Everyday reheating
You mainly want to reheat and defrost food in student accommodation or a second home, without paying for functions you won’t use. Que Choisir’s guide distinguishes between solo microwaves, models with a grill and combi models.
Who is this guide for?
Cooking without an oven
You’d like to do more than reheat food, perhaps browning dishes with a grill or using some of the cooking modes on a combi microwave. Que Choisir distinguishes between a grill and convection cooking.
Fitting out a kitchenette
You need to make the most of limited worktop space and avoid buying an appliance that duplicates equipment you already have. If you’re renting a furnished property as your main home, check the inventory provided with your tenancy agreement.
What to compare
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost food, especially if you already have an oven.
Good to know: this option doesn’t add a grill or convection function.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or crisp certain dishes.
Good to know: a grill isn’t the same as the convection function on a combi microwave, as Que Choisir points out.
Combi microwave
Choose this if: you don’t have an oven and will genuinely use the grill and convection functions.
Good to know: Que Choisir says combi models are more expensive. Combining functions doesn’t guarantee a more compact appliance.
| Feature | What to check | Who should prioritise it |
|---|---|---|
| Size and ventilation | Measure the space, then check the external dimensions and clearances specified in the model’s manual. | If you have a narrow worktop, make sure the appliance and its ventilation space will fit. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise size. |
| Cooking functions | Check which modes are actually included and choose according to how you want to cook: reheating, grilling or convection. | If you want to prepare more than reheated meals, look for functions that suit the food you cook. Around 24 % of consumers put cooking options at the top of their list. |
| Budget and existing appliances | Set your budget and check the inventory, oven, hob and microwave already available. | If you’re equipping a property, avoid an unnecessary purchase or buying an appliance that’s already provided. Around 24 % of consumers prioritise managing their spending and checking which appliances are already there. |
| Dishes and controls | Compare the turntable diameter with your dishes and check that the controls suit you. | If your usual dishes are an unusual shape or size, make sure you can use them and operate the microwave easily. Around 12 % of consumers put dishes and controls first. |
| Care and after-sales service | Read the care instructions and find out which professional seller you can contact to claim under the statutory guarantee. | If you plan to use the appliance regularly, you’ll want to know how to look after it and who to contact if something goes wrong. Around 11 % of consumers prioritise care and after-sales service. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by capacity without measuring the space
The litres indicate the internal capacity, while the external dimensions and ventilation space are subject to different constraints. So the stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit on your worktop.
Measure the space and check the dimensions and clearances specified in the manual for the exact model.
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Confusing a grill with a combi microwave with convection
Que Choisir distinguishes between microwaves with a grill and combi models that also offer convection. The product name alone doesn’t tell you which cooking methods are available.
Check the modes listed for the model and choose according to how you’ll actually use it.
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Buying before checking what’s included with the property
For a furnished property rented as a main home, the inventory provided with the tenancy agreement lets you check which appliances are included. The applicable regulations require a hob and an oven or microwave.
Check the inventory and see which appliances are already available before choosing. This rule doesn’t automatically apply to a second home or every type of temporary accommodation.
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Confusing the statutory guarantee with a commercial warranty extension
When you buy from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity is separate from a commercial warranty extension, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy and Service Public.
Check what extra protection the extension offers and what it excludes, without confusing it with your statutory rights.
Brands to consider
Whirlpool
The French MWP201W and MWP203SB models illustrate two different approaches: microwave cooking only and cooking with a grill, respectively.
- Whirlpool France lists a capacity of 20 L for the MWP203SB with grill. The MWP201W is described as a microwave-only appliance, with a stated maximum power of 700 W.
- The specifications of these models don’t apply to the entire Whirlpool range. The MWP201W doesn’t offer a grill or convection function.
Panasonic
The NN-K10JWMEPG is a grill model with mechanical controls. It’s worth considering if you want to compare its dimensions with your available space.
- Panasonic France lists a 1 000 W quartz grill, 800 W microwave power and external dimensions of 443 × 340 × 258 mm.
- These dimensions cover the casing and don’t include the clearance needed for installation. Check the instructions in the model’s manual.
Samsung
The MC28H5015CS/EF is a 28 L combi microwave to consider if you’d like to combine several cooking functions in one appliance.
- Samsung France identifies this as a combi microwave and lists a capacity of 28 L.
- Samsung France says ventilation clearances vary between models. Check the manual for the exact model before deciding where to put it.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This Joybuy selection includes solo microwaves, models with a grill and combi appliances, so you can compare their functions against the space you have and the way you want to use them.
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LG MH 6535 gih with grill, 25 L, white
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding microwave with a grill for reheating, defrosting and trying different ways to cook.
25 L capacity, 29.2 cm turntable and touch controls. The description lists a grill, defrosting and automatic programmes.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for a grill model for reheating, defrosting and browning certain dishes.
20 L capacity, mechanical controls and a 245 mm turntable. Stated maximum microwave power: 700 W; grill power: 800 W. Listed dimensions: 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm. The description recommends leaving at least 10 cm of space at the sides and back for ventilation.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for a solo microwave for reheating and defrosting in a small space.
20 L capacity and stated power of 700 W. The description lists 11 power levels, six preset menus and dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm. Defrosting can be set by weight or time.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo, 23 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a solo microwave with reheating and defrosting functions.
23 L capacity, 28.8 cm turntable and 29 automatic programmes listed in the description. Stated dimensions: 48.9 × 27.5 × 37.4 cm.
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Sharp YC-MC422AE-SB combi, 42 L
Worth considering if you’d like to combine microwave, grill and convection functions in one appliance.
42 L capacity, 30 automatic programmes and external dimensions of 553 × 326 × 505 mm. Make sure you carefully check the available worktop space for this size of appliance.
Frequently asked questions
Is a microwave always provided in furnished student accommodation?
Not necessarily. For a furnished property rented as a main home and covered by the relevant legislation, the list set out by Légifrance requires a hob and an oven or microwave. An oven can therefore meet this part of the requirement. Check the inventory attached to your tenancy agreement: this rule doesn’t automatically apply to a second home or every type of temporary accommodation.
Can I fit a microwave into a recess that exactly matches the dimensions of its casing?
Don’t rely on the casing dimensions alone. Samsung France says the ventilation clearances required vary by model and recommends checking the manual. A recess that fits the casing exactly isn’t enough to confirm that the installation is suitable.
Do I need an extended warranty to benefit from the statutory guarantee?
No. The statutory guarantee of conformity is separate from a commercial warranty extension. For a purchase from a professional seller, Service Public states that the fault must appear within two years of the goods being delivered. Check the extension for any extra protection and exclusions.
Does a cavity described as easy to clean mean I can ignore the manual?
No. A brand’s claim that an appliance is easy to care for doesn’t replace the instructions for the specific model. Check the manual for the recommended cleaning methods and products.