Student who mainly reheats portions
If you mainly need to reheat food and defrost ingredients, start by comparing solo models. Be sure to check how much worktop space they take up rather than relying on capacity alone.
Which option is right for you?
Someone with a second kitchen
If you also prepare dishes that need browning, look at models with a grill. If you want to cook in the same way as a conventional oven from time to time, look for a combination model whose specifications confirm it has a fan oven function.
Buyer short on space
Compare the external width, depth and height, then allow room to open the door and leave the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. Two appliances with a similar capacity may not fit in the same space.
What should you check?
Solo microwave
Choose it: for reheating and defrosting, if you don’t plan to brown dishes.
Limitation: it offers neither the browning of a grill nor the fan oven cooking of a combination model.
Microwave with grill
Choose it: if you reheat meals but also want to brown or crisp some dishes.
Limitation: a grill on its own doesn’t provide the convection cooking modes of an oven.
Combination microwave
Choose it: if you also want to use the fan oven function for cooking in the same way as a conventional oven.
Bear in mind: check the overall size of your chosen model particularly carefully, along with its installation requirements.
Once you’ve chosen the type of appliance, compare the specifications and manual for each model with the space you have and how you plan to use it.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday meals | Check the power settings, defrost mode and controls for the model you’re considering. | I mainly reheat portions and defrost ingredients, so I may not need additional cooking modes. |
| Space available | Compare the external width, height and depth. Also measure the space needed to open the door and follow the clearances in the manual. | My worktop is narrow: the capacity in litres alone won’t tell me whether the appliance will fit. |
| Cooking modes | Look for a grill if you want to brown food. If you want to cook in the same way as a conventional oven, check that it has convection or a fan oven function. | An occasional gratin doesn’t need the same function as regular oven-style cooking. |
| Installation | Check the manual for the exact model for ventilation and electrical requirements. Check the plug and socket before buying. | I want to be able to install the appliance in the space I’ve chosen, following the manufacturer’s instructions. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by capacity alone
Capacity tells you neither the external dimensions nor how much room you need around and in front of the appliance. A model that suits your portions may be too deep for your worktop.
Measure the space, allow room to open the door and check the clearances required in the manual before comparing capacities.
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Choosing a combination model without needing the fan oven function
If you only reheat and defrost food, the oven-style cooking function won’t meet any additional need.
Make a note of the dishes you usually prepare: separate those you reheat, those you brown and those that need oven-style cooking.
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Following the installation instructions for a different model
Ventilation clearances vary from one appliance to another. For example, the manual for the Moulinex MO28EGBL2 requires 30 cm of clear space above it; that measurement doesn’t apply to every model.
Read the manual for the microwave you’re considering and keep the ventilation areas it specifies clear.
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Confusing a commercial guarantee with your legal rights
In France, the Ministry of the Economy notes that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual. A commercial guarantee is separate.
If the product doesn’t conform to its description, contact the seller. Check the terms of any commercial guarantee separately.
A few brands to compare
Whirlpool
In France, Whirlpool offers solo, grill and combination microwaves. Check the modes for the specific model rather than relying on the category alone.
- Whirlpool describes the MCP349WH as a 25 L combination microwave with forced-air cooking, making it worth considering if you plan to cook in the same way as a conventional oven.
- The capacity of the cavity doesn’t replace measuring the space or reading the installation instructions.
Electrolux
Electrolux France’s product pages let you compare the cooking modes of freestanding models.
- For the EMZ421MMK, Electrolux lists microwave, grill and microwave-with-grill modes.
- These modes don’t mean that this model has a fan oven function.
Samsung
Samsung France’s catalogue distinguishes between solo, grill and combination models, as well as freestanding and built-in appliances.
- This distinction helps you find the cooking mode that suits the dishes you plan to make.
- Check the features on the product page for your chosen model: a feature found on one model won’t necessarily be available across the whole range.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These models cover a range of needs, from everyday reheating to looking for extra cooking modes. Compare the features confirmed for each model and the space it will take up in your home.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen. The product name lists six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function. Check the electrical specifications and installation instructions for this model before deciding where to put it.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI freestanding microwave, 21 L, 800 W, Titanium
If you’re also looking for a browning mode, check the features of the EMZ421MMTI on its product page and in the manual. Features listed for another Electrolux model don’t automatically apply to this one. Be sure to measure the space needed in front of the door.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) digital microwave, 20 L, 700 W, black
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting portions. The product name lists six pre-set menus and 11 power levels. Before installation, compare its dimensions and the clearances in the manual with your available worktop space.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H solo microwave, 25 L, 900 W, black
The product name describes a 25 L solo microwave. If you’re choosing it for browning food, make sure the H25MOBS7H product page explicitly confirms that it has a grill before you buy. Also check the available space and connection requirements.
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LG MJ3965ACS combination microwave, 39 L, black
Consider this if you’re looking for cooking modes beyond reheating. Check the manual to confirm which modes are available on the MJ3965ACS. Its stated capacity of 39 L makes it particularly important to check the external dimensions, door clearance and ventilation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for a studio flat?
Yes, if you mainly reheat portions and defrost food. If you regularly want to brown dishes or cook in the same way as a conventional oven, compare models with a grill and fan oven function respectively.
What’s the difference between a grill and a combination microwave?
A grill lets you brown or crisp food; a combination model with convection also offers fan oven cooking. Check the exact modes on the product page and in the manual for the model you’re considering.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for your model. For example, the Moulinex MO28EGBL2 manual requires at least 30 cm of clear space above the appliance, but this measurement doesn’t apply to all microwaves.
What should you do if the appliance you bought doesn’t match its description?
Contact the seller. For a purchase from a business in France, the Ministry of the Economy notes that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new goods sold to private individuals. This is separate from any commercial guarantee that may be offered.
How can you have an old microwave taken away?
When buying a new equivalent appliance to replace it, ask the retailer how to arrange collection. The ecosystem organisation notes that retailers must offer a free take-back solution in this situation.