For reheating and defrosting portions in a small home, start by considering a solo microwave that will fit your available space. A grill is worth considering if you occasionally want to brown food; a combination model may suit you if you’ll also use convection cooking for some meals. In every case, check the space needed for the door to open and for ventilation, as well as the usable dimensions of the cavity.
If you reheat leftovers and defrost portions in a studio flat, a solo microwave can handle these tasks without adding cooking functions you don’t need. UFC-Que Choisir includes student accommodation and second homes among the situations in which these appliances are used.
If you mainly reheat meals but sometimes want to brown them, look at models with a grill. This function doesn’t automatically give them the capabilities of a convection oven.
If you plan to cook regularly using the grill and convection functions, a combination model may cover some of the jobs you’d use an oven for. Before setting aside space for one, check its functions, size and installation requirements.
First, think about the cooking you’ll actually do, then measure the space and your containers: the stated capacity in litres won’t answer either of these questions on its own.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the external dimensions and the space in front of the door; follow the clearances and ventilation requirements in the model’s instructions. | In a studio flat where worktop space is at a premium, I need to be able to open the door and install the appliance without blocking its vents. Around 36% of consumers in this group would put this need first. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Look at the controls and defrost settings, then check that the turntable or cavity will fit the dishes you usually use. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost meals, I want settings I can use easily rather than extra cooking modes. This would be the main requirement for around 29% of consumers in this group. |
| Cooking instead of using an oven | Check that it has convection and grill functions, measure the usable space and, for a built-in model, check the cabinet and electrical installation requirements. | Without a separate oven, I also want to cook some dishes, not just reheat them. So I need to look at the combination model’s functions and how much space it will take up. Around 21% of consumers in this group would prioritise this use. |
| Occasional browning | Check for a grill function and find out which accessories can be used with it. If browning results matter to you, look for tests that assess them. | I’d like to brown some meals, but I don’t need convection for my usual cooking. Around 14% of consumers in this group would put this need first. |
Capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop, whether the door will open freely or whether your dishes will fit inside the cavity.
Compare the width, depth and height, as well as the internal dimensions, with your available space and the containers you plan to use. Remember to allow for the clearances specified in the instructions.
The grill and convection functions are only worth having if you plan to use them. Sizes also vary from one model to another.
Start with the meals you usually prepare: if reheating and defrosting are your main priorities, look at solo models first. Compare combination models if you regularly want to cook food as you would in an oven.
Blocked vents can cause overheating, while a built-in appliance must meet the requirements for its housing.
Follow the instructions for the exact model. Position a freestanding appliance according to its ventilation requirements, and choose a model specifically designed for built-in installation if your plans call for a housing.
A grill tells you what function the appliance has, not how every dish will turn out. UFC-Que Choisir assesses the degree and evenness of browning separately as part of its testing process.
If you’ll use the grill often, look for test results that assess its performance and check which accessories come with the model you’re considering.
The NN-E20JW is an example of a freestanding solo microwave for reheating and defrosting.
The range includes freestanding solo microwaves, models with a grill and models with other cooking functions.
The MG20A7013CT/EF is an example of a built-in microwave with a grill.
The MC-8090WH is an example of a combination model to consider if you want to do more than reheat food.
The KVLBE08X is an option for a fitted kitchen with space for a built-in combination microwave.
These solo and grill models give you a range of options to compare for reheating portions, defrosting and, with the grill, occasional browning. If convection is essential for your plans, check that the model you’re considering has this function.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat portions and have a grill for occasional browning.
Stated capacity: 20 L; microwave power listed in the product name: 700 W. If you’re looking for convection cooking, confirm that this mode is available before buying.
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Consider this model if you want to reheat and defrost food using digital controls and preset menus.
The product name specifies 20 L, 700 W, six preset menus and 11 power levels. Before choosing, also check that your plates will fit inside the cavity.
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A freestanding option for reheating and defrosting portions if you’re looking for straightforward settings.
The product name specifies 20 L and 700 W. Check the ventilation instructions and usable dimensions against your available space and dishes.
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Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, rather than choosing an appliance for its grill functions.
The product name specifies 20 L and 700 W. Make sure there’s enough space to follow the model’s ventilation instructions.
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Worth comparing if you want a solo microwave with a quick defrost function.
The stated capacity is 23 L. Before buying, check the appliance dimensions, door clearance and ventilation requirements against your available space.
It can handle some of the jobs you’d use an oven for, provided the model has a grill and convection function and you’ll actually use them. That doesn’t mean it will suit every dish you cook: compare the cavity, functions and overall size before deciding you can do without a separate oven.
Measure your available space, the clearance needed in front of the door and your containers, then compare these with the model’s external dimensions, turntable and cavity. Allow for the ventilation clearances in the instructions too: capacity in litres alone isn’t enough to check whether it will fit.
Don’t assume that a freestanding model is suitable for built-in installation. Whirlpool France says not to block the vents; if your kitchen requires a housing, choose an appliance designed for this purpose and follow its installation instructions.
Check the voltage, plug type and electrical requirements in the product details and instructions for the exact model, especially for a built-in combination microwave. These specifications vary by appliance and must be suitable for your planned installation.
Look into local collection points, retailer take-back schemes or social and solidarity economy organisations. The ministry responsible for ecological transition outlines these options for electrical and electronic equipment. Choose the one that suits the condition of your appliance.