For reheating and defrosting in a studio flat, a solo microwave will do the job if you already have another way to cook. A grill gives you the option to brown or crisp food. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a combination microwave also offers convection cooking. Consider one if you need it to take on some of the work of an oven, provided its dimensions, ventilation requirements and power consumption are suitable for your kitchen.
If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, rather than replace an oven, start by looking at freestanding solo models. E.Leclerc recommends compact microwaves for student accommodation. Still, check that your dishes will fit inside and that the appliance will sit comfortably on your worktop.
If you want to cook with convection regularly, as well as use the microwave and grill functions, a combination model is worth considering. First check its footprint, the clearances specified in the manual and its power consumption.
In a kitchen set up for occasional stays, choose functions that complement the appliances you already have. A solo model may be enough for reheating; a grill or combination model offers other options, but will also need a suitable amount of space.
In a studio flat or second home, start with the function that matters most to you. The stated capacity is no substitute for measuring the space or checking what the model can do.
| Need | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check that a defrost function is listed and that the interior dimensions will fit your usual dishes. | If I prepare my meals another way and mainly use the microwave for individual portions, I don't need oven functions. Around 36% of consumers would put reheating and defrosting first. |
| Cooking without an oven | Check that convection is explicitly listed, along with the model's external dimensions and power consumption. | When there's no usable oven available, I look for an appliance that can also handle some of my cooking. This would be the main requirement for around 29% of consumers. |
| Browning or crisping food | Check that it has a grill and which dishes and accessories are suitable for this mode. | If I only want to crisp or brown food occasionally, rather than use the microwave as an oven, the grill is the function I'm interested in. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this use. |
| Fitting into a small kitchen | Check the width, depth and height, allowing for the clearances in the manual, as well as the space needed in front of the door. | When worktop space is very limited, I need to make sure I can fit the appliance in, open the door and fit my dishes inside before comparing its modes. Space and dish size would come first for around 14% of consumers. |
Convection is useful if the appliance is genuinely going to take on some of the cooking you would normally do in an oven. If you only need to reheat food, it doesn't give you any extra functionality you need.
Make a note of the functions you'll use regularly: reheating, grilling or convection cooking. Then choose a model with the functions you need.
The cavity capacity doesn't tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop, whether the door can open freely or whether your dishes will fit inside.
Measure the space and the clearance in front of the appliance, then compare these with its external dimensions, usable cavity dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual.
These figures describe different things. For example, the Joybuy France product listing for the Whirlpool MWP 101 W states 700 W microwave output power and 1,200 W input power.
For your electricity supply, check the model's input power or power consumption for the mode you plan to use. Don't estimate it from the microwave output power alone.
A container that's microwave-safe isn't necessarily suitable for the heat of the grill or convection function. UFC-Que Choisir explains that plastic used in microwave mode should not be used with either of these other functions.
Check the container instructions and the manual for each mode. Don't heat a sealed container, as pressure can build up inside it.
Whirlpool France's freestanding range includes grill and combination microwaves.
Samsung France divides its freestanding range into solo, grill and combination categories.
LG France offers combination models with microwave, grill and convection functions.
These models cover solo, grill and combination uses in student accommodation or a second home. Compare their functions with what your kitchen can already do, then check that you have the space and power supply needed for your chosen model.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat food and use a grill occasionally in a freestanding appliance.
The model name lists a 25 L capacity and 900 W. Check its dimensions, clearances and power consumption before choosing where to put it.
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This grill model is for anyone who wants to brown or crisp food without needing the convection cooking of a combination microwave.
The model name lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W. Before buying, check that you have enough space for the appliance and the ventilation clearances specified in its manual.
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The grill function makes this a good option to consider if you want to brown food as well as use the microwave.
The model name lists a 25 L capacity. Check the microwave output power, power consumption and the clearances specified in the model's manual to make sure it suits your kitchen.
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This solo model suits anyone mainly looking to reheat food, provided you have another way to cook dishes that need an oven or grill.
The Joybuy France product listing states 700 W microwave output power and 1,200 W input power. If a defrost function is essential, check that the model has one, and also check the clearances needed for your chosen spot.
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Consider this combination model if you need your microwave to handle grilling or convection cooking as well, and don't have a usable oven.
The model is listed with a 42 L capacity, external dimensions of 553 × 326 × 505 mm and a weight of 20 kg. Check that your support is sturdy enough and has sufficient space, and check the ventilation clearances, power consumption and defrost function if needed.
Choose a combination model if you plan to use convection regularly, particularly if you need it to take on some of the cooking because you don't have a usable oven. For reheating and defrosting, start by looking at solo models; if the main extra function you need is browning or crisping food, a grill model may be enough. In all cases, check that you have enough space and that the model's power consumption is suitable.
Measure the available width, depth and height, as well as the space needed in front of the open door. Compare these with the external dimensions and ventilation clearances in the manual, then make sure the cavity or turntable will fit your dishes. For the power supply, check the model's input power or power consumption rather than relying on its microwave output power alone.
No. Don't assume that a container suitable for microwave mode is also safe to use with the grill or convection function. UFC-Que Choisir advises using plastic only with the microwave function. Always check the container's instructions for the mode you plan to use, and don't heat a sealed container.