Mostly reheating meals
In a studio flat or holiday home, you’ll mainly be reheating and defrosting food. A solo model means you don’t have to pay for cooking functions you won’t use.
Which type suits your needs?
Dishes you want to brown or grill
You make gratins, toasted sandwiches or individual portions that you’d like to finish until golden, without necessarily needing an oven for cooking.
Cooking without a conventional oven
You’d also like to bake or roast in a single appliance. Convection then becomes an important feature, provided the combination microwave and its ventilation clearances will fit in the space you have.
What should you look for?
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo microwaves, models with a grill and combination microwaves with convection. Start with the dishes you’ll actually make, then measure the space available.
Solo microwave
Choose this if : you mainly want to reheat and defrost food.
Limitation : you’ll need another option if you want to brown dishes or cook them in an oven.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if : you want to give certain dishes a golden finish.
Limitation : a grill alone doesn’t provide convection cooking.
Combination microwave with convection
Choose this if : you plan to bake or roast regularly without a conventional oven.
Limitation : its dimensions and required clearances may limit where you can install it.
| Priority | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the internal capacity and turntable size with the dishes you usually use. | If you mainly need to reheat or defrost meals, easy-to-use controls matter more than extra cooking functions. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this simplicity. |
| Browning and grilling | Check that it has a grill and see whether the model also offers a combination grill and microwave setting. | For gratins or toasted sandwiches, getting a golden finish matters more than being able to roast food. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Cooking without an oven | Check for convection, its temperature range, the external dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual. | If you don’t have a conventional oven, the ability to bake or roast regularly may make it worth setting aside more space for a combination model. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this cooking option. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Confusing a grill with convection
A grill is for browning or grilling food. To bake or roast using some of the functions you’d find in an oven, check that the model also has a convection function.
If this is what you want to use it for, check the available modes, temperature range and accessories for the model you’re considering.
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Measuring only the space the appliance takes up
A microwave may fit on your worktop but still lack the space it needs for ventilation.
Measure the space, allowing for the clearances specified in the manual. Samsung France recommends an average of at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary by model.
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Choosing based on capacity alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether your dishes will fit inside the cavity or whether the appliance will fit in your kitchen. For example, Whirlpool lists an external depth of 49,4 cm for the 25 L MCP349WH.
As well as the stated capacity, compare the external dimensions and turntable size with your dishes and containers.
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Confusing an extended warranty with your statutory rights
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual, as the Ministry of the Economy points out. A commercial extended warranty does not replace it.
Before taking out an extended warranty, check what it actually covers, how long it lasts and what exclusions apply.
Brands and models to know
These examples show features worth comparing; they don’t imply that every model from each brand has the same specifications.
Panasonic
The NN-CD88 is an example of a combination microwave for a kitchen without a conventional oven.
- Panasonic lists microwave, grill and convection functions for this model, with convection temperatures of up to 220 °C.
- Check the dimensions, accessories and availability of the specific model before choosing it.
Whirlpool
The MCP349WH is an example of a freestanding combination microwave with a fan-assisted function.
- Whirlpool lists a 25 L cavity and external dimensions of 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm for this model.
- Allow for its external depth as well as the clearances required for installation.
Samsung
Samsung explains the different uses of solo, grill and combination models in its microwave range.
- The MC28H5013AS combination model is listed with a 28 L capacity and a 31,8 cm turntable.
- The connected features advertised for the MC32DG7646CKE1 require Wi-Fi and a Samsung account, among other things; they aren’t available on all models.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK lets you consider whether a freestanding grill model would suit you if your main need is browning food.
- Electrolux lists a 21 L capacity and microwave, grill and combined microwave-and-grill modes for this model.
- This model doesn’t have convection, so it won’t meet the same needs as a convection combination microwave.
Microwaves for reheating or browning
These Joybuy models are suited to reheating and defrosting in a small home; some also have a grill for browning food. If you want to bake or roast without an oven, look specifically for a convection function.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, black
For reheating, defrosting and browning some dishes, without immediately opting for a convection combination model.
The product listing states a 20 L capacity and 700 W microwave power. Check the manual for all the required clearances before deciding where to put it.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For prioritising reheating and defrosting with straightforward controls in a small home.
The product name lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual to allow enough space for ventilation.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, black
For reheating and defrosting using preset programmes rather than manual controls alone.
The product name lists 700 W, six preset menus and eleven power levels. If you want to brown food or cook it in an oven, check separately that it has the functions you need.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo, 23 L
For reheating and defrosting with a solo appliance when you don’t need an oven function.
The stated capacity is 23 L. Before buying, check the model’s dimensions and the clearances specified in its manual against the space you have.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter with grill, 25 L
For reheating, defrosting and adding a grilled finish, if you have a suitable spot on your worktop.
The product name lists 900 W microwave power. Measure the space, allowing for the clearances in the manual. If you want to cook food in an oven, check separately that the model has convection.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace the oven in a studio flat?
It can replace some oven functions if the model genuinely has convection and its cavity is large enough for your dishes. UFC-Que Choisir describes combination microwaves as able to grill and cook with convection, but check the modes, temperatures and accessories for the model you’re considering before relying on it for your usual dishes.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
As well as measuring the appliance itself, follow the clearance instructions in the manual for your chosen model. Samsung France recommends an average of at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that these figures may vary by model.
How can you check whether your electrical installation is suitable?
Check the total or rated power, voltage and amperage in the manual for the exact model, then make sure your installation meets the manufacturer’s instructions. As specifications for one particular model, Electrolux lists 1 270 W total power, 230 V and 10 A for the EMZ421MMK; these figures don’t apply to other appliances.
Does an extended warranty replace the statutory guarantee in France?
No. According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. A commercial extended warranty is separate, so check what it covers before taking one out.