Choose a solo microwave if you mainly need to reheat and defrost, or a model with a grill if you mainly want to brown or gratinate food occasionally. If the appliance also needs to handle oven-style cooking, consider a combination microwave with a fan oven, after checking its location, ventilation, dimensions and the containers permitted for each mode.
You need to reheat and defrost food every day, with the occasional gratin or more complete cooking task, while keeping the number of appliances in your kitchenette to a minimum. The UFC-Que Choisir guide distinguishes between these uses with solo, grill and combination microwaves.
You are looking for a versatile appliance for quick reheating, defrosting and occasional cooking without installing a traditional oven. UFC-Que Choisir lists combination microwaves among the solutions that bring together the basic functions of a conventional oven.
You need to weigh up cooking versatility, usable interior capacity, external dimensions and ventilation space before choosing a freestanding or built-in model.
Choose it if: you mainly reheat portions, drinks and ready meals, and defrost food regularly.
Limitation: it does not provide browning or fan-assisted heat for preparations that require oven-style cooking.
Choose it if: your main additional requirement is to brown or gratinate portions, toast or simple dishes.
Limitation: the grill does not replace fan-assisted heat for more regular oven cooking.
Choose it if: you regularly need to cook pizzas, cakes, gratins or other dishes that require preheating and fan-assisted heat.
Limitation: the appliance may take up more space and requires careful checks of its installation, ventilation and supplied accessories.
The right choice depends first on the level of cooking performance you need, then on the space genuinely available and the dishes you use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking performance | Compare the available modes: microwave for reheating and defrosting, grill for browning, and fan-assisted heat for oven-style cooking. Check which programmes are genuinely useful for the dishes you usually prepare. | I want to distinguish between simple reheating and the need to gratinate or cook more thoroughly. UFC-Que Choisir assesses the grill and fan-assisted heat separately, as they are designed for different uses. |
| Size and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, including the door opening if necessary. Follow the required air clearances and the type of installation specified in the instructions. | My appliance must fit on the worktop or in the intended space without obstructing its ventilation. |
| Containers and safety | Use cookware designed for microwave use. In microwave-only mode, avoid metal and do not heat liquids or food in sealed containers. | I want to continue using my plates and dishes while reducing the risks associated with unsuitable materials or closures. |
| Usable capacity | Do not rely solely on the litre capacity: check the cavity dimensions and turntable diameter. Compare them with your round, rectangular and tall dishes. | My usual dishes and plates must fit without choosing an unnecessarily bulky appliance. |
The grill is used for browning, whereas fan-assisted heat is intended for cooking that is more like using an oven. Choosing a grill-only model for regularly cooking pizzas, pastries or gratins may leave your main requirement unmet.
List the three dishes you prepare most often: reheating and defrosting, occasional gratins or genuine oven cooking. Consider a combination model only if the last category comes up regularly.
Capacity alone does not tell you about the depth of the worktop, ventilation, door width or dish compatibility. A combination model may also be heavier and bulkier than a compact solo appliance.
Measure the available space, add the clearances required by the instructions, then compare external dimensions, internal dimensions and turntable diameter before ordering.
An appliance designed to stand freely may not be suitable for built-in installation. Blocking the air inlets or outlets can cause overheating and go against the manufacturer’s instructions.
Choose a built-in appliance only for a compatible niche, or strictly follow the installation type and clearances specified in the model’s instructions.
Metal can cause sparks in microwave-only mode; sealed containers can burst, and some paper or plastic items may catch fire.
Check that the item is marked as microwave-compatible, remove any metal elements, do not seal containers airtight and follow the instructions for the selected mode.
In France, LG offers a range of combination microwaves combining microwave cooking, a grill and fan-assisted heat. They are worth considering when the appliance needs to cover some of the functions of a compact oven.
In France, Samsung notably offers the 28 L MC28M6035CS/EF combination microwave, with functions combining hot air and grilling.
Whirlpool offers large-capacity freestanding combination microwaves, including the 33 L MWSC9133SB with a 36 cm turntable, for people who use larger dishes.
Joybuy options for everyday reheating in a small kitchen without a traditional oven.
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A solo model for everyday reheating in a kitchenette without an oven.
20 L capacity, 245 mm turntable and 315 × 294 × 210 mm cavity. Listed external dimensions: 452 × 362 × 262 mm.
With no confirmed grill or fan-assisted heat, it is not suitable for regular gratins or oven-style cooking. Allow 10 cm of clearance around the appliance for ventilation and check the defrost function in the manual if this is essential.
It can perform some of an oven’s functions, particularly grilling and fan-assisted cooking, and is suitable when you also need to cook and gratinate food. However, UFC-Que Choisir’s tests assess pizza, combination cooking, preheating, evenness and temperature accuracy separately. Check the model’s programmes and dimensions for the dishes you usually prepare.
Only if the model’s instructions explicitly allow it. Bosch instructions for a freestanding model state that it is not intended to be installed or used in built-in units; ventilation clearances vary from one appliance to another.
Use only cookware designed for microwave use. In microwave-only mode, do not use metal containers or containers with metallic detailing, and do not heat liquids or food in sealed containers. Also remove metal ties and handles before use.
No. Check the turntable diameter, the internal cavity dimensions and the shape of your dishes. For example, Whirlpool lists a 36 cm turntable for its 33 L MWSC9133SB combination model, but this does not guarantee compatibility with every rectangular or tall dish.