Students with limited worktop space
You reheat portions, defrost food and prepare simple meals, but you should check the appliance’s actual footprint, ventilation requirements and door clearance before choosing a model with a large cavity.
Who are these microwaves suitable for?
Small homes or holiday homes
A simple appliance may be all you need for occasional use. A grill or combination model only makes sense if you will genuinely use its additional cooking modes.
Anyone without a usable traditional oven
A combination model with fan-assisted cooking can handle certain dishes and bakes in one appliance, provided you are happy with its size and check the functions available on the model you choose.
What to look for in a small kitchen
Start with the space you actually have available, then choose the functions that match the recipes you normally make rather than occasional uses.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and capacity | Compare the width, depth and height with the available space. Also check the door clearance, cavity capacity and turntable diameter. | I want to place the appliance on a small worktop without blocking the vents or finding out that my dishes do not fit. |
| Useful functions | A solo model covers reheating and defrosting. A grill is useful for browning or crisping, while fan-assisted cooking must be explicitly stated for oven-style cooking. | I would rather not pay for or clutter my kitchen with functions I will not use, but I do not want to be limited when making gratins or certain cooked dishes. |
| Installation and ventilation | For a freestanding appliance, keep the ventilation openings clear. For a built-in model, check the housing and follow the instructions for the exact product reference. | My home needs to accommodate the appliance without any risk of overheating or unexpected alterations to the cabinet. |
| Total cost and protection | Compare the advertised price and the environmental contribution where it is shown. Distinguish any commercial extended warranty from the statutory guarantee of conformity. | I want to choose the functions I need while understanding what protection applies if an appliance bought from a professional seller is not as described or does not conform. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing based solely on capacity in litres
Two appliances with a similar capacity can have very different depths. Capacity does not replace checking the space available on your worktop.
Measure the width, depth and height, then check the door opening and ventilation requirements before comparing capacities.
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Confusing a microwave grill with a compact oven
A grill can brown or crisp food, but it does not prove that the appliance has fan-assisted cooking. Que Choisir assesses grilling, combination cooking and fan-assisted cooking separately.
List the recipes you usually make: a solo model is enough for reheating and defrosting, a grill for browning or crisping, and a combination model with fan-assisted cooking for certain oven-style dishes.
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Blocking the vents or overlooking built-in installation requirements
Whirlpool states that blocked ventilation openings can lead to overheating. A built-in model also depends on a suitable housing and the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
For a freestanding appliance, leave all ventilation openings unobstructed. For a built-in model, use only the dimensions and installation procedure specified in the instructions.
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Confusing a commercial extended warranty with statutory protection
An extension offered by a seller may be added to the statutory guarantee of conformity, but it does not replace it. The French Ministry for the Economy explains that this guarantee covers goods sold by a professional to a private individual.
Compare the total advertised price, including the environmental contribution where it is listed separately, and read the terms of any optional extended warranty.
The environmental contribution may be included in the advertised price: check its amount for the model you choose at the time of purchase.
Brand and format guide
Panasonic
The Panasonic NN-E20JW is a useful reference point for a compact solo microwave: its specification lists 20 L, 800 W and dimensions of 44,3 × 33 × 25,8 cm.
- The manufacturer’s specification lists five power levels, defrosting and a 25,5 cm turntable.
- These details apply to the NN-E20JW and cannot automatically be assumed for other Panasonic models.
Whirlpool
The Whirlpool MWP203SB is a useful reference for a freestanding appliance combining microwave and grill functions in a 20 L cavity.
- According to Whirlpool’s specification, it combines a 700 W microwave, a 1 000 W quartz grill and five power levels.
- A grill does not mean that the appliance has fan-assisted cooking; check the exact modes available on the model you are considering.
LG
The LG MJ3965ACW illustrates a combination model with a large cavity for people who need microwave, grill and convection cooking in one appliance.
- LG’s specification lists 39 L, 1 850 W convection power and dimensions of 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm.
- Its dimensions and functions should not be taken as representative of the entire LG range or all combination models.
Bosch
The Bosch CMG7241B1 represents the alternative of a built-in compact oven with a microwave function for an already fitted kitchen.
- Bosch lists a 45 L cavity, a 60 × 45 cm front and a maximum microwave power of 900 W.
- Installation depends on the housing, ventilation and the model’s instructions; this format is not equivalent to a freestanding appliance.
Joybuy options for reheating and browning
This selection brings together solo microwaves and models with a grill for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a small kitchen.
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LG Electronics MH6535GIH, 25 L grill
Suitable for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a freestanding appliance.
25 L capacity, 1 000 W power and stated dimensions of 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm. A quartz grill is listed, but no fan-assisted cooking is mentioned; check the instructions and ventilation space before installation.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L grill
A model to consider for reheating, defrosting and browning in one freestanding appliance.
25 L capacity, 29,2 cm turntable, 950 W grill and stated dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm. The specification does not confirm fan-assisted cooking: do not choose it if oven-style cooking is essential.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L solo
Suitable for reheating and defrosting in a kitchen where worktop depth is limited.
20 L capacity, 700 W power, 11 power levels, six pre-set menus and stated dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm. No grill or fan-assisted cooking is listed.
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Heinrich's 20 L solo microwave
Suitable for simple reheating and defrosting in a studio flat or small home.
20 L capacity, 700 W power, six power levels, 30-minute timer and stated dimensions of 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm. No grill or fan-assisted cooking mode is listed.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill
An option for reheating, defrosting and browning without adding a separate appliance.
20 L capacity, 700 W microwave, 800 W grill, nine power levels, 245 mm turntable and stated dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. The specification states that at least 10 cm of clearance is required at the sides and rear.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a small kitchen?
It can handle some oven-style tasks if the model genuinely has fan-assisted cooking and the modes needed for your recipes. Que Choisir distinguishes between combination cooking and fan-assisted cooking: a grill alone is for browning or crisping and does not demonstrate equivalent oven-cooking capability.
What measurements should I take before buying a freestanding microwave?
Measure the available width, depth and height, allow for the door to open fully and make sure the vents remain unobstructed. The exact clearances vary by model, so follow the instructions for the specific product reference.
Can I install a freestanding microwave inside a cabinet?
Do not assume that you can. A built-in model must be installed in the intended housing and according to its instructions, while a freestanding appliance must have clear ventilation openings.
What protection applies if a microwave bought from a professional seller is not as described or does not conform?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to the Ministry for the Economy. It applies, among other circumstances, when an appliance does not match its description or when inadequate installation instructions have resulted in incorrect installation.
How should I dispose of an old microwave in France?
A microwave comes under the waste electrical and electronic equipment stream. Use your local take-back or dedicated collection service rather than putting it in household waste.