For reheating everyday meals
In a studio flat or shared home where worktop space is limited, a solo microwave is handy for reheating and defrosting. If you’d also like to brown dishes, compare models with a grill.
What is each type best suited to?
For cooking without a separate oven
A combi microwave with fan-assisted cooking is worth considering if you regularly prepare dishes that need oven-style cooking. Check that its dimensions and ventilation requirements, as well as your accommodation’s rules, allow you to install it.
For accommodation you might move out of
A freestanding appliance can be moved when you change home. Wherever you live, make sure you place it as instructed and don’t block its air vents.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the dishes you actually make, then check that both the appliance and your cookware will fit in your kitchenette.
| Priority | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the reheating and defrost settings, then compare the capacity and turntable diameter with the dishes you use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this use from that of grill and combi models. | I mainly reheat portions, so oven functions aren’t a deciding factor for me. |
| Browning dishes | Check that the model has a grill and find out which accessories are approved for this setting. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill microwave can brown dishes, but it doesn’t offer the fan-assisted cooking of a combi model. | I’d like to brown a dish now and then, but reheating will still be its main job. |
| Oven-style cooking | Look specifically for fan-assisted cooking and check that the cavity can accommodate the dishes you plan to use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes the cooking functions of a combi model from those of a model with grill only. | With no usable oven, I plan to regularly cook dishes that need this type of setting. |
| Other cooking equipment | If your meals call for large baking trays, saucepans or several dishes cooking at once, compare the space needed for separate equipment with the appliances already available. | I often cook several things at once, so a combi microwave’s functions alone won’t determine what equipment I need. |
| Positioning | Measure the width, height and depth, then allow room to open the door, reach the socket and meet the clearances specified in the manual. Whirlpool France advises not to block the air vents or place anything on top of the appliance. | I need to be able to use my worktop once the appliance is in place and its door is open. |
| Cookware and accommodation | Check that each dish or container is suitable for the setting you’re using. According to UFC-Que Choisir, metal isn’t suitable for microwave mode and not all plastics are microwave-safe. Also check your accommodation or landlord’s rules. | I want to use my dishes without risking an unsuitable container, in accommodation where personal appliances are allowed. |
What mistakes should you avoid in a small kitchen?
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Judging by capacity alone
An appliance might fit the width of your worktop but take up too much depth, or leave too little room to open the door and ventilate properly.
Measure the whole space and check the clearances required in the manual for your chosen model. Whirlpool France says the air vents must not be blocked.
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Choosing fan-assisted cooking without planning to use it
A combi microwave brings together several functions, but they’re only useful if your meals actually need oven-style cooking.
Make a note of the dishes you usually prepare. A solo model covers reheating and defrosting, while a grill is handy for browning dishes occasionally, according to the distinctions made by UFC-Que Choisir.
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Using the same container for every setting
A container that’s suitable for microwave mode isn’t necessarily suitable for the grill or fan-assisted cooking. UFC-Que Choisir points out that metal isn’t suitable for microwave mode.
Follow the appliance instructions and the container’s guidance for the setting you’re using. Check plastic containers before use, too.
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Forgetting your accommodation’s rules and facilities
Your accommodation or an already-equipped kitchen may have rules about installing your own appliance.
Ask the property manager or landlord what rules apply, and check the equipment listed in your inventory.
Which brands offer examples of these functions?
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s product pages feature freestanding solo microwaves as well as models with a grill.
- Whirlpool France describes the MWP201SB as a solo microwave with a 20 L capacity and 700 W power.
- The MAX49MB combines microwave and grill functions in a 13 L cavity, so check that your dishes and the space you have in mind are suitable for this specific model.
Samsung
In its guide, Samsung France distinguishes between solo, grill and combi models.
- Samsung’s product page for the MG23K3515CK/EF lists it as freestanding, with a 23 L capacity, a grill and a defrost function.
- The grill on this model doesn’t mean it also offers fan-assisted cooking.
Sharp
Sharp Consumer Electronics France’s documentation describes the R-85ST-A as a combi model combining microwave, double grill and fan-assisted cooking functions.
- According to the R-85ST-A documentation, these settings can be used separately or in combination.
- Before considering this model for a kitchenette, check that you have room for it, that it can be properly ventilated and that it’s suitable for the dishes you plan to make.
Which microwaves should you look at on Joybuy?
This selection includes solo microwaves and models with a grill for reheating, defrosting or browning dishes occasionally. Start by choosing the function you need, then check how each model will fit in your space.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W
The grill is useful if you occasionally want to brown a dish as well as reheat food. Check the manual for the clearances required, particularly above the appliance, and confirm its cooking settings if you also want fan-assisted cooking.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if your main needs are reheating and defrosting, rather than a grill function. Before installing it, check that you have enough space to open the door, reach the socket and meet the clearances specified in the manual.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
This solo model has a defrost function, 6 power levels and a 30-minute timer. For a small kitchen, compare its footprint with your available worktop space and check the manual for the required installation clearances.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L, 900 W
Compare its 25 L capacity with the size of your dishes and the space you have available. Check the model’s cooking settings before choosing it for browning dishes, and make sure you can meet the clearances specified in the manual.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo, 23 L
Its Quick Defrost function is worth considering if you regularly defrost food. Check that your dishes fit inside the cavity and that your chosen spot meets the ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for a student studio flat?
Yes, if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food and cook simple dishes. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill model adds the option to brown dishes, while a combi model also offers fan-assisted cooking. Choose these functions if the dishes you make call for them.
What should you measure before choosing a microwave?
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check that there’s room to open the door, reach the socket and meet the clearances in the manual. Whirlpool France notes that freestanding models vary in size, so check the measurements of the specific model you’re considering rather than relying on typical dimensions for its category.
Can you install a microwave under a shelf?
First, check the model’s manual to see how much space it needs around it. Whirlpool France advises not to block the air vents or place anything on top of the microwave. Make sure a shelf won’t prevent you from installing it as instructed.
Can you use the same containers for microwave and grill settings?
Not necessarily: check that the container is suitable for each setting you use. UFC-Que Choisir points out that metal isn’t suitable for microwave mode and that not all plastic containers are suitable.