If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a basic microwave is usually all you need. Choose a model with a grill if you want to brown food occasionally, or a combination microwave with convection if you genuinely plan to cook as you would in an oven. Before buying, measure the appliance and your dishes, then check the model’s manual for ventilation clearances and electrical requirements.
For reheating portions and defrosting food in student accommodation, a freestanding appliance with straightforward features can meet everyday needs. E.Leclerc’s guide says a capacity of 15 to 25 L is enough for a studio flat or a home shared with one flatmate.
If you mainly reheat food but would like to brown some dishes, check that the microwave has a grill function. A grill does not mean the appliance also has convection.
If you plan to cook dishes using hot air from time to time, look specifically for convection in the specifications for the exact model. Also compare its size and the accessories you’ll need.
Start with the dishes you actually make, then check that the appliance and your dishes will fit in the available space.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The reheating and defrost settings, turntable dimensions and microwave output power. | If I mainly prepare portions and leftovers, I’d rather avoid cooking functions I won’t use. Around 40% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Browning or grilling | Whether a grill mode is explicitly listed, the accessories included and the space available for the dish. | If I want to grill food from time to time as well as reheat it every day, I’ll check that the model definitely has a grill. Around 20% of consumers prioritise occasional browning. |
| Cooking with convection | Whether convection is explicitly listed for the exact model, as well as the usable dimensions and accessories. | If I don’t have a convenient oven and plan to cook dishes using hot air, a simple grill mode won’t meet the same need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise convection cooking. |
| Fitting and installing the appliance | The external dimensions, door opening, clearances specified in the manual and the electrical power requirements for your home. | If space or the electrical installation is my main concern, I’ll check these points before choosing a capacity. Around 20% of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
A grill can brown food, but its presence doesn’t mean the appliance can cook with hot air like an oven.
If you plan to cook dishes or bake goods that need this function, check that the specifications for the exact model explicitly state convection.
The internal capacity doesn’t guarantee that a dish will fit inside or that the appliance will fit in your kitchen. External dimensions, the turntable and the door opening matter too.
Measure the space and the dishes you use, then check the manual for the ventilation clearances required.
Microwave output power and electrical power consumption are two different specifications. LG and Electrolux list these values separately for the models in question.
For the mode or combination of modes you plan to use, look for the input or connection power in the specifications or manual, then check that it’s suitable for your home’s electrical installation.
The MS2535GIB is an example of a freestanding solo microwave featured on LG’s French website.
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill.
The French product page for the MWSC833W mentions forced-air cooking, in addition to microwave and grill functions.
The MC28H5015AW/EF is an example of a combination microwave whose French product page lists convection, grill and microwave functions separately.
The models below are mainly suited to reheating and defrosting; the Beko also has a grill function. If you want to cook with convection, check that this function is explicitly listed for the model you’re considering.
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For reheating and defrosting in a small home, this solo model has a defrost function.
20 L, 700 W, 6 power levels, 30-minute timer and turntable. Stated dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
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Worth considering if you reheat and defrost food but also want to brown it occasionally; a grill doesn’t confirm that the appliance has convection.
20 L, microwave power of 700 W, 800 W grill and 245 mm turntable. Stated dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm.
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For reheating and defrosting in a limited space, this model offers five power levels.
700 W, 19 L, defrost function, 30-minute timer and 245 mm turntable.
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This solo model is designed for everyday reheating and defrosting, with no additional cooking function listed.
700 W, 6 power levels, mechanical timer, defrost function and 245 mm turntable.
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For reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen, this model offers defrosting by weight or time.
700 W, 20 L, 11 power levels and 6 pre-set menus.
Not necessarily. For furnished accommodation that serves as the tenant’s main home and is covered by the decree, the minimum list includes a hob and an “oven or microwave”. The wording doesn’t specifically require a microwave if an oven is provided. Check the type of tenancy agreement and the inventory; this rule doesn’t automatically apply to a second home.
Don’t assume that a freestanding appliance is suitable for an alcove. Whirlpool advises keeping the ventilation grilles clear. Check the manual for the exact model to find out the required clearances, and make sure the door can open fully too.
No. Microwave output power and electrical consumption may be listed separately. LG’s specifications for the MS2535GIB distinguish between 1 000 W output power and 1 350 W consumption in microwave mode; Electrolux’s specifications for the EMZ421MMK state 800 W microwave power and 1 270 W total power. Look for the relevant electrical figure for your chosen model and check it against your home’s electrical installation.
Follow the cleaning instructions in the manual and keep the ventilation openings clear. In France, when an individual buys from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. You can make a claim to the seller under the conditions set out by law, independently of any commercial extended warranty.
No. Don’t assume a cooking mode from the product name alone. Check that the specifications for the exact model mention convection or forced-air cooking, and make sure you have the accessories needed for the dish you plan to cook.