Choose a solo microwave for reheating and defrosting portions, a grill model if you regularly brown or gratinate food, and a combination microwave if you also need to cook or roast occasionally without a separate oven. A combination model offers more functions, but you should check its external dimensions, ventilation requirements and compatible accessories for each model before buying.
For reheating, defrosting and reducing the washing-up, a solo or grill model is often a good starting point. A combination model makes more sense when it also needs to compensate for not having an oven. The UFC-Que Choisir guide distinguishes between these uses according to the cooking functions required.
A combination model can be suitable for occasional meals if the grill and fan-assisted heat can genuinely replace a separate oven. However, check the dishes you plan to use and the amount of space available on the worktop.
Compare the width, height, depth, door opening and ventilation requirements before choosing. The cavity dimensions alone do not determine the appliance’s actual footprint.
Choose this if: you reheat, defrost and prepare a few quick dishes, while already having an oven.
Bear in mind: it does not provide a grill or fan-assisted heat for browning or roasting.
Choose this if: everyday reheating is combined with gratins, toast or portions that you regularly want to brown.
Bear in mind: the grill alone cannot replace the fan-assisted cooking of a combination oven.
Choose this if: one appliance also needs to cook or roast occasionally in a studio without an oven or in a second home.
Bear in mind: it is generally more expensive and may take up more space than a solo model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the overall width, height and depth. Check the door swing, socket position and the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions. Make sure you distinguish between a freestanding appliance and a built-in model. | I want to keep my worktop usable without enclosing the appliance in a unit that was not designed for it. |
| Cooking capability | Check the functions actually offered: microwave, grill and, for a combination model, fan-assisted or convection cooking. Also compare the usable capacity with the size of the dishes you use. | I mainly want to reheat food, or I need to brown and cook occasionally as I would in an oven. |
| Containers and accessories | Follow the instructions for using the turntable and rack. Only use a metal container if its labelling explicitly permits microwave use. | I want to reheat meals in suitable dishes without having to transfer them to a different container every time. |
| Everyday use and cleaning | Look at the door opening, controls, access to the cavity and useful programmes. Any cleaning function or automatic programmes should be confirmed for the model you choose. | I prefer an appliance that is easy to load, programme and clean in a narrow kitchen. |
Installing a freestanding model in an enclosed space or blocking its vents can cause overheating. A built-in appliance requires a cabinet niche and installation designed for the specific model.
Start by choosing the type of installation, then check the instructions for the dimensions, socket access and ventilation requirements.
The cavity capacity does not tell you how much depth or width the appliance needs on the worktop. For example, Whirlpool states that its 25 L MCP349WH combination model is 49.4 cm deep.
Measure the available space, door clearance and ventilation area, then compare these with the overall dimensions listed for each model.
Combination models add features such as a grill and fan-assisted heat, but are generally more expensive than basic microwaves, according to the UFC-Que Choisir guide.
Make a list of your meals over one week: if you mainly reheat and defrost, a solo model may be all you need.
Ordinary metal items are not automatically suitable for microwave use. However, some metal trays can be used when they have been designed, tested and labelled for this purpose.
Check the container’s labelling and the appliance instructions before using a metal tray.
Whirlpool offers freestanding, grill, combination and built-in microwaves. The MCP349WH is an example of a 25 L freestanding combination model with fan-assisted cooking.
Panasonic is worth considering if you want a compact combination model with an extended range of functions. The NN-CD565B is presented as a 27 L multifunction model with Inverter microwave technology and a quartz grill.
Electrolux may suit anyone looking for everyday reheating with occasional browning. The EMZ725MMK is a freestanding model with microwave, grill and combined microwave + grill modes.
These Joybuy options include solo and grill microwaves for everyday reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a compact kitchen.
Image unavailable
An option for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning without moving up to a fan-assisted model.
Stated dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm; 245 mm turntable, nine power levels and mechanical timer. Allow at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear, then check the space above and the door opening.
Image unavailable
Suitable for everyday reheating when grilling, defrosting and keeping food warm are useful features.
Stated dimensions: 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm, with touch controls and weight-control programmes. Fan-assisted cooking is not listed; consult the instructions for installation clearances.
Image unavailable
For a studio or small household mainly focused on reheating and defrosting.
Stated dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm; six power levels, 30-minute timer and turntable. This model has neither a grill nor fan-assisted cooking; check the instructions for ventilation requirements.
Image unavailable
A straightforward solution for reheating and defrosting everyday portions in a kitchen where space is limited.
Stated dimensions: 45 × 35 × 26,5 cm; 24,5 cm turntable and 30-minute timer. No grill or fan-assisted mode is listed: check the instructions and make sure an earthed socket is accessible before installation.
Image unavailable
Worth considering when larger dishes and browning matter just as much as reheating.
Stated dimensions: 53,6 × 43,6 × 33 cm; quartz grill, 28,8 cm turntable, eight programmes and weight- or time-based defrosting. Allow at least 10 cm on each side and 20 cm above; fan-assisted cooking is not listed.
Do not assume that it can. A freestanding model must be installed on a flat surface without blocking its ventilation openings, while a built-in model requires the procedure and niche specified in its instructions. Check the overall dimensions, cable, door opening and required clearances before buying.
It can handle occasional cooking if the model offers fan-assisted or convection cooking, alongside the microwave function and, where applicable, the grill. Do not rely on the word “combination” alone: compare the available modes, preheating, temperature, turntable and the size of your dishes.
Not by default. A metal tray may only be used if it has been tested for microwave heating and its labelling or instructions permit it. The instructions may also require it to be positioned away from the walls and used without a metal lid.
Choose a microwave-safe dish, such as glass or ceramic, in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ordinary metal utensils must not be used in the appliance; for plastic, check that microwave use is explicitly stated.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years for new and second-hand goods, according to the Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. A paid commercial warranty is additional to the legal guarantees and does not replace them.