Everyday reheating and defrosting
You mainly want to reheat portions, drinks or ready meals, and defrost food. A solo microwave covers these needs without making you pay for oven-style cooking functions you wouldn’t use.
Which type is right for each use?
Occasional browning and grilling
You regularly reheat food but would also like to brown or grill the tops of simple dishes. A model with a grill can do this. If you also want to cook as you would in an oven, check separately whether it has a convection function.
Your main cooking appliance when you don’t have a conventional oven
You’re looking for one appliance to reheat, grill and cook some dishes using hot air. A combination model with convection is worth considering, provided its dimensions, accessories and cavity suit your space and the dishes you use.
What should you check before choosing?
If you’re cooking without a conventional oven, start with the dishes you actually want to make. Then check that both the appliance and your dishes will fit in the space available.
| Your needs | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost settings and make sure the turntable is large enough for your usual plates and containers. | If I mainly prepare portions to reheat and food to defrost, I prioritise these functions over an extra cooking mode; around 42% of consumers would put them first. |
| Browning or grilling | Confirm that the appliance has a grill and check which accessories can be used with it. A grill doesn’t mean the appliance has convection. | For the occasional gratin, I want to brown the top without making oven cooking my main use; around 25% of consumers would have this as a priority. |
| Cooking without a conventional oven | Look specifically for convection, then compare the external dimensions, usable cavity size and included accessories. | Without a conventional oven, I also want to cook dishes using hot air, but the appliance has to fit on my worktop; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a grill with a convection oven
A grill browns the top of a dish, while convection is a separate hot-air cooking mode. UFC-Que Choisir looks at factors including browning and evenness of cooking in convection mode, which can vary from model to model.
If you plan to regularly cook dishes that need an oven temperature, look for the words ‘convection’ or ‘fan-assisted’ in the details for the specific model, rather than relying on the word ‘grill’ alone.
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Choosing based on the stated capacity alone
The cavity capacity alone won’t tell you whether a wide dish will fit inside, or whether the appliance will fit on your worktop.
Measure your available space and your dishes, then compare the external dimensions, turntable or cooking racks, and the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s instructions.
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Using the same container in every mode
A container suitable for microwave use isn’t necessarily suitable for the heat of a grill or convection mode. UFC-Que Choisir points out, for example, that a plastic container’s suitability for microwave mode doesn’t mean it can be used in these other modes.
Check which modes each container is suitable for, and use the appliance’s racks or trays as directed in its instructions.
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Extending the reheating time for a tray without taking care
According to Anses, using too high a power setting or reheating for longer than recommended can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging into food.
If the tray is labelled as microwave-safe, follow the power and timing instructions on the packaging.
Brands to consider when comparing models
Whirlpool
The models featured by Whirlpool France include both a microwave with a grill and a combination model with fan-assisted heat.
- The MAX49MB combines a 13 L cavity with microwave and grill functions, while the MCP349WH is a 25 L combination model with fan-assisted heat.
- These features apply to the two models mentioned. Check the specifications and dimensions of the model you’re considering against your available space.
Samsung
Samsung France divides its range into Solo, Grill and Combination microwaves.
- The brand describes its combination models with convection as appliances for reheating, browning and cooking, depending on the mode selected.
- Some connected features on the MC32DG7646CKE1 require a Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account. Check which services are available with the model you choose.
Panasonic
Panasonic France features combination models that bring together microwave, grill and convection functions.
- The NN-CD58RS is one example, with a 27 L cavity, a stated convection temperature range of 30 to 220 °C and dedicated accessories.
- Check the functions, accessories and dimensions for the specific model you’re considering.
Electrolux
Electrolux France’s catalogue includes both freestanding and built-in microwaves, including models with a grill.
- This distinction makes it easier to compare installation formats and check whether a particular model has a grill.
- A grill doesn’t confirm that the appliance has convection. Check the product details and instructions if you also need it to cook without an oven.
Microwaves for different needs
These models cover reheating with a solo microwave, browning with a grill, and combination options for when you’d also like to cook without a conventional oven. If you want to cook using hot air, always confirm the functions available on the specific model you choose.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave, 700 W
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost. The model name indicates six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. If you want to brown or cook using convection, check separately that the required mode is available.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill, 700 W
Worth considering if you want to reheat your food and occasionally brown the top. This model is listed with a grill; check the instructions for suitable containers and the clearance needed around the appliance.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 3-in-1 combination microwave, 42 L
Worth considering if you’d also like to cook without a conventional oven. Its stated capacity is 42 L. Check the cooking modes, accessories and required clearances before deciding where to put it.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you’re looking for a combination appliance to reheat food and prepare a wider range of dishes without a separate oven. Its stated capacity is 39 L. Check that it has the modes your recipes need, and look at the door opening and installation instructions.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI, 25 L microwave with grill, 900 W
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, and occasionally brown the top of a dish. This model is listed with a grill. If you also want to cook using convection, confirm that it has this mode and check the space needed for installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook with a solo microwave if you don’t have an oven?
Yes, for some dishes suited to microwave cooking, but it won’t brown food like a grill or cook with hot air like a combination model. If your recipes need a golden top or an oven temperature, check for the right mode before choosing.
Can a dish that’s suitable for microwave use also go under the grill?
Not necessarily: it depends on the container and the mode you’re using. UFC-Que Choisir points out, for example, that a plastic container suitable for microwave mode shouldn’t be assumed to be suitable for grilling or convection. Follow the instructions for both the container and the appliance.
Why should you follow the instructions on a reheatable tray?
The specified power and cooking time are part of the packaging’s instructions for use. According to Anses, reheating at too high a power or for too long can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging into food.
What should you measure before putting a combination microwave on a worktop?
Measure the available width, height and depth, then allow room to open the door and for the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions. Also compare the cavity or turntable size with your dishes: the stated capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether they’ll fit.
What should you do with an old microwave in France?
Old microwaves should be taken to an electrical and electronic equipment collection point, not put in household rubbish. France’s ministries responsible for the ecological transition list collection points, recycling centres and returns to retailers as possible options.