If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, choose a solo microwave. Add a grill if you want to brown dishes, or fan-assisted cooking if you genuinely plan to cook oven-style meals. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses and notes that a combination microwave can cost more. Before choosing, check the external dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model. A multifunction appliance isn’t guaranteed to save space in your home.
If you’re using a kitchenette and mainly need to reheat and defrost food, oven-style functions may not be necessary. UFC-Que Choisir describes these uses, while Samsung France presents the MS23K3513AK/EF as a solo model with a defrost function.
If worktop space is limited, compare the external dimensions, door opening and ventilation clearances specified for the exact model. Samsung, Severin and Whirlpool publish dimensions for their individual models.
If you want to prepare dishes that need browning or fan-assisted cooking, remember that a grill and convection are different functions. UFC-Que Choisir describes these options, and Severin’s MW 7762 product information lists a grill but no fan-assisted cooking.
In a small home without an oven, start by choosing the functions that suit the dishes you make. Then check that the appliance can be installed where you plan to put it.
Choose this if you mainly reheat and defrost food, and don’t need browning or fan-assisted cooking.
Limitation a solo model such as the Samsung MS23K3513AK/EF has neither a grill nor fan-assisted cooking.
Choose this if you’d also like to brown dishes from time to time, but don’t need all the functions of an oven.
Limitation the Severin MW 7762 has a grill, but no fan-assisted cooking.
Choose this if you genuinely plan to cook dishes that need fan-assisted heat, as well as reheat food.
Limitation a combination microwave can cost more, and its dimensions, like those of the Whirlpool MWSC 9133 SB, need to be checked against the space available.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Useful functions | Check the defrost function and controls, and make sure your usual dishes fit inside the cavity. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food, I’d rather avoid settings I won’t use. Around 36% of consumers prioritise straightforward reheating. |
| Fitting it into a small space | Measure the available width, height and depth, check that the door can open, and allow for the clearances specified in the manual. | When worktop space is limited, I want to make sure the appliance and its clearances will fit where I plan to put it. Around 29% of consumers prioritise fitting an appliance into a tight space. |
| Oven-style cooking | Look specifically for fan-assisted or fan-forced cooking. Also check the cavity dimensions and the accessories supplied. | If I don’t have an oven and want to cook dishes that need oven-style heat, I check that the microwave has a convection function. Around 21% of consumers put this feature first. |
| Occasional browning | Check that the model has a grill, and whether it also offers fan-assisted cooking. | If I want to brown certain dishes without choosing a combination microwave, I check that the grill suits my recipes. Around 14% of consumers prioritise occasional browning. |
The Severin MW 7762 has a grill, but its product information says it doesn’t have fan-assisted cooking. You could end up choosing a function that doesn’t suit the oven-style recipes you want to make.
Start with the dishes you want to prepare, then check the product information for the exact model to see whether it has a grill, convection or both.
The Whirlpool MWSC 9133 SB has an external depth of 54 cm. You’ll also need to allow for ventilation clearances.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, check that the door can open, and consult the manual for the installation requirements of your chosen model.
If the space is too tight, you may need to move the appliance or rethink your planned installation.
An appliance with several functions can suit different needs, but its external size still matters in a kitchenette. The cavity capacity alone won’t tell you how much worktop space it needs.
Compare the model’s external dimensions and ventilation instructions with the space available, then consider whether you’ll actually use its extra functions.
The MS23K3513AK/EF is a solo model worth considering for reheating and defrosting.
The MW 7762 is worth considering if you’re looking for a microwave with a grill for browning dishes.
The MWSC 9133 SB is a combination model worth looking at if you plan to use several cooking modes.
The NN-CD58RS is another combination model to consider for microwave, grill and convection cooking.
This selection includes solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as a model with a grill for occasional browning.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting in a small home, with no grill or fan-assisted cooking listed.
Power: 700 W; six power levels; external dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
The description specifies freestanding installation. It should only be installed in a cabinet if that cabinet has been tested for this use.
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Worth considering for reheating meals and drinks in a small home.
Capacity: 20 L; dial controls described as easy to use.
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Worth considering if you’d like to brown dishes occasionally as well as reheat and defrost food.
Capacity: 20 L; microwave power: 700 W; grill power: 800 W; nine power levels.
The product information lists dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm and requires at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear for ventilation.
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Worth considering for reheating and preparing simple meals with a solo microwave.
Power: 700 W; six power levels; external dimensions: 452 × 362 × 262 mm.
The product information requires at least 10 cm of clear space on all sides for ventilation.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting, with defrost options by weight or time.
Power: 700 W; 11 power levels; six preset menus; external dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
Don’t decide where to put it based on the external dimensions alone. Whirlpool France says not to block the ventilation grilles and refers users to the manual. The Severin manual we consulted also specifies that there must be enough airflow. Check the clearances listed for the exact model.
The Severin manual requires a properly installed earthed socket and a voltage that matches the rating plate. Check these details on the appliance and in your home. They aren’t universal instructions for other models.
Use a container suitable for the intended use and cooking mode. The DGCCRF recommends following the container’s instructions and not putting one in the oven if it isn’t designed for that purpose.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for goods sold by a business to a consumer, and claims must be made to the seller. The Ministry of the Economy distinguishes this statutory guarantee from any optional commercial guarantee. Keep your sales information and the appliance’s exact model reference.