For a narrow worktop, start by checking how much space you actually have, including the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. A solo microwave is best for reheating, while a grill adds browning. A combination microwave or freestanding mini oven may offer more cooking options, provided its functions, power connection and installation requirements suit your space.
If your worktop is shallow, compare the appliance dimensions first, then check the clearances required in its manual. For example, Panasonic France lists a depth of 330 mm for the NN-E20JW, compared with 520 mm for the combination microwave NN-C69KSM, before allowing for any installation clearance.
If you often reheat food and want to brown a dish from time to time, a microwave with a grill is worth considering. However, the grill function on the Panasonic NN-K10JW should not be confused with the convection cooking function of a combination microwave.
For quiches, baking or roasts, compare the cooking modes of a combination microwave with those of a freestanding mini oven. Make sure the appliance you choose, along with its required clearances, will fit in the space you have set aside.
Measure the space before choosing the functions: an appliance that fits on your worktop may not meet the clearance requirements in its manual.
Consider it: if reheating and defrosting are your priorities and you have limited depth.
Limitation: it won't meet your needs if you want to brown food or cook using convection.
Consider it: if you want to brown dishes occasionally while still being able to reheat food in the microwave.
Limitation: having a grill does not mean the appliance has a convection function.
Consider it: if you want one appliance for reheating and some oven-style cooking, with the relevant modes.
Limitation: you’ll need to allow for the size of your chosen model and check which dishes its modes and accessories can actually handle.
Consider it: if oven-style cooking matters more to you than microwave functions.
Limitation: it won't reheat food using microwaves and must also be installed in accordance with its manual.
| Criteria | What to check | Which shoppers is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and ventilation | Measure the width, depth and height, then check them against the clearances and door-opening space required for the exact model. | When every centimetre counts, I want to be able to install the appliance without blocking its ventilation. Around 36% of shoppers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Cooking modes | Check whether the model offers reheating, a grill or convection, depending on the dishes you want to prepare. | If I want to move beyond simple reheating to gratins or quiches, the available functions will determine my choice; around 29% of shoppers prioritise this versatility. |
| Room for your dishes | Compare the dimensions of your dishes with those of the cavity and, if included, the turntable. | My dish needs to fit and be suitable for the cooking mode I want to use. Room for dishes comes first for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Care and support | Find the manual for the exact model, care instructions and information about spare parts and after-sales service. | If this appliance handles several types of cooking in my kitchen, I want to know how to look after it and who to contact if it breaks down; around 14% of shoppers prioritise this support. |
An appliance may fit on your worktop without leaving enough room for ventilation or for the door to open.
Before you buy, compare your measurements with the installation requirements in the manual for the exact model and version.
A microwave with a grill can brown food, but the grill function alone doesn't confirm that it's suitable for the baking or roasts you would cook in an oven.
For these dishes, look for the specific cooking modes listed for the combination microwave or mini oven you’re considering.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you by itself whether your dish will fit inside the cavity or on the turntable.
Measure the dish you use most often and check which accessories you’ll need for your chosen cooking mode.
Panasonic’s results for the NN-CD87 are based on its internal tests and specific comparison conditions; they don’t predict the outcome of every cooking session.
Instead, choose functions to suit the dishes you usually cook, then check the capacity, accessories and installation requirements of the model you’re considering.
Panasonic France’s range includes solo microwaves, grill models and combination microwaves with convection.
Whirlpool offers, among other options, freestanding microwaves with a grill and models without a turntable.
The MG23K3614AW grill microwave is one option for reheating and occasional browning.
The Optimo 39 L is a freestanding compact oven option if oven-style cooking is more important than reheating with a microwave.
These appliances cover reheating with a solo microwave, browning with grill models and the option of a combination microwave. For each one, check the dimensions and manual against your worktop before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat and occasionally brown food in a small kitchen.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated power: 700 W. Check the manual for clearance and connection requirements before confirming where to install it.
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Worth considering if reheating and occasional browning matter more to you than convection cooking.
Stated capacity: 25 L; digital display. Check the available space and ventilation requirements against the manual for this model.
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Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost, without needing a grill.
Stated power: 700 W; 11 power levels and six preset menus. Check the clearances specified in the manual before placing it on a narrow worktop.
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Compare it with other grill models if you want to combine reheating with browning.
Stated power: 900 W; freestanding model. Measure the space and check the manual for the clearances required for this model.
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Worth considering if you want several types of cooking in one appliance and have enough room for it.
Stated capacity: 42 L. Before choosing it for a narrow worktop, check the order of the external dimensions, the available modes and the clearances in the documentation for the exact model.
Only if the manual for the exact model allows this, and you can meet its clearance requirements. The external dimensions alone aren't enough to confirm that it can be installed in a cupboard.
A grill model can be useful for browning, but the grill function alone doesn't mean it's suitable for the quiches, baking or roasts you would cook in an oven. For these uses, check the cooking modes and accessories of the model you're considering.
No. You should also compare your dish with the dimensions of the cavity and turntable. For example, Panasonic France lists a 255 mm turntable for the NN-E20JW and a 315 mm one for the NN-C69KSM; Samsung France lists 288 mm for the MG23K3614AW.
Find the manual for the complete model number, the care instructions and the manufacturer's information about spare parts and after-sales service. A commitment announced for a product range doesn't prove that a specific part is available for your model.