For anyone who mainly reheats simple meals
If you mainly want to reheat leftovers and defrost food in a studio flat or holiday home, a basic microwave may be all you need. Do check that your containers will fit inside the cavity.
Who are these appliances right for?
For anyone who cooks every day without an oven
If you want to make gratins, quiches or other dishes that need oven-style cooking, compare the features of a combination microwave and a mini oven. Your choice will also depend on how often you need to reheat food quickly and how much space you have.
For anyone cooking small batches until golden
An air fryer is worth considering if its basket is the right size for your portions. If you also need to reheat or defrost food in a microwave, think about how you’ll cover those needs without buying more appliances than you need.
How do the options compare?
Start with the dishes you make most often, then check their size and how much space the appliance needs around it. A grill can brown food now and then, while oven-style cooking means checking that your chosen model has a convection or fan-assisted cooking function.
| Priority | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Defrost function and the dimensions of the turntable or cavity compared with your containers. | If I mainly make simple meals, I want to reheat food and defrost ingredients without paying for cooking functions I’m unlikely to use. Around 31% of consumers put this need first. |
| Cooking like you would in an oven | Whether it has convection or fan-assisted cooking, the internal dimensions and accessories suited to your dishes. | Without a conventional oven, I want to be able to cook a quiche or brown a dish that actually fits inside the appliance. Around 25% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Browning small portions | Available functions, the size of the basket or cavity, and whether it duplicates an appliance you already use. | For small batches, I prioritise being able to brown food, even if that doesn’t cover my microwave reheating needs. Around 25% of consumers put this use first. |
| Saving space and making cleaning easy | Dimensions, opening space, clearances specified in the manual and how easy removable parts are to clean. | When worktop space is very limited, I first look for an appliance I can install and clean without leaving the kitchen cluttered. Around 19% of consumers put this need first. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Adding an air fryer when you already have that cooking function
Que Choisir points out that an air fryer may duplicate what an oven can do. In a small kitchen, an extra appliance also takes up space you could use for preparing meals.
Make a list of the dishes you usually cook and check whether your oven, mini oven or combination microwave already has the functions you plan to use.
An extra appliance also needs space for storage and cleaning.
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Measuring the appliance but not the space it needs
The appliance’s external dimensions may not include the ventilation clearances or the space needed to open the door or remove the basket.
Measure the whole space and follow the instructions for the specific model. For its microwaves, Samsung recommends leaving 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary by model. This is a guide only and doesn’t replace the instructions for the appliance you buy.
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
A stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your plate, baking tin or casserole dish will fit inside the cavity. The shape of the interior matters too, as does the turntable diameter if you’re looking at a microwave with a turntable.
Measure the containers you use and compare them with the internal dimensions and turntable of the model you’re considering.
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Taking performance claims at face value
How golden your food turns out depends on the dish you’re cooking and the features of the model. General claims about health or energy savings aren’t enough on their own to help you choose between these appliances.
Compare the functions, usable capacity and care instructions that suit your recipes, rather than choosing based on a general claim.
Brands to compare
Whirlpool
The freestanding microwave range lets you compare basic, grill and combination models.
- According to Whirlpool’s product information, the MWP201SB is a 20 L, 700 W microwave, while the MAX49MB combines a 13 L cavity with a grill and Crisp function.
- These features and capacities apply to the models listed. Check the dimensions and features of the model you’re considering.
Panasonic
Some Panasonic combination microwaves bring together reheating, grilling and oven-style cooking.
- Panasonic’s product information for the NN-C69KSM lists a 30 L cavity, a grill and a fan-assisted cooking function.
- If you want several functions in one appliance, also check its dimensions, weight and the size of dishes it can accommodate.
Moulinex
The Easy Fry air fryer range is worth considering for cooking small portions.
- Moulinex lists a 3.5 L capacity and a dishwasher-safe basket for the Easy Fry Essential model mentioned here.
- The basket needs to be the right size for your portions. This appliance doesn’t provide the microwave reheating and defrosting functions.
De’Longhi
A worktop mini oven is worth considering if oven-style cooking matters more to you than microwave functions.
- De’Longhi lists a 34 L cavity, convection and a grill for the Sfornatutto Chef EO34302.
- Its stated input power of 2 000 W means you’ll need to check the electrical supply, available space and installation instructions for the model.
Appliances for different needs
These Joybuy models cover microwave reheating, grill browning, hot-air cooking for small portions and a combination microwave option. Compare each one with your main needs and the space you have available.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat meals and defrost food in a small kitchen. The product title lists 700 W, six pre-set menus, 11 power levels and a defrost function. Check the clearances and electrical specifications in the manual before deciding where to put it.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
Consider this if you often reheat meals but would also like to brown them occasionally. The product title lists a microwave power of 700 W and a grill function. Having a grill doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance offers fan-assisted cooking. Check the installation clearances in the manual.
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Midea, 2 L air fryer
Designed for small portions if hot-air cooking is your priority. The product title lists 1 150 W, a 60-minute timer and a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket. Check the manual to confirm which parts can go in the dishwasher. You’ll need another option if you also need to reheat or defrost food in a microwave, and should check the space required for installation.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave
Worth comparing if you want one appliance to handle reheating and several cooking methods. Its stated capacity of 42 L doesn’t mean you can skip measuring your dishes or worktop: the listed external dimensions are 553 × 326 × 505 mm. Check the manual for cooking modes, clearances and electrical requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Which appliance should I consider if I mainly reheat meals?
Start with a basic microwave if reheating and defrosting are your main needs. Measure your containers and the space needed for the appliance, ventilation and door opening. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether everything will fit.
Can I put a microwave in an enclosed space?
First check whether the manual allows this for your model and what clearances it requires. Samsung recommends leaving 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above its microwaves, but says requirements vary by model. Follow the instructions for the appliance you buy.
How do I clean an air fryer basket?
Unplug the appliance and let it cool completely before cleaning, as Moulinex advises. Then check the manual to see which parts are removable and dishwasher-safe. Avoid abrasive accessories on a non-stick coating.
What should I check before installing an electrical appliance in France?
Check the voltage, power rating, plug type and safety instructions for your chosen model. For products covered by the applicable European rules, the DGCCRF points out that CE marking is mandatory. It reflects the manufacturer’s commitment to compliance, not a quality label.