Students reheating meals
If you mainly reheat a plate of food or defrost ingredients, a standard model can do the job without adding a browning function. UFC-Que Choisir lists student accommodation among the settings where a microwave is used.
Who are these options for?
Studio flat dwellers without an oven
If you want to brown or cook some dishes usually made in an oven, distinguish between a grill and convection cooking, and check the size of the dishes you use. UFC-Que Choisir describes the grill function as one that can also brown dishes.
Anyone short on worktop space
If space is limited, measure the available area and allow for the door to open and for ventilation, regardless of the stated capacity in litres. Whirlpool recommends keeping the appliance’s ventilation openings unobstructed.
What should you compare?
Start by choosing the functions you’ll use, then check that the appliance and its installation will fit in your kitchenette.
Standard microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost food.
Keep in mind: this type of model doesn’t offer a grill for browning or convection cooking.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you also want to brown the tops of some dishes.
Keep in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has convection cooking.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you plan to use convection for some oven-style cooking, as well as reheating.
Keep in mind: this option can take up a lot of space, and doesn’t guarantee that all your dishes or recipes will be suitable.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost settings and make sure your usual plate fits inside the cavity. | I want to reheat meals and defrost food without using lots of different utensils. Around 36% of consumers prioritise these uses. |
| Space required | Measure the available width, height and depth, allowing for the door to open and the clearances specified in the manual. | In a small kitchenette, I need to leave enough space around the appliance and on the worktop. Around 29% of consumers prioritise making the most of their available space. |
| Browning dishes | Check that the model has a grill and that your dishes fit inside the cavity. | I want to brown some dishes as well as reheat them, but don’t necessarily need convection cooking. Around 14% of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Cooking without an oven | Confirm that it has convection cooking, and check the size of your dishes, the appliance dimensions and the installation requirements. | Without an oven at home, I want to cook some dishes that would usually be made in one. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this use. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you the external dimensions or the space needed for ventilation. According to Whirlpool France, the Whirlpool MWSC833W measures 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm, not including clearance.
Measure the available space and check the model’s manual for the required clearances.
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Confusing a grill with convection cooking
A grill browns food; it doesn’t mean the microwave has a convection function. This distinction matters if you want to cook dishes that would usually go in an oven.
Check the model’s exact list of cooking modes rather than relying on the word “combination” alone.
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Blocking ventilation during installation
Blocked ventilation openings can cause overheating, warns Whirlpool France.
Follow the clearance guidance in your appliance’s manual and keep its ventilation openings clear.
Brands to consider for these uses
Samsung
The MS23K3513AK/EF is an example of a standard microwave designed for reheating and defrosting.
- Samsung France lists a 23 L capacity, external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm and a rated input power of 1 150 W in microwave mode for this model.
- A standard model won’t meet your needs if you want to brown dishes.
LG
The MH6535GISS is an example of a grill model for anyone who also wants to brown dishes.
- LG France lists dimensions of 47,6 × 27,2 × 38,8 cm, a 29,2 cm turntable, and microwave and grill modes for this model.
- This model’s specifications don’t describe it as a convection oven.
Whirlpool
The MWSC833W is an example of a freestanding combination microwave to consider if you want to use convection for some types of cooking.
- Whirlpool France lists forced-air cooking, a grill, a 33 L capacity and a 36 cm turntable for this model.
- Its external dimensions of 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm could be a key factor in a kitchenette. Claims about cooking performance and speed are the manufacturer’s claims for this model.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These freestanding models cover reheating and defrosting, with grill and combination options for anyone who also wants to brown dishes or cook some oven-style recipes.
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Hkoenig VIO7, grill microwave, 900 W, stainless steel, 23 L
For reheating and defrosting, with a grill for browning dishes.
Capacity: 23 L; turntable: 27 cm; external dimensions: 48,2 × 28 × 32,1 cm. Designed for installation on a stable, clear worktop.
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Beko MGC20100B1, grill microwave, 20 L, 700 W, black
For reheating and defrosting, with a stated 800 W grill for browning dishes.
Capacity: 20 L; turntable: 245 mm; external dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. The product description specifies at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear for ventilation.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, standard microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating and defrosting, without additional cooking modes.
Turntable: 245 mm; external dimensions: 452 × 362 × 262 mm; six power levels. The product description specifies at least 10 cm of clear space on all sides for ventilation.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), digital microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating and defrosting, with digital controls and stated pre-set programmes.
External dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm; 11 power levels and six pre-set programmes.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 3-in-1 combination microwave, 42 L
Combines microwave and grill functions with stated convection cooking, including for some oven-style recipes.
Capacity: 42 L; external dimensions: 553 × 326 × 505 mm. Check its size against the space available in a compact kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
What should you measure before installing a freestanding microwave?
Measure the space in all three dimensions, then compare it with the model’s external dimensions and check that there’s enough room to open the door. Consult the manual for the clearances required for your appliance, and don’t block the ventilation openings: Whirlpool France warns that obstructed ventilation can cause overheating.
What should you check about the power supply?
Check the model’s manual and make sure your home’s electrical installation meets its requirements. Rated input power shouldn’t be confused with the microwave output power. For example, Samsung France lists a rated input power of 1 150 W in microwave mode for the MS23K3513AK/EF.
What containers can you use in a microwave?
Make sure the container is suitable for the cooking mode you’ve chosen. UFC-Que Choisir points out that not all plastics are suitable for microwave use, and that metal utensils shouldn’t be used in microwave mode. Also follow the cleaning and care instructions in your model’s manual.
What statutory guarantee applies to purchases from a business in France?
The statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual; you have two years to make a claim. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance distinguishes this statutory guarantee from a commercial warranty offered at the time of purchase.