Everyday reheating in a limited space
You reheat portions and defrost food, but space is limited. Measure the space available, allowing for the ventilation clearances required for your chosen model, rather than measuring the appliance alone.
Who is this choice for?
The occasional browned or grilled dish
You mostly reheat food, but would sometimes like to brown a dish. A grill model gives you this option without assuming you’ll use oven-style cooking modes.
Regular cooking without a dedicated oven
You’re considering a wider range of cooking options than reheating or occasional browning. Compare the combi’s modes, accessories and overall size before deciding whether these features suit the meals you usually make.
What matters when choosing
Samsung’s categories distinguish between reheating and defrosting with solo models, browning with a grill, and a wider range of cooking options with some combi models. Start by choosing the features you’ll use, then check that the model and your containers will fit in your kitchen.
Solo microwave
Consider one if: you mainly need to reheat or defrost food, or prepare simple dishes.
Bear in mind: solo models don’t have a grill or oven-style cooking modes.
Grill microwave
Consider one if: you’d also like to brown a dish occasionally; Samsung distinguishes this from simple reheating.
Bear in mind: a grill doesn’t automatically give you access to the other cooking modes found in a combi.
Combi microwave
Consider one if: you expect to use extra cooking modes regularly, particularly oven-style modes.
Bear in mind: there are more settings to get to grips with, and you’ll need to check the accessories and installation space required.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and ventilation | Measure the external dimensions, door clearance and the gaps specified in the model’s instructions. For a built-in model, check the instructions for the cabinet space it will go into. | In a small kitchen, I want to install the appliance without blocking its vents; around 45% of consumers put this kind of fit at the top of their list. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the settings you need for everyday tasks, as well as the turntable and interior space required for your containers. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food, extra cooking modes aren’t a priority. Simple reheating comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Cooking and browning | Check whether the model offers a grill or the combi cooking modes you’re looking for, then make sure the accessories you need are approved for each mode. | If I want to finish off a gratin or cook more often without a dedicated oven, I need to distinguish a grill model from a combi; around 22% of consumers prioritise these cooking options. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Measuring the appliance alone
A microwave may fit on your worktop but still not have enough room to ventilate. Samsung says the required clearances vary by model, while Whirlpool advises keeping the vents unobstructed.
Before ordering, check the instructions for your chosen model for the required clearances, door opening and installation conditions.
-
Choosing a combi just for reheating
Extra cooking functions don’t serve the same purpose as everyday reheating. A grill may be enough if browning food occasionally is the only extra feature you need.
Make a note of how you usually cook, and choose a combi only if you’ll genuinely use its additional modes.
-
Relying on the capacity in litres alone
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you by itself whether your plate or dish will fit and turn inside the appliance.
Compare the dimensions of your containers with the interior and turntable of the model you’re considering.
-
Replacing an appliance to save electricity without checking
Energy use depends on the appliance and how you use it, among other things. A newer model alone isn’t enough to conclude that you’ll save energy when preparing your meals.
If your current microwave works and suits your needs, decide whether to replace it based on its condition, the space available and any features you’re missing.
Brands to know
These ranges offer useful points of comparison for features and dimensions; the exact model is still key to how it fits and works for you.
Panasonic
Panasonic France showcases solo, grill and multifunction models.
- According to Panasonic France, the NN-K10JW combines a 20 L capacity, 800 W microwave power and a 1,000 W quartz grill. Compare these specifications with the features you need.
- Don’t assume the capacity tells you how much room there is for your dishes: also check the turntable and the dimensions of your chosen model.
Samsung
Samsung France distinguishes between solo, grill and convection models according to their features.
- This distinction helps you separate the need to reheat food from the need to brown it or use other cooking modes.
- Samsung’s installation clearances are general guidelines; always follow the instructions for your chosen model.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France showcases freestanding microwaves with grills, including the 25 L MCP 345 WH.
- The MCP 345 WH product details let you compare its capacity and listed features with your containers and cooking habits.
- For freestanding models, Whirlpool advises keeping the vents clear. Check the instructions for your chosen model for installation guidance.
Microwaves for home cooking at Joybuy
These models are mainly suited to reheating and defrosting, with the Beko clearly listed as a grill option. Compare their stated features and check the installation requirements for each model before choosing.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave, 700 W
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting with digital controls: the product title lists six preset menus, 11 power levels and a defrost function. Check the instructions for the required clearances and a suitable electrical connection for your installation.
Image unavailable
Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
Consider this if reheating and defrosting are your main uses: the product title lists a Quick Defrost function. Check that your dishes will fit inside and that the space meets the clearance requirements in the instructions.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, 700 W
Worth considering if you’d sometimes like to brown a dish as well as reheat it. Check which accessories can be used with each mode, how much room your containers need and the clearances specified in the instructions.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave, 700 W
Consider this for reheating and defrosting with simple controls. The product title lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer; also check the clearances and electrical connection specified in the model’s instructions.
Image unavailable
Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L microwave, 900 W
Compare this if you’re looking for this capacity for the dishes you usually make. Check the features of the exact model being sold before relying on it having a grill: the title describes it as a solo model, while the description mentions a grill. Also check the instructions for the clearances needed for installation.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should I leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for your chosen model. Samsung gives a general guideline of 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above, but notes that requirements vary by model. Whirlpool also advises keeping the vents unobstructed.
Is a solo microwave enough for home cooking?
Yes, if your usual tasks are mainly reheating, defrosting and simple food preparation, as Samsung describes for solo models. If you’d like to brown certain dishes, consider a grill model; for other cooking modes you’ll use regularly, compare combi models.
Is the CE mark an independent certification?
No. France’s DGCCRF explains that the CE mark indicates the manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets the applicable requirements; it is not an independent certification. When choosing your appliance, also identify the exact model and check its installation instructions.
Is an extended warranty essential?
No. In France, according to the DGCCRF, the right to take legal action under the statutory guarantee of conformity for goods sold by a professional expires two years after delivery. A commercial warranty is optional and is in addition to your statutory rights: check its exclusions and what it covers before deciding.