Everyday reheating in a small home
If you mainly use your appliance to reheat portions and defrost food, a solo microwave saves you from paying for oven-cooking modes you’re unlikely to use.
Which appliance is right for you?
Occasional oven cooking when space is limited
If you’d also like to make a pizza, cake or roast without adding several appliances, remember that a grill is for browning, while a combi model with convection offers oven-style cooking too.
Regular oven cooking
If oven-cooked dishes feature regularly in your meals, compare a combi microwave with a convection mini oven. The latter won’t reheat food using microwaves, so you’ll need to keep another appliance if you need that function.
How do the options compare?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting make up most of what you use it for.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t offer convection oven cooking.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you want to reheat food every day and brown or crisp it occasionally.
Bear in mind: a grill on its own can’t replace convection for roasting or baking.
Convection combi microwave
Choose this if: you need both a microwave and oven cooking in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the extra modes and accessories take up more space and may take some getting used to.
Convection mini oven
Choose this if: oven cooking is your priority and you can manage without microwave reheating, or keep a separate microwave.
Bear in mind: it can’t do the job of a microwave and needs its own space.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Oven cooking | Whether convection is explicitly listed, its temperature range and whether the accessories are suitable for the dishes you plan to make. | If I want to bake cakes or roast dishes without adding another oven, a grill alone won’t meet my needs; around 31% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Space and installation | The external dimensions, door clearance and the clearances specified in the appliance’s instructions. | If I have a narrow worktop or alcove, I need to be able to install the appliance with enough room for ventilation; this would come first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Everyday reheating | The reheating and defrosting functions, and controls that suit your routine. | When I need to reheat portions and defrost food, I prefer simple controls to oven modes I’ll rarely use; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Energy use and cleaning | Comparable energy-use information for the appliances you’re considering, and how easy the inside is to clean. | If I cook often, energy use for the way I cook and cleaning up splashes both matter to me; this would be the top factor for around 13% of consumers. |
Common pitfalls to avoid
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Assuming a grill is the same as a convection oven
A grill is mainly for browning food. To roast dishes or bake, check that the appliance has a convection function rather than relying on the word ‘combi’ alone.
Before you choose, check the cooking modes and convection temperature range in the product details.
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Choosing the capacity without measuring the space
The capacity of the cooking cavity doesn’t tell you how much room the appliance needs around it. For example, Whirlpool France lists a depth of 54 cm for its freestanding MWSC9133SB model.
Measure the space, including room to open the door, then compare it with the exact model’s dimensions and ventilation instructions.
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Judging cooking results by power alone
A power rating or list of programmes alone won’t tell you how an appliance will cook every dish. The cooking mode and recipe matter too.
Work out which modes you’ll actually use, then check the settings, accessories and cooking instructions for that specific model.
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Applying an energy comparison to every small appliance
The study by ADEME and the National Institute of Consumer Affairs covers built-in ovens and specific recipes. Its findings don’t, by themselves, tell you which freestanding microwaves and mini ovens are best for a small kitchen.
To compare your shortlist, look for data based on the same measurement method and relevant to the models and cooking habits you’re considering.
Brands to consider across the ranges
Panasonic
Depending on the model, the brand’s combi microwaves combine microwave, grill and convection cooking.
- Panasonic France lists a convection function for the NN-CD58RS and NN-CD88; check the modes and accessories for the specific model.
- Panasonic describes the NN-CD88 as suitable for use as a main oven, but this depends on the dishes, quantities and space available.
Samsung
The French range includes combi microwaves with different capacities and cooking modes, depending on the model.
- Samsung France lists microwave, grill and oven-cooking modes on some combi models.
- A large-capacity cavity doesn’t guarantee that an appliance will fit a small space, so check its external dimensions.
Whirlpool
The brand offers freestanding and built-in models, with functions that vary by model.
- Whirlpool France describes the freestanding MWSC9133SB as a 33 L grill microwave with Crisp and steam functions.
- Its listed dimensions of 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm mean you’ll need to measure the space carefully. A built-in model has different installation requirements.
Moulinex
Its mini ovens are worth considering if oven cooking matters more to you than microwave reheating.
- The range featured by Moulinex France includes, among other models, a 19 L Optimo mini oven.
- A mini oven can’t do the job of a microwave, so plan how you’ll reheat and defrost food if you need to.
Microwaves to consider on Joybuy
These models are suited to reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen; one also has a grill for browning. If you want to cook oven-style dishes, look for a model that explicitly lists a convection function.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
For everyday reheating and defrosting when oven cooking isn’t a priority.
Listed capacity: 23 L. Before installing it, check the dimensions of the space and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave
For reheating and defrosting, with a grill for browning food from time to time.
Listed capacity: 20 L; 700 W power stated in the product title. A grill alone can’t replace convection cooking. Check the installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting if you don’t expect this appliance to cook food like an oven.
Listed capacity: 20 L, with six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function stated in the product title. Check the instructions for installation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combi microwave replace my main oven?
It could, if the model has a convection function and your dishes and quantities fit inside the cavity. Panasonic France describes the NN-CD88 as suitable for use as a main oven. However, check its modes, accessories and the space available for the recipes you make.
Can I put a microwave under a shelf or in a narrow alcove?
Only if the space meets the installation requirements for the model you’ve chosen. Check its instructions for ventilation clearances, and make sure there’s room to open the door before installing it.
Can the fan keep running after cooking?
Yes, depending on the model. Electrolux France explains that a fan may keep running to cool components after the microwave has been switched off. Keep the vents clear, and check the instructions if its operation doesn’t match the description for your appliance.
Does a combi microwave always use less energy than a mini oven?
No, you can’t tell from the appliance category alone. The study by ADEME and the National Institute of Consumer Affairs compares built-in ovens using specific recipes. To compare a freestanding combi microwave with a mini oven, you’ll need comparable data for the models and cooking methods you’re considering.