If you mainly plan to reheat and defrost food, start by comparing solo microwaves: a grill or combination model won’t add anything for these two tasks. A grill is useful if you occasionally want to brown a dish; a combination microwave is worth considering if you regularly cook without a conventional oven and have the space for one. In every case, measure the space available, check that the door can open fully and allow for the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
If you mainly use your microwave to reheat portions and defrost food, a solo microwave is well suited to these tasks. In a small kitchen, check how much worktop space it will actually take up before letting its capacity alone guide your choice. Que Choisir’s guide covers these uses and student accommodation.
If you’d also like to brown a dish from time to time, a grill model adds a separate function without assuming you need fan-assisted cooking. Que Choisir distinguishes grill microwaves by their ability to brown food.
If you’re planning to cook regularly rather than just reheat food, a combination microwave with microwave, grill and oven functions could suit your needs. First, check that its depth, weight and required clearances work for your setup. The combination models featured by LG and Whirlpool show why these checks matter.
In a small kitchen, first check that the appliance can be installed in accordance with its manual. Then choose its cooking functions based on the meals you actually prepare.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Compare the external dimensions, door clearance and ventilation clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. A Bosch manual states that the freestanding model it covers is not designed for installation in a built-in cabinet. | When my worktop is narrow, I need to be able to position the appliance and open its door without compromising ventilation. This would be the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check for a defrost function and make sure there’s room for your plates. The stated capacity alone won’t tell you the diameter of the turntable. | If I mainly prepare portions and quick meals, I want controls that are suited to reheating and defrosting. Around 29% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill, and consult the manual to see which containers and accessories are suitable for this setting. | I’d like to be able to brown a dish now and then, without needing to cook as I would in a conventional oven. This would be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Cooking without an oven | If you want oven-style cooking, check for a fan-assisted or convection setting, then consider the appliance’s weight and the space it needs. | Without a conventional oven, I plan to use other cooking modes regularly as well as the microwave. For around 14% of consumers, this versatility would be the main requirement. |
The internal capacity won’t tell you how much worktop depth the appliance will take up, or how much space it needs for the door to open and for ventilation. As examples specific to their models, Panasonic lists a depth of 330 mm for the NN-E20JW, compared with 48 cm for the LG MJEN2863G and 49,4 cm for the Whirlpool MCP349WH, according to their respective product specifications.
Measure the external dimensions of the model you’re considering and allow for the clearances required by its manual before settling on a spot for it.
A combination microwave is designed for more than simple reheating: its grill and oven function are most useful if you plan to use them regularly. The LG MJEN2863G and Whirlpool MCP349WH are also deeper than the compact solo Panasonic NN-E20JW mentioned above.
Start with the meals you usually make. First compare solo models for reheating and defrosting, grill models for browning, and then combination models if you genuinely need oven-style cooking.
A container that’s suitable for microwave use may not be suitable for the grill or convection setting. Que Choisir advises that plastic should be used only with the microwave function, under the conditions described in its guidance.
Before changing settings, check the container’s instructions and the accessories permitted by the appliance manual.
In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Any additional commercial warranty does not replace this legal protection.
Compare the cover provided by any additional warranty with your legal rights, and keep your proof of purchase.
These models illustrate the differences between solo, grill and combination microwaves; their features aren’t necessarily shared by every model from the same brand.
The French NN-E20JW and NN-GD38 models let you compare a solo microwave with a grill model.
Whirlpool France’s freestanding range includes grill and combination models; the MCP349WH is an example of the latter.
In LG’s French range, the MJEN2863G is a combination microwave designed for more than just reheating.
This selection brings together, in the order shown, solo and grill models for reheating, defrosting or browning food, depending on your needs. If you’re looking for oven-style cooking, check the settings offered carefully: having a grill doesn’t necessarily mean the microwave has fan-assisted cooking.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat food and have the option of browning a dish now and then.
The product name indicates a capacity of 20 L and a microwave power rating of 700 W. Check the ventilation clearances and make sure there’s enough room for the door to open where you plan to put it.
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Compare this model if your priority is reheating and defrosting, without choosing a grill microwave.
The product name lists six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function. Check the space needed for ventilation and make sure the plug is compatible with your setup.
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Consider this model if browning food is an additional requirement and you have room for a 25 L appliance.
This product is described as a grill microwave with a digital display. Check its dimensions, the clearances specified in the manual and plug compatibility. Don’t assume that a grill microwave also has fan-assisted cooking.
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Compare this model for reheating and defrosting if you’re looking for a 23 L solo microwave.
The product name mentions Quick Defrost and an LED display. Measure the space, allowing for the door to open and the clearances specified in the manual.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if you’re looking for a 20 L microwave with digital controls.
The product name lists 700 W, six pre-set menus, eleven power levels and a defrost function. If space is tight on your worktop or for your plates, check the turntable diameter, ventilation clearances and plug compatibility before buying.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then allow for the door to open and the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model. An LG manual specifies 10 cm on each side and 20 cm above the appliance it covers. These measurements shouldn’t automatically be applied to another model.
Only install it in an alcove if the manufacturer’s instructions expressly allow this and you can meet the stated conditions. The Bosch manual for its freestanding FEL023M and FEL053M models says they are not designed to be installed or used in built-in cabinets.
A combination microwave is worth comparing if you plan to use the grill or an oven-style function regularly and don’t have a conventional oven. If you mainly reheat and defrost, a solo model is designed for those tasks. If you choose a combination model, check its weight, depth and installation requirements too.
No, a container’s suitability depends on the setting you’re using. Que Choisir advises that plastic is for microwave use only and isn’t suitable for grilling or convection. Also check your appliance manual for the containers and accessories it allows.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual. If the appliance doesn’t match its description or has a conformity defect, keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller. An additional commercial warranty doesn’t replace your legal rights.