If you mainly reheat meals
If you reheat leftovers and defrost portions without expecting to cook as you would in an oven, a solo microwave covers these needs, as explained by UFC-Que Choisir and Samsung France.
Which option suits each use?
If you want to brown food
If you’d also like to brown a gratin or a small portion occasionally, look for a grill function. It meets this need without assuming that the appliance has convection.
If you cook without a separate oven
If you plan to cook portions regularly, look specifically for a combination microwave with convection. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from a grill; the model’s dimensions and power draw also matter in a studio flat.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you need to reheat, brown or cook as you would in an oven. Then check that your chosen model fits the available space, follows the ventilation guidance and suits your electrical installation.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | A defrost function and interior dimensions that suit your portions. | I mainly want to reheat meals and defrost portions, without planning to cook in an oven. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it explicitly has a grill; don’t confuse this function with convection. | For occasional browning, I’m looking for a grill rather than an appliance designed for regular oven-style cooking. This would be the priority for around 15% of consumers. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | Convection must be explicitly listed, along with the power draw for each setting. | Without a separate oven, I want to be able to cook portions regularly, not just brown them. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this option. |
| Space and installation | External dimensions, the clearances specified in the manual and the power draw of the setting you’ll use. | My worktop space is limited: the appliance needs to fit while leaving its air vents unobstructed. For around 23% of consumers, this compatibility would take priority over extra functions. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the stated capacity
The cavity capacity doesn’t tell you whether the microwave, its open door and the space needed for ventilation will fit on your worktop.
Measure the space available and check the model’s manual for the required clearances. Also make sure your usual dishes will fit inside the cavity.
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Assuming a grill is the same as convection
A grill is for browning and grilling food. According to UFC-Que Choisir, convection cooking is a separate function found on combination microwaves.
If you want to cook regularly without a separate oven, look for convection explicitly listed rather than relying on the word ‘combination’ alone.
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Comparing only the microwave wattage
Microwave output power and electrical power draw are not the same measurement. LG France’s product information for the MC-8090WH lists 900 W microwave output, compared with a 2,550 W power draw in microwave with grill mode.
Check the power draw for the setting you’ll use, then review the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure your existing socket is suitable.
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Confusing a commercial guarantee with your legal rights
In France, for goods sold by a business, the legal guarantee of conformity is separate from an optional commercial guarantee, as the Ministry of the Economy explains.
Compare the terms and services of a commercial guarantee with the legal rights you already have; it does not replace them.
Brands to consider when comparing features
Samsung
Samsung France separates solo microwaves, grill models and convection models in its range. This makes it easier to identify the function you need.
- Samsung France’s FAQ links solo models with reheating and defrosting, and grill models with browning.
- Its ventilation guidance doesn’t replace the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
Whirlpool
The ExtraSpace range gives you the option of comparing microwaves with a grill and no turntable, which can be useful in a compact kitchen.
- According to Whirlpool France, the MWF259SG combines a 25 L cavity and a grill with an external width of 49 cm.
- Its external depth of 46,8 cm needs to be taken into account; don’t assume its functions include convection.
Panasonic
Panasonic’s combination microwave specifications make it possible to compare cooking functions and overall size when the appliance needs to handle some oven-style cooking.
- Panasonic France’s product information for the NN-CD87KS lists a 34 L capacity and microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Its external dimensions of 560 × 450 × 343 mm need to be checked against the available space and the model’s installation guidance.
LG
The product information for the LG MC-8090WH combination microwave helps you distinguish microwave output power from the electrical power drawn in each setting.
- LG France lists a 32 L capacity and 900 W microwave output power for this model.
- The same product information lists a power draw of 2,150 W in microwave with fan-assisted heat mode and 2,550 W in microwave with grill mode. Check which setting you plan to use before assessing your installation.
Microwaves with a grill on Joybuy
These models are worth considering if you’re looking for a microwave with a grill to reheat and defrost food, and brown portions occasionally. If you want to cook regularly as you would in an oven, check separately that the model has a convection function.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, black
Worth considering if you’d like to add occasional browning to your usual reheating.
The product name lists a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Check the ventilation clearances in the manual before choosing a place for it.
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Hkoenig VIO7, 23 L, 900 W, stainless steel
This model is worth considering for reheating portions and using a grill occasionally.
Its name lists a 23 L capacity and 900 W power rating. Before installation, check the manual to find out how much space to leave around the appliance.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih with grill, 25 L, white
This model is worth considering if you want to reheat food and have the option of browning it occasionally.
The name lists a 25 L capacity and 1,000 W power rating. Check which setting this refers to, as well as the clearances required in the manual.
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Hkoenig VIO9, 25 L, 1,000 W, stainless steel
Worth considering if you want to reheat portions and have a grill for browning them occasionally.
The name lists a 25 L capacity and 1,000 W power rating. Check which setting this refers to and the model’s ventilation guidance.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter with grill, 25 L, titanium
This model is worth considering if you’re looking for a microwave with a grill to brown portions occasionally.
Its name lists a 25 L capacity and 900 W power rating. If you’re furnishing a studio kitchen, also check the available space against the clearances specified in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model and keep its air vents unobstructed. Samsung France suggests leaving at least 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above as a general guide, while noting that these figures vary by appliance.
Can a microwave with a grill replace an oven in a studio flat?
A grill on its own is for browning or grilling food, and may not be suitable for regular oven-style cooking. For that, look for convection explicitly listed; UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this cooking function from a standard grill.
Do you need a special socket for a freestanding microwave?
It depends on the appliance and your existing installation. Check its power draw for each setting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Promotelec explains that kitchen sockets are subject to specific requirements and distinguishes dedicated circuits for certain high-power appliances. If you’re unsure about your kitchenette, ask a professional to check the installation.
What should you do if a new microwave doesn’t match its description?
If you buy from a business in France, the legal guarantee of conformity may apply if the goods don’t match their description, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Any commercial guarantee offered is separate and doesn’t replace this legal right.