Student who mostly reheats meals
If you reheat portions and defrost food, a solo model can cover those needs without adding cooking modes you don’t need. Be sure to check how much worktop space it will take up.
Which type suits each use?
Temporary renter who wants to brown food
If you use your microwave every day but also want to brown a dish now and then, a grill model can meet that specific need. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from the fan-assisted cooking offered by combination models.
Second-home owner without a practical oven
A combination model is worth considering if you also need to cook some dishes as you would in an oven. Make sure its modes suit the food you usually cook, and that its depth, weight and ventilation clearances work in your kitchen.
What should you check before buying?
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes solo, grill and combination microwaves by their cooking functions. In a student flat, second home or temporary kitchen, first check how much space you have, then consider which modes you’ll actually use.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and ventilation | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the model’s manual for the clearance required around it. | If worktop space is limited, I need to be able to position the appliance without blocking its ventilation. Around 34% of consumers would rank this space constraint as their top priority. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check for a defrost function and make sure there is enough room inside for your plates and dishes. | For reheating portions and defrosting food, I’d rather not pay for extra modes that won’t help with my meals. This would be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Grill | Make sure it has a grill mode; don’t confuse it with fan-assisted cooking. | If I want to brown or crisp food occasionally without getting a separate oven, the grill function matters more than having a wider range of cooking modes. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Oven-style cooking | Look specifically for convection or fan-assisted cooking, and check the size of the combination model. | Without a practical oven, I’m looking for an appliance that can also handle some oven cooking, provided it fits in my kitchen. This partial replacement would be a priority for around 13% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by litre capacity or measuring only the front
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you how much space the appliance will take up on your worktop. The ventilation clearances required are in addition to its external dimensions and depend on the instructions in the manual.
Note down the three dimensions of the model you’re considering, mark out where it will go, then check the required clearances before ordering.
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Buying a combination model just to reheat food
Extra modes won’t help if you only reheat and defrost food. Nor will they make up for an appliance that’s too bulky for your kitchen.
Think about the meals you usually prepare. If you don’t use a grill or fan-assisted cooking, start by looking at solo models.
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Confusing a grill with fan-assisted cooking
A grill browns or crisps food; it doesn’t mean the appliance offers the convection cooking you’d expect from a combination model.
If you plan to use it for some of the things you’d usually cook in an oven, check that the specific model explicitly lists “convection”, “fan-assisted” or “hot air” cooking.
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Taking out an extended warranty without checking your existing cover
In France, for a new product bought from a business, the Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies for two years, and the buyer does not have to prove that the defect existed on the day of sale. An optional commercial warranty does not replace statutory guarantees.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare its duration, exclusions and claims process with the rights you already have.
Brands and models to know
Panasonic
The range lets you compare a solo model with a combination microwave offering several cooking modes.
- The NN-E20JW is a 20 L solo model; Panasonic France gives its external dimensions as 443 × 330 × 258 mm.
- According to Panasonic France, the NN-CD58RS also offers a grill, convection and air fryer function. These features don’t remove the need to check that it fits and that its modes are useful for your everyday cooking.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill for browning food as well as reheating it.
- Electrolux France lists microwave, grill and combined microwave-and-grill modes for this model.
- These modes don’t confirm that it offers fan-assisted cooking. Check for this separately if you need it.
Whirlpool
The range offers options to compare, from a model without a turntable to a combination appliance.
- Whirlpool France describes the MWF421SL as having a 25 L cavity without a turntable; the MCP349WH offers a forced-air function.
- The MCP349WH is 49.4 cm deep, according to Whirlpool France. Check the available space and the manual before choosing this model.
Sharp
The R-940/94ST is a useful model to consider when looking at the features of a combination microwave.
- Its Sharp manual describes microwave, hot-air convection and grill modes.
- Having these modes doesn’t necessarily mean its dimensions will suit a small kitchen. Check the measurements of the model you’re considering.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models cater for different needs in a small kitchen, from reheating and defrosting to browning food or trying a wider range of cooking methods. Compare their functions with the meals you usually prepare, then check the available space and installation instructions for each one.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, black
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in a small kitchen. The product name lists a 20 L capacity, a stated power output of 700 W and 11 power levels. Check the manual for the clearance needed around the appliance.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave
Consider this if you want to brown or crisp food occasionally as well as reheating it. The product name lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W power output; having a grill doesn’t mean it offers fan-assisted cooking. Check its dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
Compare it with other solo models if reheating and defrosting are your main priorities. Its stated capacity is 23 L. Check that your dishes will fit inside, and also check the external dimensions and ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
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Hkoenig VIO9, 25 L microwave
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 25 L cavity and want to compare the available cooking modes for browning food. The product name lists 1,000 W but doesn’t specify which mode this figure refers to. Check the power output for each function, the dimensions and the required clearances in the model’s documentation.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L combination microwave
Consider this if you need an appliance that can do more than reheat food in a home without a practical oven. Its stated 39 L capacity makes it especially important to check the available space. Confirm that it has the modes you need for cooking, and check the clearances specified in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether a freestanding microwave will fit in my kitchen?
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, then allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the manual for that exact model. For example, the manual for the Schneider SCMWN20SDG specifies clearances around this appliance; these measurements shouldn’t be applied to other models.
Can a grill microwave replace an oven?
A grill can brown or crisp food, but having one doesn’t guarantee the fan-assisted cooking you’d get from an oven. If you need to cook this way, check that the model explicitly offers convection or fan-assisted cooking.
What capacity should I choose for one person in temporary accommodation?
Choose a cavity that fits the plates and dishes you usually use, without overlooking the external dimensions. For example, Panasonic France lists the NN-E20JW as having a 20 L capacity and a 255 mm turntable. Those measurements alone don’t tell you whether the appliance and its ventilation clearances will fit on your worktop.
Does an extended warranty replace the statutory guarantee in France?
No. The Ministry of the Economy explains that an optional commercial warranty doesn’t take away the buyer’s statutory rights. For a new product bought from a business, it states that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies for two years, and the buyer doesn’t have to prove that the defect existed on the day of sale. So compare the terms of the extended warranty before taking it out.