Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions: it covers everyday needs while potentially taking up less space than a combination model. A grill is worthwhile for dishes that need browning, while a combination microwave is best suited to situations where not having a traditional oven justifies its larger footprint and the use of fan-assisted cooking.
You have limited worktop space and crockery, and mainly use the appliance for reheating or defrosting. A freestanding solo model with external dimensions suited to the available space is generally suitable when an oven is already available.
You occasionally prepare toast, gratins or dishes that need browning, and are happy to choose an appliance slightly larger than a solo model. A model with a grill meets this specific need, but does not offer all the functions of a fan-assisted oven.
You expect to cook pizzas, cakes or gratins more regularly. A combination microwave could be suitable if its dimensions, ventilation and fan-assisted cooking mode are compatible with the intended location.
Choose this if: you reheat, defrost and prepare simple foods, with an oven already available or very limited worktop space.
Good to know: it cannot brown food and does not replace either a grill or a fan-assisted oven.
Choose this if: you want to brown toast, gratins or occasional dishes without regularly cooking as you would in an oven.
Good to know: the grill adds a golden finish, but is not equivalent to fan-assisted cooking.
Choose this if: your accommodation has no oven and you plan to cook pizzas, cakes or gratins regularly.
Good to know: this format can be much deeper and requires a well-ventilated location.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Actual footprint | Compare the width, height and depth with the available space. Check the door opening, required clearances and ventilation grilles. Consider the capacity in litres after checking the external dimensions. | I need to be able to position the appliance without blocking the worktop, a cupboard door or ventilation. |
| Useful functions | Microwaving and defrosting cover everyday needs. Choose a grill for browning; only look for convection or fan-assisted cooking if the appliance needs to replace a missing oven. | I would rather choose an appliance suited to the meals I actually prepare than pay for functions I rarely use. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the power settings and defrost mode. When an independent comparison is available for the model, look at the results for evenness and reheating speed. | I want to reheat leftovers or defrost food without simply relying on the highest setting. |
| Installation and use | Read the instructions for the exact model for positioning and ventilation requirements, approved accessories and cooking modes. Follow the power and timing guidance on packaging suitable for microwave use. | I want to install the appliance correctly and use its programmes as intended. |
Internal capacity alone does not tell you how deep the product is. A 39 L combination model can be up to 52.5 cm deep, compared with 35 cm for one 20 L solo model.
Measure the width, height, depth, door swing and ventilation clearances before comparing capacities. Then consult the instructions for the exact model.
The grill and fan-assisted cooking are mainly useful if you genuinely brown or cook food. In a studio that already has an oven, they may add bulk without serving an everyday purpose.
Make a list of the meals you expect to prepare over a week: reheating and defrosting, browning, or oven-style cooking. Then choose a solo, grill or combination model according to how often you will use each function.
Whirlpool states that the ventilation grilles must not be blocked and that nothing should be placed on top of the appliance.
Do not choose an enclosed or cluttered location until you have checked the distances and instructions in the manual.
L’Anses states that excessive reheating can increase the risk of substances from certain types of packaging migrating into food.
Follow the power and timing instructions shown on the packaging of the product concerned.
The freestanding range includes solo, grill and combination appliances. The MWP201SB is an example of a 20 L solo model designed for reheating and defrosting.
The MG23K3515AK is an example of a 23 L microwave with grill, designed to add browning to everyday reheating.
The MJ3965ACW is an example of a worktop combination model combining microwave, grill and convection cooking in a 39 L cavity.
These Joybuy options include solo microwaves and models with a grill for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, browning food in student or temporary accommodation.
Image unavailable
Suitable for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning.
Listed dimensions: 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm; automatic programmes, weight control and child lock.
The grill does not replace a fan-assisted oven. Check the ventilation requirements in the instructions before installation.
Image unavailable
For reheating and defrosting simple portions in a studio flat or student room.
Six power levels, 30-minute timer, defrost function and 9,6-inch turntable.
This model has neither a grill nor fan-assisted cooking; check the ventilation clearances in the instructions.
Image unavailable
A solo option for leftovers and frozen foods when worktop space is the priority.
Listed dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm; 11 power levels, six pre-set menus and defrosting by weight or time.
It does not offer a grill or fan-assisted cooking. Consult the instructions for installation requirements.
Image unavailable
Suitable for reheating and defrosting everyday portions, with automatic programmes.
Listed dimensions: 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm; 28,8 cm turntable, six power levels and 29 automatic programmes.
Without a grill or fan-assisted cooking, it does not replace an oven for gratins or regular cooking.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to combine reheating, defrosting and dishes that need browning.
Quartz grill, defrosting by weight or time, multi-stage cooking, eight automatic programmes and 28,8 cm turntable.
Its listed dimensions of 53,6 × 43,6 × 33 cm mean you will need to measure the worktop, door opening and required clearances.
No. The capacity describes the cavity; start by comparing the external width, height and, above all, depth with your worktop, then check the clearances required in the instructions. For example, a 20 L Whirlpool solo model measures 45,2 × 26,2 × 35 cm, compared with 54,4 × 32,7 × 52,5 cm for the 39 L LG combination model cited by the manufacturers.
A grill is worthwhile if you regularly want to brown or crisp your dishes. For reheating, defrosting and simple preparations, a solo model remains suitable; a grill is not equivalent to a fan-assisted oven.
A combination model makes most sense if your accommodation does not have a traditional oven and you plan to use fan-assisted cooking for dishes such as small pizzas, cakes or baked meals. Check its footprint, weight and installation requirements before buying.
Check the ventilation requirements, positioning instructions, approved modes and warnings relating specifically to grill or combination functions. For food products designed for microwave use, also follow the timing and power guidance shown on the packaging.
Yes. For furnished rentals covered by the decree of 31 July 2015, Légifrance includes “oven or microwave” in its minimum list. This rule does not make a combination model compulsory and does not remove the need to check the other equipment required in the accommodation.