Which option suits each need?

For reheating prepared portions

If you cook in advance and mainly want to reheat or defrost without adding more appliances, start by comparing the size of your containers with the appliance and its useful settings.

For browning the top of certain dishes

If you sometimes want a golden finish on your meals, look for models with a grill. This feature matters less if you almost always reheat portions without browning them.

For cooking in a limited space

If you want one appliance for reheating, grilling and some convection cooking, also compare its overall size, ventilation requirements and the accessories you’ll need.

What matters for your meals?

Solo microwave

Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost prepared portions.

Limitation: it won’t meet your needs if you want to brown dishes or use convection.

Microwave with grill

Choose this if: you also want to brown the top of some reheated meals.

Limitation: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has convection.

Combination microwave

Choose this if: you’ll genuinely use its grill and convection settings to finish cooking your dishes.

Limitation: settings, dimensions and accessories vary by model.

Oven or another cooking appliance

Keep this for: meals that mainly need oven-style cooking rather than reheating.

Bear in mind: reheating and defrosting small portions are separate needs.

Feature What to check Who it’s for
Basic functions Check the reheating and defrost settings for the model, as well as its power settings. I prepare my portions in advance and mainly want to reheat them or defrost ingredients without having to manage extra cooking modes. Around 42% of consumers would put these basic functions first.
Size and location Compare the external dimensions with the space available for your dishes, and allow for the clearances specified in the manual. My worktop space is limited, and my containers need to fit inside the appliance while leaving room for the door to open. This would be the priority for around 33% of consumers.
Browning Check that it has a grill and confirm which accessories are suitable for the setting you plan to use. I sometimes want a browned top on a prepared portion, but don’t necessarily need convection cooking. Around 17% of consumers would prioritise this finish.
Additional cooking Check that it has convection, review its settings and confirm the electrical specifications of the exact model. Some of my meals need oven-style cooking as well as reheating. For around 8% of consumers, this option would come before the other criteria.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a combination model just for reheating

    Grill and convection functions are designed for different uses from everyday reheating and defrosting.

    Make a note of what you’ll genuinely cook each week before choosing these extra functions.

  • Relying on the capacity in litres alone

    The stated capacity won’t tell you on its own whether your dish will fit inside the cavity or whether the appliance will fit in the space you have.

    Measure your containers and the available space, then compare them with the turntable or usable interior, the external dimensions and the door opening.

  • Blocking the vents

    Whirlpool France advises that a microwave’s ventilation grilles must not be blocked.

    Follow the installation requirements in the manual for the model you choose and keep its ventilation areas clear.

  • Reheating without checking the packaging

    Anses says that excessive reheating can increase the migration of substances from packaging into food.

    Use packaging suitable for microwave use and follow its power and timing instructions. If in doubt, transfer the meal to a suitable container.

Brands to consider

Panasonic

The French range lets you compare a solo model for everyday use with combination models offering additional cooking modes.

  • Panasonic lists the NN-E20JW with a capacity of 20 L, microwave power of 800 W, five power levels and a defrost function.
  • Don’t assume that the features or dimensions of one Panasonic model apply to another: check the exact model number before choosing.

Samsung

Samsung France’s grill and combination ranges help you distinguish between browning dishes and using convection as well.

  • Samsung describes its grill category as suitable for reheating, defrosting and browning; the MC28H5015CK/EF combination model brings together microwave, grill and convection functions.
  • Check the features and electrical specifications on the listing for the model you’re considering rather than assuming them from its category.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool France offers freestanding and combination microwaves, with features that should be checked model by model.

  • Whirlpool’s product listing for the MWP338SB describes a capacity of 33 L and combination cooking functions.
  • This model is no longer in the brand’s catalogue, so its specifications may not reflect the models currently available.

An option available on Joybuy

This solo model is worth considering if your priority is reheating prepared portions. If you also want to brown dishes or cook with convection, check that the model you’re considering has those settings.

Hisense H25MOBS7H solo microwave, black

Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L solo microwave, 900 W, black

Worth considering for reheating portions; check that its defrost settings also meet your needs. The model name indicates a capacity of 25 L and microwave power of 900 W. Before buying, compare the dimensions of your dishes and the installation requirements in the manual.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a solo microwave enough for meals prepared in advance?

Yes, if you mainly want to reheat, defrost and cook simple dishes. Also check that your plates and containers will fit in the model you choose. For example, the Panasonic NN-E20JW is listed with a capacity of 20 L and a 255 mm turntable.

Can I reheat a meal in its tray?

Yes, but only if the tray is suitable for microwave use and you follow its power and timing instructions. Anses notes that excessive reheating can increase the migration of substances from packaging into food.

How much space should I leave around a freestanding microwave?

Allow for the clearances specified in the manual for the model you choose, and don’t block its vents. Whirlpool France advises keeping the grilles clear. Check the space available before measuring only the area the appliance itself will occupy.

What should I check about the electrical supply?

Check the rating plate and manual for the exact model, then make sure the location you have in mind is suitable. Samsung specifies a 230 V / 50 Hz supply for the MC28H5015CK/EF only; these figures don’t apply to every model.