Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions and already have access to an oven or hob. A grill model is suitable for occasional browning, while a combination microwave is worthwhile if you plan to cook pizzas, quiches or pastries regularly and have room for a larger appliance. If full cooking is more important than quick reheating, compare a compact mini oven too.
If space is limited and you mainly use leftovers, soups, ready meals or food to be defrosted, a solo model or small grill is often a better fit than a combination microwave if you already have access to an oven or hob. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between reheating, grilling and fan-assisted cooking functions according to how they are used.
For reheating and defrosting as soon as you arrive, a solo appliance remains practical. If your stays involve proper cooking and there is no oven available, compare a combination microwave with a compact mini oven, depending on the space and meals planned.
If you want to limit the number of appliances while occasionally preparing pizzas, quiches, gratins or pastries, compare a combination microwave with a mini oven. The choice mainly depends on whether you prioritise quick reheating and defrosting or fan-assisted cooking.
Measure your space and start with the meals you usually prepare before comparing capacities, wattages or the number of programmes.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Actual footprint | Measure the width, depth and height, then add the clearances specified in the manual. Compare the capacity, turntable diameter or usable cavity dimensions with your plates and dishes. | I want to install the appliance on a narrow worktop without blocking the vents or discovering that my crockery does not fit. |
| Reheating and defrosting | For the exact model, look for tests covering even reheating and defrosting. Automatic programmes or sensors should suit the food you prepare. | I want to avoid food that is piping hot in some places and cold in others, or food that is still partly frozen before cooking. |
| Useful functions | A solo microwave covers reheating and defrosting; the grill is for browning and gratinating. For pizzas, quiches or pastries, compare a fan-assisted combination microwave with a compact mini oven. | I would rather not clutter my worktop with modes I will hardly ever use. |
| Convenience and maintenance | Check the door opening, controls, visibility inside the cavity, removal of hot dishes and cleaning instructions. UFC-Que Choisir includes these aspects in its microwave testing protocol. | I need an appliance that is easy to operate and maintain for frequent use. |
A combination microwave often takes up more space than a solo model, and its value depends on how much you actually use the grill and fan-assisted cooking functions. The Panasonic NN-C69K, for example, measures 520 × 520 × 327 mm and weighs 22,2 kg.
Make a list of the meals you prepare over one or two weeks. If you mainly reheat, defrost and prepare individual portions, start by comparing a solo model with a compact grill.
Capacity alone does not tell you the usable turntable size or how evenly food is reheated. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses defrosting, temperature consistency, grilling, cooking and ease of use separately.
Check the external dimensions and the turntable or cavity diameter, then look for information on the exact model’s reheating, defrosting and ergonomics.
The footprint is not limited to the dimensions listed on the product page: the ventilation grilles must remain clear so the appliance can be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Measure your worktop before buying and consult the model’s manual to find out the required clearances. Do not block the vents or place anything on top of the appliance.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control. A commercial guarantee may be added, but does not replace it.
Before taking out an extended guarantee, check exactly what it adds: duration, faults covered, transport, loan equipment, parts and labour.
Worth comparing for freestanding solo, grill and combination microwaves available in a range of capacities and sizes.
A brand to consider for medium- or large-capacity grill and combination microwaves.
Worth considering for convection combination microwaves aimed at people who also want cooking functions.
An option to consider when looking at compact mini ovens and fan-assisted cooking is the priority.
Joybuy options focused either on reheating and defrosting or on occasional gratinating in a small home.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasional gratinating on a compact worktop.
20 L, 700 W, 245 mm turntable, nine power levels and dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. Check the diameter of your dishes: the 245 mm turntable may limit larger containers.
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A grill model for everyday reheating, defrosting and occasional browning.
25 L, 1 000 W, Quick Defrost, quartz grill, touch controls and digital display; dimensions of 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm. Consult the manual for the turntable and ventilation clearances.
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For reheating, defrosting and gratinating without adding a second appliance.
25 L, 900 W, 28,8 cm glass turntable, defrosting and grill; dimensions of 48,5 × 29,3 × 41 cm. Installation requires 20 cm of clearance at the sides and 30 cm at the rear.
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A solo option for everyday portions that need reheating or defrosting.
23 L, 800 W, six power levels, 29 programmes, 28,8 cm turntable and dimensions of 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm. It has neither a grill nor fan-assisted cooking.
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For a very small worktop and quick meals that need reheating or defrosting.
20 L, 700 W, 11 power levels, six pre-set menus, defrosting by weight or time and dimensions of 44 × 31,9 × 25,9 cm. Check that your dishes are compatible, as the turntable diameter is not specified.
A solo microwave is the most straightforward choice if you already have an oven or hob. UFC-Que Choisir points out that reheating and defrosting are its main uses, although some foods can also be cooked quickly.
It makes sense if you will genuinely use the grill and fan-assisted cooking functions for pizzas, quiches, pastries or roasts, and do not have a suitable oven available. Otherwise, its footprint may be excessive compared with a solo or grill model.
Look for information on the exact model’s reheating consistency, defrosting, thermal safety, door opening, removal of dishes, controls and cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses these aspects separately.
Always follow the model’s manual first. Whirlpool France recommends not obstructing the ventilation grilles and placing nothing on top of the appliance; measure the available space while allowing for the clearances required by the manufacturer.
The legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control. A commercial guarantee may supplement this right, but does not replace it.