary by model. Samsung France provides general guidance, but recommends checking the manual for the model in question to make sure your chosen spot is suitable.
Does a power rating of 800 W always refer to electricity consumption?
No. The specification for the Sharp YC-MS01E-B, reproduced by Ovenmanuals.org, distinguishes between 800 W of microwave output and 1 270 W of electricity consumption. Compare like with like.
Does the CE mark tell you how well a microwave cooks?
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE mark is not a certification mark. It relates to the requirements applicable to the product and doesn’t indicate its cooking performance.
How can you clean a microwave without damaging important parts?
Samsung recommends keeping the door and its seals clean, keeping liquids out of the vents, and avoiding abrasive cleaners or solvents inside the appliance. For other models, follow the instructions in the manual.
Does a commercial guarantee replace the legal guarantee of conformity in France?
No. For a contract between a consumer and a business seller, the legal guarantee of conformity is separate from any optional commercial guarantee. According to Service Public, it applies, subject to its conditions, to relevant faults that appear within two years of delivery.