Student or studio flat resident
If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a compact freestanding solo microwave is often a good starting point. A grill or combination model becomes worthwhile when you cook regularly without an oven.
What will you use it for?
Second-home owner
A simple freestanding appliance can be suitable for leftovers, frozen food and quick meals. Make sure you have a stable, ventilated surface, and check the actual dimensions of the available space.
Small kitchen without a conventional oven
A combination model can bring together microwave, grill and fan-oven functions if you use them regularly. However, check its overall size and installation requirements before buying.
Choosing criteria
Start by considering the meals you usually prepare, then measure the available space and check the installation requirements for the model you are considering.
| Priority | What to check | Your requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Compare solo microwave, grill and fan-oven functions according to the meals you prepare. A grill is used for browning, while a combination model adds cooking modes similar to those of an oven. | I want to avoid a bulky combination model if I only reheat and defrost, without choosing a solo model that is too limited if I do not have an oven. |
| Size and ventilation | Measure the width, height, depth, door opening and socket location. For a freestanding model, observe the clearances and ventilation requirements stated in the instructions. | My worktop must remain usable, or my housing unit must match the built-in model I choose precisely. |
| Results and cleaning | Do not rely solely on the power rating or list of functions. If you plan to cook or brown food, look for tests covering the modes you will actually use. | I want to compare reheating, defrosting, browning and cleaning performance, rather than just the advertised functions. |
| Electrical installation | Check the voltage, socket, total power and installation instructions for the exact model. For a built-in appliance, also check the ventilation and housing-unit dimensions. | I want the appliance to be compatible with the existing installation, particularly in a fitted kitchen. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying a combination model when you only need to reheat
A combination model adds grill and fan-oven functions, but its value depends on whether you will genuinely use it for cooking. According to UFC-Que Choisir, these appliances are generally more expensive than simple models.
Make a note of the meals you prepare over a week: reheating and defrosting, occasional gratins or cooking comparable to that of an oven. A combination model is mainly justified in the last case.
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Confusing interior capacity with external and housing-unit dimensions
A 20 or 25 L cavity does not tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or inside a cabinet. Built-in dimensions vary considerably from one model to another.
Measure the width, height, depth, door clearance and socket location. For a built-in model, compare these measurements with the housing dimensions shown in the product details and the instructions for the exact model.
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Blocking or overlooking the ventilation openings on a freestanding model
Whirlpool France states that blocked ventilation openings can cause rapid overheating.
Install the appliance on a flat surface, do not cover the ventilation openings and observe the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Treating the power rating or a function as a guarantee of results
The rated power alone does not indicate how evenly food will be reheated, defrosted, browned or cooked using combination modes.
If the microwave needs to replace some oven functions, consult comparable tests covering the required modes and the exact reference or a clearly identical version.
Brand overview
Whirlpool
French range of freestanding solo, grill and combination microwaves, useful for comparing formats designed for a worktop.
- Whirlpool France product pages include a 20 L solo model, a grill model and a combination model with fan-assisted heat.
- Features and availability vary by reference; being part of the range does not guarantee that a model is available to buy.
Electrolux
An option to consider for a built-in project, with compact built-in grill microwaves and combination ovens with published housing dimensions.
- The CMS4253TMX is an example of a built-in grill microwave, while the KVLBE08X combines microwave, grill and fan-oven functions.
- Housing dimensions and electrical power vary by model and cannot be generalised across the entire range.
Bosch
Built-in range including compact solo, grill and combination microwaves to free up worktop space.
- Bosch France offers built-in combination models with microwave and fan-oven functions, as well as simpler models.
- Housing dimensions and installation conditions must be checked in the installation instructions for each appliance.
Samsung
A range worth comparing for freestanding solo, grill and combination models, with a distinction between freestanding and built-in appliances.
- Samsung France presents its solo models for reheating and defrosting, with separate ranges for grill and combination cooking.
- The manufacturer's guidance on capacity and power is a useful reference when choosing, not a universal performance threshold.
Joybuy products
Joybuy options mainly suited to freestanding microwaves with a grill, as well as simple reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen.
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Beko MGC20100B1 20 L microwave with grill
Suitable for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning without a full-size oven.
External dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm; 245 mm turntable; 230 V/50 Hz power supply; 9 power levels.
The grill does not replace a fan oven. Allow at least 10 cm on the sides and at the back for ventilation, then check the required top clearance.
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H.Koenig VIO9 25 L freestanding microwave
For reheating, defrosting and browning dishes in a kitchen without built-in appliances.
25 L cavity; 27 cm turntable; dimensions: 48,4 × 28,5 × 42 cm; 900 W microwave; 1 000 W grill; six power levels.
Its depth means you need to measure your worktop and door clearance. No fan-oven function is specified; also check the ventilation clearances in the manual.
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LG MH6535GIH 25 L microwave with grill
Meets reheating, defrosting and occasional browning needs with guided programmes.
25 L freestanding format; dimensions: 47,6 × 27,2 × 38,8 cm; quartz grill; digital display; automatic programmes and rapid defrosting.
The grill does not provide fan-oven cooking. Consult the instructions for electrical requirements and ventilation clearances.
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LG MH6535GIS 25 L microwave with grill
An option for reheating, defrosting and occasionally browning food without installing a separate oven.
Dimensions: 47 × 26 × 37 cm; 950 W grill; 29,2 cm turntable; touch controls; five power levels and weight-controlled programmes.
No fan-oven function is specified. Check the manual for electrical connection requirements and ventilation clearances.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) 20 L digital microwave
For those mainly looking to reheat and defrost food in a studio flat or second home.
20 L capacity; dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm; 700 W; 11 power levels; six preset menus; defrosting by weight or time.
No grill or fan-oven function is specified. Check the usable turntable diameter, your usual containers and the required clearances before installation.
Frequently asked questions
Which type should I choose if I mainly reheat meals and occasionally defrost food?
A solo microwave meets this basic need. Choose a grill model if you also want to brown or gratinate food, and a combination model if you genuinely plan to cook using functions similar to those of an oven; according to UFC-Que Choisir, combination models are generally more expensive.
Can I install a freestanding microwave inside a closed cabinet?
Do not assume that you can. Whirlpool France requires a flat surface, an ambient temperature between 5 and 35 °C, and unobstructed ventilation openings; the model's instructions determine whether the location is permitted and what clearances are required.
What measurements should I take before choosing a built-in model?
Measure the housing unit, not just the front panel. For example, the Electrolux CMS4253TMX requires a housing measuring 380 × 560 × 500 mm, while the KVLBE08X requires 450 × 560 × 550 mm; also check the power supply, ventilation and instructions for the exact model.
What are my rights if a microwave bought from a professional seller is not as described?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies automatically to new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. According to the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention, it can cover, among other things, a lack of conformity in the goods and, under the relevant conditions, certain issues relating to instructions or installation.