Students and studio flat residents
You mainly need a quick appliance for reheating and defrosting, while making sure it fits on a limited worktop. A solo model is usually the first option to consider before adding features you are unlikely to use.
Who is it for?
Owners of holiday homes
You want to cover occasional reheating, defrosting and sometimes cooking without equipping the kitchen with several appliances. The choice between a solo, grill and combination model depends on how often you actually cook and whether you need browning.
Small kitchens being refurbished
You want to free up worktop space with a built-in appliance, but your decision must first take account of the available housing unit and the installation instructions for the exact model. The required housing dimensions can differ considerably between a built-in microwave and a compact combination oven.
Buying priorities
Start by measuring the space available, then choose the cooking functions you will use regularly before comparing capacity and controls.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Compare the available width, height and depth with the appliance’s external or housing dimensions. Check the door opening clearance, socket and ventilation requirements for the model. | I want to install the appliance without blocking the door or ventilation openings, even if the cavity appears compact. |
| Cooking functions | A solo model covers reheating and defrosting. A grill adds browning; combination or fan-assisted modes are only useful if you plan to cook with them. | Reheating is my main priority, but I would choose a grill model if I also wanted to brown food occasionally. A combination model makes sense if I genuinely cook without a conventional oven. |
| Usable capacity | Consider the volume, turntable diameter and shape of the dishes you normally use. The litre capacity alone does not confirm that a plate or dish will fit and rotate properly. | I want to fit my everyday plates and dishes without automatically choosing the largest cavity. |
| Containers and cleaning | Check the container requirements for each mode and how easily you can access the cavity and turntable. Read the instructions before first use. | I use containers suitable for the selected mode: microwave-safe plastic is not automatically suitable for grilling or convection. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing a combination model for functions you will hardly use
A combination model can be versatile, but that extra complexity is not necessarily an advantage if you mainly reheat and defrost food.
List your weekly uses: reheating, defrosting, browning, cooking pizza or baked goods, and replacing an oven. Choose a grill or combination model only if these functions meet a specific need.
-
Confusing cavity volume with the appliance’s actual size
The volume tells you neither the external depth nor the clearance required. For a built-in model, the housing dimensions vary significantly between models.
Measure the width, height, depth, door opening and socket location. For a built-in appliance, compare these measurements with the instructions and installation sheet for the exact model.
An unsuitable appliance may require you to move it or modify the furniture.
-
Using a microwave-safe container with the grill or convection function
Plastic can melt under grill or convection heat, while a sealed container can create excess pressure.
Choose the container according to the mode being used, never heat a sealed container, and check both the appliance instructions and the container labelling.
-
Assuming a built-in model installs like a freestanding appliance
Built-in installation requires suitable housing, connections and fixings designed for the model. It involves more structured preparation than placing an appliance on the worktop.
Choose a compact built-in model for a compatible unit or a planned refurbishment project. For a temporary need, first consider a properly ventilated freestanding appliance.
Depending on the project, installation may require modifications to the furniture or professional installation work.
Key brands for compact microwaves
Whirlpool
In France, the range includes freestanding microwaves with grills and combination models, particularly in the Crisp and Supreme Chef ranges.
- According to Whirlpool France, the MCP 345 WH combines microwave and grill functions, with a 25 L cavity and a 28 cm turntable.
- Check the full dimensions and installation requirements before deciding that a model will suit a particular worktop.
Electrolux
In France, Electrolux offers solo and grill built-in microwaves, as well as compact ovens combining fan cooking and microwave functions.
- The published built-in dimensions help you compare housing units: 360 × 562 × 300 mm for the KMFE172TEX and 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the EVL9E2XT.
- Successful integration depends on the furniture, depth, connections and instructions for the exact model.
Samsung
In France, the brand offers freestanding combination microwaves for people who want to bring several cooking methods together in one appliance.
- Samsung describes the MC32DG7646KKE1 as a 32 L appliance with microwave, oven, grill, steam, Air Fry and fermentation functions.
- This advertised versatility should be considered alongside the available space and the functions you will actually use; it does not make a combination model suitable for every reheating need.
Joybuy options for small kitchens
These Joybuy options include solo and grill freestanding microwaves for reheating and defrosting, with occasional browning depending on the model, in a limited kitchen space.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1 microwave with grill, 20 L, 700 W
For everyday reheating and defrosting, with an occasional browning function.
Freestanding format measuring 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm, with a 245 mm turntable and nine power levels. Allow at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear for ventilation.
Image unavailable
LG MH6535GIS microwave with grill, 25 L, 1000 W
Suitable for reheating, defrosting and browning without a separate oven.
29,2 cm turntable, touch controls and dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm. Check the ventilation clearances in the instructions before installation.
Image unavailable
LG MH 6535 gih microwave with grill, 25 L, 1000 W
A freestanding option for reheating, quick defrosting and occasional browning.
Dimensions of 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm, automatic programmes, touch controls and quartz grill. Confirm the turntable diameter and required clearances before buying.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's compact solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For simple reheating and defrosting in a studio flat or holiday home.
Dimensions of 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a 9,6-inch turntable. No grill or fan-assisted cooking function is indicated.
Image unavailable
Hisense H25MOBS7H microwave with grill, 25 L, 900 W
For reheating, defrosting and browning in one appliance when your worktop has enough space.
28,8 cm glass turntable and dimensions of 485 × 293 × 410 mm. Installation requires at least 20 cm from the side walls and 30 cm from the rear, with no objects above the appliance.
Frequently asked questions
Does a combination microwave always replace a conventional oven?
No. Depending on the model, a combination microwave may add grill and fan-assisted or convection cooking, covering some oven-style uses. However, Que Choisir distinguishes between defrosting, reheating, grilling, combination cooking and fan-assisted cooking: check which modes are suitable for the dishes you actually prepare.
Can I place a freestanding microwave in a closed cupboard?
Do not assume that you can. Whirlpool France states that the ventilation openings on a freestanding appliance must not be obstructed. Check the clearances, permitted positioning and mounting restrictions in the model’s instructions before installation.
What should I measure before choosing a compact built-in oven?
Measure the housing unit’s height, width and depth, then compare these measurements with the built-in dimensions for the exact model. For example, Electrolux specifies housing dimensions of 360 × 562 × 300 mm for the KMFE172TEX, compared with 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the EVL9E2XT.
Are plastic containers suitable for use in a microwave and under the grill?
No. Que Choisir states that plastic may only be used with the microwave function, not with grill or convection functions. Also follow the container manufacturer’s instructions and the appliance manual.