Students with a kitchenette
If you mainly reheat and defrost one portion at a time, start by comparing solo models. A grill is worth considering if you’d also like to brown dishes, as explained in Que Choisir’s buying guide.
Which option suits each type of user?
People with a holiday home
For occasional meals, choose the functions you’ll actually use while you’re there. A combination model is worth considering if you also plan to cook dishes in the same way as in an oven, rather than just reheating food.
People with a small fitted kitchen
Measure the space and check the ventilation requirements before choosing a format. If you’re considering a built-in model, compare the available housing unit with the required installation dimensions and the instructions for the specific model.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the dishes you prepare, then check that they’ll fit inside the appliance and that it can be installed where you intend to put it.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Look at the model’s defrost settings and controls. Check that the turntable and cavity can accommodate your usual containers. | For leftovers and frozen portions, I’d rather have settings I’ll use often than extra cooking modes. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space, the door opening and the clearances specified in the instructions. For a built-in model, check the housing unit dimensions separately; Whirlpool advises keeping the ventilation openings clear. | In a kitchenette, I need to be able to place the appliance without blocking its ventilation. If my kitchen unit has a housing space, it must be the right size for the model I choose. |
| Cooking functions | Know the difference between a grill, which browns food, and the fan oven function on a combination model. Compare the modes and accessories listed for each model. | I only want to brown food occasionally, so a grill may be enough. If I plan to cook oven-style dishes regularly, I’ll look at combination models instead. |
| Containers and cleaning | Check that your dishes are microwave-safe and follow the instructions in the manual. Also look at how easy it is to access the cavity and turntable for cleaning. | My containers and plates need to be suitable for the appliance, and I want to be able to wipe away splashes easily after use. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination model just for reheating
A combination model adds functions such as oven-style cooking. Depending on the model, it may also take up more space: Panasonic lists the NN-C69KSM as 520 mm deep and weighing 22,2 kg.
Make a note of the types of cooking you’ll actually use. If you mainly plan to reheat and defrost, compare solo models first; choose a grill for browning and a combination model for cooking that needs its additional modes.
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Relying on the capacity in litres alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether your dish will fit on the turntable or whether the appliance will fit on your worktop with enough room to open the door.
Measure your containers and the space, then compare the turntable, external dimensions and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
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Blocking ventilation or fitting a freestanding model into a kitchen unit
Whirlpool says the ventilation grilles must be kept clear. A built-in appliance, meanwhile, has model-specific housing dimensions and installation instructions.
Follow the instructions for your chosen model and check the housing space before buying a built-in appliance; don’t treat a freestanding model as if it were built in.
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Comparing just one power rating
Power ratings can refer to different functions. For example, Electrolux lists 800 W for the microwave and 1 000 W for the grill on the EMZ421MMK.
Compare the power rating for the same function across models of the same type, then check the settings and cavity size that will work for your dishes.
A few brands to know
These examples illustrate different formats and requirements to compare; they don’t represent every range from each brand.
Electrolux
The brand offers, among other options, freestanding grill models and built-in microwaves.
- Electrolux lists a 21 L capacity and dimensions of 262 × 442 × 345 mm for its freestanding EMZ421MMK grill model.
- Its KMFD263TEX built-in model requires a housing space of 380 × 562 × 500 mm, which is different from the appliance dimensions.
Panasonic
The NN-C69KSM is an example of a combination microwave with grill and fan oven functions.
- Panasonic lists a 30 L cavity and a fan oven temperature of up to 220 °C for this model.
- Its stated dimensions of 520 × 327 × 520 mm and weight of 22,2 kg make it important to check how much space you have.
Samsung
The MG23K3513AK is an example of a 23 L grill microwave.
- Samsung lists browning functions and Quick Defrost for this model.
- If you also want a fan oven function, check the model’s cooking modes: having a grill doesn’t mean it has one.
Bosch
The BEL554MB2 is an example of a built-in microwave with grill.
- Bosch lists a 25 L cavity and a maximum microwave power of 900 W for this model.
- Its appliance dimensions, 382 × 594 × 388 mm, don’t replace the need to check the installation requirements in the manual.
Microwaves available from Joybuy
These freestanding models can reheat and defrost food, with or without a grill depending on the model. Before choosing, compare their dimensions and cooking modes with your dishes and the space available.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave
Worth considering if you’d like to brown food as well as reheat it. The listing gives a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W; check the dimensions and settings to make sure they suit your dishes.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting without a grill for browning. The listing gives a power rating of 700 W, six power levels, a 30 min timer and a turntable; check that your dishes will fit inside.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
A straightforward option with digital controls. The listing gives a power rating of 700 W, six pre-set menus, eleven power levels and a defrost function; compare the dimensions and programmes with your usual needs.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, 25 L grill microwave
Worth comparing if you plan to brown dishes as well as reheat them. The listing gives a power rating of 1 000 W, a capacity of 25 L and a digital display; check which function the stated power applies to.
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COMFEE CMO‑MP012OC(WH), 19 L microwave
For reheating and defrosting without a grill function. The listing gives a power rating of 700 W, five power levels, a 30 min timer and a 245 mm turntable; measure the space before choosing this model.
Frequently asked questions
Can you place a microwave anywhere in a small kitchen?
No. You need to follow the instructions for your model and keep its ventilation openings clear. In its guidance for freestanding models, Whirlpool also recommends a flat surface and gives an ambient temperature range of 5 to 35 °C; check the requirements for the appliance you choose.
Can a built-in model directly replace a freestanding microwave?
No, not without checking the kitchen unit and installation instructions. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing space of 380 × 562 × 500 mm for the KMFD263TEX; these measurements are different from the appliance dimensions.
Which containers should you use to reheat a meal?
Choose containers labelled as microwave-safe and follow the appliance instructions. Check plastic containers in particular, and read the guidance on metal utensils before placing them in the cavity.
Can a grill microwave replace a combination model?
Not for the same types of cooking: the grill browns food, while a combination model can add a fan oven function for oven-style cooking, depending on the model. If you only want to brown food occasionally, first check the functions of a grill model. If you plan to cook or roast regularly, compare combination models too, along with the space they take up.