A solo microwave is ideal for reheating and defrosting. Choose a grill model if you also want to brown or grill food regularly. If you don’t have a conventional oven, a combination microwave can handle a wider range of cooking tasks, provided its functions suit the meals you make and its depth, weight and required clearances work for your kitchen.
The right type of microwave depends mainly on the meals you prepare and the space you have, rather than simply on the number of functions.
If you mainly want to reheat food, defrost ingredients and prepare simple meals, start by comparing solo models. A grill function is useful if you often brown or grill food; consider a combination model if you don’t have another oven and have enough space for it.
For occasional stays, compare the functions you’ll actually use. Also check that the freestanding appliance will sit on a flat surface, with the vents clear as specified in the manual.
Consider whether a grill function will be enough, or whether your meals need oven-style cooking functions. If it’s the latter, measure the available depth carefully and check the combination microwave’s weight and whether your shelf or worktop can support it.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost, and don’t expect to brown or grill food regularly.
The trade-off: it doesn’t offer the grill or oven-style cooking functions found in other types, as described by UFC-Que Choisir.
Choose this if: you want to brown or grill dishes, while still using the microwave mainly for reheating.
The trade-off: a grill function alone doesn’t guarantee the oven-style cooking functions of a combination microwave.
Choose this if: you don’t have a conventional oven and plan to use its extra cooking functions regularly.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that these models are generally more expensive. Also check the dimensions and weight of the specific model.
Once you’ve chosen a type, check that its dimensions and interior capacity suit the available space and the dishes you use.
| What to consider | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Check which functions are actually available: microwave, grill and oven-style cooking. Consult the manual to see which modes can be used together. | I mainly reheat meals, or I also need to brown or grill food and cook regularly without a conventional oven. |
| Space and support | Measure the width, height and depth, allowing for the door to open. Check the manual for required clearances and make sure the surface is flat and can support the appliance’s weight. | My worktop needs to fit the appliance without blocking its vents or getting in the way in the kitchen. |
| Room for dishes | Compare the internal capacity with the dimensions of your dishes and, if there is one, the turntable diameter. Check the external dimensions too. | My usual plates and dishes need to fit inside, without taking up unnecessary worktop space. |
| Containers | Check the manual to see which containers and accessories are approved for each mode. Follow the preparation instructions for food packaged for microwave use, as recommended by Anses. | I want to be able to reheat my meals in a container that’s suitable for the mode I’ve chosen. |
An interior that fits your dishes doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit on your worktop or shelf. For example, Whirlpool’s product information for the MWSC 9133 SB combination microwave lists a depth of 54 cm and a weight of 27,45 kg.
Measure all the space you’ll need, including room to open the door. Then check that your surface can support the appliance and allow for the clearances specified in the manual.
Whirlpool France and the Electrolux manual require a flat surface and unobstructed vents, including underneath the appliance.
Before planning to put the microwave in an alcove or on a shelf, check the manual for your chosen model and allow for its specified clearances.
A grill is useful for browning or grilling food; UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes combination microwaves by their oven-style cooking functions.
Think about the dishes you make most often. If they need an oven function, check the modes available on the combination microwave you’re considering.
In France, the DGCCRF states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual. Commercial extended cover is separate.
Before taking out extended cover, read what it includes, how long it lasts and what’s excluded, so you know what it adds to the legal guarantee.
These examples show different configurations; their features don’t apply to every model from the same brand.
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding microwave with microwave and grill modes, according to Electrolux France’s product information.
Whirlpool France describes the MWF421SL as a grill model with no turntable, and the MWSC 9133 SB as a combination microwave.
Samsung France’s guide distinguishes standard microwaves for reheating, grill models for browning or grilling, and combination models for extra cooking functions.
These freestanding models include solo options and options for browning or grilling food. Compare their exact functions with the meals you make and the space you have. This selection doesn’t include a combination microwave for oven-style cooking.
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Reheat, defrost and brown or grill food with this freestanding appliance. Before deciding where to put it, check the manual for all the required clearances and make sure your dishes fit inside.
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A freestanding option to consider if you want to reheat, defrost and brown or grill food. Check the grill functions, dimensions and installation clearances in the documentation for this specific version.
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Worth comparing for reheating and defrosting. The product title describes it as a solo model, while other information associated with the product mentions a grill. Check the manual for the available modes before choosing it for browning or grilling food. Also check the weight, support and installation clearances.
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For reheating and defrosting without a grill function. Check that the interior can accommodate your dishes and consult the manual for the required clearances. If you’re comparing its power with that of other models, check what the 1 150 W in the title refers to.
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For reheating, defrosting and simple meals on your worktop. Before buying, check that your plates fit inside and that the space you’ve chosen meets the clearances in the manual.
Yes, if you mainly want to reheat food, defrost ingredients and prepare simple meals. If you regularly brown or grill food, compare grill models; if you want oven-style cooking without another appliance, look at the functions and size of a combination microwave.
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for your chosen model rather than applying one measurement to every appliance. Whirlpool France and an Electrolux manual, for example, call for a flat surface and unobstructed vents, including underneath the appliance.
Only if the shelf can support its dimensions and weight while still allowing for the required clearances. For example, Whirlpool France lists the MWSC 9133 SB as 54 cm deep and 27,45 kg. Check your shelf’s load capacity before choosing a model.
Only use containers and accessories approved for the selected mode in the manual. Check the instructions for microwave and grill modes separately: don’t assume that an accessory approved for one is also suitable for the other.
Yes. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for food products designed for microwave use. In particular, check the manufacturer’s guidance on reheating.