Everyday reheating and defrosting
You mainly prepare single portions, ready meals or leftovers, and want to keep washing-up to a minimum. A solo microwave is the first type to consider, as long as your dishes fit inside.
What will you use it for in a studio flat?
Occasional browning and crisping
You want to keep microwave reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown the top of a dish now and then. A model with a grill is a good middle ground, though it’s not a traditional oven.
Cooking without a conventional oven
If your home doesn’t have a usable oven, compare a combination microwave with a mini oven based on the cooking you actually plan to do. A mini oven won’t replace microwave reheating, while a combination microwave will need space on your worktop.
What sets the appliances apart?
For a studio flat, student accommodation or a second home, start with the use that matters most to you. Then check that your chosen appliance will fit in its intended spot and accommodate your dishes.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the external dimensions and cavity size, and check whether it has a defrost function. | I want to reheat meals and defrost portions without using more space or dishes; around 36% of consumers would prioritise these uses. |
| Occasional browning and crisping | Check whether it has a grill and which cooking modes the model offers. | I usually reheat meals, but would sometimes like to brown the top; this would be the main requirement for around 21% of consumers. |
| Oven-style cooking | Compare conventional or fan oven cooking modes and the accessories you’ll need. Don’t assume a grill alone can replace an oven. | I don’t have a usable oven and want to cook dishes as well as reheat them; around 29% of consumers would put this option first. |
| Space and dish size | Measure the space and your dishes, then check the ventilation clearances required in the manual for your chosen model. | My space is limited, and my plates need to fit without affecting the installation; this would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on capacity in litres
Capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit in its intended spot with the necessary clearances, or whether your dishes will fit inside.
Measure the space and your dishes, then check the dimensions and manual for the exact model. For example, the manual for the Schneider SCMWN20SDG requires 10 cm of clearance at the back, 5 cm at the side and 20 cm above it. These distances don’t automatically apply to other models.
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Choosing a combination model for features you’ll rarely use
A fan oven function won’t help you choose between appliances if you almost always just need to reheat a meal. Que Choisir describes combination microwaves as offering conventional oven functions too, but says they cost more than solo models.
Think about a typical week: do you mostly reheat leftovers, occasionally brown the top of a dish, or plan to do proper oven-style cooking? Choose based on how you’ll actually use the appliance.
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Heating a metal tin using the microwave setting
An unsuitable metal container or item can damage the appliance when it’s operating in microwave mode.
Transfer food to a suitable container and follow the manual’s guidance on which utensils are safe to use in each mode, particularly on models with a grill.
Brands and models to consider
Panasonic
The NN-E20JW is an example of a solo microwave to consider for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen.
- Panasonic France lists a 20 L cavity, 800 W power and dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for this model.
- Check that its 255 mm turntable suits your plates, and find out what clearances the manual requires.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill for occasional browning and crisping.
- Electrolux France lists microwave, grill and combined microwave-and-grill modes for this 21 L model.
- The grill alone doesn’t mean it will meet your oven-style cooking needs.
Whirlpool
The MCP349WH is a freestanding combination microwave to consider if you’ll also use cooking modes other than microwave.
- Whirlpool France describes this 25 L model as having a grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- Compare the dimensions, accessories and modes you need; the manufacturer’s description isn’t a comparative cooking test.
Samsung
The MC28M6035CK is another freestanding combination microwave option.
- Samsung France lists a 28 L cavity and the option to disable the turntable, making it easier to fit larger square dishes.
- You’ll still need to check the dish and appliance dimensions, as well as the instructions for the mode you’re using.
Moulinex
The Optimo 19 L is a compact electric oven to consider if conventional cooking matters more to you than microwave reheating.
- Moulinex lists fan oven, conventional cooking and grill modes among the features of this model.
- It isn’t a microwave, so consider separately how you’ll reheat leftovers if that’s something you do often.
Microwaves to compare on Joybuy
These models are suited to the reheating and defrosting needs covered here; two also have a grill for occasional browning and crisping. Compare their size with the space you actually have available before choosing.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L black microwave
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting are your main uses.
Listed power of 700 W, 11 power levels and six preset menus. Check the manual for the clearance needed around the appliance.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L black microwave with grill
Consider this if you’d like to brown the top of a dish occasionally while keeping microwave functions.
Listed microwave power of 700 W. The grill alone won’t replace conventional oven cooking; check the full clearance requirements in the manual.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
Compare this for reheating meals and defrosting food, particularly if you need a 23 L cavity.
The model name indicates a quick defrost function. Confirm the external dimensions and required clearances before deciding where to put it.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, 25 L white microwave with grill
Compare this if you want to reheat meals and use a grill from time to time.
Listed capacity of 25 L and a digital display. If the grill’s power matters to your choice, check its rating in the manual for the exact model; also check the ventilation clearances.
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COMFEE CMO‑MP012OC(WH), 19 L white microwave
Worth considering if you’re looking for a solo microwave for reheating and defrosting.
Listed power of 700 W, five power levels and a 245 mm turntable. Measure the space and check the manual for the external dimensions and required clearances.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before buying a microwave for a studio flat?
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, as well as the dishes you plan to use. Then compare these measurements with the appliance dimensions and the clearances required in its own manual. The distances listed for another model aren’t a general rule.
Can a combination microwave take the place of a conventional oven?
A combination microwave can handle some oven-style cooking if you plan to use the relevant modes, but the functions vary from model to model. Que Choisir distinguishes these appliances from solo microwaves. If conventional cooking is your priority and microwave reheating isn’t, compare a compact mini oven too.
How do I care for a frequently used microwave?
Clean the cavity regularly and remove food residue, following the appliance manual. Before heating a dish, also check that its container is suitable for the cooking mode you’ve chosen.
What should I do with my old microwave when replacing it?
Ask the retailer what take-back options are available for your old appliance, particularly if your new one is being delivered. That way, you can arrange for it to be taken away instead of letting it take up space in your studio flat.