Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost everyday portions, or a grill model if occasional browning is enough. A combination model earns its extra space when you will genuinely use fan-assisted heat or combination cooking; measure the space, door clearance and ventilation gaps specified in the manual before choosing.
You often reheat meals but also want to cook or brown dishes occasionally in the same appliance. The right choice depends on the space available and how often you will genuinely use these cooking functions.
A versatile appliance can save you from filling the space with equipment for occasional use. A combination model is mainly worthwhile if you will use its oven functions regularly.
If your everyday need is still reheating and you simply want to brown gratins or toast, a grill microwave may be enough without moving up to a combination model with fan-assisted heat.
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting are your main priorities, with no need for browning or oven-style cooking.
Good to know: it does not cover grill or fan-assisted cooking.
Choose this if: you want to brown dishes occasionally after reheating them.
Good to know: the grill alone does not replace fan-assisted cooking.
Choose this if: the kitchenette has no usable oven and you will genuinely cook gratins, pizzas or small dishes.
Good to know: greater versatility generally means a larger appliance and a higher price.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and capacity | Compare the width, height and depth with the available space. Check the turntable size, door opening and ventilation clearances specified for the exact model. | I want to keep my worktop usable and be able to fit my usual dishes inside the cavity. |
| Cooking functions | Identify the main use: microwave only, grill, or fan-assisted heat and combination modes. Do not confuse a grill with convection. | I would rather have an appliance suited to my usual recipes than programmes I will hardly ever use. |
| Reheating and defrosting | For shortlisted models, consult tests comparing reheating evenness, defrosting and ease of use. UFC-Que Choisir tests these criteria on appliances sold in France. | My everyday meals need to be reheated evenly, and defrosting matters if I cook with frozen food. |
| Cleaning and heat | Inspect the cavity, accessories and grill elements. Check the installation instructions when the appliance is close to cupboards or other surfaces. | I want to clean up splashes easily in a small space, without making everyday maintenance more complicated. |
The cavity capacity does not tell you whether the worktop is deep enough, whether the door can open or whether the required clearances are met. For example, Whirlpool gives dimensions of 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm for its 25 L MCP349WH combination model.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, allow room for the door to open, then consult the manual for the exact model.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, combination models add basic oven functions but cost more than solo microwaves. These functions only justify the extra space when you will genuinely use them.
List your typical weekly uses: reheating and defrosting, occasional browning, or fan-assisted cooking. Then choose a solo, grill or combination model.
The result depends on the food, accessories, programme and model. Crisp, air fryer and equivalent functions are features advertised by manufacturers, not the outcome of a general independent comparison.
For the models you are considering, prioritise independent tests covering reheating, defrosting, grilling, combination cooking and thermal safety.
The legal guarantee of conformity is the responsibility of the professional seller; it is separate from any commercial warranty offered by the seller or manufacturer.
Before paying for an extended warranty, compare its duration, exclusions, repair arrangements and what it adds to your legal protection.
A paid extended warranty may partly duplicate legal protection that already applies.
Worth considering for freestanding combination models with fan-assisted heat and Crisp functions, when your worktop can accommodate a deeper appliance.
An option for a compact freestanding grill microwave, without moving up to a combination model with fan-assisted heat.
Worth exploring if you are looking for a multifunction combination model with convection, grill and combination cooking options.
These Joybuy options match the grill microwave route: they are intended for everyday reheating and defrosting, with occasional browning or grilling, without an explicitly stated fan-assisted heat function.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a kitchenette.
Stated dimensions: 47 × 26 × 37 cm; 29,2 cm turntable and 950 W grill.
Check the ventilation clearances and door-opening space; no fan-assisted heat is explicitly stated.
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Suitable for everyday reheating with occasional browning thanks to the quartz grill.
25 L capacity; stated dimensions: 47,6 × 27,2 × 38,8 cm; 1 000 W quartz grill.
Check the ventilation and door-opening requirements given in the manual; this model does not state that it has convection or fan-assisted heat.
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An option for reheating, defrosting and browning when space is limited.
Stated dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm; 20 L cavity, 245 mm turntable and 800 W grill.
Allow at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear, and check that your dishes fit inside the cavity.
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Combines reheating, defrosting, grilling and combination cooking in one freestanding appliance.
25 L capacity, 27 cm turntable and stated dimensions of 48,4 × 28,5 × 42 cm.
Its depth means you should measure your worktop; the advertised combination cooking does not confirm a fan-assisted heat function.
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Designed for reheating, defrosting and browning in the same appliance.
25 L cavity, 28,8 cm turntable, 1 150 W quartz grill and stated dimensions of 53,6 × 43,6 × 33 cm.
Check the available space: 10 cm at the sides and 20 cm above are specified. The combination modes do not constitute an explicitly stated convection function.
Partly, yes: a combination model can add a grill and fan-assisted heat or convection for certain oven-style cooking tasks. Choose one only if you will use these functions regularly and the exact model’s space, ventilation and door-opening requirements suit your kitchenette.
No. The capacity describes the cavity, but you also need to check the external dimensions, turntable and suitable dish sizes. Compare them with your usual dishes and the actual available space.
The legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed from the professional seller if there is a defect. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the period for requesting its application is two years for new and second-hand goods.
A microwave falls under the waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme. Do not put it in household waste: check the seller’s take-back arrangements and the collection points available near you.