In a studio flat or holiday home without a conventional oven, start by choosing according to the meals you plan to make: a basic microwave for reheating and defrosting, a model with a grill for the occasional browned topping, or a combination microwave or mini oven for oven-style cooking. An air fryer could suit small portions you want to roast or crisp up, but may duplicate an oven you already have. Before choosing a model, measure the space where it will go and check the manual for installation and power requirements.
If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, a basic microwave will do the job without adding oven-style cooking features you may never use. In a small kitchen, also check that there’s enough room to open the door and follow the instructions in the manual.
If you want to make more than just reheated meals, compare the cooking modes you’ll actually use. A combination microwave or mini oven is worth considering if you regularly want to brown toppings or cook oven-style dishes.
An air fryer could be a good fit for small portions cooked with hot air. Bear in mind that you’ll need to clean the basket and that the fan can be noisy, especially in an open-plan kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir also advises against buying one if an existing oven already does the same jobs.
Start with the meals you make most often, then weigh up the features you need against the space available and the instructions for the model you’re considering.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking method | Reheating and defrosting, a grill for browning toppings, or fan-assisted heat for oven-style cooking: check which modes are actually included. UFC-Que Choisir makes a similar distinction between basic microwaves, models with a grill and combination models. | Do I mainly reheat plates of food, or do I also want to cook quiches and gratins regularly? This will help me decide whether a basic microwave is enough or whether I need another cooking function. |
| Available space | Compare the external dimensions, door opening and clearances required by the manual. The internal capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how much space the appliance takes up. | My worktop needs enough room for the appliance, for its door to open and for the ventilation instructions to be followed. |
| Appliances you already own | Check which functions you already have before adding another appliance. UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer may duplicate an oven. | If I already have an oven, what would I make differently with an air fryer or combination microwave? |
| Cleaning and noise | Check which parts can be removed and how the manual says to clean them. If you’re considering an air fryer, also bear the fan in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that it can be noisy in a small space or open-plan kitchen. | I want to be able to clean the appliance after meals without overlooking how noisy it might be in the room where I live. |
| Power supply and installation | Check the manual and rating plate for the exact model’s electrical requirements and installation conditions. Don’t assume these are the same as for another appliance. | Before ordering, I need to check that the space and power supply available are suitable for my chosen model. |
Capacity describes the cooking cavity, not the amount of worktop space the appliance needs. According to Whirlpool, the Whirlpool MCP349WH combination microwave measures 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm externally.
Measure the space, allow room for the door to open, then check the clearances and installation requirements in the manual for the exact model.
An air fryer can handle some hot-air cooking, but the size of the dishes you use matters just as much as the advertised function. It may also duplicate an existing oven, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Make a list of the meals you usually cook: if you mainly reheat and defrost, look at microwaves; for quiches or baking, compare the modes and dimensions of a mini oven or combination microwave.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that an air fryer’s fan can be audible, particularly in a studio flat or open-plan kitchen.
If noise matters to you, look for tests that explain their measurement conditions rather than judging how quiet an appliance is from a brief demonstration.
These models showcase different features; their specifications don’t apply to every product in each brand’s range.
The MS23K3513AK/EF is an example of a basic microwave designed for tasks such as reheating and defrosting.
The MCP349WH is an example of a freestanding combination microwave with fan-assisted heat.
The brand offers two different types of appliance here, suited to different meals: the Easy Fry Essential 3,5 L and the Optimo 19 L mini oven.
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill, adding the option to brown toppings occasionally as well as reheat food.
These options are for reheating and defrosting in a home without an oven. Some models also have a grill for occasional browning. If you want fan-assisted cooking or to cook small portions with hot air, compare a combination microwave, mini oven or air fryer separately.
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For reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown toppings occasionally. The title lists a microwave power rating of 700 W; a grill shouldn’t be confused with fan-assisted heat. Check the installation requirements in the manual before deciding where to put it.
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An option for reheating, defrosting and browning toppings in a kitchen without an oven. The title lists a microwave power rating of 900 W; check the manual for the power supply and space requirements for this specific model.
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This model combines reheating and defrosting with a grill for occasional browning. The grill power rating differs between the title and description, so check the figure in the model documentation, along with the installation instructions, before comparing this feature.
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Worth considering if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning toppings. The title mentions six power levels, a 30 min timer and a defrost function; a basic microwave doesn’t replace grill or fan-assisted cooking modes.
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For reheating and defrosting everyday meals when you don’t need a grill. The title lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six automatic programmes; check the manual for the space and power supply requirements before buying.
Not for every recipe: it’s mainly for reheating and defrosting, and doesn’t provide a grill or fan-assisted heat on its own. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these functions from those of microwaves with a grill and combination models. If you often cook oven-style dishes, compare a combination microwave or mini oven too.
If your current oven already handles the hot-air cooking you want to do, an air fryer could add another appliance without meeting a new need. UFC-Que Choisir advises considering the risk of buying more equipment than you need. Think about your usual recipes, portion sizes and available space before choosing.
Check the rating plate and manual for the exact model. For example, Samsung France lists 230 V / 50 Hz and 1 150 W power consumption in microwave mode for the MS23K3513AK/EF; Electrolux France lists 230 V, 10 A and 1 270 W total power for the EMZ421MMK. These figures don’t apply to other models.
Check which parts are removable, how they can be cleaned and how easy it is to reach the cavity or basket. Moulinex says the basket of the Easy Fry Essential 3,5 L is dishwasher-safe; for any other model, follow its own care instructions.