Everyday reheating in a small space
If you mainly prepare single portions, ready meals or leftovers, focus on reheating and defrosting, the space required and how easy the appliance is to clean.
What is each option best suited to?
Browning and crisping from time to time
If you’d also like to brown or crisp some dishes, a model with a grill adds this option to reheating and defrosting. Check that this mode suits the meals you actually make.
Cooking without a suitable oven
If your accommodation doesn’t have a usable oven and you plan to use several cooking modes, look at combi models with convection. Check the features and dimensions of each model individually.
What should you check before buying?
First, choose the cooking modes you need. Then compare the appliance’s dimensions with the space available and the containers you usually use.
Standard microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat meals and defrost food occasionally.
Limitation: it doesn’t offer the browning of a grill or the convection cooking of a combi model.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or crisp some dishes.
Limitation: a grill doesn’t mean the appliance offers convection cooking.
Combi microwave
Choose this if: you’ll make real use of convection, particularly if you don’t have a suitable oven.
Bear in mind: there are more modes to get to grips with, and you’ll need to check the dimensions of the model you choose.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare how evenly the models you’re considering reheat and defrost food in tests; check the controls and cleaning requirements. | When most of my meals need reheating, I want to avoid unevenly heated portions without making meal preparation more complicated. Around 42% of consumers put this need for reheating and defrosting first. |
| Space and containers | Measure the space and the dish you use most often. Check the external and internal dimensions, turntable, door opening and clearances specified in the manual. | In a small kitchen, I need an appliance I can fit and use with my usual plates. For around 33% of consumers, space and container requirements come before extra modes. |
| Browning or cooking | Know the difference between grill, microwave + grill and convection; check which accessories and containers are permitted for each mode. | Without another suitable cooking appliance, I want to be able to brown or crisp food, or cook more than just reheated meals. This need for extra cooking options would be a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on the capacity in litres alone
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether your dish will fit and turn, or whether you can install the appliance with the required clearances.
Measure the available space and the container you use most often, then compare them with the dimensions and instructions for the exact model.
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Choosing a combi model just for reheating
Convection gives you an extra way to cook, but also adds settings you won’t need if you only reheat and defrost food.
Start with the meals you plan to make: consider a grill for browning and crisping, or a combi model if convection cooking meets a specific need.
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Assuming a container is suitable for every mode
A container labelled as suitable for microwave reheating isn’t automatically suitable for the grill or convection modes. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for microwaveable foods, including the reheating instructions on their packaging.
Check both the container or food label and the appliance manual for the mode you intend to use.
Brands to consider
These models show some of the features worth comparing; the specifications of one model don’t apply to an entire range.
Beko
Beko France offers freestanding standard, grill and combi microwaves.
- The MOC20100SFB is an example of a standard 20 L model with defrosting and a 245 mm turntable.
- Check the exact model: a standard microwave doesn’t have the features of grill or convection versions.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding model that combines microwave and grill functions.
- Electrolux publishes the internal dimensions and a 27 cm turntable diameter for this model, helping you check whether your dishes will fit.
- Its grill and microwave + grill modes don’t include convection cooking.
Samsung
The MC28H5015CK/EF is an example of a Samsung combi model with microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Samsung lists this model’s capacity as 28 L. Check that it suits your dishes and how you plan to use each mode.
- Check its dimensions and installation instructions before choosing it for a small home.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s range includes the MCP349WH, a 25 L freestanding combi microwave.
- This model gives you the chance to consider an appliance with grill and microwave functions for more than just reheating.
- Available modes and overall size vary by model, so check the one you’re considering.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models are suited to reheating in student or temporary accommodation: some are standard microwaves, while others also have a grill. Before choosing, check that the appliance will fit and that it’s suitable for your containers.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Worth considering if you reheat meals and would also like to brown or crisp food occasionally. This model is listed with a grill and 700 W of power. Check the manual for the space needed around the appliance and the containers permitted for each mode.
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Hkoenig VIO9 freestanding, 25 L
Consider this if you want to reheat food and use a grill occasionally in a freestanding appliance. This model is listed at 1 000 W. Compare its dimensions and the required clearances with your available space, then check which containers are suitable for each mode.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih with grill, 25 L
This model is for anyone who wants to defrost and reheat food, with the option to brown or crisp some dishes. Before buying, check the usable dimensions, turntable, ventilation clearances and accessories permitted in grill mode.
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Samsung MS23K3513 standard microwave, 23 L
Consider this if your priority is reheating and defrosting, without the need for a grill function. Check the cavity dimensions and ventilation instructions for this model before placing it in a small space.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L
This microwave is suited to anyone who mainly wants to reheat and defrost food, with no need for a grill. Its product information lists 700 W, eleven power levels and six pre-set menus. Check the usable dimensions and installation requirements against your available space and dishes.
Frequently asked questions
What should you measure before buying a microwave for a small home?
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then measure your usual plate or dish. Compare these measurements with the appliance, cavity and turntable dimensions. Don’t forget the door opening and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
Can a microwave with a grill replace a combi microwave?
Not if you need convection: the grill is for browning and crisping, while a combi model may add a convection cooking mode, depending on the model. If you only want to brown or crisp food occasionally, look at a grill model. If you need to cook without a suitable oven, check the modes offered by a combi model carefully.
Which containers can you use with a grill or combi microwave?
Only use containers that the appliance manual and the container’s own instructions approve for the mode you’ve selected. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for microwaveable foods; if a container is labelled as suitable for reheating, don’t assume it’s also suitable for the grill or convection modes.