For everyday reheating
If you mainly reheat leftovers or ready meals and only defrost food occasionally, it’s worth looking at a solo model before considering appliances with extra cooking functions.
Which option is right for you?
For a compact worktop
In a studio flat or small second home, check the external dimensions, door clearance and ventilation space before relying on the stated cavity capacity.
For cooking without a separate oven
If you regularly want to brown or crisp dishes, consider models with a grill. For cooking that needs fan assistance, compare combination microwaves instead, bearing in mind how much space they take up.
Which features should you prioritise?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you reheat and defrost food, and do some simple cooking in the microwave.
Bear in mind: it won’t brown food with a grill or cook using fan assistance.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you regularly want to brown or crisp your dishes.
Bear in mind: a grill on its own doesn’t replace a fan-assisted cooking mode.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you plan to cook dishes in an oven-like way but don’t have a separate oven.
Bear in mind: pay particular attention to the depth and weight. The Whirlpool MCP349WH, for example, is 49,4 cm deep and weighs 18,6 kg, according to Whirlpool France.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the defrost settings and the usable dimensions for your containers. | If I mainly reheat meals and only defrost food now and then, I prefer functions suited to these everyday tasks. Around 36 % of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Size and installation | Measure the available space and door clearance; follow the ventilation requirements in the instructions. | If my worktop is narrow, the appliance needs to fit without blocking the door or ventilation. This would be the top priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Grill | Confirm that the model has a grill and check which accessories are included. | I want to be able to brown or crisp some dishes, rather than just reheat them. Around 21 % of consumers would put this first. |
| Fan-assisted cooking | Check the stated cooking mode, as well as the appliance’s dimensions and weight. | Without a separate oven, I’d also like to cook dishes that need oven-style cooking. Around 14 % of consumers would make this their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Judging size by capacity alone
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you whether the appliance, its door and the space needed for ventilation will fit where you plan to put it.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then check the installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
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Choosing a combination model just to reheat food
A grill and fan-assisted cooking offer different ways to cook, but they won’t meet a need for extra cooking functions if all you do is reheat and defrost.
Make a note of the dishes you actually plan to cook before comparing solo, grill and combination models.
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Blocking the ventilation openings
Whirlpool warns that blocked ventilation can cause the appliance to overheat quickly.
Place the appliance on a flat surface, keep its vents clear and follow the clearances specified in the instructions.
Brands to compare for a freestanding microwave
Bosch
Two freestanding models let you compare solo and grill functions while keeping to the same external dimensions: the FFL023MS2 and FEL023MS2 measure 260 × 442 × 345 mm, according to Bosch.
- The FFL023MS2 specifications list a 20 L cavity and a maximum microwave power of 800 W.
- Check the functions and installation instructions for the specific model rather than assuming these features apply across the brand.
Whirlpool
The MWP203SB with grill and the MCP349WH combination model illustrate two different cooking options in Whirlpool France’s freestanding range.
- The MWP203SB has a 20 L cavity, while the MCP349WH pairs a 25 L cavity with fan-assisted cooking.
- Whirlpool lists the MWP203SB as discontinued. The MCP349WH is 49,4 cm deep, so check that you have enough space.
Samsung
Samsung offers freestanding solo, grill and combination microwaves, so you can browse the range according to the cooking functions you need.
- This distinction between model types makes it easier to rule out functions you won’t use.
- Check the dimensions and specifications of each model before choosing one for a kitchenette.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for a student kitchenette?
Yes, if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food. Que Choisir says a basic model can also cook some foods in the microwave. Consider a grill or combination model if you’ll regularly use their cooking modes.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in an alcove?
Check the instructions for the specific model first: an alcove must not restrict ventilation, and some freestanding appliances aren’t designed to be built in. Bosch states this for the models covered by its FFL023M and FFL053M instructions, for example.
What should you check about the electrical socket?
Compare the voltage, frequency and plug type specified for the model with the electrical installation in your kitchenette. For this particular model, Whirlpool France specifies 230–240 V, 50 Hz and a Schuko plug for the MWP203SB.
Can you use a metal container in a microwave?
Don’t use a metal container in microwave mode: Que Choisir says it could damage the appliance. If you’re using a plastic container, check that it’s marked as microwave-safe.