If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave will meet your needs without adding a grill or convection function. Choose a grill model if you want to brown dishes, or a combination microwave if you plan to use oven-style cooking. UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide distinguishes between these uses. Whatever you choose, measure the space and check the model’s instructions for clearances, ventilation and electrical connection before installation.
If you mainly reheat a portion or defrost food, and don’t regularly need to brown dishes or cook as you would in an oven, a solo model could suit your needs. UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide lists these among the microwave’s most common uses.
Your choice depends on the space you actually have, the clearances required and the appliances already in place. Samsung France’s general guidance explains that clearances vary by model, so check the requirements for the one you’re considering.
If you want to brown or cook certain dishes without a separate oven, compare a grill and a combination model based on the functions you’ll use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes a grill, which lets you brown food, from the extra functions available on combination models.
Choose this if: you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, and do straightforward cooking.
Limitation: it doesn’t include a grill or convection function.
Choose this if: you plan to brown dishes but don’t need convection cooking.
Limitation: a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has an oven-style cooking mode.
Choose this if: you don’t have an oven and plan to use a cooking mode such as convection.
Limitation: it may take up more space, so check the dimensions of the specific model.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes reheating and defrosting from grill functions. In a kitchenette, the space available and the functions you’ll actually use also help determine which model to choose.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check for a defrost function and easy-to-use controls, and make sure there’s enough space for your usual container. | If you mainly prepare simple portions and don’t want to pay for functions you’ll rarely use, around 40 % of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Fitting into a small space | Compare the width, height, depth and door opening. Also check the clearances in the instructions and whether there’s a suitable socket nearby. | When every centimetre counts, I check the space, ventilation and electrical connection before capacity: around 30 % of consumers prioritise whether the appliance will fit. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | Look specifically for a convection or fan-assisted cooking mode, and check the external dimensions. | If you don’t have an oven and plan to cook certain dishes using this type of mode, this is the function to look at; around 20 % of consumers prioritise oven-style cooking. |
| Browning dishes | Check that the exact model has a grill, and read the instructions for using accessories and cooking modes. | If you want to brown certain dishes but don’t need convection, I check whether a grill will be enough for my meals: around 10 % of consumers prioritise browning. |
The capacity of the cavity doesn’t tell you how much space the appliance takes up on the outside or what clearances it needs. For example, the Whirlpool MCP 349 WH is listed as 25 L and measures 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm unpacked.
Measure your worktop, check that the door can open and compare the appliance’s dimensions with the instructions in its manual.
A grill is used to brown food; on its own, it doesn’t provide convection cooking. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions according to how they’re used.
Check the cooking modes listed for the exact model rather than relying on the word ‘grill’ alone.
For the Electrolux EMZ421MMK, the manufacturer lists 800 W for the microwave, 1 000 W for the grill and a total power of 1 270 W. These figures refer to different things.
To check the electrical connection, refer to the total power and electrical guidance in the manual for the model you choose.
The DGCCRF distinguishes between an optional commercial warranty and statutory guarantees: an extended commercial warranty doesn’t replace them.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare the extra cover and exclusions it offers.
An example of a solo microwave: Samsung France describes the MS23K3513AK/EF as a 23 L solo model.
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill and a stated cavity capacity of 21 L.
The MCP 349 WH is an example of a freestanding combination model, with a stated cavity capacity of 25 L and fan-assisted cooking.
The MH6535GDR NeoChef is another example of a microwave with a grill, listed at 25 L.
The NN-CT57RM is an example of a combination model: Panasonic lists microwave, grill and convection modes in a 27 L cavity.
This selection includes solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as a model with a grill for browning dishes.
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Worth considering for reheating or defrosting in a kitchenette. First, compare the listed dimensions with the space available.
The product name lists a capacity of 20 L, a power rating of 700 W, six power levels, a 30 min timer and a defrost function.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat or defrost food and brown dishes too, without assuming that a grill means the appliance can cook using convection.
The product name lists a capacity of 20 L, a power rating of 700 W and a grill.
The manual supplied with this model says to leave at least 10 cm at the sides and rear for ventilation. Check the instructions for the appliance you choose.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting. Compare the capacity and turntable size with your usual containers.
The product name lists a capacity of 19 L, a power rating of 700 W, five power levels, a defrost function and a 245 mm turntable.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting. Check the model’s overall dimensions and installation instructions before placing it on a worktop.
The product name lists a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. The description mentions six power levels, a mechanical timer and a defrost function.
The description specifies a clearance of at least 10 cm on each side for ventilation. Check the instructions for the exact model.
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Worth considering for reheating or defrosting with a choice of settings. Compare the listed dimensions with the space available.
The product name lists a capacity of 20 L, a power rating of 700 W, 11 power levels, six preset menus and a defrost function.
The required clearances depend on the model. As general guidance, Samsung France suggests leaving at least 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary between appliances. For your installation, follow the instructions for the exact model.
Don’t assume that every appliance is suitable for every electrical installation. Check the total power and the connection instructions for the model you choose. For the EMZ421MMK, Electrolux lists a total power of 1 270 W, a 230 V supply and a 1 m cable. These specifications don’t apply to other models and aren’t enough to confirm that an installation is compatible.
Check the rules for your accommodation rather than assuming they’re the same everywhere. The guide from the Réseau des Crous, updated on 2 September 2026, refers residents to the rules they have agreed to and sets out conditions relating to cooking appliances and the use of extension leads. This isn’t enough to draw conclusions about every individual property.
Only use a container or accessory in the modes it’s designed for. The DGCCRF advises following the instructions for use, including any guidance on whether an item is microwave-safe. Also check the appliance manual for accessories supplied with a combination model.
No. In France, an optional commercial warranty is in addition to statutory guarantees; it doesn’t replace them. According to the DGCCRF information sheet published on 3 October 2023, the time limit for bringing a claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity is two years from delivery of the goods. Compare what an extended warranty adds before taking one out.