If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in a studio kitchenette, start by comparing solo microwaves that will fit on your worktop. Choose a model with a grill if you also want to brown small portions, or a combi microwave if you genuinely plan to use convection cooking instead of some oven functions. Whichever type you choose, check the external dimensions, door clearance and installation instructions for the model you have in mind.
If you mostly heat up leftovers, drinks or ready meals, a solo microwave covers the basics. Be sure to measure the available depth, though: even a compact model needs enough room for installation and for the door to open.
If you occasionally want to brown the top of a dish without making room for a separate oven, look at models with a grill. A grill adds browning to reheating, but it does not, by itself, replace convection cooking, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If you also plan to use your microwave regularly for oven-style cooking, a combi model with convection is worth considering. Before choosing one for its extra functions, make sure its size, accessories and controls are right for your kitchenette.
First decide what you’ll actually cook, then check each appliance against the space you have available. A built-in model is only an option if your kitchenette has a suitable housing unit for the model you choose.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Compare the appliance’s external height, width and depth with the space you have; check the door clearance and the gaps specified in the instructions. | When worktop space is tight, I want to use the appliance without blocking a neighbouring cupboard. Around 40 % of consumers put size constraints first. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check that it has convection cooking and confirm the combi functions; make sure you have the accessories required for that exact model. | With no oven in my studio flat, I want to cook dishes regularly that need more than reheating. This cooking requirement guides the choice of around 30 % of consumers. |
| Browning | Check that it has a grill and a microwave-and-grill mode if you plan to use both functions. | For browning a portion now and then, I’m looking for a grill, but don’t necessarily need convection cooking. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Everyday use | Check the controls, how easy the interior is to reach for cleaning, and the ventilation instructions. | If I reheat meals every day, I want settings that are easy to understand and an appliance that’s straightforward to clean. Ease of use comes first for around 10 % of consumers. |
Interior capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop. The product specifications from Electrolux France, Samsung France and LG France show that external dimensions vary between models. You’ll also need to be able to open the door.
Measure the available height, width and depth, then compare them with the specifications and instructions for the exact model you’re considering.
A combi model adds functions such as a grill and convection cooking, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. These extra features may not justify the space it takes up if you mainly reheat and defrost food.
Think about the dishes you usually make. If you rarely cook oven-style meals, compare solo microwaves and models with a grill first.
In a kitchenette, it can be tempting to squeeze the appliance in between other items. Whirlpool France advises keeping its ventilation openings clear.
Check the instructions for your chosen model to find out how much clearance it needs, and keep its vents unobstructed.
Having a spare housing unit doesn’t mean a microwave designed to be freestanding is suitable for built-in installation. The installation type determines which instructions you need to follow.
If you want to use a housing unit, choose a model designed for built-in installation and check that the cabinet, connection and fixings are compatible with its instructions.
Whirlpool France’s range includes freestanding microwaves with a grill or combi functions, which are worth considering in light of the space you have and the way you plan to cook.
The freestanding EMZ421MMK is an example of a microwave with a grill to compare with other sizes for a kitchenette.
The MS23F301EAW is a useful size reference for a solo microwave, rather than a buying recommendation for a model currently available.
The MC-8280NSR is an example of a freestanding combi microwave for anyone planning to use convection cooking.
These freestanding models suit two kitchenette needs: reheating and defrosting with a solo microwave, or browning food with a model that has a grill. Check the dimensions and instructions for each appliance to make sure it’s suitable for your setup.
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Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food using straightforward controls. The product name lists a microwave power of 700 W, six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the instructions for the clearance needed around the appliance and its connection requirements.
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This model is listed with a grill and defrost function, making it worth considering if you want to reheat meals and brown food too. Check the grill power in the specifications for the exact model, as the available information differs, then consult the instructions for installation details.
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Worth comparing if you want to brown small portions as well as reheat food. The product name lists a 20 L capacity and microwave power of 700 W. Before buying, check its dimensions against your worktop space and consult the instructions for the required clearance.
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This solo model has digital controls for reheating meals and defrosting food. Its name lists 700 W, six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. Check that the controls suit you, and consult the instructions to plan where to put it.
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Worth considering if you’d also like a browning function: the information provided for this model mentions a grill. The product name lists a 21 L capacity and microwave power of 800 W. Check the modes listed for the EMZ421MMTI and the space needed for installation; specifications for another Electrolux model should not be assumed to apply to this one.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, then check the door clearance and the gaps required by the instructions. As examples for their specific models, Electrolux France lists dimensions of 442 × 262 × 345 mm for the EMZ421MMK, while LG France lists 530 × 322 × 427 mm for the MC-8280NSR. The stated capacity in litres is no substitute for checking the external dimensions.
A combi model makes sense if you’ll regularly use its convection or grill functions to cook without a separate oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these functions from those of a solo microwave. If you mainly plan to reheat and defrost, start by comparing the size and controls of simpler models.
For a freestanding appliance, keep the vents clear, as Whirlpool France advises, and follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for the exact model. For a built-in model, check that the housing unit, fixings and connection meet its installation requirements.
In France, if you buy from a professional seller, you can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity for two years on a new or second-hand item, according to the Ministry of the Economy. The DGCCRF distinguishes this statutory guarantee from an optional commercial warranty. Check what the latter offers before choosing it.