For reheating in a studio flat
If you mainly reheat and defrost simple portions and don’t plan to cook in an oven regularly, a basic model should do the job. Still, measure how much worktop space it will take up.
Which option is right for you?
For the occasional browned or crispy finish
If you mostly reheat meals but would sometimes like to brown or crisp up a dish, look at models with a grill. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this feature from the fan-assisted cooking found in combination microwaves.
For regular cooking without an oven
If you also need the appliance to handle some of the cooking you would usually do in an oven, look for a combination microwave with convection. Check that its cavity, accessories and overall size suit your dishes and kitchen.
Which features should you prioritise?
First, decide which cooking functions you need. Then compare the appliance’s dimensions and the instructions in its manual with the space you have available.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height, and don’t forget to allow for the door opening. Check the manual for the required ventilation clearances. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without getting in the way. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise a compact size. |
| Occasional browning or crisping | Check that it has a grill, and look at the available settings and accessories for the dishes you plan to make. | If I mainly reheat meals but sometimes want to brown or crisp up a dish, a grill meets that specific need. This would be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cooking without an oven | Look specifically for fan-assisted cooking or convection. Also compare the cavity, accessories and external dimensions with the way you plan to use it. | Without easy access to an oven, I want to cook dishes regularly rather than just reheating or browning food. Around 42% of consumers would make this a priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you how wide or deep an appliance is. Panasonic lists dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for its 20 L NN-E20JW solo microwave, while LG gives dimensions of 53 × 32 × 42 cm for its 32 L MC-8090WH combination microwave.
Measure your worktop, the space needed to open the door and access to the socket before choosing a model.
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Assuming the same ventilation rules apply to every model
Requirements vary by model. The manual for the Whirlpool MWSC9133SX, for example, specifies 30 cm of clear space above the appliance and says it must not be installed in a cupboard.
Read the manual for the model you’re considering and follow its clearance requirements and guidance on the position of the ventilation openings.
If your chosen spot doesn’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to find another place for it.
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Confusing a grill with convection
A grill browns or crisps food; UFC-Que Choisir attributes fan-assisted cooking to combination microwaves. A grill alone won’t meet every need associated with oven-style cooking.
If you plan to cook regularly without an oven, check that the exact model offers ‘fan-assisted’, ‘convection’ or ‘fan cooking’.
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Using an appliance with a damaged door or seals
The Continental Edison manual we consulted says not to use the microwave in this condition until it has been repaired by a qualified person.
Check the door and seals when the appliance arrives and before using it. If you find any damage, contact the seller or after-sales service rather than attempting to repair the appliance yourself.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Bosch
Two 20 L freestanding models to consider for reheating and defrosting, with or without a grill.
- Bosch lists dimensions of 260 × 442 × 345 mm and a maximum microwave power of 800 W for the FFL020MS2 and FEL023MS2; the latter also has a grill.
- These dimensions and features apply to these two models, not to every Bosch microwave.
Electrolux
Freestanding models with a grill to consider if you want to brown or crisp food without necessarily needing convection.
- Electrolux lists microwave, grill and microwave + grill modes for the 21 L EMZ421MMK, which measures 262 × 442 × 345 mm.
- The 25 L EMZ725MMK is wider and taller; neither model’s listed modes include convection.
Whirlpool
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a freestanding combination microwave. Check the features of the specific model carefully.
- Whirlpool describes the MCP349WH as a 25 L combination microwave with features including a grill + microwave mode.
- You can’t assume the installation requirements are the same for every Whirlpool model: check the manual for the one you choose.
LG
Combination microwaves to consider if you also need the appliance to handle some oven-style cooking.
- LG lists a 32 L cavity and features including a grill and fan cooking for the MC-8090WH.
- Its listed external dimensions of 53 × 32 × 42 cm need to fit your chosen spot; these measurements don’t apply to other LG models.
Panasonic
Models to consider for basic solo use as well as cooking with several different functions.
- Panasonic describes the NN-E20JW as a 20 L solo microwave; the NN-CD88 has features including a grill and convection.
- Check the dimensions, programmes and accessories for each model rather than assuming one has the same features as another.
Microwaves to explore on Joybuy
These models cover three different needs: reheating and defrosting with a solo microwave, adding a grill for browning or crisping, or choosing a combination microwave with convection for some oven-style cooking.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost simple portions. The product description lists 700 W, six power levels and dimensions of 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm. Check the manual for the required clearances and the space needed to open the door.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
For reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown or crisp food from time to time. The product description lists 700 W microwave power, an 800 W grill and dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. If you expect it to cook using convection, check the modes before buying; also consult the manual for installation guidance.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting. The product description lists 800 W microwave power and external dimensions of 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm. Compare its depth with your worktop, then check the required clearances in the manual.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost with a choice of settings. The product description lists 700 W, 11 power levels and defrosting by weight or time. Before setting aside a space for it, check its external dimensions, door opening and clearance requirements in the product details or manual.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you also want to cook with a grill and convection when you don’t have easy access to an oven. The product description lists dimensions of 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm, so measure the available depth and space needed to open the door. Check the manual for this model’s clearance requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a studio flat?
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model genuinely has fan-assisted or convection cooking, and its cavity and accessories suit the dishes you want to make. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this feature from those of basic models and models fitted with a grill only. It doesn’t mean that a combination microwave has the capacity of a standard-sized conventional oven.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the exact model. For this specific model, the Whirlpool MWSC9133SX manual, for example, requires at least 30 cm of space above the appliance and says it must not be installed in a cupboard. Don’t automatically apply these measurements to another appliance.
What should you do if the door or seals are damaged?
Don’t use the microwave until it has been repaired by a qualified person. This instruction appears in the Continental Edison manual we consulted. Contact the seller or after-sales service rather than trying to repair the appliance yourself.