If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave will do the job. Choose one with a grill if you also want to brown dishes, or a combination model with convection if you really plan to use it for oven-style cooking. In every case, compare the external dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual with the space you have and the size of your dishes. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit.
First, check that the appliance and the required clearance will fit, then make sure your dishes will fit inside the cavity. UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide recommends taking the available space and your intended use into account.
If you’ll mostly be reheating and defrosting, compare the controls and dimensions with the dishes you use. If you’re in student accommodation, also check what’s already provided and the rules for your property: the Crous and Étudiant.gouv describe student accommodation where the facilities vary.
A grill can help brown dishes. For recipes that need oven-style cooking, check that a combination model has convection. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses: a grill on its own doesn’t mean the appliance can also work as a fan oven.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between reheating and defrosting, browning with a grill, and oven-style cooking. Start with the dishes you actually make to work out which functions you need.
Choose this if: you reheat portions and defrost food, without regularly needing to brown or cook dishes using convection.
Bear in mind: it won’t have the grill or convection functions found on models that include them.
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or grill certain dishes.
Bear in mind: a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a convection function.
Choose this if: you plan to make recipes that need oven-style cooking and the appliance can replace an oven for those uses.
Bear in mind: its extra functions may not be useful if you mainly reheat food. Check that the model you choose has convection.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and dishes | Measure the appliance and check the clearances in its manual. Make sure your dishes will fit inside and, if necessary, rotate. | If my worktop is narrow, I first check how much space I actually have and the size of my dishes. Around 34% of consumers prioritise a compact size and room for their dishes. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check that it has a defrost setting and that the controls offer the settings you need. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food, I prefer straightforward functions I’ll use often. Around 33% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill and consult the manual to see which accessories are included or recommended. | If I want to brown or grill certain dishes, I check for a grill rather than assuming it also has convection. Around 20% of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check specifically for convection or fan cooking, any required accessories and the external dimensions. | If I don’t have a suitable oven, I choose a combination model only if my recipes really need oven-style cooking. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this type of cooking. |
Two appliances with a similar capacity can have different external dimensions and turntable sizes. You’ll also need to allow for the required clearance around the appliance.
Measure the space and your dishes, then check the manual for the exact model before you choose.
A grill is for browning, while convection is for recipes that need oven-style cooking. Functions vary from one model to another.
Make a list of the recipes you plan to cook, then check each mode on the product page and in the manual for your chosen model.
Some accommodation already has a microwave. Rules vary between properties, and Crous guidance doesn’t automatically apply to private student residences.
Check the inventory and rules for your accommodation before choosing an appliance.
The NN-E20JW and NN-CD58RS are examples of a solo microwave and a combination model respectively.
The MS23K3515AK/EF and MG23K3515AK/EF let you compare a solo model with one that has a grill.
The MCP349WH and MWF255B are two microwave configurations with different functions.
The MH6535GISS is an example of a microwave with a grill. You can compare its dimensions and turntable with the space you have available.
This selection includes solo models for reheating and defrosting, as well as models with a grill for browning. Compare their dimensions with your available space and check the required clearances in the manual.
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A solo model to consider for reheating and defrosting in a small home. Joybuy’s product information lists a capacity of 20 L, a power rating of 700 W, six power levels and dimensions of 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
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Worth considering if you’d like to add browning to your reheating and defrosting options. Joybuy’s product information lists a capacity of 25 L, a power rating of 1 000 W, a 29,2 cm turntable and external dimensions of 47,6 × 27,2 × 38,8 cm.
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This model with a grill may suit you if you’d also like to brown certain dishes. Joybuy’s product information lists a capacity of 25 L, a power rating of 1 000 W, five power levels and dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting, with a grill function for browning. Joybuy’s product information lists a power rating of 700 W, nine power levels, a 245 mm turntable and dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. It says to leave at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear for ventilation.
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A solo model to consider for reheating and defrosting. Joybuy’s product information lists a capacity of 19 L, a power rating of 700 W, five power levels and a 245 mm turntable.
The guidance published by the Crous says that microwaves are allowed in the relevant accommodation and communal areas. Check your residence’s rules and what’s already provided. This guidance doesn’t automatically apply to private residences.
Measure the space and follow the clearance and ventilation instructions in the manual for your chosen model. For care and maintenance, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use accessories designed for the appliance.
Yes, but only if the container is suitable for microwave use and you follow its instructions. The DGCCRF recommends following the guidance on containers, while Anses advises observing the power and cooking time stated on food packaging.
For a purchase made by a private individual from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The DGCCRF distinguishes this compulsory guarantee from any optional commercial warranty. Contact the seller to make a claim.