For reheating and defrosting portions in a studio flat or second home, choose a solo microwave. A grill is useful when you want to brown the top of a dish, while a freestanding combi is worth considering if you also plan to cook as you would in an oven. Before opting for extra functions, measure the space and check the appliance’s external dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual. A built-in model needs a suitable housing unit and isn’t the right choice if you’re not planning an installation.
If you mainly reheat individual portions, start by measuring the available space. The capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether a freestanding appliance will fit, with the door open and the required clearances in place.
You use your microwave for reheating but would also like to brown the top of certain dishes. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this from using a solo appliance, so check that the specific model you’re considering does include a grill.
You’re looking for a freestanding appliance that can reheat food and handle some additional cooking tasks. A combi could be a good fit, provided its modes suit the dishes you make and it doesn’t take up too much space.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combi appliances based on the ways they cook. In a small home, start with the meals you actually make, then check how much room you’ll need. A built-in model is only an option if you have a suitable housing unit and installation planned.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost portions and don’t need to brown the top of dishes.
Limitation: it doesn’t offer a grill or oven-style cooking.
Choose this if: you’d like to brown dishes as well as reheat food every day.
Limitation: a grill alone isn’t the same as fan-assisted cooking.
Choose this if: you also need oven-style cooking modes without installing a separate appliance.
Limitation: check the specific model’s modes. The word “combi” alone doesn’t confirm that it has fan-assisted cooking.
| Criterion | What to check | Consumer needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compare the external dimensions with the space available and check the manual for ventilation clearances. | When worktop space is tight, I need to be able to fit the appliance and open its door without obstruction. Around 37% of consumers would put this at the top of their list. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the power settings, defrost function and turntable size to make sure your plates will fit. | For everyday portions, I mainly want to reheat or defrost food without having to use lots of settings. This would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Browning | Check that the model has a grill and see which accessories are included. | If I sometimes make dishes that need browning, reheating alone won’t do the job. Around 18% of consumers would put browning ahead of other criteria. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check the exact cooking modes, including fan-assisted cooking if you need it, then confirm the external dimensions. | Without a practical oven at home, I’d like to cook a wider range of dishes using a single freestanding appliance. Around 18% of consumers would make this their main requirement. |
Capacity describes the inside of the appliance, not the space it takes up on your unit. The Joybuy France product pages for the Whirlpool MWP 101 W and Brandt GE2626W also show why it’s important to read dimensions in the order given: width, depth and height aren’t interchangeable.
Measure the space, then compare it with the chosen model’s external dimensions and the clearances specified in its manual.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the grill is for browning dishes, while a combi can add fan-assisted cooking. These functions suit different kinds of meals from simple reheating.
Think about the dishes you make most often before choosing between a solo, grill or combi model. Then check the modes available on the exact model you’re considering.
Anses warns that using a microwave incorrectly can pose risks. Don’t assume that food packaging is suitable for microwave heating.
Follow the instructions on the packaging and the appliance; never put metal containers in a microwave.
An optional commercial guarantee doesn’t replace the legal guarantee of conformity. France’s Ministry of the Economy states that in France, you have two years to claim under this guarantee for new and second-hand goods bought from a professional seller.
Before taking out extra cover, compare what it actually adds, along with its terms and exclusions.
Its freestanding models include options for simple use as well as additional cooking functions, depending on what you need.
The brand offers freestanding models with grills as well as built-in models, designed for different kitchen layouts.
The GE2626W is an example of a freestanding model with a grill to consider if the internal capacity matters as much as the space available.
These freestanding models are suited to reheating portions in a small home; some also offer defrosting or a grill. Choose according to the functions you’ll use and the space required by the specific model.
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A straightforward option for reheating or defrosting portions. The model name on Joybuy lists 700 W, six pre-set menus and eleven power levels.
Before setting aside a spot for it, check the external dimensions and ventilation clearances in the manual.
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For reheating or defrosting portions without the need for a grill. The product name on Joybuy lists 700 W, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function.
Check the external dimensions and required ventilation space before deciding where to put it.
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For reheating portions, with a grill for when you want to brown a dish. The product name on Joybuy lists a microwave power of 700 W.
The product page says to allow at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and back. Check the other instructions in the manual too.
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For combining everyday reheating with a grill. The Joybuy France product page for this model lists 800 W for the microwave and 1,000 W for the grill.
Measure your unit carefully: the product page says to leave 10 cm at the sides and 20 cm above.
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A solo microwave for reheating portions. The Joybuy France product page lists 700 W and external dimensions of 452 × 362 × 262 mm in width, depth and height.
If defrosting is important to you, check the settings in the manual. Also allow for the 10 cm of clear space at the sides specified on the product page.
Yes, if you mainly want to reheat and defrost portions. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grills for browning dishes and combi models for additional cooking modes. Either way, measure the available space before you buy.
No. Check the instructions on the tray and remove any metal containers. Anses warns that using a microwave incorrectly can pose risks, so follow the appliance manual too.
A built-in model is only suitable if a compatible housing unit and an approved installation are already in place. As a model-specific guide, Electrolux France lists a housing unit measuring 380 × 560 × 550 mm for the LMS4253TMW. Check your unit and the manual before considering this purchase.
No. Any commercial guarantee is in addition to the legal guarantee of conformity; it doesn’t replace it. For a purchase from a professional seller in France, the Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to claim under the legal guarantee of conformity for new and second-hand goods.