Meals are mostly reheated
You mainly use your microwave to reheat leftovers and defrost portions. A solo model is a good starting point for comparison.
Who is this guide for?
Very limited kitchenette space
Your priority is finding a practical spot, with enough room to open the door and allow air to circulate. Capacity in litres alone won’t help you decide.
Food you want to brown or cook
You might consider a grill for browning and grilling, or a combi model if you also want oven-style cooking.
What to check
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you reheat and defrost food, without needing to brown it or cook it in an oven.
Limitation: it won’t meet your needs for grilling or oven-style cooking.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you regularly want to brown or grill food as well as reheat it.
Limitation: a grill function alone doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan oven.
Combi microwave
Choose this if: you also use oven-style cooking and want to combine these functions in one appliance.
Limitation: check that its dimensions and the specified clearances suit your chosen space.
| Criterion | What to check before you buy | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The defrost function and the size of the containers you usually use. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost leftovers, I want functions suited to those tasks without adding a grill I’ll rarely use. Around 33% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Space and ventilation | External dimensions, door opening and the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. | In a small kitchenette, I need to be able to fit the appliance, open its door and keep its vents clear. Around 27% of consumers put fitting the appliance into their available space first. |
| Browning and grilling | Whether the exact model has a grill, and which accessories are needed for the selected mode. | If I regularly grill food, I look for a grill function. I don’t assume that means the appliance can also cook with a fan oven. Around 20% of consumers prioritise browning or grilling. |
| Oven-style cooking | Whether it explicitly has a fan-assisted or convection function, as well as the appliance’s dimensions. | If I want to cook meals without a separate oven, I check that the combi model has the cooking mode I need and fits the available space. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this option. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Confusing capacity with the space you need
Two appliances with a similar stated capacity can have different external dimensions. You also need to allow room for the door to open and for ventilation clearances.
Measure the space and your dishes, then check the dimensions and instructions in the manual for the exact model number.
Choosing the wrong spot can make your worktop harder to use or mean you have to rearrange it.
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Mistaking a grill for fan-assisted cooking
A grill is used, among other things, to brown food. Its presence doesn’t prove that the model can cook like an oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grill functions from those of a combi microwave.
If you want oven-style cooking, check that the product details for your chosen model explicitly list convection or fan-assisted cooking.
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Assuming every model in a range has the same accessories and functions
Functions and accessories can vary between models, even within the same range.
Check the functions and accessories supplied with the exact model and variant you’re buying.
Some functions on the Whirlpool MCP349WH require a Crisp dish. Check that the necessary accessory is included with the variant you’ve chosen.
Brands to consider
Samsung
The 23 L solo and grill models let you compare these two options within the same range.
- Samsung France lists external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm for the MS23K3515AK/EF and 489 × 275 × 392 mm for the MG23K3515AK/EF.
- Samsung France notes that typical clearances vary by model. Check the manual for the exact model before choosing where to put it.
Whirlpool
Documented models include a solo microwave and a combi model with fan-assisted cooking. Their functions and dimensions are not interchangeable.
- Whirlpool France lists dimensions of 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm for the MCP349WH, which also has a fan-assisted cooking function.
- Whirlpool advises against blocking the vents. Check the instructions in the manual for the model you choose.
LG
The NeoChef MH6535GISS is a documented grill model you can use to compare its footprint and turntable dimensions.
- LG France lists a 25 L capacity, dimensions of 47,6 × 27,2 × 38,8 cm and a 29,2 cm turntable for this model.
- A grill function doesn’t establish that the appliance has a fan oven. Any cooking claims remain those made by the manufacturer.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes solo and grill models for reheating and defrosting, with extra functions depending on the model. Compare the appliance’s dimensions with your available space and check the clearance needed in its manual.
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Heinrich’s compact solo microwave, 20 L
For reheating and defrosting in a kitchenette, the title describes a compact solo model.
The title lists a 20 L capacity, 700 W, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI microwave with grill, 21 L
The grill is a good option if you want to brown food as well as reheat it. This model is also listed as having a defrost function.
The title lists a 21 L capacity, 800 W and a Titanium finish. Check the clearance needed to install the exact model.
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LG MH 6535 gih microwave with grill, 25 L
The quartz grill is designed for browning food. A quick defrost function and automatic programmes are also listed.
The title lists a 25 L capacity, 1 000 W and a white finish.
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LG MH6535GIS black microwave with grill, 25 L
Consider the grill if you want to brown or grill food as well as reheat it. This model is also listed as having a defrost function.
The title lists a 25 L capacity, 1 000 W and a black finish.
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Galanz compact square microwave, 20 L, P4
The title describes this model as suitable for small spaces and lists a 20 L capacity.
Frequently asked questions
Is the stated capacity in litres enough to help me choose the right size?
No. Also compare the external dimensions, turntable and space needed to open the door. Samsung France lists the same width and height for the MS23K3515AK/EF and MG23K3515AK/EF, but different depths: 374 mm for the solo model and 392 mm for the grill model.
Can I fit a freestanding microwave into a narrow alcove?
Don’t rely on the appliance’s dimensions alone. Samsung France gives typical clearances of 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary by model. Whirlpool France advises against blocking the vents. Check the manual for the exact model before choosing where to put it.
Can a microwave with a grill replace an oven?
Not necessarily. A grill can brown or grill food, but that alone doesn’t mean the appliance has a convection cooking function. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grill models from combi microwaves, which also offer oven-style cooking functions. Check which mode is listed for the model you’re considering.
What can I do if a microwave I bought from a retailer isn’t as described?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to claim under this guarantee. Any commercial guarantee is separate.