In a studio flat without an oven, a combination microwave is worth considering if you’ll genuinely use its oven-style cooking functions as well as its reheating function. If you mostly reheat and defrost, a solo model may be enough; if you mainly want to brown dishes, look for a model with a grill. In every case, check the dimensions and the clearance requirements for the exact model.
You want to prepare dishes that need oven-style cooking while keeping the microwave function for reheating. For general guidance, UFC-Que Choisir / Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes between solo, grill and combination microwaves; you should still check the specific settings on each appliance.
You mainly use your microwave for reheating and defrosting, but sometimes want a golden finish. UFC-Que Choisir / Que Choisir Ensemble and Electro Dépôt France distinguish between a grill, which browns food, and convection, which is a different cooking method.
You’ll need to allow for the appliance itself, opening the door and the space needed for ventilation. Samsung France explains that clearance requirements vary by model, so check the manual for the one you choose.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost, with a few simple microwave cooking tasks.
Limitation: it has no grill for browning and no convection cooking.
Choose this if: your main extra requirement is to brown or crisp dishes.
Limitation: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has convection.
Choose this if: you regularly plan to cook dishes in an oven-style way and also want to reheat food in the microwave.
Limitation: the advertised settings don’t guarantee that the appliance will suit every dish, size or quantity.
Choose this if: oven cooking is your priority and you’re happy to go without a microwave in this appliance.
Limitation: adding a separate microwave may go against your aim of keeping the number of appliances down.
For a studio flat or holiday home without an oven, start with the meals you prepare and the functions you’ll genuinely use. The proportions below reflect consumers’ priorities in this scenario.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Check whether the microwave, grill and convection functions are available separately, as well as which combinations are offered. | If you want to cook oven-style dishes without adding another appliance, around 36% of consumers prioritise this versatility. |
| Installation and space | Measure the appliance and the space needed to open its door; check the clearance and electrical requirements in the manual for that exact model. | If you have limited worktop space, you’ll also need to allow for ventilation and the power supply: around 29% of consumers prioritise a suitable installation. |
| Everyday reheating | Check how easy it is to reheat and defrost, how clear the controls are and whether the turntable is suitable for your dishes. | If you mainly use the appliance to reheat and defrost, around 21% of consumers prioritise this simplicity. |
| Cleaning and servicing | Check the cleaning instructions and the terms for the warranty, repairs and after-sales service. | If you use the appliance frequently, you may want to give more thought to cleaning and repair terms: around 14% of consumers make these their priority. |
Ventilation clearances may mean it won’t fit in a space that looks large enough for the appliance itself.
Measure the appliance and the space needed to open the door, then follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the exact model.
You may need to rearrange your worktop or give up on your chosen spot.
These figures measure different things and aren’t enough on their own to confirm the power supply required for every mode.
For the exact model, check the maximum input power and the applicable electrical requirements.
A commitment to repairability at a “fair price” doesn’t mean that all repairs will be covered free of charge for the entire period.
In France, distinguish between the legal guarantee, any commercial warranty and the repairability commitment advertised by the brand.
The NN-CT57RMEPG is an example of a model offering microwave, convection, grill and air-fry functions, according to the specifications published by Panasonic FR E-Shop.
The MC28H5015AW/EF is a 28 L combination model with convection, grill and microwave functions, according to Samsung France.
The Optimo OX444810 is a compact oven to consider when oven cooking takes priority over microwave reheating, according to Moulinex France.
This selection includes solo, grill and combination microwaves, so you can compare reheating, browning and oven-style cooking functions for a small home.
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For reheating and defrosting, with the added option of a grill; compare the available settings with your needs for browning food.
1000 W; 25 L capacity; stainless-steel finish.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost, with a grill for browning dishes.
20 L capacity; 700 W power; black finish.
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An option to consider if you mainly need to reheat and defrost, with no grill function mentioned in the product name.
700 W power; 20 L capacity; black finish.
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Compare microwave reheating with grill and convection functions; check that the appliance’s size suits your space.
42 L capacity; 3-in-1 combination model.
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Worth considering if you want to combine reheating with several cooking modes; check the dimensions and functions of the exact variant.
39 L capacity; black finish.
Only the manual for the exact model can confirm whether the installation is suitable. Samsung France provides general clearance guidance, while noting that requirements vary by model; this guidance alone doesn’t confirm that a particular model can be installed there.
No. For the MC28H5015AW/EF, Samsung France distinguishes between a microwave output power of 900 W and a power consumption of 1 400 W in this mode. Also check the maximum input power and the electrical requirements for the exact model.
Samsung France recommends keeping the cavity and door seals clean, among other things, and avoiding abrasive products. For accessories and how to clean them, follow the instructions in the manual for your model.
Not necessarily: being suitable for microwave use doesn’t automatically make a tray suitable for grilling or convection. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions on microwaveable food packaging.
No. According to Service Public / Direction de l’information légale et administrative, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to purchases made by consumers from professional sellers. Check your purchase details to find out which terms apply and identify the seller responsible.
No. Moulinex describes the Optimo OX444810 commitment as 15-year repairability at a “fair price”; this is separate from the legal guarantee and any commercial warranty.