For reheating and defrosting in a studio flat, start by comparing solo microwaves. Choose a grill model if you’d also like to brown dishes, or a combination microwave if you genuinely need fan-assisted cooking. A freestanding model is suitable if you may need to move it, while a built-in model requires a properly sized housing. In every case, measure the space and check the clearances specified in the model’s manual.
Your choice depends less on the size of your home than on the dishes you want to prepare and the space the appliance needs around it.
If you mainly reheat meals and defrost food, a simple freestanding model will suit these needs without requiring a built-in housing. Also measure the space available for the door to open and for ventilation, particularly if you plan to take the appliance with you when you move.
For leftovers and food to defrost, start with the microwave functions. A grill is worth considering if you’d also like to brown or grill dishes from time to time, but bear in mind that this isn’t the same as fan-assisted cooking.
A combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking can handle some dishes that need oven-style cooking. Before choosing one, compare its dimensions and weight, and check the installation instructions against the space you have available.
First decide which cooking functions you need, then check that the appliance and the clearance required around it will fit in the space you’ve chosen.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check that it has a defrost function and controls that suit you. Compare the turntable size with the dishes you use. | I mainly reheat plates, leftovers or ready meals: a solo microwave may be all I need. |
| Browning or oven-style cooking | A grill is for browning; for fan-assisted cooking, check that the combination model has this mode. A grill alone doesn’t mean it has one. | If I want to grill dishes from time to time, I’ll look at models with a grill. Without a conventional oven, a combination model makes sense if I plan to use its fan-assisted cooking function. |
| Worktop space | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the door. Compare these with the model’s external dimensions, and remember to allow for the clearances specified in its manual. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to position the appliance without blocking the door or air vents. |
| Installation type | For a freestanding model, choose a flat surface and allow for ventilation. For a built-in model, check the housing dimensions and the manufacturer’s instructions. | If I might move home, I’d rather have an appliance I can take with me. I’d only consider a built-in model if a compatible housing is already available and I can install it. |
Grill and fan-assisted cooking modes aren’t much use if you only need to reheat or defrost a meal. The Whirlpool MCP349WH, for example, weighs 18,6 kg and is 49,4 cm deep, according to Whirlpool France. These dimensions and weight matter in a small space.
Make a note of the dishes you usually prepare. If you don’t use oven-style cooking, compare solo models first.
An appliance might fit widthways but lack the depth to open properly or the clearance needed for ventilation. Whirlpool France advises against blocking the air vents; check the exact clearances for the model you choose.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, check access to the socket and allow room for the door to open. Then compare your measurements with the manual.
A housing designed for a built-in appliance isn’t automatically suitable for a freestanding model. For example, Electrolux France specifies a housing measuring 380 × 560 × 550 mm for its built-in Y4SM25TBK model.
Choose a model that suits the installation space available and follow its ventilation instructions. If you’re in temporary accommodation, also check that your planned installation is permitted before buying a built-in model.
According to Anses, using a microwave at too high a power setting or heating food for too long can increase the transfer of substances from some types of packaging into food.
Check that the container is microwave-safe and follow the recommended power and heating times.
These ranges show a variety of configurations. Always check the specifications and instructions for the exact model you’re interested in.
Whirlpool France offers freestanding microwaves with a grill, as well as combination models. These are worth comparing if you want to keep the appliance on your worktop.
The range lets you compare a solo microwave with appliances offering other cooking modes.
Electrolux France offers freestanding and built-in models, making it easy to compare options for the type of installation you have available.
These worktop appliances are suited to reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen; some are also listed with a grill. For the Hisense H25MOBS7H, check that this function is included before making it a deciding factor.
Image unavailable
For everyday reheating and defrosting, this digital model offers 6 pre-set menus and 11 power levels. Before making room for it on your worktop, check the manual for the required clearances, as well as the power supply and plug needed for your installation.
Image unavailable
A solo option for reheating and defrosting, with 6 power levels and a 30-minute timer. Before planning where to put it, check the ventilation clearances, voltage and plug type.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d like to brown dishes occasionally as well as reheating and defrosting them. A grill doesn’t mean the appliance has fan-assisted cooking; also check the manual to see how much clearance it needs above it.
Image unavailable
A solo model to compare for reheating and defrosting, particularly if you’d prefer these functions to a grill. Measure the space and check the manual for the ventilation clearances required for this specific model.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing for reheating and defrosting if you have enough space for a 25 L appliance. The ‘Solo’ designation and the mention of a grill in the product information should prompt you to check the product listing and manual for details of the function. Also check the ventilation clearances.
A solo model will suit these needs if you don’t need to brown dishes or cook using fan-assisted heat. Then check that its dimensions, turntable and ventilation requirements are suitable for your kitchen.
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. As a general guide for its appliances, Samsung France recommends at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above. Always follow any model-specific instructions instead.
Don’t assume that a housing is suitable for a freestanding model: its installation must comply with the ventilation requirements and clearances in the manual. A built-in model, on the other hand, has its own specified housing dimensions and installation instructions.
Check that the packaging is suitable for microwave use, then follow its power and heating-time instructions. According to Anses, excessive heating can increase the transfer of substances from some types of packaging into food.