If you mainly want to reheat and defrost meals, choose a basic microwave; a grill is useful if you occasionally want to brown or crisp food. If your home doesn’t have an oven, a combination microwave with a fan oven may offer a wider range of cooking options, while a compact oven requires a suitable built-in installation. In every case, compare the appliance’s external dimensions and ventilation requirements, not just its capacity in litres.
If you reheat individual portions and defrost food from time to time, first consider whether your other appliances already cover your cooking needs. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide specifically mentions student accommodation as a place where a microwave can come in handy.
If you have a hob but no oven, think about whether you simply want to brown or crisp food, or need the fan-assisted cooking you’d get from an oven. This will help you decide whether a grill or a combination microwave is right for you.
An appliance for reheating and defrosting can save you from having to buy lots of different appliances. UFC-Que Choisir also mentions second homes. Before leaving the appliance in place, check where it will sit and keep its vents clear, following Whirlpool France’s advice.
Start with the types of cooking your home can’t already handle, then consider each option in terms of the space available and the dishes you’ll actually use.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | A basic model is for reheating and defrosting; a grill adds browning. If you plan to cook dishes as you would in an oven, check whether the model has a fan oven function. | I mainly reheat meals, so a basic model may be enough. If I want to brown or crisp food, I’ll look at grill models. If I don’t have an oven and want to cook a wider range of dishes, I’ll consider combination models. |
| Space and installation | Compare the external width, height and depth, door clearance, access to the socket and the ventilation requirements in the manual. For a compact built-in oven, check the niche dimensions: Electrolux France gives 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the KVLBE08X. | My worktop is shallow, or my kitchen has a niche, so I’ll measure the space before choosing between a freestanding appliance and a built-in oven. |
| Room for your dishes | Compare the capacity in litres and, if stated, the turntable diameter with the size of your plates and containers. Check the external dimensions too: a suitable cooking cavity doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit on your unit. | I want to use my usual dishes without giving up more space than necessary for the appliance. |
| Containers | Check that the container is suitable for the selected cooking mode. UFC-Que Choisir says to use plastic only if it is suitable for microwave use, and advises against using sealed containers. | I sometimes use containers to reheat meals. If I choose a grill or combination model, I’ll also check which containers are suitable for those functions. |
It may offer several functions without being any smaller than a basic model. According to Whirlpool France’s product specifications, the basic MWP201SB measures 45,2 × 26,2 × 35 cm, compared with 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm for the combination MCP349WH. These measurements apply to these two specific models.
Measure your unit and check the manual for the required clearances. Choose a fan oven function if you’ll actually use it, rather than assuming it will save space.
Whirlpool France warns that blocked ventilation openings can cause an appliance to overheat quickly.
Locate the vents and follow the installation instructions for your chosen model; the required clearances aren’t the same for every appliance.
A container that’s suitable for microwave use may not be able to withstand the heat from the grill or convection function. UFC-Que Choisir says to use plastic only if it is suitable for microwave use, and also warns against using sealed containers.
Before selecting another cooking mode, check the instructions on the container and in the appliance manual.
A compact oven needs a niche that matches its built-in dimensions. Electrolux France gives a niche size of 450 × 560 × 550 mm and a total electrical power rating of 3 000 W for the KVLBE08X.
Only choose this option if your kitchen can accommodate the installation required for the model. Check its electrical requirements before making a decision too.
Whirlpool’s range in France includes basic freestanding microwaves, grill models and combination microwaves for you to compare.
Electrolux France offers freestanding models with a grill as well as built-in appliances, to suit kitchens with different layouts and equipment.
The LG MJ3965BPS is a documented example of a high-capacity combination microwave, rather than a guide to the size of smaller models.
These freestanding models offer basic and grill functions, making it easy to compare everyday reheating with and without browning. If you’re considering fan-assisted cooking or a compact built-in oven, use the guidance above on functions and installation instead.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and occasionally brown or crisp food. The grill function isn’t a substitute for fan-assisted cooking; check the ventilation clearances before installation.
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An option for reheating and defrosting without an added grill function. Before finding a spot for it on your worktop, check the door clearance and ventilation requirements for this model.
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It combines reheating with a grill function for browning certain dishes. Measure the space, allow for the appliance’s ventilation requirements and check that it’s compatible with your electrical installation before buying.
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For reheating and defrosting with digital controls, this model features 6 pre-set programmes and 11 power levels. Check that your dishes will fit inside, and make sure the electrical specifications and ventilation clearances are suitable.
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This model combines reheating and defrosting with a grill function if you also want to brown or crisp dishes. Check that its capacity and dimensions suit your space. Also confirm the grill power, electrical compatibility and clearance requirements for this version.
No. A basic microwave is all you need for reheating and defrosting. Choose a grill model if you also want to brown or crisp dishes; the grill function alone doesn’t make it a fan oven.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check the door clearance and access to the socket. Read the manual for the model’s ventilation requirements. Whirlpool France, for example, warns against blocking the vents.
Don’t assume that a container suitable for microwave use is also safe to use under the grill. UFC-Que Choisir says to use plastic only if it is suitable for microwave use. Check the instructions on the container and the appliance before changing modes.
Have the appliance checked rather than trying to work on its electrical components yourself. In France, ADEME lists microwaves among the appliances covered by the Repair Bonus; check the scheme’s terms to see whether your appliance is eligible.