Choose a simple freestanding microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost portions, or a grill model if you also want to brown dishes from time to time. A combination microwave or compact mini oven is a better choice when pizzas, bakes, pastries or roasts are part of your regular cooking routine. Before buying, check the appliance’s external dimensions, cavity size and ease of use.
For reheating, defrosting and preparing individual portions when worktop space is limited, a compact solo microwave is often the best place to start. According to the UFC-Que Choisir buying guide, a grill or combination model becomes worthwhile mainly if oven cooking is genuinely part of your everyday routine.
An appliance that is easy to install and use intermittently may be all you need for reheating and defrosting, without equipping the entire kitchen. A grill model can add browning functionality without the need for a separate oven.
If you regularly make pizzas, bakes, pastries or roasts, compare the space required by a combination microwave with that of a compact mini oven before choosing versatility.
Start with the meals you actually prepare, then check the space available and the dishes you normally use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking uses | Check whether you need reheating and defrosting, a grill for browning dishes, or fan-assisted heat for baking and roasting. Confirm which functions are included on the exact model. | I mainly want to reheat and defrost: a solo microwave may be enough. For browning the occasional bake, I would choose a grill model; for regular oven cooking, I would consider a combination microwave or mini oven. |
| Size and dishes | Measure the width, depth and height of the available space. Also compare the turntable diameter or cavity dimensions with your plates, tins and dishes. | My appliance must fit on the worktop without obstructing the doors or extending beyond the available space. I want to use my usual dishes, rather than relying solely on the capacity in litres. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Look at the power levels and defrost programmes. If this is a deciding factor, consult tests that assess how evenly the appliance reheats and defrosts food. | I often use leftovers, bread or frozen meals and want to avoid food being hot in some places and cold in others. |
| Controls and cleaning | Examine the automatic programmes, how easy the controls are to read, access to the cavity and the cleaning instructions. Also check the installation and ventilation requirements. | I want an appliance that is easy to use in a property occupied only occasionally, with an accessible cavity to clean after meals. |
Two appliances with a similar capacity can have very different depths, weights and turntable sizes. An appliance that extends beyond the available space or cannot accommodate your dishes will not meet your needs, even if its capacity appears suitable.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then compare them with the exact external dimensions. Also check the turntable diameter or cavity dimensions against the dishes you normally use.
The grill is designed for browning and finishing dishes. For baking and roasting, you need a fan-assisted setting on a combination microwave or compact oven.
A grill may be suitable for the occasional pizza, bake or browned topping. If you bake, roast or cook complete dishes frequently, specifically look for fan-assisted heat and compare the space required with that of a mini oven.
The stated power rating does not tell you everything about even reheating, defrosting, grilling or fan-assisted cooking. The UFC-Que Choisir testing protocol assesses these aspects separately.
Use the wattage to check that the appliance matches the cooking instructions, but also compare the functions you genuinely need and any independent test results available.
The French Ministry for the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. A commercial warranty is optional.
Before taking out an extension, check what it covers in addition to the legal guarantee, its duration, exclusions, any associated costs and who is responsible for handling claims.
The range includes compact solo microwaves and combination models with fan-assisted heat. The NN-E20JW and NN-C69KS demonstrate these two formats.
LG offers freestanding grill microwaves, with an EasyClean cavity on selected models.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in grill microwaves designed for reheating, defrosting and browning dishes.
Samsung offers standard, grill and combination microwaves; its French guide distinguishes them according to reheating, browning or oven-like versatility.
Moulinex represents the compact mini oven option when complete cooking matters more than microwave reheating.
Joybuy microwave and grill microwave options for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a small kitchen.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasionally browning dishes in a small kitchen.
Quartz grill, automatic programmes with weight control, glass turntable, touch controls and digital display.
Stated dimensions: 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm. No fan-assisted heat is specified; check the microwave power and ventilation clearances before buying.
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For reheating, defrosting and browning dishes, provided you have a sufficiently large worktop.
900 W microwave power, 1,150 W quartz grill, 28,8 cm turntable, multi-stage cooking and defrosting by weight or time.
Stated dimensions: 53,6 × 43,6 × 33 cm. Fan-assisted heat is not specified.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasional browning when space is limited.
20 L, 700 W, 9 power levels, 245 mm turntable and mechanical controls.
Stated dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. No fan-assisted setting is specified; allow at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear for ventilation.
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For reheating, defrosting and browning dishes, with programmes designed for everyday use.
800 W microwave power, 1,000 W grill, 8 automatic programmes, combination cooking, express start and 24,5 cm turntable.
Stated dimensions: 55 × 42 × 34 cm. Fan-assisted heat is not specified; check the available space and ventilation clearances.
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For a studio flat or holiday home where reheating and defrosting are the main priorities.
20 L, 700 W, 6 pre-set menus, express cooking, 11 power levels, defrosting by time or weight and memory function.
Stated dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm. No grill or fan-assisted setting is specified; check that your plates and dishes fit inside the cavity.
Yes, if your main needs are reheating, defrosting and preparing simple foods. For browning dishes, choose a grill model; for regular oven-style cooking, consider a combination microwave with fan-assisted heat or a mini oven.
No. You should also check the external dimensions, available depth, turntable diameter and the size of your dishes. For example, Panasonic states a 255 mm turntable and dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for its NN-E20JW solo microwave, while its NN-C69KS combination model measures 520 × 520 × 327 mm.
The rated power alone is not enough to judge performance. UFC-Que Choisir tests assess factors including even reheating, defrosting, grilling, combination cooking, fan-assisted heat and ease of use.
The French Ministry for the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. A commercial warranty is optional and its terms must be considered separately.
A microwave comes under the waste electrical and electronic equipment stream. Use the collection, reuse or recycling services available in your area rather than putting it in ordinary household waste.