Everyday reheating in a small space
You reheat portions and defrost food, but don’t regularly need to brown dishes. In that case, compare a solo model with the space available on your worktop.
Which type is right for you?
Small dishes that need browning
You mainly use your microwave for reheating, but would also like to brown or crisp food from time to time. A grill function is handy for this, but it’s not the same as fan-assisted cooking.
Cooking without a traditional oven
You plan to cook dishes that need an oven setting regularly. A combination microwave with convection cooking can bring together this function, a grill and microwave cooking, as long as its size and controls suit you.
What should you check before choosing?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting make up most of your microwave use.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t offer a grill or fan-assisted cooking.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or crisp food occasionally.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance offers fan-assisted cooking.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: not having an oven means you regularly need an oven-style cooking mode.
Bear in mind: check the space required, the accessories and how easy the programmes are to use before choosing a model.
Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combination models according to their cooking functions. If you’re kitting out student accommodation, a second home or a small kitchen without an oven, start with your main need, then check the dimensions and functions of the model you’re considering.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the power settings and, if you need one, whether the model has a defrost setting. | I mainly want to quickly heat up ready-cooked portions or defrost food, without using an oven function. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Cooking without an oven | Look for an oven-style cooking mode, such as convection, then check the accessories and usable dimensions. | Without a traditional oven, I plan to regularly cook dishes that need more than reheating. This would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Browning and crisping | Check that it has a grill and that the rack or tray is suitable for your dishes. | I’d like to finish off a gratin now and then, without needing regular fan-assisted cooking. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise a grill for this reason. |
| Fitting the appliance and your dishes | Compare the external dimensions with those of your dishes, then allow for the clearances specified in the instruction manual. | My worktop space is limited, and my dishes need to fit inside while leaving enough room for ventilation. This would be a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
The stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that a rectangular dish or tall container will fit inside. Whirlpool’s product specifications also show that turntable diameters vary between models.
Measure your largest dish, then compare its dimensions with the turntable and the internal space of the model you’re considering.
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Confusing a grill function with oven-style cooking
According to Que Choisir, a grill is used for browning, while a combination model also offers convection cooking. So your choice depends on the dishes you actually plan to make.
If you only want to brown food occasionally, compare grill models. If you often need to cook as you would in an oven, look at the cooking modes offered by combination models.
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Measuring the appliance without allowing for ventilation
A microwave may fit on your worktop but still not have the clearance required for installation. Samsung France notes that these distances vary by model.
Before ordering, measure the space and allow for the clearances specified in the instruction manual for the exact model.
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Ignoring the instructions on a food tray
L’Anses states that overheating food can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging.
Follow the time and power instructions on the packaging. If you’re unsure whether the container is microwave-safe, transfer the food to a suitable dish.
Brands to consider
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers solo and grill models in different sizes. The range makes it easy to compare stated capacity with the space available and the dishes you own.
- The MAX34/BL is listed as having a 13 L capacity and a 28 cm turntable; the MCP341WH is listed at 25 L and measures 52 × 31 × 39 cm.
- Don’t choose on capacity alone: check the turntable and cavity dimensions, as well as the space where you plan to put the appliance.
Samsung
Samsung France offers the MG23T5018AW, a 23 L grill microwave worth considering if you want to brown food as well as reheat it.
- The MG23T5018AW product specifications list a Quick Defrost function.
- For installation, Samsung gives indicative clearance distances but advises following the requirements for each individual model.
Panasonic
Panasonic France offers multi-function models to consider if oven-style cooking will be a regular part of life in a kitchen without an oven.
- The NN-CD88 and NN-DS59N specifications list microwave, grill and oven-style cooking modes; the NN-DS59N also has a steam mode.
- Compare the dimensions, accessories and programmes of the specific model with your recipes and the space available.
Microwaves to compare on Joybuy
These models cover reheating with solo microwaves, occasional browning with a grill model and oven-style cooking with a combination model. Start by choosing the function you need, then check the available space and the dimensions of your dishes.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if you don’t need a grill function; the model name includes Quick Defrost.
Stated capacity: 23 L. Before installation, check that your dishes will fit and refer to the instruction manual for ventilation clearances.
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Hkoenig VIO9, 25 L grill microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, then occasionally brown it using the grill. This function doesn’t replace fan-assisted cooking.
Stated capacity: 25 L. Compare the size of your dishes with the turntable and check the instruction manual for ventilation clearances.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting in a limited space; the product name lists six preset menus and eleven power levels.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated power: 700 W. Check the turntable size and installation instructions, and make sure the electrical supply is suitable for your home.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L solo microwave
Worth comparing for everyday reheating with manual settings. If you’d like a dedicated defrost programme, check the instruction manual to see if it’s included.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated power: 700 W. Check that your dishes fit on the turntable and follow the ventilation clearances specified for this model.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you regularly need to cook without a traditional oven: its microwave, grill and convection modes suit this use.
Stated capacity: 42 L. Measure the space carefully, then check the instruction manual for ventilation clearances and the electrical supply required.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
As well as allowing for the appliance’s external dimensions, follow the clearances specified in the instruction manual for your chosen model. Samsung France gives a general guideline of at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary between models.
How do you choose a dish or food tray for the microwave?
Use a microwave-safe container and follow the power and timing instructions on its packaging. L’Anses warns that overheating food can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging. If you’re unsure about a container, transfer the food to a suitable dish.
Which programmes are useful in student accommodation?
If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, look for easy-to-understand power settings and check for a defrost mode if you plan to use one. According to Que Choisir, a grill is used for browning, while a combination model offers additional oven-style cooking options. These extra functions are most useful if you’ll need them regularly.
What should you do with an old microwave in France?
Old microwaves are covered by the electrical and electronic equipment waste scheme outlined by the ministries responsible for ecological transition. Ask the retailer or a collection point about returning or dropping off the appliance, rather than putting it in your household rubbish.