If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a standard microwave should do the job. Choose one with a grill for browning, or a combination model with a fan-assisted setting if you also plan to cook dishes in the style of an oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions, but cooking results vary by model. Before choosing a combination microwave for a small kitchen, check its dimensions, ventilation requirements and electrical input power.
In a studio flat or holiday home, you may be looking for one appliance to reheat and defrost food, as well as handle some cooking. A grill is enough for browning; for oven-style cooking, check that the model has a fan-assisted setting.
You mostly use your microwave for leftovers, ready meals and defrosting. Grill or fan-assisted functions matter less if you don’t plan to use them.
You might like to cook an oven-style dish now and then, but the appliance needs to fit on your worktop while leaving the ventilation clearances specified in the instruction manual.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the grill, which is mainly for browning, and the fan-assisted function needed for oven-style cooking. First decide which settings you’ll use, then check that the model you choose will fit your available space and electrical installation.
Choose this: if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food.
Limitation: it won’t brown food like a grill or cook using a fan-assisted setting.
Choose this: if you’d also like to brown or grill food occasionally.
Limitation: a grill on its own doesn’t provide fan-assisted cooking.
Choose this: if you plan to cook some oven-style dishes without a separate appliance.
Limitation: installation requirements and cooking results need to be checked for each model.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Oven-style cooking | Look for an explicit fan-assisted or convection setting, with modes and accessories suited to the dishes you plan to make. | If you don’t have a convenient oven, you might want to make the occasional dish or cake in the same appliance. Around 31% of consumers rank this capability as their top priority. |
| Space and installation | Check the external dimensions, door clearance and ventilation space specified in the instruction manual. | If your worktop space is limited, the appliance needs to fit without restricting airflow. Available space is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check that the controls are convenient for everyday use and that the cavity is large enough for your usual dishes. | If you mainly reheat meals and defrost food, you may not get much use out of extra cooking modes. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these everyday tasks. |
| Occasional browning | Check for a grill and any accessories you’ll need to brown the dishes you have in mind. | If you’d like to brown food from time to time but don’t need full oven-style cooking, this is the main priority for around 19% of consumers. |
A grill can brown the surface of a dish, but on its own it won’t do the same job as an oven-style cooking function.
If you plan to cook pizzas, cakes or other oven dishes, look specifically for a fan-assisted or convection setting. Check reviews of the model for the dishes you’re interested in making.
A microwave may fit on your worktop, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s enough room to open the door or allow air to circulate. Whirlpool France reminds users not to block the ventilation grilles.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, check the door clearance and follow the instructions for the specific model you choose.
The advertised cooking power alone doesn’t tell you how much electricity the other modes use. For example, LG France lists an input power of 2 550 W in microwave and grill mode for the MC-8296SL.
Check the input power in the model’s specifications, instruction manual or rating plate. If you’re unsure about your electrical installation, ask a qualified professional for advice.
Performance varies by model and setting. In an archived test of the LG MJ3965BPS, UFC-Que Choisir found that it performed well with the grill, while small cakes struggled to rise using the fan-assisted setting.
Look for test results covering the recipes you plan to make rather than assuming that a convection setting alone guarantees a good result.
Whirlpool’s French range includes freestanding microwaves with grills, as well as models with other cooking functions, depending on the model.
LG NeoChef models documented in France allow you to compare cooking modes and input power, which vary by model.
Samsung France describes the MC32DG7646KKE1 as an appliance combining microwave and grill functions with several other cooking modes.
These Joybuy models let you compare a microwave designed mainly for reheating, models with a grill and a combination microwave to consider for other types of cooking. For each one, check that it has the settings your recipes need and that it can be installed safely in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you reheat meals and would also like to brown food occasionally. The title lists 900 W. Check the model documentation for ventilation clearances, input power and whether it has fan-assisted cooking if you need it.
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For reheating and occasional browning, with a listed 20 L capacity and 700 W in the title. Check that your dishes will fit inside and consult the instruction manual for the clearance needed around the appliance.
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Worth a look if you mainly use your microwave for reheating and defrosting. The title mentions six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. If you want to brown food or use fan-assisted cooking, check explicitly that these functions are available before choosing.
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Worth considering if occasional browning is just as important to you as reheating. Check the model documentation to see which settings the listed power ratings apply to, as well as the ventilation requirements and whether fan-assisted cooking is included.
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If you’re considering occasional oven-style cooking, check the convection settings and accessories against the recipes you plan to make. With a listed capacity of 42 L, it’s particularly important to check the available space, door clearance and ventilation clearances.
A grill is used to brown or crisp food, while fan-assisted cooking lets you prepare oven-style dishes. If you want to make dishes or cakes without a separate oven, check that the model explicitly includes a convection or fan-assisted setting.
Follow the clearances specified in the instruction manual for your model rather than assuming the same measurements apply to every appliance. Whirlpool France reminds users not to block the ventilation grilles. You’ll also need to allow enough room to open the door.
No. Check the model’s electrical input power, particularly for grill and combination settings. LG France lists up to 2 550 W input power for the MC-8296SL in microwave and grill mode. If you’re unsure about your electrical installation, consult a professional.
If you bought it from a professional seller, you can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity if the product is faulty or doesn’t match its description. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to make a claim, whether the item is new or second-hand. This guarantee is separate from a return request simply because you’ve changed your mind.