If you mainly want to reheat meals and defrost food in a student studio flat, a freestanding solo microwave will usually do the job. Choose a grill model if you regularly want to brown the top of dishes, or consider a combi if you expect to use its cooking functions and don’t already have a suitable oven. In every case, check the external dimensions, ventilation clearance and electrical requirements for the model before you choose.
If you mainly need to reheat or defrost food, a solo model will meet your needs without adding cooking modes you’re unlikely to use. UFC-Que Choisir specifically lists student accommodation as one of the situations where a microwave comes in handy.
A grill model suits anyone who sometimes wants a golden finish but doesn’t need the convection cooking of a combi. Electrolux highlights the different modes available on its EMZ421MMK model.
A combi is worth considering if you’ll genuinely use its grill and convection modes for cooking. You’ll also need to check that the appliance and its accessories will fit in your home.
Start with the meals you actually prepare, then measure the space available. Extra functions won’t make up for an appliance that’s difficult to install or clean.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Available modes and enough room for the containers you usually use. | I want to reheat portions and defrost food without creating more washing-up. Around 45% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Size and installation | External dimensions and ventilation clearances specified in the manual; power consumption and a suitable socket. | In my kitchenette, I need to be able to position the appliance in its intended spot and plug it in. This would be the main priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Grilling and browning | Whether it has a grill mode and whether your containers are suitable for it. | I’d like to brown the top of some dishes, but don’t need convection cooking. Around 18% of consumers would prioritise this option. |
| Cooking without an oven | Whether it has grill and convection modes, its dimensions and whether there’s room for the accessories. | Without a usable oven, I plan to cook regularly rather than just reheat food. Around 10% of consumers would have this as a priority. |
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether the microwave will fit on your worktop with enough room for ventilation. As an example for this particular model, Whirlpool states that its 25 L MWF259SG combi measures 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then check the manual for the installation requirements of the model you’re considering.
If it doesn’t fit the space, you’ll need to find another surface or a suitable stand.
Grill and convection modes may be less useful if you already have a working oven that can handle the cooking you have in mind.
Make a note of the meals you usually prepare and the modes you need. If you mainly reheat and defrost, compare solo models first.
A container that’s suitable for microwave mode alone could be damaged by these other modes. UFC-Que Choisir advises using plastic only with the microwave function.
Check the container’s instructions and the appliance manual before using the grill or convection mode.
France’s Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control explains that the CE mark is not a quality or performance certification.
For an appliance intended for the French market, also check the model details, manual and electrical specifications before choosing.
Samsung France offers freestanding solo, grill and combi microwaves. Browse the range according to the cooking modes you’re looking for.
Whirlpool France offers freestanding and combi models, with a range of different cavity layouts.
The freestanding EMZ421MMK is worth considering if you want a grill but don’t need convection cooking.
Panasonic France offers multifunction combi models to consider if you want several cooking modes in one appliance instead of separate appliances.
A combi is only useful if you’ll genuinely use its cooking modes as well as the microwave, or if the existing oven doesn’t meet your needs. If you mainly reheat and defrost, a solo model avoids taking up space with functions that would duplicate what you already have.
Don’t assume you can: ventilation requirements vary by model. Check the manual and measure the cupboard before installation. The fact that the appliance fits in the space doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable.
Only use containers stated as suitable for the mode you’ve selected. UFC-Que Choisir explains that plastic intended for microwave use isn’t suitable for the grill or convection functions. Check the appliance manual too.
It indicates that the manufacturer declares the product meets the applicable European requirements for placing it on the market. According to France’s Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, it is not a quality or performance certification.