You mainly reheat portions
If you mainly use your appliance for leftovers and defrosting, you’ll want to know whether a solo model will meet your needs.
Who is this choice for?
You have a narrow kitchenette
You’ll need to check the appliance’s footprint, how the door opens, the ventilation requirements and the space available for your dishes.
You don’t have a practical oven
You want to tell the difference between occasional browning with a grill and oven-style cooking, which requires a combination model with the right setting.
What to compare
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check that the settings and functions you need are available, especially defrosting. | If you mainly reheat leftovers and defrost portions, focus on the functions you’ll use for these tasks. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Fitting the appliance and your dishes into the space | Compare the width, depth and height, turntable or cavity dimensions, door opening and the clearance specified in the instructions. | If your worktop is narrow and you need to fit your plates inside, compare the appliance with your kitchenette and crockery. This is a priority for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Browning or grilling | Check that a grill is listed for the exact model and that its dimensions suit the dish you plan to use. | If you want to grill or brown food occasionally as well as reheat it, look for a grill setting that suits this use. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise occasional browning. |
| Cooking as you would in an oven | Check that fan-assisted cooking is explicitly listed, and that the usable capacity suits your dishes and the installation instructions suit your space. | If you don’t have a practical oven, you may want to prepare recipes that need oven-style cooking. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise this use. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity alone
The stated capacity won’t tell you whether your plates will fit or whether the appliance will fit on your worktop. Ventilation and door clearance also matter in a small kitchen.
Measure the space and compare it with the external dimensions. Check the turntable diameter or cavity dimensions too, then follow the instructions for the exact model you choose.
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Confusing a grill with fan-assisted cooking
A microwave with a grill doesn’t necessarily offer oven-style cooking with a fan. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between grilling and the cooking functions of a combination microwave.
Before you buy, read the list of settings for the exact model and check that it explicitly includes the one you need.
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Assuming a commercial warranty replaces your statutory rights
Any additional commercial warranty is separate from your statutory rights. The DGCCRF notes that claims under the statutory guarantee of conformity must be brought within two years of delivery of the goods.
Before taking out an additional warranty, read what it covers and remember that it is separate from your legal rights when buying from a professional seller.
Brands and models to know
Panasonic
The NN-E20JW is an example of a solo model you can compare for capacity, turntable and controls in a small space.
- Panasonic France lists a capacity of 20 L, a 255 mm turntable, a defrost function and external dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm.
- These dimensions don’t replace checking the installation clearances in the model’s instructions.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a grill model for occasional browning.
- Electrolux lists microwave, grill and microwave-and-grill settings, as well as dimensions of 262 × 442 × 345 mm for this model.
- The list of settings for the EMZ421MMK doesn’t confirm that it has fan-assisted cooking. The instructions say not to block the ventilation openings.
Whirlpool
The MCP349WH is an example of a combination model to consider if you really plan to cook as you would in an oven.
- Whirlpool lists a 25 L cavity, a forced-air function and dimensions of 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm for the MCP349WH.
- Capacity and dimensions alone can’t confirm whether your dishes will fit. Check the installation instructions too.
LG
The MH6535GDR is another example of a grill model, for people who prioritise browning over fan-assisted cooking.
- LG lists a capacity of 25 L, a 292 mm turntable and dimensions of 476 × 272 × 388 mm for this model.
- The brand’s claims about cooking results aren’t an independent comparison of performance here.
Joybuy products for these uses
The models below include solo microwaves and grill options, so you can compare them for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning. Check the settings and installation instructions for each model.
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Heinrich’s solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost portions and don’t need the functions of a combination model.
The title lists a capacity of 20 L, 700 W of power, six power levels and a 30 min timer.
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Hkoenig VIO9, 25 L, 1000 W, stainless steel
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a grill option. Check the cooking settings and installation requirements for this exact model.
The title lists a capacity of 25 L, 1000 W of power and a stainless steel finish.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L, 800 W, titanium
Compare this model if you’re considering a grill option. Check its settings and instructions before choosing.
The title lists a capacity of 21 L, 800 W of power and a titanium finish. Follow the ventilation clearances specified for this model.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, 25 L, 1000 W, white
The title describes it as a microwave with a grill. It may be worth comparing if you want to brown food as well as reheat it, but don’t assume it has fan-assisted cooking.
The title lists a capacity of 25 L, 1000 W of power and a digital display. Follow the ventilation clearances in the instructions.
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Cecotec worktop microwave, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting. Compare the appliance’s dimensions with the space you have available.
The title lists a capacity of 20 L, 700 W of power and six power levels.
Frequently asked questions
What should you check before putting a microwave in a kitchenette?
Measure the space, choose a flat, stable surface and make sure the ventilation openings aren’t blocked. Electrolux’s instructions for the EMZ421MMW, EMZ421MMK and EMZ421MMTI models highlight these precautions. Follow the specified clearances for the exact model.
Does a furnished rental have to include a microwave?
Not necessarily. For furnished rentals covered by the French decree of 31 July 2015, the list of required furnishings includes a hob and an oven or microwave oven. So, a microwave isn’t specifically required if an oven is provided. Check the property inventory, as this rule doesn’t automatically apply to every student residence or short-term rental.
What guarantee applies if an appliance bought from a professional seller is faulty?
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies subject to its legal conditions. The DGCCRF states that claims must be brought within two years of delivery of the goods. Any additional commercial warranty is separate and doesn’t replace your statutory rights.
How can you assess how easy an appliance is to clean before buying?
Check whether you can easily reach inside the cavity and handle the turntable or any included accessories. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol takes account of interior and exterior cleaning, the controls and the instructions. These criteria alone don’t provide a cleaning-performance result for the models mentioned.