Student who mainly reheats meals
In a studio flat with limited worktop space, a solo microwave will cover your reheating and defrosting needs. A grill is only useful if you also want to brown the tops of dishes.
Who is each option for?
Owner of a holiday home
For occasional meals, think about what you’ll prepare there: choose a solo model for reheating and defrosting, or a grill model for browning dishes. If you’re planning oven-style cooking, look at combination microwaves too, and check how much space they need.
Tenant without access to a usable oven
A combination microwave with fan oven is worth considering if you genuinely plan to cook dishes that need oven-style heat. Measure the available space, then check your dishes’ dimensions and the installation instructions for the model you choose.
What should you check before buying?
First, choose the cooking modes you’ll actually use. Then check that the appliance dimensions, your dishes and the installation instructions are all suitable for your kitchen.
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly want to reheat and defrost, without browning food or oven-style cooking.
Limitation: it doesn’t have a grill or fan oven.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown your dishes from time to time.
Limitation: the grill can’t replace the fan oven needed for some types of oven cooking.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you don’t have access to a usable oven and plan to cook dishes that need a fan oven.
Trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, combination microwaves are generally more expensive. You’ll also need to check the space they take up for each individual model.
| Consideration | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost settings, controls and cavity size. Compare the stated power ratings for the same function: these alone don’t tell you how evenly food will be reheated, which UFC-Que Choisir assesses separately in its test protocol. | I want to reheat meals and defrost food without making space for cooking modes I won’t use. |
| Browning | Check that it has a grill, the size of dishes it can accommodate and the clearance needed around the appliance. A stated grill power rating doesn’t, by itself, tell you how well it will cook. | I’d like to brown a gratin now and then, but I don’t need oven-style cooking. |
| Oven-style cooking | For a combination model, check that it has a fan oven, its temperature range, the cavity size and which accessories are intended for each mode. | I don’t have access to an oven and also plan to cook dishes that need oven-style heat. |
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the instructions for the exact model for ventilation clearances and electrical requirements. Also check the turntable diameter or the usable cavity dimensions. | Worktop space is limited, and I want to be able to use my usual plates and dishes. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
-
Choosing a combination model for its range of functions
If you mainly reheat and defrost, a fan oven won’t help with your main needs. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that combination models are generally more expensive.
Make a list of what you genuinely plan to cook. Stick with a solo model if those dishes don’t need browning or a fan oven.
-
Relying only on litres or watts
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether your dishes will fit inside the cavity. Nor does the power rating show how evenly food will be reheated or defrosted.
Compare the external and usable dimensions, then check the turntable or the space available for your dishes. If even cooking is essential, look at comparable test results: UFC-Que Choisir measures this separately as part of its test protocol.
-
Installing a freestanding model without reading the instructions
The clearance needed around an appliance depends on the specific model. Having enough room for the casing doesn’t necessarily mean there’s enough room to install it properly.
Read the instructions for the exact model before buying, and follow its ventilation and installation guidance.
A few brands to compare
These examples of product ranges and models can help you compare features. They don’t indicate the performance of every model or guarantee its availability on Joybuy.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s range of freestanding microwaves includes both solo models and models with a grill.
- According to Whirlpool France’s product information, the MWP201SB is a 20 L, 700 W solo model, while the MWP253B has a grill rated at 1,000 W.
- These specifications alone don’t tell you how evenly food will be reheated or defrosted.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is a freestanding model with a grill, worth considering if you’ll use this feature.
- Electrolux France lists a 21 L capacity, 800 W in microwave mode and 1,000 W for the grill.
- Read the instructions before deciding where to place it and checking the ventilation clearances.
Panasonic
The NN-C69KSM, featured by Panasonic France, is a combination model to consider if you need a fan oven as well as a microwave and grill.
- Its product information lists a 1,000 W quartz grill and fan oven settings at 40 °C and from 100 to 220 °C.
- Measure the space available and check that your dishes will fit inside the cavity before choosing this type of appliance.
Samsung
Samsung France separates its range into solo, grill and combination microwaves, making it easier to start with the cooking modes you’re looking for.
- Samsung describes its solo models as suitable for reheating and defrosting.
- For a combination model, check the features and usage instructions for the specific model rather than assuming they apply to the whole range.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes solo models for reheating and defrosting, as well as models with a grill for the occasional golden topping. If you need an appliance that can cook with a fan oven, you’ll need to check this separately.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating and defrosting without a grill: the product name lists six power levels, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. Before setting aside a spot for it, check the instructions for the clearances needed around the appliance.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1 microwave with grill, 20 L, 700 W
The grill is useful if you want to brown dishes as well as reheat food. Check the size of your dishes and all the clearances specified in the instructions, particularly above this freestanding appliance.
Image unavailable
Samsung MS23K3513 solo microwave, 23 L
For reheating and defrosting without a grill. The title lists MS23K3513, while the detailed description gives the model as MS23K3513AW. Check the model suffix, specifications and ventilation instructions before buying.
Image unavailable
Electrolux EMZ725MMTI microwave with grill, 25 L, 900 W
This grill model is suited to occasional browning rather than a need for a fan oven. Check the available space, electrical supply and all the clearances listed in the instructions for this model.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) digital microwave, 20 L, 700 W
The product name lists a defrost function, six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. If you use large dishes or have limited space, check the turntable, ventilation instructions and electrical requirements for this model before choosing it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for reheating and defrosting?
Yes, if those are your main uses: Samsung France describes its solo model as suitable for reheating and defrosting. Also check that the cavity and turntable can accommodate your usual dishes. Choose a grill or combination model only if you plan to use its additional cooking modes.
When should you consider a combination microwave instead of an oven?
Consider one if you don’t have access to a usable oven and plan to cook dishes that need a fan oven, as well as reheat food. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this type of cooking from simply browning food under a grill. Check the temperature settings, dish dimensions, overall size and installation instructions for the model you choose.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model: the measurements for one model won’t necessarily apply to another. Schneider Consumer’s instructions say to follow the installation guidance supplied with the appliance. Read them before buying to make sure your chosen location is suitable.