People living in a studio flat without an oven
If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, think about whether you really need to brown food or cook as you would in an oven before making space for those extra features.
Who is this guide for?
People using a holiday home
For occasional stays, choose features to suit the meals you plan to make. A combination microwave is most useful if you intend to cook or brown food, rather than simply reheat it.
Small kitchens with an existing housing unit
A built-in model may be an option if the housing unit and ventilation meet the requirements in the instructions for your chosen model. The presence of a cupboard alone does not guarantee compatibility.
Which features and practicalities should you check?
In a kitchen without an oven, first consider whether you need to reheat meals or cook with a grill or oven-style setting. Then check how much space the appliance needs.
| Priority | What to check | Choose this if you... |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday use | Check the model’s reheating and defrosting functions. A standard microwave does not, by itself, include a grill or convection cooking. | mainly want to reheat meals and defrost food, without expecting it to cook like an oven. |
| Grill | Check that the model has a grill setting and see which combination modes are available. A grill alone does not mean the appliance has convection cooking. | would like to brown food occasionally, while mainly using the microwave for reheating. |
| Oven-style cooking | Look specifically for convection cooking and check the model’s functions. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a combination microwave can handle some basic functions of a conventional oven, but not all models are equivalent. | don’t have a conventional oven and also plan to cook food that can’t be prepared using the microwave or grill setting alone. |
| Size | Compare the appliance’s external dimensions and the space needed to open the door with the space you have available. The cavity capacity, given in litres, does not tell you how much worktop space the appliance will take up. | have limited worktop space: I need room for the appliance and access to its door, not just enough space for its cavity. |
| Installation | Whether you choose a freestanding or built-in model, follow the instructions for the exact model. Check any housing unit and ventilation clearances required; Whirlpool France reminds users not to block the air vents. | want to free up worktop space with a built-in model, my housing unit must be suitable for the one I choose. A freestanding model also needs a location that meets the installation instructions. |
What should you avoid before buying?
-
Choosing a combination microwave when you only need to reheat food
Convection and grill settings won’t add anything if you only need to reheat or defrost meals, and you’ll still need to find room for the appliance in your kitchen.
Make a note of the meals you plan to prepare, and only choose these extra features if you have a use for them.
-
Looking only at the capacity in litres
Two appliances with a cavity that meets your needs may require different amounts of space. You’ll also need to allow for the door and the installation clearances.
Measure the space available, then compare it with the external dimensions and instructions for the exact model.
-
Putting a freestanding model in an enclosed space
An available housing unit is not automatically suitable for a freestanding appliance. Whirlpool France specifically says that its air vents must not be blocked.
Check the instructions before installation and keep the specified ventilation spaces clear.
Which brands and ranges should you consider?
Samsung
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting: Samsung France describes the MS23K3513AK/EF as a 23 L freestanding solo microwave.
- The installation type and capacity are specified for this particular model.
- Check the dimensions and installation instructions for the version you’re considering; details for one Samsung model won’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Electrolux
If you’d like to brown food as well as reheat it, the EMZ421MMK is one to consider: Electrolux France lists microwave, grill and microwave-with-grill modes.
- The product details distinguish between microwave and grill modes.
- Don’t confuse these modes with convection cooking. Check for convection separately if you want to cook as you would in an oven.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France features a freestanding model, the MWP201W, as well as the WMW47HMBF, a built-in combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking. Your choice depends as much on the features as on where you plan to put it.
- Whirlpool France describes the WMW47HMBF as a 40 L built-in model with fan-assisted cooking.
- The brand says not to block the air vents. Check the installation requirements for each model.
LG
LG France offers a range of combination microwaves with microwave, grill and convection functions. Consider these if you need oven-style features.
- LG France describes the MJ3965ACS as a 39 L multifunction combination microwave.
- Capacity doesn’t tell you how much space it will take up: compare the external dimensions with the space available.
Joybuy microwaves for different needs
These models are suited to reheating and defrosting; the Beko also has a grill for browning food. Compare their features with the types of cooking you plan to do in your kitchen without an oven.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1, microwave with grill, 20 L
Worth considering if you’d like to brown food as well as reheat meals. This model is listed with a grill, a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Check the instructions for the space required for installation.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
For reheating and defrosting with pre-programmed settings, this model is listed with a power rating of 700 W, 11 power levels, six pre-set menus and a defrost function. Check the dimensions and ventilation requirements in the instructions before choosing a spot for it.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
Designed for reheating and defrosting, this solo model is listed with a power rating of 700 W, six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check its dimensions and installation requirements before placing it in a small kitchen.
Image unavailable
Hkoenig VIO8, 20 L freestanding microwave
This freestanding model is an option if you’re looking for a microwave to reheat food in a home without an oven. It’s listed with a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Check the available space and the ventilation requirements in the instructions.
Image unavailable
Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
If you want to reheat and defrost without needing oven-style features, this solo model is listed with a capacity of 23 L and Quick Defrost. Compare its dimensions and door clearance with the space available, then check the installation instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a small kitchen?
It can handle some oven functions if the model has features such as convection cooking and a grill. UFC-Que Choisir describes this as a possibility with combination microwaves, but check the cooking modes and dimensions of the model you’re considering before relying on it for the meals you prepare.
Do you need to leave space around a freestanding microwave?
Yes. Leave the clearances specified in the instructions for your model. Whirlpool France says that the air vents must not be blocked, so measure the space with ventilation and door clearance in mind.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in a housing unit?
Don’t assume a housing unit is suitable for a freestanding model: check the installation and ventilation requirements for the exact model. If you’re considering a built-in model instead, check that the housing unit is also compatible with your chosen model.
What should you do with your old microwave when replacing it?
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when you buy a new appliance of the same type. If you’re replacing your microwave, ask the retailer how to arrange the take-back.