For reheating and defrosting meals in student accommodation, start by comparing solo microwaves. A grill function is useful if you want to brown the top of a dish, while a combination microwave also adds fan-assisted cooking. UFC-Que Choisir says these functions suit different needs. Before choosing, measure the space and check your accommodation’s rules.
If you mainly prepare individual portions, leftovers or food to defrost, a solo microwave will do the job without adding a cooking mode you need to get to grips with. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this use from that of grill and combination microwaves.
If you’d also like to brown the top of a dish, a grill function could be useful. You’ll need cookware that’s suitable for this mode: UFC-Que Choisir points out that a plastic container suitable for microwave mode must not be used with the grill.
If you plan to cook occasionally using oven-style heat, look specifically for the fan-assisted or convection function found on a combination microwave. Check that it will fit on your worktop, leave the clearances specified in the manual and comply with your accommodation’s rules. The Réseau des Crous advises residents to check these rules.
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting make up most of the meals you prepare.
Limitation: it won’t brown food or cook using fan-assisted heat.
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown certain dishes but don’t need oven-style cooking.
Limitation: the grill doesn’t replace fan-assisted cooking, and you’ll need suitable cookware.
Choose this if: you don’t have access to an oven and plan to cook occasionally using fan-assisted heat.
Limitation: pay particular attention to its depth and the clearance needed for installation.
Once you’ve chosen a cooking mode, compare the microwave’s external dimensions with the space available and check that the cavity is big enough for your usual dishes. If you live in halls, check the rules before ordering too.
| Priority | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost setting and the usable dimensions for your plates. The stated power alone won’t tell you how long food will take to heat. | I want to prepare a portion or defrost a meal without juggling lots of settings; around 42% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Browning food | Check that it has a grill function and read the manual’s instructions on suitable containers. | For gratins or toasted sandwiches, being able to brown the top matters most to me; around 25% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Cooking without an oven | Look for fan-assisted or convection cooking, then measure the appliance and allow for the ventilation clearances specified. | Without access to an oven, I mainly need to cook occasionally using something other than microwave mode; around 33% of consumers would put this first. |
Fan-assisted cooking won’t help you choose if all you want to do is reheat and defrost. It can, however, make the appliance bulkier.
Start with the meals you usually eat. Compare solo models first if you don’t need to brown food or cook in an oven-style way.
The cavity capacity won’t tell you whether the microwave will fit on your shelf or leave enough room for ventilation. External dimensions vary between models.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then compare them with the exact model’s specifications and instructions in its manual.
The Réseau des Crous reminds residents that the accommodation rules agreed to with the tenancy agreement set out how life in halls is managed. Your institution may also have its own rules.
Check your accommodation rules, see what appliances are already provided and ask the manager whether your planned installation is allowed.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, plastic that’s suitable for microwave mode isn’t suitable for grill or convection functions.
Check the markings on each container and the appliance manual before using a different cooking mode.
Choosing a grill or combination model may also mean you need cookware that can withstand the heat from these functions.
Panasonic France offers a range that includes 20 L solo and grill models. Compare their functions rather than assuming they’ll suit the same needs.
The range includes solo and grill models. Samsung France’s product page for the MS23K3555ES describes a 23 L solo microwave in detail.
Whirlpool France offers freestanding solo and combination microwaves. The MCP349WH is an example of a model that combines microwave, grill and fan-assisted functions.
These models include both straightforward reheating options and appliances with a grill. Choose based on the meals you prepare, then check the dimensions and installation requirements for your preferred model.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and have a grill for browning dishes too.
The product description lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W microwave power. Check the space needed for installation and use suitable cookware when the grill is on.
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This solo model suits anyone focused on reheating and defrosting, with no grill function listed in its product description.
The product description specifies a 23 L capacity and Quick Defrost. Compare the cavity dimensions with those of your usual dishes.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a solo appliance for reheating and defrosting, with adjustable power settings.
The product description mentions six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function. Check that you have a suitable socket and allow for the required installation clearances before choosing a spot for it.
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This model suits reheating and defrosting if you prefer digital controls.
Its product description lists six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. Check that your plates will fit in the cavity and that the installation requirements suit your space.
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Worth a look if you’d like to brown food as well as reheat meals.
The product description lists a 25 L capacity and a grill. Measure the space you have in mind and use cookware that’s suitable for the heat produced by the grill.
Check your accommodation rules before buying: whether you can install one and any conditions that apply will depend on your accommodation. The Réseau des Crous says the rules agreed to with the tenancy agreement set out how life in halls is managed. The manager can explain the rules that apply to your room or shared kitchen.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model. Check the cavity and turntable sizes separately to make sure your plates will fit. According to Panasonic France, the NN-E20JW measures 443 × 330 × 258 mm externally and has a 255 mm turntable.
Don’t assume they’re suitable for grill use: UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between containers suitable for microwave mode and those suitable for grilling or convection. Check the container’s markings and the manual’s instructions for the mode you plan to use.
Ask the retailer whether they can take your old appliance when you buy a new one. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when you buy an appliance of the same type. Check the collection options available for your order.