For reheating meals in a studio flat
If you mainly defrost and reheat portions, a basic model may be all you need, as long as you have another way to grill or oven-cook food when you want to. Measure your worktop before choosing an appliance.
Which option is right for you?
For cooking without a conventional oven
In a home with limited appliances, a combination model with a fan oven function can handle some oven-style cooking as well as reheating. Check the size of your dishes, the space the appliance will take up and the installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
For browning dishes now and then
If you often reheat meals but would also like to brown them occasionally, compare models with a grill. A grill is not the same as a fan oven function, as UFC-Que Choisir’s distinction between appliance types makes clear.
What should you check before choosing?
Basic microwave
Worth considering: for reheating and defrosting when you have another way to cook food in an oven.
Limitation: a solo model has neither a grill nor a fan oven function; UFC-Que Choisir treats these as two distinct features.
Microwave with grill
Worth considering: for adding browning to your reheating options without expecting it to replace oven cooking.
Limitation: having a grill does not mean the appliance also has a fan oven function.
Combination microwave
Worth considering: if you want one appliance to handle some oven-style cooking as well, thanks to its fan oven function.
Bear in mind: check its dimensions and power consumption in particular; these vary depending on the model and mode used.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | Check the defrost, grill and fan oven functions separately. To compare cooking performance, look for tests covering the function you’re interested in: UFC-Que Choisir assesses grill, combination cooking and fan oven functions separately. | Do I mainly reheat meals, or do I also need to brown dishes and cook some foods as I would in an oven? |
| Space and dishes | Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth with the space available. Also check the turntable diameter or the internal dimensions to make sure your dishes will fit; the capacity in litres alone won’t tell you this. | My appliance needs to fit on the worktop and accommodate the plates and dishes I use. |
| Installation | Check the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. Note the voltage and power consumption for the relevant model and mode; for a built-in model, also check the housing dimensions and specified amperage. | In my small kitchen, I want to be able to follow the installation instructions and make sure the power supply is suitable. |
| Safe use | Read the instructions on hot surfaces and installation, particularly for a model with a grill or fan oven function. If needed, check whether the specific model has a child lock. | If children can reach the appliance, I want to check the controls and safety precautions before buying. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
Whirlpool lists two 25 L models with different external depths: 41.9 cm for the MWP253B grill model and 49.4 cm for the MCP349WH combination model. So the cavity capacity won’t tell you how much worktop space the appliance will take up.
Measure the space and compare it with the external dimensions of your chosen model, then check the clearances specified in its manual.
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Confusing a grill with a fan oven function
A grill browns or gratinates food; it doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan oven mode for certain types of oven cooking. UFC-Que Choisir assesses these functions separately.
If you plan to bake cakes or cook other dishes that need this mode, look specifically for “fan oven” or “convection” and consult the relevant test results.
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Confusing microwave output power with electricity consumption
For its MC28H5015CK/EF, Samsung lists 900 W of microwave output power and 1 400 W of power consumption in microwave mode. These are not interchangeable measurements.
To check the power supply requirements, consult the power consumption and electrical specifications in the manual for the exact model, including for any combination modes you plan to use.
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Overlooking the manual and safety instructions
Electrical appliances can pose risks including electric shock, fire and burns, as the DGCCRF points out. Follow the installation and usage precautions for the appliance in question.
Before buying, check that you can access its manual and identify the seller or manufacturer. Then follow the instructions for your specific model.
Which brands should you compare?
These models show the kinds of functions and dimensions you can compare; a feature mentioned here won’t necessarily apply to every model in a brand’s range.
Samsung
Samsung France lists, among other options, freestanding solo and combination models.
- The MS23K3614AW solo model is listed with a 23 L cavity, a 28.8 cm turntable and automatic defrost.
- The MC28H5015CK/EF combination model combines microwave, grill and convection functions; its 900 W microwave output power should not be confused with its listed power consumption of 1 400 W in microwave mode.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France lists freestanding appliances with grills as well as combination models.
- According to Whirlpool, the MWP253B combines a 25 L cavity with a 1 000 W grill.
- The MCP349WH combination model has a 25 L cavity and a listed external depth of 49.4 cm. Measure your worktop before choosing it.
LG
LG France’s MC-8090WH is an example of a combination model with microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- LG lists a 32 L cavity and external dimensions of 53 × 32 × 42 cm for this model.
- LG lists power consumption of 2 150 W for this model in microwave mode with fan-assisted cooking; check the electrical specifications against your installation.
Which microwaves should you look at on Joybuy?
This selection includes solo models for reheating and appliances to consider if you’d also like a grill. The Hisense’s grill function should be confirmed in its manual, as its “solo” designation doesn’t match its description.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost meals and don’t need a grill. Its name indicates a 20 L capacity, six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual for installation requirements at your chosen spot.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L freestanding microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with the option to brown dishes too: this selection classifies it as a model with a grill. Its name indicates a 21 L capacity and 800 W, without specifying what this power rating refers to. Check the functions, dimensions and electrical specifications in the model’s manual.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L microwave
For a microwave mainly used to reheat and defrost, its name indicates a 25 L capacity and 900 W, without specifying what the power rating refers to. The “solo” designation conflicts with the mention of a grill in its description, so check the manual to confirm this function before relying on it to brown dishes. Also check the clearances required for your worktop.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
Worth comparing if you’d like to brown dishes now and then as well as reheat meals. The model name indicates a grill, a 20 L capacity and 700 W, without specifying what the power rating refers to. If you need fan oven cooking, check separately whether this function is included. Also check the installation instructions.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if you don’t need a grill or oven-style cooking. Its name indicates a 23 L capacity and Quick Defrost function. Before choosing a spot for it, check the dimensions and clearances specified in the model’s manual.
Frequently asked questions
Is a basic microwave enough for a studio flat?
Yes, if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food and have another way to grill or oven-cook it. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from grill and fan oven functions: a solo model won’t replace them.
When should you choose a microwave with a grill?
Choose this function if you’d also like to brown or gratinate some dishes. A grill doesn’t guarantee that the appliance has a fan oven function, though, so check the modes listed for the specific model if you’re planning to cook foods as you would in an oven.
Can a combination microwave replace a conventional oven?
A combination model with a fan oven function can handle some oven-style cooking, depending on its capacity and performance. Before deciding, check the size of your dishes and the available space, and look for tests covering the cooking function you need. UFC-Que Choisir tests fan oven and other modes separately.
What should you check about the electrical supply?
Check the voltage, frequency and power consumption listed in the product details or manual for the exact model, as well as the amperage if specified. Don’t work out the electrical requirements from the microwave output power alone. If you’re unsure about your home’s electrical installation, ask a qualified person for advice.
Is a built-in microwave installed in the same way as a freestanding model?
No. A built-in model needs a housing and installation that meet the requirements in its own manual, while a freestanding model must have the specified clearances around it. For example, for its KMFE264TEX, Electrolux lists built-in dimensions of 450 × 562 × 500 mm.