Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost portions; opt for a model with a grill if you also want to brown food occasionally. A combination model makes sense when it needs to handle some of the cooking you would normally do in an oven, provided its location, ventilation and functions genuinely suit the meals you prepare.
For students in rented accommodation, halls of residence or shared housing who need to reheat and defrost food every day, and occasionally prepare cooked dishes. Whether a combination model is worthwhile mainly depends on how often you actually cook food that would normally go in an oven. France’s Ministry of Higher Education reported that, in 2023, two-thirds of students lived away from the family home.
For a secondary kitchen where space is limited and one appliance may need to reheat, defrost, brown or handle basic cooking tasks. UFC-Que Choisir specifically lists second homes among the situations where choosing a microwave may be appropriate.
For tenants who first need to check what equipment is already provided. In furnished accommodation covered by Decree No. 2015-981, Légifrance states that the minimum equipment includes cooking hobs and an oven or microwave oven; this does not mean that a combination appliance is supplied.
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting cover most of your meals.
Bear in mind: it will not meet your needs for browning food or regularly cooking as you would in an oven.
Choose this if: you want to brown or finish off certain dishes without planning to do much oven-style cooking.
Bear in mind: having a grill does not, by itself, confirm that the appliance has a fan-assisted cooking function.
Choose this if: the appliance also needs to handle cooking tasks normally carried out in an oven.
Bear in mind: check the available modes, dimensions and required clearances for the exact model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Functions you will actually use | Check the microwave, defrost, grill and fan-assisted cooking functions separately. A grill is used for browning; a combination model adds oven-style cooking functions. | I mainly want to reheat and defrost food, without taking up kitchen space with functions I would never use. |
| Results in each mode | Compare defrosting, evenness and reheating speed. If you cook using the grill or fan-assisted mode, assess those functions separately too. | My portions and drinks need to be reheated evenly; I only want to compare the grill or oven-style cooking if I will genuinely use them. |
| Space and ventilation | Measure the width, height and depth, then follow the instructions for the model. Samsung recommends, as a guideline, 10 cm at the back and on the sides, and 20 cm above; requirements may vary. | My worktop is small: the appliance must fit without obstructing the airflow it needs to operate safely. |
| Suitable accessories | Check which containers are permitted in microwave mode and which accessories are approved for the grill or combination mode. The model’s instructions are the final authority. | I want to use my dishes safely without confusing the rules for microwave cooking with those for other cooking modes. |
The grill and fan-assisted cooking only offer a benefit if you genuinely brown or cook dishes. A solo appliance may be all you need when you mainly reheat and defrost food.
Make a list of the meals you prepare each week: if pizzas, gratins, cakes and oven-style dishes are rare, start by comparing a solo model with one that has a grill.
A freestanding combination model can be deep and heavy. Without the airflow space specified by the manufacturer, the appliance could overheat or become damaged.
Measure the unit or worktop before ordering, then compare the dimensions and minimum distances stated in the instructions for the exact model.
Metal materials and certain containers can cause sparks or a fire in microwave mode. Compatible accessories may also differ depending on the mode selected.
Keep the instructions and use only the accessories explicitly approved for the selected cooking mode.
In furnished accommodation covered by the applicable decree, an oven or microwave oven is part of the minimum equipment. However, the appliance provided may not be a combination model or may not meet your needs.
Ask for the inventory, check the condition and functions of the appliance already there, and only buy one if its absence or limitations prevent you from using it as intended.
Samsung’s French range covers solo microwaves, models with grills and convection models, making it possible to compare the main functional configurations.
In France, Whirlpool offers freestanding solo, grill and combination appliances, including some formats suited to smaller kitchens.
LG combines microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking functions across its French combination microwave range.
These Joybuy options include a solo microwave and models with grills for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, browning food in a home without a conventional oven.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasionally browning food without a conventional oven.
Advertised features include 25 L capacity, a 28.8 cm turntable, six power levels, weight- or time-based defrosting and a quartz grill.
Fan-assisted cooking is not listed; check this if the appliance needs to replace an oven. Allow for dimensions of 53.6 × 43.6 × 33 cm, plus the specified ventilation clearances.
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For reheating, defrosting and browning occasional portions or dishes.
Advertised features include 21 L capacity, 800 W, eight automatic programmes, a 24.5 cm turntable, a 1,000 W grill and combined microwave/grill modes.
The product information does not confirm fan-assisted cooking. Allow for dimensions of 55 × 42 × 34 cm and observe the required clearances before installation.
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For needs centred on reheating and defrosting in a small home.
Advertised features include 20 L capacity, 700 W, a 245 mm turntable, six power levels and a 30-minute mechanical timer.
No grill or fan-assisted cooking is advertised. Check that the installation space leaves 10 cm clear on all sides.
For furnished accommodation covered by Decree No. 2015-981, the minimum furnishings include cooking hobs and either an oven or microwave oven, according to Légifrance. The legislation does not require a combination microwave: check the inventory and tenancy agreement before buying an additional appliance.
No. Start by following the manual for the model you have chosen. Samsung recommends an average of 10 cm at the back and on the sides, plus 20 cm above for ventilation, but requirements may vary by appliance.
In particular, avoid aluminium, metal dishes and twist ties. Samsung states that certain materials can cause sparks or a fire; for grill or combination-cooking accessories, follow the model’s instructions exclusively.
Take it to a collection point or recycling centre, return it to a retailer or contact a social and solidarity economy organisation. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition also states that repair or refurbishment may be considered depending on the appliance’s condition.