If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a basic microwave may be all you need. Add a grill if you’d like to brown dishes from time to time, or choose a combination microwave with convection if you also plan to cook food in an oven-style way. UFC-Que Choisir clearly distinguishes between grilling and convection, so before you buy, check the functions, dimensions and installation requirements for the exact model. A separate oven is also worth considering if you have the space and prefer oven cooking.
If you’re considering oven-style cooking in a home with limited equipment, compare the convection function, the size of dishes that will fit and the space needed for installation. Panasonic’s French models show how functions can differ between products.
If you’re short on worktop space, check the appliance’s external dimensions and installation instructions, as well as its capacity. Panasonic’s product specifications give examples of different sizes across its models.
If you mainly reheat and defrost food, decide whether you also need a grill or convection before choosing a model with extra functions. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses in its guide to microwave ovens.
Choose this if : you mainly reheat and defrost food and don’t expect the model to have a grill or convection. The Panasonic NN-E20JW is an example of this type.
Bear in mind : you won’t get the grill or convection functions found on models that have them.
Choose this if : you’d like to brown dishes from time to time, as well as reheat food. The Panasonic NN-K10JW combines microwave and grill functions.
Bear in mind : a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has convection, as Panasonic’s model comparison points out.
Choose this if : you’ll actually use convection for oven-style cooking, as well as reheating or defrosting food.
Bear in mind : functions and overall size vary by model. Check its dimensions and instructions before deciding where to put it.
Choose this if : you have a suitable space and prefer oven cooking. The Moulinex Optimo OX464810 is an example of a mini oven, rather than a microwave.
Bear in mind : a separate oven doesn’t replace a microwave. If you need both, you’ll also need space for another appliance.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking without a separate oven | Check that the exact model has convection, what settings it offers and the size of dishes it can accommodate. | I want to cook some dishes in an oven-style way without installing a separate appliance. Around 33 % of consumers with this need prioritise this option. |
| Fitting the appliance into your space | Measure its width, depth and height, and allow room for the door to open. Check the instructions for clearance requirements. | In a small kitchen, I need to know if the appliance and the space it requires will fit on my worktop. Around 27 % of consumers with this need prioritise the available space. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check which functions you’ll actually use and make sure the turntable can accommodate your usual dishes. | I mainly want to reheat and defrost food, without paying for modes I won’t use. Around 20 % of consumers with this need prioritise these functions. |
| Browning food occasionally | Check that the appliance has a grill, and don’t confuse it with convection. Also check which accessories are included. | I want to brown some dishes, but don’t necessarily need to cook as I would in a convection oven. Around 20 % of consumers with this need prioritise an occasional grill function. |
The specifications for the Panasonic models reviewed distinguish between the grill and the convection model. So a function’s name alone doesn’t confirm that it offers all the cooking modes you’re looking for.
If you want to cook as you would in an oven, look for convection specifically in the specifications and instructions for the model you’re considering.
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you how much worktop space the appliance will take up, how much clearance it needs or the diameter of its turntable.
Measure your worktop and dishes, then check the instructions for the exact model to find out its installation requirements.
A mini oven such as the Moulinex Optimo OX464810 offers oven cooking modes, while a basic microwave is designed for tasks such as reheating and defrosting.
Decide whether you need both types of cooking and make sure you have enough space for each appliance.
The French models reviewed illustrate several options: basic, grill and combination with convection.
The French product page for the MC28H5015CK/EF describes a 28 L combination microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions.
The MWP 3391 SB is an example of a freestanding combination microwave described by Whirlpool France.
The Optimo OX464810 is an example of a separate mini oven, rather than a microwave.
These products include models with a grill, basic microwaves and combination models with cooking functions. Check which mode you need and how much installation space is available before choosing.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with a grill for browning dishes occasionally.
20 L capacity, 245 mm turntable and stated external dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. Freestanding appliance: the product description recommends at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your main needs are reheating and defrosting, rather than grilling or convection cooking.
The product description lists 11 power levels and defrosting by time or weight. Stated external dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm. Freestanding; installation in a cabinet requires one that has been tested for this purpose.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a basic appliance for reheating and defrosting, without adding a grill or convection function.
The product description lists a 28,8 cm turntable and external dimensions of 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm. The appliance is described as freestanding.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want microwave, grill and convection functions in one appliance, and its dimensions suit your available space.
The product description lists convection adjustable from 140 to 230 °C and external dimensions of 553 × 326 × 505 mm. It also mentions a rotisserie spit, two racks and a baking tray.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you plan to use several cooking modes and the appliance’s size suits your kitchen.
The product description lists microwave, grill and convection modes, as well as steam cooking. It also mentions a 36 cm turntable and external dimensions of 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm.
Not necessarily: the Panasonic NN-K10JW is described as having microwave and grill functions, while the NN-C69KSM product page also lists convection. Check the functions of the model you’re considering rather than relying on the word “grill” alone.
Don’t assume you can based on its dimensions alone. For the Panasonic NN-CD88, Panasonic specifies worktop installation and cabinet installation using the finishing kit stated for this model. Follow the instructions for the model you’re considering, as this guidance doesn’t apply to every appliance.
Check the care instructions and accessories for the model you choose. In France, if a private individual buys goods from a professional seller, they can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity from the seller. The Ministry of the Economy distinguishes this from an optional commercial warranty.
The DGCCRF includes domestic ovens among the categories covered by energy labelling, but the rules depend on the type of oven. Check the requirements for the appliance category; don’t assume that the rules for a separate oven apply in the same way to every combination microwave.