For reheating and defrosting in a kitchenette, choose a solo microwave. Opt for a grill model if you’d also like to brown dishes, or a combination microwave if you genuinely plan to cook using convection without a separate oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these three uses, but you’ll also need to consider the appliance’s dimensions: measure your worktop, check that the door can open fully and allow for the clearances specified in the manual.
If you need to reheat food, defrost ingredients and prepare simple meals, make sure a freestanding appliance will fit on your worktop, with enough room for the door to open and the vents to remain unobstructed.
For occasional meals, choose the functions to suit what you plan to cook there: reheating only, browning dishes or proper oven cooking.
A combination microwave is worth considering if you plan to use convection cooking. However, compare its external dimensions with the space available, not just its capacity in litres.
Choose this: if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food.
Limitation: it won’t give you a grill or convection function for browning dishes or oven cooking.
Choose this: if you’d also like to brown individual portions or dishes now and then.
Limitation: a grill on its own is no substitute for convection cooking.
Choose this: if you don’t have an oven and plan to cook regularly using convection.
Bear in mind: extra functions don’t mean you can skip checking the appliance’s depth and installation requirements.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth with the space you have. Check the door clearance and ventilation gaps specified in the model’s manual; Whirlpool France warns that blocked ventilation can cause overheating. | My worktop needs to fit the appliance without blocking its door or vents. |
| Usable capacity | Check the cavity capacity and, if the appliance has one, the turntable diameter against the plates and dishes you usually use. The capacity in litres alone won’t tell you how much worktop space you’ll need. | I want to use my usual dishes, not just choose a capacity shown on the product page. |
| Cooking modes | Check whether the model is solo, has a grill or offers convection cooking. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the grill is useful for browning dishes, while a combination model adds some of the basic functions of a conventional oven. | Reheating may be all I need for everyday meals. If I make gratins or oven-cooked dishes, I’ll look for the relevant modes. |
| Containers | Follow the guidance for the selected mode and the container you’re using. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between using plastic in microwave mode and using it with the grill or convection; also follow the reheating instructions on food packaging. | I sometimes reheat food in its packaging, so I need to check that it’s suitable for the mode, power level and cooking time I’ve chosen. |
| Cleaning and repairs | Check the cleaning instructions and make sure you can access the manual. If the appliance develops a fault, look into the model’s diagnostic and repair options before replacing it. | An appliance I can maintain and have checked if it develops a fault is better suited to how often I use it, whether occasionally or every day. |
The internal capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or whether your usual dish will fit inside the cavity.
Measure the space, then compare the appliance’s external dimensions, door clearance and usable cavity size. Check the manual for the required clearances.
The grill and convection functions are for different uses from everyday reheating. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these functions from those of a solo microwave.
Start with the meals you usually make: choose a solo model for reheating and defrosting, a grill model for browning dishes, or a combination model if you plan to cook in an oven without a separate appliance.
Whirlpool France says that blocked ventilation can cause a microwave to overheat.
Locate the vents and follow the clearances stated in the manual for the exact model you choose. Don’t cover them with objects.
A container that’s suitable for microwave mode may not be suitable for the grill or convection. Anses also warns that reheating at too high a power level increases the risk of substances migrating from some food packaging.
Follow the instructions on the container and packaging, as well as in the appliance manual, especially for the cooking mode, power level and cooking time.
These examples show some of the formats and functions available for comparison; a brand name alone doesn’t guarantee that all its models have the same features.
The freestanding range includes solo, grill and combination models.
The range includes freestanding combination microwaves, worth considering if your kitchenette doesn’t have an oven.
Panasonic’s range includes the NN-CD58RS combination model, which combines microwave, grill and convection functions.
The range includes freestanding grill microwaves, such as the GE2626W.
This selection includes solo models for reheating and defrosting, as well as grill models for browning dishes now and then. Before choosing, compare their dimensions and manuals with the space you have available.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting without a grill function. The product name mentions Quick Defrost and a 23 L capacity; check the manual for the space required for ventilation and opening the door.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d also like to brown dishes. The title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W power; the grill isn’t a convection function. Check the installation clearances in the manual.
Image unavailable
For portions you need to reheat or defrost, without a grill mode. The title lists 700 W, six power levels and a 30-minute timer; check how much space the appliance needs around it and in front of the door.
Image unavailable
For reheating and defrosting with digital controls. The title mentions 700 W, 11 power levels and six pre-set menus; check the orientation of the external dimensions and the required clearances in the manual.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if you’d like to reheat and then brown some dishes. The title lists a 25 L capacity and digital controls; check the power ratings for the microwave and grill modes separately, as well as the required clearances.
It can handle some basic cooking tasks if the model genuinely has both a grill and a convection function. UFC-Que Choisir describes these features on combination models, but results depend on the model, the dish and the accessories. Also check the usable capacity and external dimensions.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then check the door clearance and the gaps required in the manual for the exact model. Whirlpool France says that blocked ventilation can cause overheating.
Don’t assume that a tray suitable for microwave mode is also suitable for the grill or convection. UFC-Que Choisir advises using plastic only in microwave mode; follow the instructions for the container and appliance. For microwave-safe packaging, also stick to the recommended power level and cooking time, as advised by Anses.
First, check the diagnostic and repair options for your model. ADEME says some microwaves may be eligible for the Repair Bonus; if the appliance can’t be repaired, look into an appropriate collection scheme for electrical equipment.