Students and renters short on space
If you mainly reheat and defrost meals, a simple freestanding model means you won’t need to plan for a fixed installation. Still, check its dimensions and how much space it needs around it.
Which option is right for you?
If you also want to brown or crisp food
A grill microwave adds browning to everyday use. It’s a good option without having to choose a combination model with an oven-style cooking function.
For holiday homes or kitchens without a practical oven
A combination microwave is worth considering if you’ll genuinely use its oven-style cooking function. Before making room for it, compare its external dimensions with the space available.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the dishes you make, then check that the appliance and the clearances specified in its manual will fit where you plan to put it.
| Priority | What to check | To suit your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | A solo model handles reheating and defrosting; a grill lets you brown or crisp food; a combination model adds oven-style cooking, depending on its functions. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these three uses. | I mainly reheat meals: a solo model may be all I need. If I often brown or crisp food, I’ll look at grill models. I’ll only choose a combination model if I’ll use its oven-style cooking function. |
| Available space | Compare the external width, depth and height, door clearance and cavity capacity. For two different examples, Electrolux France lists the EMZ421MMK as 442 × 345 mm wide and deep, while LG France lists the MC-8090WH as 530 × 420 mm. | My worktop space is limited: I’ll measure the spot before choosing based on the advertised capacity in litres alone. |
| Installation type | Check whether you have a worktop or a housing unit designed for the model. Samsung France’s guide explains the difference between a movable freestanding model and a built-in model that requires fixed installation. | If I need to be able to move the appliance, I’ll choose a freestanding model. I’ll only consider a built-in model if I have a compatible housing unit. |
| Ventilation | Locate the air vents and check the model’s manual for the required clearances. Whirlpool France advises keeping the ventilation grilles unobstructed and not placing anything on top of the appliance. | A shelf or wall unit limits the space around the appliance: I’ll check the installation instructions before choosing that spot. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
Capacity describes the inside, not the space the microwave takes up on your worktop. The dimensions published by Electrolux France for the EMZ421MMK and by LG France for the MC-8090WH show that their external sizes differ.
Measure the available width, depth and height, remembering to allow for the door to open and the clearances required by the manual.
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Buying a combination model just for reheating
The oven-style cooking function won’t add anything if you don’t use it, and it shouldn’t distract you from considering how much space the appliance takes up.
Make a list of the meals you usually prepare: choose a solo model for reheating and defrosting, a grill if you want to brown or crisp food, and a combination model if you’ll also use its oven-style cooking function.
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Squeezing the appliance into a tight spot to save space
A spot that’s too tight could block the air vents. Whirlpool France advises against blocking the grilles or placing anything on top of the microwave.
Check the manual for your chosen model to find out how much clearance it needs before installing it under a wall unit or on a shelf.
A guide to the brands
These examples relate to specific models or ranges. Always check the full model number before comparing their features.
Electrolux
Electrolux France lists the EMZ421MMK as a 21 L freestanding grill microwave.
- For this model, Electrolux France gives the dimensions as 442 × 345 × 262 mm (width, depth and height), with 800 W microwave power and a 1,000 W grill.
- These specifications apply to the EMZ421MMK only; they don’t describe the EMZ421MMTI, which has a different model number.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s freestanding range includes grill and combination models.
- Whirlpool France describes the MCP349WH as a 25 L freestanding combination microwave with grill and microwave functions.
- For installation, the brand advises keeping the air vents clear, not placing anything on top of the appliance and consulting the manual.
LG
The MC-8090WH featured by LG France combines microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- LG France lists a capacity of 32 L and external dimensions of 53 × 32 × 42 cm for this model.
- Measure the space you have in mind: these dimensions don’t guarantee that it will fit in every small kitchen.
Samsung
Samsung France’s guide helps you tell the difference between freestanding and built-in installation.
- It describes freestanding models as movable and built-in models as designed for a dedicated housing unit.
- This distinction is about installation, not the cooking performance of any particular model.
A freestanding model to consider on Joybuy
This worktop option is best suited to meals you want to reheat or defrost. Check how much space it takes up and read the installation instructions to make sure it suits your kitchen.
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Black Cecotec worktop microwave, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting meals on a worktop. This model has a stated capacity of 20 L, a power output of 700 W and six power levels. Measure the space available and check the manual for the required installation clearances.
Frequently asked questions
Which microwave should I choose if I only want to reheat and defrost?
A simple freestanding model will do the job if you don’t need to brown or crisp food or use fan-assisted cooking. Check its external dimensions and installation requirements before choosing.
When should I choose a grill rather than a combination model?
Choose a grill microwave if you simply want to brown or crisp food. A combination model makes sense if you’ll also use its oven-style cooking function. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions in its buying guide.
Can you put a microwave under a wall unit?
Only if the spot meets the requirements in the model’s manual, including the clearances around the air vents. Whirlpool France advises keeping the ventilation grilles unobstructed and not placing anything on top of the appliance.
What should you do with an old microwave in France?
Take it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition outlines the available take-back options. Ask the retailer or a local collection point which option is available for your appliance.