If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a standard microwave will do the job; choose one with a grill if you occasionally want to brown the top of a dish. If you regularly want to cook and brown food without a conventional oven, look for a combination model with convection cooking. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this feature from a grill alone. Before choosing, check the available space, the dimensions of your dishes and the installation instructions for the exact model.
In a studio flat where meals are mostly prepared portions or leftovers, a standard microwave handles everyday tasks without adding a browning function you may rarely use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this type of use from that of grill and combination models.
If reheating is still your main use but you sometimes want to brown the top of a dish, a model with a grill is worth considering. A grill alone does not replace convection cooking.
If you regularly want to cook and brown dishes that would normally go in the oven, look at combination models with convection cooking. Then check that both the appliance and your dishes will fit in your home.
Start with the dishes you’ll actually make, then check the space available and the containers you plan to use.
| What to consider | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Know the difference between microwave mode, the grill and convection cooking. According to UFC-Que Choisir, the grill is for browning food, while combination models with convection cooking can also cook food in an oven-like way. | I mainly reheat and defrost food: a standard model will do the job. If I sometimes want to brown food, I’ll look at models with a grill; if I also want to cook regularly without an oven, I’ll check that it has convection cooking. |
| Space and dishes | Compare the external dimensions with the space available, then check the dimensions of the cavity or turntable against your usual dish. The capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether a dish will fit. | My worktop space is limited, and I want to be able to use the dishes I already own. |
| Installation | Check whether the model is freestanding or designed for built-in installation. Read the manual for ventilation clearances and any specific installation requirements. | I need to be able to put the appliance in the intended spot without blocking its ventilation or assuming a freestanding model will fit in a built-in space. |
| Containers | Check the manual before using a metal accessory. If food is in packaging that’s suitable for microwave use, follow the power and heating-time instructions on the packaging, as recommended by Anses. | I sometimes use ready meals, so I want to know which packaging and accessories are suitable for my appliance. |
The stated capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or whether your dish will fit inside the cavity.
Measure the space and your largest dish, then compare them with the exact model’s dimensions and the ventilation clearances in its manual.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the grill is for browning food; a combination model with convection cooking can handle other oven-style cooking tasks. The word ‘grill’ alone doesn’t confirm that the model has this feature.
Make a list of the dishes you usually prepare. If you regularly need to cook and brown food as you would in an oven, check explicitly for convection cooking before you buy.
Anses says that heating food at the wrong power or for longer than recommended may increase the transfer of substances from some food packaging. You should also avoid using a metal accessory unless the appliance manual says it’s permitted.
Follow the instructions on the packaging and in the manual. If you’re unsure about packaging, transfer the food to a microwave-safe container.
The FFL020MS2 is a useful example for assessing how much space a standard freestanding microwave takes up.
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding model that combines microwave and grill functions.
The MWF259SG is worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance that combines microwave and grill functions with a choice of cooking modes.
These two models are options if you want a microwave with a grill for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning. If you plan to cook regularly as you would in an oven, look for a model that explicitly offers convection cooking.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost food, with the occasional bit of browning. Check the cavity dimensions against your usual dish and consult the manual for the exact model’s ventilation clearances. If you want to cook food in an oven-like way, confirm that it has convection cooking.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning. Check the cavity against your dishes and consult the manual for ventilation clearances. If you want to cook regularly as you would in an oven, check that it has convection cooking.
It’s suitable for reheating, defrosting and some microwave-safe dishes, but not for cooking that requires a grill or convection cooking. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill is useful for browning food, while a combination model with convection cooking can handle a wider range of oven-style cooking tasks.
Measure the space available, then compare it with the appliance’s external dimensions and the ventilation clearances specified in its manual. Also check the cavity or turntable against your dishes: the capacity in litres alone won’t confirm whether they’ll fit.
Only if the model’s manual says the accessory is permitted and explains how to use it. Samsung France says that the rack supplied with some of its appliances is designed for this purpose, but advises against using other metal objects. This doesn’t mean you can use just any rack or use one in another appliance.
Only if the packaging is suitable for microwave use, and you follow its power and heating-time instructions. Anses says that failing to follow these instructions may increase the transfer of substances from some food packaging. If you’re not sure whether the packaging is suitable, use an appropriate container.