Everyday reheating
If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in a studio flat or second home, a standard model could meet your needs without adding features you’re unlikely to use.
Who are these appliances for?
A small kitchen without an oven
If you’re looking for one appliance to reheat food and handle some oven-style cooking, compare the modes it actually offers and the space it will take up once installed.
Dishes to brown or bake
If you regularly make gratins, pizzas or bakes, compare a grill, a combination microwave and a mini oven based on the dishes you plan to cook. These appliances don’t all do the same job.
What should you look for before buying?
Standard microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost individual meals. UFC-Que Choisir lists these uses among the factors to consider when choosing a microwave.
Bear in mind: the standard models mentioned don’t include a grill or fan-assisted cooking. Check the dimensions of your dishes, the turntable and the appliance.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you regularly want to brown or crisp dishes while keeping the convenience of a microwave.
Bear in mind: a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has fan-assisted cooking. For example, the Severin MW 7762 is described as having a grill, but no such function.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you’ll actually use its oven-style cooking functions and want it to take over some of the jobs done by another appliance.
Bear in mind: how much space you save depends on the appliance it replaces. Check the exact modes, accessories and installation space required. UFC-Que Choisir notes that combination models cost more than standard microwaves.
Traditional mini oven
Choose this if: pizzas, cakes and other oven-baked dishes are your priority.
Bear in mind: a mini oven can’t reheat food using microwaves. You’ll also need to allow enough space to install it.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who is it most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost settings, controls and dimensions for the portions you usually prepare. Be sure to distinguish output power from input power. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food in my studio flat, I’d rather avoid modes I won’t use much. Around 36% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Size and installation | Measure the available space and door clearance, then check the clearance requirements in the manual for the exact model. The manual consulted for the Severin MW 7885/7886/7887 specifies 7.5 cm at the sides, 10 cm at the rear and 30 cm above. These distances don’t automatically apply to other models. | If my worktop space is limited, I need to allow for clearance around the appliance as well as its external dimensions. Around 29% of consumers prioritise size and positioning. |
| Versatile cooking | Look specifically for a fan-assisted or convection function, and check that the dishes you plan to cook will fit inside the appliance with any necessary accessories. | If I don’t have a usable oven and want to cook some dishes in the same appliance, I’ll check the actual modes rather than relying on the word ‘combination’ alone. Around 21% of consumers prioritise cooking versatility. |
| Browning or baking | Compare how often you make gratins and other oven-baked dishes, whether the appliance has a grill or fan-assisted cooking, its usable dimensions and the accessories supplied. | If I mainly make gratins, pizzas or bakes, I’ll choose based on those dishes rather than just my reheating needs. Around 14% of consumers prioritise browning or traditional oven cooking. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Choosing a combination model just to save space
A combination model only frees up space if it genuinely replaces another appliance. The Whirlpool MWSC 9133 SB, given as an example, measures 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm, not including clearance.
Make a note of the dishes you actually prepare, measure the space available and check the model’s manual before choosing.
A large appliance can take up a significant amount of worktop space, even if you rarely use some of its functions.
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Confusing a microwave with grill with a fan-assisted combination model
The Severin MW 7762 is described as having a grill, but no fan-assisted function. So having grill and microwave modes doesn’t mean it can cook like an oven.
Check the named cooking modes on the product listing for the exact model, especially if you need fan-assisted or convection cooking.
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Comparing the stated capacity without checking usable space
The Severin MW 7886 listing gives a capacity of 17 L in its description and 19 L in its technical specifications. Capacity alone won’t tell you whether your usual dishes will fit.
Measure your dishes and check the usable dimensions, turntable or cavity floor, and the clearances specified in the manual.
Brands to consider for different needs
Severin
The models mentioned include the standard MW 7886 microwave, the MW 7762 with grill and the TO 2068 mini oven.
- The MW 7762 is listed as having a grill and a flat base without a turntable.
- The MW 7762 isn’t listed as having fan-assisted cooking. For the MW 7886, the listing gives two different capacities: 17 L in the description and 19 L in the specifications. Check the dimensions and usable space before buying.
Panasonic
The NN-E20JW and NN-K10JW illustrate a standard model and one with an added grill, respectively.
- Panasonic France lists both models as 443 mm wide, with a 255 mm turntable. The NN-E20JW is listed at 20 L.
- The NN-K10JW is deeper than the standard model mentioned: 340 mm compared with 330 mm, according to the manufacturer’s external dimensions. Check that it will fit your space.
Whirlpool
The MWSC 9133 SB gives you an example of a freestanding appliance that combines several cooking modes.
- Whirlpool France lists the MWSC 9133 SB as having a 33 L capacity and external dimensions of 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm.
- Take these dimensions and the manual’s clearance requirements into account before deciding whether a combination model will suit a small kitchen.
Samsung
The MS23K3513AK/EF is a 23 L standard microwave with defrosting and electronic controls.
- Samsung France lists an input power of 1 150 W and external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm.
- Input power is different from microwave output power. Compare the appliance’s dimensions with the space you have available.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes standard microwaves, models with a grill and combination models for reheating or defrosting in a small home. Compare the modes and dimensions with the dishes you prepare and the space you have available.
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Heinrich’s — compact standard microwave, 20 L
For reheating or defrosting in a small home, this standard model means you don’t have to pay for an added grill or oven-style mode.
Listed features: 20 L capacity, 700 W power, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a 9,6-inch turntable. Listed external dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
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LG MH 6535 gih — microwave with grill, 25 L
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with the added option of using the grill to brown dishes.
The product information lists a quartz grill, a quick-defrost function, automatic programmes with weight control, touch controls and a digital display. This model is described as freestanding.
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Galanz — compact microwave, 20 L
This standard model is presented as an option for reheating meals in small spaces, including student accommodation.
The product information lists a 20 L capacity and dial controls. Check the dimensions of the model and your dishes before choosing.
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Beko MGC20100B1 — microwave with grill, 20 L
Consider this if you want the convenience of microwave reheating as well as a grill for browning or crisping dishes.
The product information lists 700 W microwave power, an 800 W grill, nine power levels, a defrost function and a 245 mm turntable. Listed external dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. The listing says to leave at least 10 cm at the sides and rear for ventilation.
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Candy Essenza CMCA29EDLB/ST — combination microwave, 29 L
This model combines a microwave with a grill. It could suit you if you’ll also use its extra modes, rather than choosing a combination model based on its name alone.
The product information lists a 1 000 W grill, a steam function, automatic menus and a turntable. Listed external dimensions: 52,3 × 44,9 × 30 cm. Check the exact modes and space required before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is a stated capacity of 20 L enough for my plate?
Not necessarily. Compare the diameter and height of your dish with the internal dimensions and turntable of the model. Panasonic France lists a 255 mm turntable for the NN-E20JW; the Severin MW 7762 is described as having a flat base without a turntable.
Can I install a standard microwave in an enclosed recess?
Don’t assume a freestanding appliance is suitable for built-in installation. The manual consulted for the Severin MW 7885/7886/7887 requires ventilation space, with 7,5 cm at the sides, 10 cm at the rear and 30 cm above, and says it must not be installed in a cupboard. For any other model, follow its own manual.
What should I check for maintenance and after-sales service?
Before buying, check that the manual and any necessary accessories suit the way you plan to use the appliance. In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a consumer. The Ministry of the Economy distinguishes this guarantee from a commercial extension.
Is the CE marking an independent quality certification?
No. For products covered by the relevant EU rules, the CE marking represents the manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets the applicable requirements. The DGCCRF clarifies that it is not an independent certification mark.