Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions and do not need oven-style cooking. A grill model is suitable for occasional browning, while a combination microwave is worth considering only if you will genuinely use the grill and fan-assisted cooking instead of an oven, after checking its overall size, weight, power supply and the clearances specified in the manual.
With limited worktop space, a solo model is often enough for reheating, defrosting and preparing everyday meals. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from those requiring a grill or oven-style cooking.
A combination microwave can cover some oven functions if you genuinely plan to bake, roast or brown food. However, check its external dimensions, depth, weight and installation requirements before allocating it a place.
A grill microwave is a useful middle ground if you want to brown or finish a few dishes without opting for a bulkier fan-assisted appliance.
Choose this if: you reheat, defrost and prepare simple meals, with an oven already available or rarely needed day to day.
Good to know: it cannot brown food and does not replace an oven’s cooking modes.
Choose this if: you want to brown or finish dishes regularly without needing fan-assisted cooking.
Good to know: the grill adds browning, but it is not equivalent to a fan-assisted oven.
Choose this if: you do not have a suitable oven and intend to cook pizzas, gratins, cakes or other recipes using fan-assisted heat.
Good to know: it can eliminate the need for a separate appliance, but it generally requires more depth and is heavier.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Actual footprint | Compare the width, height and depth with your worktop measurements. Check the door opening, the model’s weight and the clearances required by the manual; ventilation grilles must not be blocked. | I want the appliance to fit without blocking the door or taking over my preparation space. Capacity in litres alone does not tell me whether its depth is suitable. |
| Cooking functions | Check whether the model is solo, grill or combination. Look for fan-assisted heat only if you want to prepare oven-style dishes. | I would rather not give up space for functions I will rarely use. For reheating and defrosting, a solo model may be enough; for browning, consider a grill model. |
| Usable capacity | Check the cavity capacity alongside the turntable diameter or the internal dimensions. For a cavity without a turntable, also check the shape and dimensions of the dishes it can accommodate. | My usual plate, bowl or dish must fit inside without choosing an unnecessarily large cavity. |
| Power supply and containers | Check the voltage, frequency, plug type and rated power consumption in the manual for the exact model. Also check which materials are permitted for each cooking mode. | I want to install the appliance using the available socket and use my containers without accidentally using them with the grill or convection function. |
Internal capacity alone does not tell you whether the appliance will fit on a worktop. According to Whirlpool France, a 25 L freestanding combination model such as the MCP349WH measures 49.4 cm in depth and weighs 18.6 kg.
Measure the space and door opening, then compare them with the exact model’s dimensions and weight. Allow for the ventilation clearances specified in its manual.
A combination microwave adds a grill and fan-assisted heat, but these functions are useful only if they match the meals you usually prepare. Its footprint offers little benefit if you only reheat and defrost.
Make a list of the meals you prepare over a week: solo for reheating and defrosting, grill for dishes that need browning, and combination for genuinely frequent oven-style cooking.
UFC-Que Choisir states that plastic intended for microwave-only use must not be used with grill or convection functions. Sealed containers can also create excess pressure.
Follow the instructions from the container manufacturer and the appliance manual. Use materials approved for the selected mode and avoid sealed containers.
The French range includes solo, grill and combination microwaves, making it possible to compare all three approaches for a small kitchen.
Whirlpool France offers freestanding solo, grill and combination models, including compact options and models without a turntable.
LG presents grill and combination microwaves whose product pages detail dimensions, power ratings and some information about spare parts.
Joybuy options for a small kitchen, mainly suited to reheating, defrosting and occasional browning. Compare their dimensions, installation requirements and functions with the way you actually use them before choosing.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasional browning where space is limited.
20 L capacity, 245 mm turntable, 700 W power and 230 V/50 Hz power supply; stated dimensions: 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm.
The grill does not replace fan-assisted cooking; also check the stated clearances and door opening.
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An option worth considering for reheating, defrosting and browning dishes.
23 L capacity, 900 W power, 27 cm turntable, 230–240 V/50 Hz power supply and stated dimensions of 48.2 × 28 × 32.1 cm.
The grill provides browning without confirming fan-assisted cooking; consult the manual for ventilation clearances.
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Suitable for reheating, defrosting and browning when the worktop provides sufficient depth.
25 L capacity, 28.8 cm turntable, 230 V/50 Hz power supply and stated dimensions of 48.5 × 29.3 × 41 cm.
The stated clearances of 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the rear must be compatible with the intended location.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting everyday portions without the need for a grill function.
23 L capacity, 28.8 cm turntable, 29 automatic programmes and stated dimensions of 48.9 × 27.5 × 37.4 cm.
This solo model is not suitable for browning or oven-style cooking; consult the manual for ventilation clearances.
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An option for reheating, defrosting and adding a golden finish to dishes.
25 L capacity, 29.2 cm turntable, 950 W grill and stated dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm.
Check the required power supply on the rating label and in the manual, along with the ventilation instructions, before installation.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then compare them with the exact model’s external dimensions. Allow for the clearances required by the manual, check the door opening and make sure the ventilation grilles will not be blocked.
No. It can add grill and fan-assisted cooking to cover some oven functions, but this choice only makes sense if you genuinely cook using these modes. UFC-Que Choisir assesses the grill, combination cooking and fan-assisted cooking separately, so it is worth comparing these functions individually.
No, unless the container manufacturer specifically says so. UFC-Que Choisir states that plastic is intended for microwave mode only, not for grill or convection functions; choose a container approved for the mode you are using.
Check the voltage, frequency, plug type and rated power consumption on the technical specification sheet and in the manual for the exact model. Do not infer these details from the cooking power alone: they vary between appliances.