If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, a microwave-only model will do the job. Choose one with a grill if you’d also like to brown or crisp dishes from time to time. If you regularly want to cook dishes that need an oven, look for a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking, provided its dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual suit your kitchen. These distinctions between microwave-only, grill and combination models reflect the uses described by UFC-Que Choisir and the guides from Samsung France and Whirlpool France.
In a home with limited kitchen equipment, the right type of microwave depends mainly on the meals you want it to prepare, not just on how much space you have.
If you mainly need to reheat or defrost portions, a microwave-only model may be enough. Be sure to measure the space where it will go, though, and don’t rely on it for regular cooking that requires an oven. UFC-Que Choisir includes student accommodation among the situations where a microwave can be useful.
A grill model is useful for browning or crisping food from time to time, while a combination model adds oven-style cooking functions. Choose based on the dishes you’ll actually prepare there, rather than simply counting the programmes.
If you also need your microwave to cook dishes in an oven-style way, look for a combination model with fan-assisted cooking. Then check that your dishes will fit inside and that you can install the appliance with the clearances required by its manual.
Start with the types of cooking you want to do, then check the model’s dimensions and manual against the space you have available.
Choose this: for reheating, defrosting and simple cooking, without the need to brown or crisp food.
Limitation: it has neither a grill nor fan-assisted cooking to cover the jobs you’d normally use an oven for.
Choose this: if you mainly reheat meals but would sometimes like to brown or crisp a dish.
Limitation: a grill alone does not provide oven-style cooking for cakes or roasts.
Choose this: if not having an oven means you’ll also need fan-assisted cooking.
Consideration: check the appliance’s dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the size of the dishes you’ll use.
| Priority | What to check | Based on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the model’s defrost settings and controls. A microwave-only model covers reheating, defrosting and simple cooking, as described by Samsung France. | I mainly prepare leftovers, individual portions or frozen food, and don’t plan to cook oven-style dishes. |
| Browning and crisping | Look for a grill function and check how it works. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from the fan-assisted cooking found in combination models. | I’d like to brown or crisp a dish from time to time, but I won’t regularly use it to cook cakes or roasts. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check for fan-assisted cooking and the stated temperature range. Also compare the cavity and turntable dimensions with your dishes. | Without a conventional oven, I want to prepare dishes that need more than reheating or grilling. |
| Installation | Measure the appliance, the door opening and the clearances specified in its manual. Samsung France gives general guidance of 10 cm at the rear and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary by model. | My worktop is narrow, so the appliance needs to fit in its space without blocking the vents. |
A grill is for browning or crisping food; fan-assisted cooking is for other dishes, such as cakes or roasts. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions in its buying guide.
Make a note of the dishes you’ll cook most often. If you regularly need to cook oven-style dishes, look specifically for a combination model with fan-assisted cooking and check the temperatures stated for that model.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you by itself whether your dish will fit, whether the door can open or whether the microwave will fit in its space.
Compare the external dimensions, cavity, turntable and clearance needed in front of the appliance with your measurements, then check the clearances specified in the manual.
Whirlpool says not to block the vents on its freestanding appliances and warns that obstructed ventilation can cause overheating.
Place the appliance on a flat surface and follow the installation clearances in the manual for your chosen model. General guidance from a brand is no substitute for those instructions.
These examples illustrate different formats. The features listed apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance from each brand.
Whirlpool France features, among other models, the 20 L MWP201SB microwave-only model, the 20 L MWP203SB grill model and the 25 L MCP349WH combination model with fan-assisted cooking.
Samsung France’s guide distinguishes between conventional, grill and combination microwaves, and recommends checking capacity, power, dimensions and installation requirements.
Panasonic’s French range includes microwave-only, grill and combination models. Its NN-C69KSM specifications describe a 30 L combination model with a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
These models cover the three uses explored here: reheating with a microwave-only model, occasional browning or crisping with a grill, and oven-style cooking with a combination model. Whichever you choose, check the manual and the space you have available first.
Image unavailable
For everyday reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown or crisp food from time to time. Don’t mistake its grill function for fan-assisted cooking: if you want an appliance to cover the jobs of an oven, look for a combination model instead.
Image unavailable
This microwave-only model is suited to reheating, defrosting and simple cooking; its name highlights quick defrosting. If you want to brown or crisp food, or cook regularly as you would in an oven, choose an appliance with the relevant functions. Check the manual to allow for ventilation.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you also need your microwave to cook oven-style dishes. The listing describes grill and convection functions for this combination model; compare its modes and cavity size with the dishes you use. Also measure the space available and check the clearances specified in the manual.
Image unavailable
For reheating meals and defrosting food in a small kitchen. The product name lists six pre-set menus and 11 power levels. Before ordering it for use in France, check the voltage, plug and clearances required in the technical specifications or manual.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you plan to reheat meals and prepare dishes that need oven-style cooking. The listing describes microwave, grill and convection modes. Check that your dishes and the appliance will fit in the space available, and check the model’s voltage, plug and ventilation requirements.
Yes, if you mainly want to reheat, defrost and do simple cooking. If you want to brown or crisp food, look for a grill; if you regularly need to cook dishes as you would in an oven, consider a combination model with fan-assisted cooking. UFC-Que Choisir and Samsung France distinguish between these three uses.
Follow the clearances in the manual for your chosen model and keep its vents unobstructed. Samsung France gives general guidance of at least 10 cm at the rear and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements can vary. Whirlpool also recommends a flat surface and unobstructed ventilation openings.
Compare the cavity and turntable dimensions with your dishes, then measure the space for the appliance and to open its door. Capacity in litres isn’t enough on its own. For example, Panasonic lists the NN-C69KSM as having a 30 L capacity, a 31,5 cm turntable and external dimensions of 520 × 327 × 520 mm.
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says electrical appliances can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, a retailer or a social and solidarity economy organisation. If the appliance is still usable, you could also consider having it repaired before replacing it.