If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave may be all you need. Choose a model with a grill if you also want to brown and crisp food, or a combination model with convection cooking for oven-style meals. Before you choose, compare the external dimensions, turntable or cavity size, and the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. The capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether it will fit in your kitchenette.
For a studio flat or holiday home, if you reheat portions and defrost food but don’t plan to make gratins or cook oven-style dishes, compare the basic functions and turntable size. UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide distinguishes these uses from grill and combination functions.
If you also want to cook oven-style dishes, check that the model specifically includes convection cooking. A grill browns food, but it doesn’t offer the same function. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grilling from convection cooking in combination models.
Measure the space and the dishes you use regularly, then check the external dimensions, turntable and ventilation requirements for the exact model. Samsung notes that the required clearances vary by model.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost food, without needing to brown it. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this option from grill and convection functions.
Keep in mind: it doesn’t offer a grill or convection cooking, so check that the turntable is large enough for your plates.
Choose this if: you want to brown or crisp food from time to time, as well as reheat meals. According to Whirlpool France, the MAX 38 FW combines a grill with a stated 13 L cavity and a 28 cm turntable.
Keep in mind: a grill doesn’t replace the convection cooking of a combination model. Check that your dishes will fit and review the installation instructions.
Choose this if: you also want to cook oven-style dishes regularly and the model explicitly states that it has convection cooking.
Keep in mind: some documented models take up more space: Panasonic lists dimensions of 520 × 520 × 327 mm for the NN-C69KS, while Whirlpool France gives the MWSC 9133 SB a capacity of 33 L. Check the dimensions and manual for the model you’re considering.
When choosing a microwave for a kitchenette, your priorities depend on what you eat and where the appliance will go. Choose the functions to suit the way you cook, then check that the appliance and your dishes will fit in the available space.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the microwave and defrost functions, then compare the turntable size with the plates and bowls you use. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food, I’d rather not pay for functions I won’t use; around 33% of consumers prioritise these tasks. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check that the model explicitly includes convection cooking; a grill alone won’t do the same job. | If my home doesn’t have an oven and I also want to cook oven-style dishes, I look for convection cooking; around 27% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Fitting the microwave into a small space | Compare the width, depth and height with the available space, then check the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. | If my worktop space is very limited, I also check the room needed to open the door and allow ventilation; around 20% of consumers prioritise a compact fit. |
| Occasional browning and crisping | Check for a grill setting and the cavity size. Check separately for convection cooking if you need that too. | If I mainly want to brown or crisp food occasionally, rather than cook oven-style meals regularly, a grill may be all I need; around 20% of consumers prioritise browning and crisping. |
A grill browns food; it isn’t the same as the convection cooking offered by a combination appliance. If your dishes need to cook as they would in an oven, a grill-only model may not be suitable.
Make a list of the dishes you plan to cook, then check the grill and convection settings separately on the model you’re considering.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you the size of the turntable or which dishes will fit inside the cavity. You’ll also need to allow for the door to open and for ventilation when installing it.
Measure your dishes and the available space, then check the usable dimensions and the exact model’s manual. Samsung says ventilation clearances vary by model.
The statutory guarantee of conformity and any commercial guarantee have different terms. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance explains that the statutory guarantee applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer.
Before deciding, distinguish your applicable statutory rights from the terms of any commercial guarantee.
The French product pages reviewed cover freestanding solo, grill and combination models.
The models reviewed include solo microwaves, grill models and combination models with convection cooking.
The model reviewed, MS23K3513AK/EF, is a 23 L solo microwave.
This selection includes solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as models with a grill for browning and crisping food.
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For everyday reheating and defrosting in a small home.
Stated capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W; six power levels; defrost function; 9.6-inch turntable.
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For reheating and defrosting, with a grill for browning and crisping food.
Stated capacity: 25 L; power given in the product name: 1 000 W.
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For reheating meals in a studio flat or rented home.
Stated capacity: 20 L.
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For reheating and defrosting in a kitchen with space for a countertop appliance.
Stated capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W; six power levels.
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For reheating and defrosting, with a grill for occasional browning and crisping.
Stated capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W; 245 mm turntable.
No. Compare the turntable diameter or internal dimensions with your dishes, then check that the external dimensions and door opening will work in your space. For example, Whirlpool France lists a 13 L cavity and a 28 cm turntable for the MAX 34/BL: these measurements describe different things.
Check the manual for the exact model before deciding where to put it. Samsung notes that ventilation clearances vary by model, and Whirlpool recommends keeping the ventilation openings clear.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer. For a new item, the stated period for making a claim is two years. You can make a claim to the seller, independently of any commercial guarantee. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance explains the terms.
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking is not a certification mark; it indicates conformity with the applicable European legislation.