For reheating and defrosting
You prepare meals in advance or mainly reheat portions that are already cooked. A straightforward model covers these needs; according to Samsung France, grilling and convection are for different cooking requirements.
Which model suits each need?
For browning certain dishes
You’d like to brown toast, gratins or reheated dishes, but don’t necessarily need oven-style cooking. Check that the model includes a grill mode.
For cooking when space is limited
You want more cooking modes, but also need to save worktop space or make use of an existing housing unit. Dimensions, ventilation and, for a built-in model, the installation diagram may determine your choice before you even consider the programmes.
What should you check before buying?
First, decide whether your meals need only reheating, occasional browning or extra cooking modes. Then make sure the model you choose can be installed in line with the instructions.
| Your need | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Simple reheating | Microwave and defrost settings; capacity to suit the dishes you use. | If I mainly reheat ready-made portions, I’d rather have controls suited to that than cooking modes I’d rarely use. Around 38% of consumers would prioritise this basic need. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill mode, which accessories are included and the instructions for use. | For gratins or toast, I want to be able to brown certain foods without trying to replace my oven. This would be the priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| More versatile cooking | Whether convection or fan-assisted cooking is explicitly listed; capacity and total electrical power. | If I plan to cook regularly as well as reheat food, the available modes matter more than the ‘combi’ label alone. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise this versatility. |
| Space and installation | Clearance required by the instructions for a freestanding model; housing unit dimensions and connection requirements for a built-in model. | When worktop space is limited or there’s already a housing unit in place, I need to know whether the appliance will actually fit. Around 16% of consumers would put compatibility with their available space first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a combi model when you only need to reheat food
Convection is for cooking, which is different from reheating and defrosting. If you don’t plan to use it, the extra programmes won’t meet your main need.
Make a note of the meals you prepare most often, then compare simple models, grill models and convection models based on how you’ll use them.
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Measuring only the front or the available width
A freestanding model needs the ventilation clearance specified for that particular model. A built-in model must fit the full dimensions of the housing unit and follow the manufacturer’s installation diagram.
Measure the height, width and depth, then check the instructions for your chosen model for ventilation and connection requirements. Don’t assume it will fit based on the width of the front alone.
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Looking only at the microwave power rating
This figure doesn’t tell you whether the appliance has a grill or convection function. It also doesn’t indicate the total electrical power required for the connection.
Compare the stated modes, capacity and electrical specifications of each model separately.
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Confusing a commercial warranty with your statutory rights
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity described by the DGCCRF is separate from any additional commercial warranty. If you’re replacing an old microwave, it should also be disposed of through the collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment.
Check what any commercial warranty covers, but don’t confuse it with your statutory rights. For your old appliance, the French ministries responsible for the ecological transition list collection points, recycling centres and retailers as possible drop-off locations.
Brands to consider
Bosch
A brand to consider when comparing freestanding microwaves designed for reheating and defrosting.
- Bosch’s FFL020MS2 product details list a capacity of 20 L and a maximum microwave power of 800 W.
- These specifications apply to the FFL020MS2. Check the details for any other Bosch model.
Samsung
A brand to consider when comparing solo, grill and convection models based on how you plan to use them.
- Samsung France distinguishes reheating and defrosting from browning and other cooking needs.
- Samsung says ventilation clearances vary by model, so always follow the instructions for the one you choose.
Whirlpool
A brand to consider if you’re comparing combi models and their different cooking modes.
- Whirlpool’s MWSC933SB product details describe a 33 L combi microwave with microwave, grill and Crisp programmes.
- The results promised for the Crisp programmes are Whirlpool’s claims, not an independent comparison with other appliances.
Electrolux
A brand to consider for a built-in installation, where housing unit dimensions and electrical specifications guide your choice.
- For the KMSD253TB, Electrolux specifies a housing unit measuring 380 × 560 × 550 mm, a 230 V supply and a total power rating of 1 450 W.
- These specifications are specific to the KMSD253TB and don’t replace the installation diagram for the model you buy.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models let you compare simple reheating, grilling and a combi appliance for everyday meals. Whichever mode you’re looking for, check the dimensions and installation instructions for the model before choosing.
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Beko MGC20100B1 microwave with grill, 20 L, black
For reheating meals, with a grill available when you want to brown certain dishes. The title lists a power rating of 700 W. Check the required clearances in the instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo microwave with Quick Defrost, 23 L
For meals you need to reheat when defrosting matters more than browning. This model is described as a solo microwave. Check its instructions for the clearance it needs in its chosen location.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB 3-in-1 combi microwave, 42 L
Worth comparing if you’re considering cooking modes beyond reheating alone. Before choosing this 42 L combi model, check the exact modes, whether it has a defrost function if that’s important to you, and the space and connection requirements in the instructions.
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Cecotec freestanding microwave, 20 L, 700 W, 6 power levels, black
For comparing a worktop appliance designed for reheating meals. The title lists six power levels. If browning or oven-style cooking matters to you, check which modes are actually available before buying.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih microwave with grill, 25 L, white
For reheating dishes, with a grill for when you want to brown them. If you’re also looking for fan-assisted cooking, check the modes available on this model. Consult the instructions for its electrical specifications and ventilation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Which microwave should I choose if I mainly reheat ready meals?
A solo model is suitable if reheating and defrosting are your main needs. Then compare its capacity with the dishes you usually use, as well as the appliance’s dimensions and the clearances specified in its instructions.
Does a grill replace convection?
No. A grill is for browning, while convection offers extra cooking modes. If you want to cook regularly as well as reheat food, check that fan-assisted cooking is explicitly listed among the model’s functions.
How much space should I leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearance instructions for the model you choose. Samsung France gives a general guide of at least 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, while noting that these distances may vary by model.
Is a front panel around 60 cm wide enough to choose a built-in model?
No. The front panel’s width doesn’t confirm that the appliance will fit the housing unit. Measure its height, width and depth, then compare them with the installation diagram, ventilation requirements and electrical specifications for the model you’re considering.
Does a commercial warranty replace the statutory guarantee in France?
No. For a purchase from a professional seller in France, the DGCCRF distinguishes the statutory guarantee of conformity from any commercial warranty. Read the terms of the latter, but don’t treat it as a replacement for your statutory rights if the product doesn’t conform to the contract.