If you mainly want to reheat and defrost individual portions, choose a solo microwave. A grill model is worth considering if you regularly want to brown dishes. A combination microwave may suit you if you don’t have a practical oven and expect to use the convection function, provided you check its dimensions, ventilation and electrical requirements before buying.
If you mainly prepare one portion at a time, reheating, defrosting and the worktop space available matter more than extra cooking modes. UFC-Que Choisir highlights student accommodation as one situation where these uses are important.
You reheat meals but would also like to brown a gratin or toast from time to time. A model with a grill caters for this without requiring you to choose a convection appliance.
In a small home or holiday property, a combination microwave may be useful if you genuinely plan to cook using convection. You’ll need to allow enough space for it and check the installation requirements for your chosen model.
Start with the cooking modes you’ll use, then check that your chosen model suits the available space and electrical installation.
Choose this: for reheating and defrosting portions when you don’t need a browned finish.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t offer a grill or convection cooking.
Choose this: if browning or grilling is a regular part of your meals.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has a convection function.
Choose this: if you don’t have a practical oven and will actually use the convection function.
Bear in mind: its dimensions, accessories and installation requirements need careful consideration in a kitchenette.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these three types of appliance by how they’re used: reheating and defrosting, browning with a grill, and then convection cooking for combination models. In a small kitchen, start by choosing the feature you need most; other functions don’t remove the need to check that the appliance will fit.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | External dimensions and the ventilation clearances specified in the instruction manual. | In a kitchenette, I need to be able to position the appliance without blocking its vents. Around 36% of consumers rank compatibility with the available space as their top priority. |
| Reheating and defrosting | A defrost function and controls suited to your everyday needs. | If I mainly reheat or defrost portions, I’d rather not choose modes I’m unlikely to use. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this basic need. |
| Browning with a grill | A grill mode and instructions for using the accessories, as set out in the manual. | For my gratins or toast, a browned finish matters just as much as reheating. Around 21% of consumers would make this their main priority. |
| Oven-style cooking | A convection mode and enough usable space for your dishes. | Without a practical oven, I want to be able to cook some dishes without relying solely on microwave cooking. Around 14% of consumers would put this versatility first. |
A similar capacity doesn’t guarantee the same external dimensions. A door that’s difficult to open or blocked vents can make an appliance unsuitable for its intended spot.
Measure the available height, width and depth, then compare them with the model’s dimensions and the clearances required in its manual. Whirlpool advises that the ventilation grilles must not be obstructed.
A grill browns food, while convection is designed for a different type of cooking. These functions aren’t simply variations on reheating.
Stick with a solo model if you mainly reheat and defrost meals. Consider a grill for a browned finish, or a combination model if you’ll find convection cooking useful.
Microwave power, grill power and total electrical power describe different things. Electrolux, for example, lists them separately for its EMZ421MMK model.
To check that the model is compatible with your electrical installation, look at its connection specifications in the product details or manual. Don’t rely on the microwave power rating alone.
According to Anses, reheating food for too long at a higher power increases the risk of substances migrating from the packaging into the food.
Follow the power and cooking time specified on the packaging. For containers and accessories, also follow the appliance manual’s instructions for the mode you’re using.
The specifications below relate to the models listed, not to every appliance made by each brand.
The CM-E202CC (WH) is a 20 L solo microwave designed for reheating and defrosting.
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill.
The NN-GD35 and NN-CT57RM models let you compare a grill microwave with a combination model.
Samsung France’s range includes solo microwaves and combination models with convection.
These models cover reheating and defrosting with solo microwaves, as well as browning with grill models. If you’re looking for convection cooking, check that the combination model you’re considering includes this function rather than assuming it does because it has a grill.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions.
This solo model is rated at 700 W and has 11 power levels. Its product listing gives external dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm. Check the manual to allow for the necessary ventilation clearances.
Image unavailable
An option for reheating meals if you’d also like a quick defrost function.
The model name indicates a capacity of 23 L. Before choosing where to put it, compare its dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual with your available space.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you prefer straightforward controls for reheating or defrosting a portion.
The product is listed with six power levels, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual for the required clearances and electrical specifications for installation.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you’d sometimes like to brown a dish as well as reheat it.
The model name indicates a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. Check the manual for the space to leave around the appliance, particularly above it, and for instructions on using the grill accessories.
Image unavailable
An option if a grilled finish matters for your meals and a 25 L capacity suits your space.
A grill function doesn’t mean the appliance has convection. Check the manual for ventilation clearances and the model’s electrical specifications.
Yes, if you mainly plan to reheat and defrost individual portions. Based on the uses identified by UFC-Que Choisir, a grill is for browning food, while a combination model also offers the option of convection cooking.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, then compare them with the external dimensions of your chosen model. Allow for the clearances specified in its manual: Whirlpool advises that ventilation grilles must not be obstructed.
Only if the packaging says it’s suitable for microwave use, and you follow the specified power and cooking time. Anses says that overheating increases the risk of substances migrating from the packaging into the food. Also check the appliance instructions for the mode you’re using.
When buying a new appliance, you can ask about having an old one of the same type taken back. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes this as the “one-for-one” scheme. Ask the retailer how to hand over your old appliance.