For reheating and defrosting in a small home, start by comparing solo microwaves. A grill is only useful if you also want to brown or crisp food, while a combination microwave is better suited to oven-style cooking. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, these functions don’t make the appliances interchangeable. Also check the external dimensions, door clearance and the spacing specified in the manual for the model you choose.
If space is your main concern, look for a freestanding appliance that leaves enough room to open the door and meets the ventilation clearances in its manual. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you how much space it takes up.
For leftovers, ready meals and simple dishes, microwave functions may cover most of your needs. Before choosing a model with more features, check that the cavity and turntable will suit the containers you use regularly.
If you also want to brown or crisp food, or cook using convection, explore the modes available on a grill or combination microwave. One appliance can meet several needs, as long as its dimensions, accessories and functions suit the dishes you make.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combination microwaves according to the types of cooking you need. In a small kitchen, start by choosing the functions you’ll use, then check that the appliance will fit in the space you have in mind.
Consider this if: you mainly reheat and defrost, and your other appliances cover any additional cooking needs.
Bear in mind: this type of appliance won’t brown or crisp food, and doesn’t offer convection cooking.
Consider this if: you’d like to brown or crisp food occasionally without relying on this appliance as your main oven.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the model also has convection cooking.
Consider this if: you don’t have a convenient oven and will regularly use the grill and oven-style cooking modes, depending on the model.
Bear in mind: there are more functions to get to grips with, and you’ll need to check the dimensions of each model.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size | External dimensions and door clearance; the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. | In a kitchenette, I need to be able to place the appliance and open it without getting in the way of the rest of the worktop. Around 42% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Everyday use | Defrost settings and controls; turntable or cavity dimensions to suit your containers. | If I mainly reheat meals and defrost food, I’d rather have controls suited to those tasks than extra modes. Around 33% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Additional cooking | Whether it has a grill or convection cooking; accessories and containers compatible with each mode. | Without a convenient oven, I want to be able to brown or crisp food, or cook certain other dishes in the same appliance. Around 25% of consumers would make this versatility their main consideration. |
The cavity’s volume doesn’t tell you how much worktop space the appliance will take up or how much room you’ll need in front of the door. It also doesn’t replace the ventilation instructions for the appliance.
Measure the space, then compare it with the external dimensions and manual for the exact model before ordering.
The grill and convection functions meet different needs from simple reheating. They’re only useful when choosing an appliance if you’ll actually use them as part of your usual cooking.
Think about the meals you normally make. If you mostly reheat and defrost, start by comparing solo models.
A container that’s suitable for microwave mode isn’t necessarily suitable for the grill or convection. UFC-Que Choisir notes in particular that plastic used in microwave mode isn’t suitable for these additional cooking modes.
Check the instructions for both the container and the appliance for each mode; don’t use a sealed container in microwave mode.
Keeping a replaced microwave can quickly take up valuable space in a small home. In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition says that retailers must offer to take back a used appliance when you buy a new one, whether in store or online.
Check the practical arrangements for collection with the retailer before placing your order.
These freestanding ranges can help you identify the features you’re interested in. You’ll still need to compare the specifications and dimensions of each model.
Samsung France features freestanding solo, grill and combination microwaves.
Whirlpool France offers freestanding microwaves with grills, as well as combination models.
Panasonic France features the NN-CD58RS, a combination microwave listed with a grill, convection and air fryer function.
These freestanding appliances are suited to reheating and defrosting in a small home; two also have a grill for browning food. If you’re looking for convection cooking, check that the combination model has this feature rather than assuming it does just because it has a “grill”.
Image unavailable
A solo model to consider if you reheat, defrost and prepare simple meals.
The title lists 20 L, 700 W, 11 power levels and 6 pre-set menus.
Before deciding where to put it, check the ventilation instructions, door clearance and electrical specifications for your home.
Image unavailable
This solo microwave is a good option if you’re mainly looking to reheat and defrost.
Its listed capacity is 23 L; compare the cavity and turntable size with the dishes you usually use.
Before placing it in a kitchenette, check the external dimensions, door clearance and the spacing required in the manual.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost, then brown or crisp food occasionally, without needing convection cooking.
The title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W microwave power.
A grill doesn’t make it a convection oven. Check all the required clearances in the manual and use containers suited to the mode you select.
Image unavailable
An option to compare for reheating and defrosting without adding a grill function.
The title lists 700 W, 6 power levels and a 30-minute timer.
Measure the space available and check the manual for ventilation, door clearance and electrical specifications.
Image unavailable
This model is worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost, as well as brown or crisp food under the grill.
Its listed capacity is 25 L. If power is important to your comparison, check the rating for each mode in the model documentation.
A grill doesn’t mean it has convection cooking; also check the ventilation instructions and electrical specifications before you buy.
A solo microwave covers these tasks without adding cooking modes you don’t need. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes the grill for browning or crisping food, and the combination model for additional cooking modes. Then compare the cavity size with your containers.
Compare the model’s external dimensions with the space you’ve measured, then allow for the door to open. Check its own manual for ventilation clearances rather than using those for a different appliance.
Not always: a container that’s suitable for microwave mode may not be suitable for the grill or convection. UFC-Que Choisir notes in particular that plastic suitable for microwave mode isn’t suitable for these additional functions. Follow the instructions for both the container and the appliance.
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model has the relevant modes, including convection, and the cavity is large enough for your dishes. Check the functions, accessories and dimensions of the specific model rather than relying on the word “combination” alone.
When you buy a new appliance, the retailer must offer to take back your old one, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, including when you shop online. Ask the retailer about collection arrangements before placing your order.