Choose a basic microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost food. A grill model is useful for occasional browning, while a combination microwave is worthwhile chiefly if you will genuinely use oven-style cooking when you do not have an oven. According to UFC-Que Choisir, reheating and defrosting are key uses ; also check the dimensions, turntable and installation instructions for the exact model.
For reheating, defrosting and keeping washing-up to a minimum on a limited worktop, a basic or grill model is a good starting point. A combination microwave is more suitable when there is no oven and gratins or small cooked dishes genuinely form part of your meals.
For leftovers, frozen meals and quick dishes, start with the equipment you already have : a basic model handles reheating, a grill lets you brown food occasionally, and a combination microwave adds certain oven-style cooking functions.
Before comparing features, measure the available width, depth and height. Also check the cavity size, turntable and ventilation clearances required in the instructions.
Choose this if : you reheat leftovers, drinks and ready meals, and defrost food without needing it to brown.
Good to know : it cannot brown or crisp food and does not offer fan-assisted heat.
Choose this if : reheating is still your priority, with the occasional toasted sandwich, pizza or gratin to brown.
Good to know : the grill does not replace the fan-assisted heat of an oven.
Choose this if : you do not have an oven and often prepare simple dishes that need cooking or browning.
Good to know : the additional functions may come with a larger, bulkier appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Defrost function, power levels, timer and type of controls. Also compare the cavity with the containers you normally use. | I want to reheat a meal or defrost food without using multiple appliances or creating extra washing-up. |
| Cooking functions | Choose a grill for browning or crisping. Look for fan-assisted heat only if you need oven-style cooking. | I occasionally prepare a gratin or pizza ; I do not want to pay for modes I will not use. |
| Useful footprint | Compare the external height, width and depth, then the turntable diameter and cavity dimensions where published. Check the instructions for ventilation requirements. | My worktop is narrow, but my plate, lunch box or gratin dish must fit inside. |
| Suitable containers | Follow the packaging symbols and the stated power and time instructions. Use containers designed for food contact and microwave use. | I want to reheat food without using an unsuitable tray or container. |
A combination microwave adds a grill and fan-assisted heat, but these functions are of little use if your meals are limited to leftovers and ready meals. Some models may also take up more depth on your worktop.
Make a list of the meals you typically eat in a week. If you do not regularly cook pizzas, gratins or small dishes without an oven, compare basic and grill models first.
Two appliances with a similar capacity may accommodate very different dishes. The turntable diameter and internal dimensions determine whether your plates and gratin dishes will genuinely fit.
Measure the largest dish you use regularly and compare it with the published cavity dimensions and turntable. If this information is missing, check the instructions before ordering.
External dimensions alone are not enough to confirm that an appliance can be placed under a cupboard, in a recess or against a wall. Safety clearances depend on the model.
Read the instructions for the exact model before installation, and do not confuse a freestanding appliance with a built-in model.
Anses states that reheating at high power or for a prolonged period may increase the risk of substances migrating from certain types of packaging.
Follow the stated time and power settings, then transfer the food to a suitable container when the packaging does not clearly indicate that it is microwave-safe.
A reference point for a single-function microwave designed for reheating and defrosting in a small space.
A reference point for comparing a compact grill model with a freestanding combination microwave in a small kitchen.
A reference point for freestanding appliances offering more cooking functions, depending on the model.
A reference point for a 23 L combination microwave combining microwave cooking, grilling and Air Fry, according to the H23MOBS5H2C3 model specification.
Joybuy options for reheating and defrosting and, depending on the model, browning food in a kitchenette or holiday home.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a freestanding format.
24.5 cm turntable and dimensions of 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm.
The grill does not replace fan-assisted cooking ; also check that 10 cm of clearance is possible at the sides and rear.
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For everyday reheating and defrosting, without any additional cooking function.
Cavity measuring 315 × 294 × 210 mm, 245 mm turntable and 30-minute mechanical timer.
Allow at least 10 cm of clearance on all sides and check that your dishes will fit before buying.
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For reheating, defrosting and browning food with a larger turntable in a small kitchen.
29.2 cm turntable and dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm.
No fan-assisted heat is indicated ; check the instructions for the exact model for ventilation clearances.
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For reheating, defrosting and browning food without an oven, with combination programmes.
27 cm turntable, 1 000 W grill and stated depth of 32.1 cm.
The grill and combination modes are not the same as fan-assisted heat ; check the ventilation clearances in the instructions.
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For reheating and defrosting in a narrow kitchenette, with digital controls.
Dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm, 11 power levels and defrosting by time or weight.
No grill or fan-assisted heat is indicated ; check the turntable diameter, clearances and the size of your dishes in the instructions.
Yes, if you mainly use it for reheating and defrosting. According to UFC-Que Choisir, these are key uses ; choose a grill model for browning or crisping, and a combination microwave if oven-style cooking is needed.
First measure your worktop, then compare the width, height and, above all, the depth of the exact model. Compact appliances are often available at around 20 to 23 L, but the external dimensions and turntable diameter vary considerably from one model to another.
Capacity alone does not tell you whether a plate, lunch box or gratin dish will fit inside the cavity. Check the turntable diameter and internal dimensions where published : the VALBERG MWO 20 GM K343C, for example, lists a cavity measuring 20.6 × 30.6 × 30.4 cm and a 25.5 cm turntable.
No. Use containers designed for food contact and microwave use, and follow the stated power and time instructions. Anses states that reheating at too high a power or for too long may increase the risk of substances migrating from certain types of packaging.