Reheating in a small space
If you mainly reheat portions and defrost food, a solo microwave should do the job. Still, measure your worktop and check the ventilation requirements before choosing a size.
Which option suits each need?
Occasional browning
If reheating is still your main use, but you’d sometimes like to brown a gratin or toast, look at models with a grill. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this feature from the convection cooking found in combination microwaves.
Cooking in a home without an oven
If you plan to cook pizzas, cakes or gratins regularly, a combination microwave with convection meets a different need from simply reheating food. Check that its depth, weight and controls are suitable for your home.
What should you check before buying?
Solo microwave
Choose this: if you mainly need to reheat and defrost meals.
Bear in mind: this option won’t brown food with a grill or cook using convection.
Microwave with grill
Choose this: if you usually reheat meals but would also like to brown them now and then.
Bear in mind: a grill alone won’t give you the temperature-controlled cooking of a combination microwave with convection.
Combination microwave with convection
Choose this: if you don’t have a conventional oven and genuinely plan to cook oven-style dishes.
Bear in mind: as well as checking the cooking modes, pay particular attention to the model’s size and weight.
Another compact cooking appliance
Consider this: if you mainly cook in a frying pan or saucepan, or need a function that isn’t covered by the microwave types discussed here.
Bear in mind: make room for it on your worktop or in your cupboards; it may not replace a microwave for reheating.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the power settings and turntable size. If test results are available, check how evenly the microwave reheats and defrosts food. | I mainly want to quickly prepare reheated or defrosted portions, without choosing cooking modes I won’t use. Around 36% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill and see which accessories are included; look at any available browning test results. | I’d like to brown a dish or some toast now and then, while reheating meals the rest of the time, so a grill matters more to me than convection. This would be the main priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check for convection, its temperature range, the size of dishes that will fit and any available cooking test results. | I don’t have a conventional oven and plan to cook pizzas, cakes or gratins, rather than just reheat them. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this type of cooking. |
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance, allow for the door when open and check that your dishes will fit; consult the manual for the ventilation gaps required for the exact model. | My worktop is so limited that the appliance must fit with enough room for proper installation. Space would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity alone
The internal capacity won’t tell you whether the microwave will fit beneath a wall cupboard, whether the door will open freely or whether your dishes will fit inside.
Measure the space and compare the external dimensions, turntable size and clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. Don’t apply the distances specified for a different appliance.
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Buying a combination model just for reheating
Grill and convection modes won’t meet a cooking need if you don’t plan to use them, and you’ll still need to make room for the appliance.
Think about the meals you’ll actually prepare: reheating and defrosting with a solo model, browning with a grill, or oven-style cooking with a combination model.
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Assuming a feature guarantees a cooking result
A defrost button or grill mode doesn’t, by itself, tell you how evenly the food will cook. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses defrosting and different cooking modes separately, among other things.
If these results matter to you, compare detailed tests of the models you’re considering rather than looking only at their list of programmes.
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Confusing a retailer’s guarantee with your statutory rights
An additional guarantee offered by a retailer doesn’t replace the statutory guarantee of conformity that applies in France to goods sold by a business to a consumer, as explained by the French Ministry of the Economy.
Before taking out extra cover, check exactly what it adds and keep the documents relating to your purchase.
Brands and models to know
Samsung
For a look at the solo microwave category, the Samsung MS23K3513AK, featured by Samsung France, has a stated capacity of 23 L and external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm.
- Samsung lists a Quick Defrost function and a ceramic enamel interior for this model.
- These features alone don’t demonstrate how well it defrosts food; check available test results and the manual for the exact variant you’re considering.
Whirlpool
The Whirlpool MWP253B is an example of a microwave with a grill: Whirlpool France lists a 25 L capacity and a 27 cm turntable.
- The manufacturer lists a quartz grill and an AutoClean function.
- To assess how well it browns food and how easy it is to use, compare tests of this model; also check its availability with the retailer.
Panasonic
The Panasonic NN-C69KSM is an example of the combination microwaves to consider when you need an appliance that can also cook like an oven.
- Panasonic lists adjustable convection at 40 °C, then from 100 to 220 °C.
- Its stated depth of 520 mm and weight of 22,2 kg should be checked against your available space; cooking results require separate testing from the manufacturer’s stated specifications.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models cover reheating and defrosting with solo microwaves, as well as browning with models that have a grill. If you want to cook using convection, check separately for combination models suited to that purpose.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting without a grill. The product details list 700 W, six power levels and a 30-minute timer.
Before setting aside a space for it, check the ventilation clearances in the manual for the exact model.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
For everyday microwave reheating, with a grill for the occasional browned dish. The product title lists 700 W.
Check the manual for the clearances required around this model, particularly above the appliance.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L microwave
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and use a grill occasionally. Check the cooking modes for the exact model before choosing it for your dishes.
Check the manual for ventilation clearances, and look for available test results if browning is important to you.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
For reheating and defrosting, with digital controls. The product title lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six pre-set menus.
If you use large plates, check the turntable diameter; also check the ventilation clearances required for this model.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting without a grill; the title mentions the Quick Defrost function.
Check the exact model suffix and its manual before following installation guidance for a different variant.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before ordering a microwave for a studio?
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, and allow room to open the door. Then compare these measurements with the model’s external dimensions. Check that your dishes will fit on the turntable or inside the cavity, and consult the model’s own manual for ventilation clearances and electrical connection requirements.
Do you need a combination microwave if your home doesn’t have an oven?
No, not if you mainly use the appliance for reheating and defrosting: a solo microwave will suit these needs. If you sometimes want to brown food, consider a grill; if you plan to cook oven-style dishes, look for a combination microwave with convection and check how much space it will take up.
Which tests should I look at when comparing two combination microwaves?
Look for tests that assess separately the features you’ll genuinely use: defrosting, evenness of reheating, grilling and convection cooking. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol also looks at ease of use and heat safety; having a programme doesn’t guarantee a good result in testing.
Does an extended guarantee replace your statutory rights in France?
No. For a microwave bought from a business in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies independently of any additional commercial guarantee, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. Check what the extra cover actually offers and keep your receipt, product details and manual.