Everyday reheating in a small home
You mainly reheat individual portions and defrost food from time to time. A solo microwave covers these needs without adding cooking functions you don’t need.
Which option is right for you?
Cooking without a conventional oven
You’d also like to cook or roast certain dishes. Compare the fan oven functions offered by combi microwaves with the space they’ll actually take up in your kitchen.
A fitted kitchen with a cabinet recess
You’re considering a built-in appliance. The dimensions of the recess, the installation diagram and the ventilation requirements for the exact model matter more than its external appearance.
What should you check before buying?
First decide whether you’ll only reheat food, occasionally brown or crisp dishes, or cook without another oven. Then check the available space, including the clearance needed to install the appliance.
| Your priority | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the reheating and defrost settings, then check the turntable size against your plates. | If I mainly prepare portions to reheat and don’t need to brown them, I want simple everyday operation; around 40% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Cooking without an oven | Look for a fan oven or convection function and check the cooking modes suit the recipes you make. | Without a conventional oven, I also want to be able to regularly cook dishes that need oven-style heat; around 30% of consumers put this need first. |
| Finding a place for the appliance | Measure your worktop or cabinet recess and follow the installation dimensions and clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | When every centimetre counts, I need to know where the appliance can go before comparing its functions; around 20% of consumers give this constraint top priority. |
| Occasional browning or crisping | Check whether it has a grill and whether it includes the accessories you need for the dishes you make. | I mainly want to brown or crisp certain dishes, rather than use it regularly for oven-style cooking; this is the main consideration for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid in a small kitchen
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Choosing a combi microwave when you only need to reheat
A combi microwave adds cooking modes, but a solo model can still reheat and defrost food. The extra functions are only useful if you plan to use them.
Make a note of the dishes you’ll actually cook without another oven before comparing appliances.
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Confusing the appliance size with its built-in dimensions
The external width of a microwave isn’t enough to tell you whether it can be installed in a cabinet.
Measure the height, width and depth of the recess, then compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model.
If the dimensions aren’t suitable, you may need to adapt the cabinet to install it.
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Forgetting about ventilation for a freestanding model
An appliance that fits on your worktop may still not have enough clearance for air to circulate.
Check the instructions before placing it against a wall or under a cupboard. Samsung’s general guidance doesn’t replace the instructions for your chosen model.
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Assuming a grill is the same as a fan oven
A grill browns or crisps food; on its own, it doesn’t guarantee the cooking modes you need to replace some of the functions of an oven.
If you regularly plan to make quiches, pastries or roasts, check that the model has a fan oven or convection function.
Brands to consider for different needs
Samsung
Samsung offers solo, grill and convection microwaves, with freestanding and built-in models available across its ranges.
- The distinction between reheating, browning and convection cooking makes it easier to choose the functions you need.
- Don’t rely on its general clearance guidance without checking the instructions for the model you choose.
Whirlpool
The MCP349WH is an example of Whirlpool’s freestanding combi range, combining microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking, according to the brand.
- This model brings together several cooking modes worth considering if you don’t have a conventional oven.
- Measure the space you have available: choosing a combi model doesn’t mean you can skip checking its overall size.
Panasonic
Panasonic offers combi models such as the NN-C69K and NN-CD88 with fan oven functions, according to its product specifications.
- Compare their cooking modes with the dishes you want to make without another oven.
- Check the dimensions of the exact model before choosing a combi microwave for a small kitchen.
Electrolux
The Electrolux KMSD253TB is an example of a built-in microwave with a grill and published installation dimensions.
- Its specified cabinet recess dimensions of 380 × 560 × 550 mm make it easy to check against the space you have available.
- These dimensions apply to the KMSD253TB only, not to other models.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These freestanding models let you compare appliances for reheating and defrosting, with or without a grill depending on the model. If you plan to cook regularly without a conventional oven, check the functions of a combi microwave with a fan oven separately.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in a small home.
The product title specifies a 20 L capacity, 700 W power, six power levels and a 30-minute timer.
Before setting aside space for it, check the dimensions and clearance requirements in the instructions.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
Compare this model if you’d like to brown or crisp dishes occasionally as well as reheat meals.
The product title specifies a 20 L capacity and 700 W power. A grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan oven function.
Check the instructions for the required clearances, particularly above the appliance.
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Hkoenig VIO8, 20 L freestanding microwave
Worth considering for reheating in a kitchen where the appliance needs to be freestanding.
The product title specifies a 20 L capacity and 700 W power.
Check that the space you have in mind meets the ventilation and connection requirements in the instructions.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
Compare this model for reheating and defrosting if you have enough space for a 23 L microwave.
The product title mentions rapid defrosting and an integrated display. Check the instructions for the turntable size and the clearance needed where you plan to put it.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, 25 L microwave with grill
Worth considering if you’d like to brown or crisp dishes and have room on your worktop for a 25 L appliance.
The product title specifies a grill and a digital display, but doesn’t confirm that it has a fan oven function.
Before installation, check the instructions for the electrical connection and ventilation clearances.
Frequently asked questions
When should you choose a combi microwave for a small kitchen?
A combi microwave is worth considering if you plan to cook regularly without a conventional oven, rather than just reheat meals. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this cooking function from those of solo and grill microwaves. Check that the model you’re considering has a fan oven function, and measure how much space it will take up.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for your chosen model. As a general guide for its appliances, Samsung recommends at least 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above. These measurements don’t replace the instructions for each individual model.
Can you replace a freestanding microwave with a built-in model in the same recess?
Only if the recess and installation are suitable for the new model: the old appliance’s external dimensions aren’t enough to tell you. Compare the cabinet with the installation diagram for the model you’re considering. For example, Electrolux specifies a 380 × 560 × 550 mm recess for its KMSD253TB, but that doesn’t apply to all built-in microwaves.