If you mainly reheat and defrost portions, start by comparing solo microwaves that will fit in your kitchen. A grill adds the option to brown and crisp food, while a combination microwave with convection is a good choice if you also want it to handle some oven cooking. A mini oven is worth considering if you already have a microwave and mainly want to bake or brown dishes. In every case, check how much space you need and whether your dishes will fit.
If you want to reheat a plate of food or defrost a portion, first check how much space you have and the size of the containers you usually use. Even an appliance described as compact may need extra room around it for installation.
If you mainly need to reheat meals, a solo microwave may be enough. Your needs change if you also want to brown food occasionally or cook dishes in the oven without a traditional oven.
A combination microwave can handle several cooking methods, provided you’ll actually use its grill and convection functions. If you already have a microwave, compare the space needed for a mini oven instead, to cover the cooking jobs your current appliance can’t handle.
Start with the meals you prepare, then match the features you need to the space available and the size of your dishes. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between basic models, models with a grill and combination models that can handle some of the cooking you’d normally do in a traditional oven.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost portions and don’t need to brown or crisp them.
Bear in mind: this type of appliance doesn’t have a grill or a convection function.
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or crisp individual dishes from time to time.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has a convection function.
Choose this if: you want a model with convection that can also handle some oven cooking.
Bear in mind: check its dimensions and the instructions for using each cooking mode carefully.
Choose this if: you already have a microwave and mainly want to bake or brown dishes.
Bear in mind: it won’t reheat or defrost food using microwaves.
| Consideration | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the door opening and the clearances specified in the manual. Compare the turntable diameter and, if listed, the internal dimensions with your containers. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to fit the appliance in place and slide in the plates and dishes I actually use. The capacity in litres alone doesn’t answer either of those questions. |
| Everyday meals | Check for a microwave mode, power settings and a defrost function suited to the way you’ll use it. Don’t assume the size of the dishes it can hold from the stated power alone. | I mainly reheat portions or defrost food, so these jobs matter more to me than extra cooking modes. |
| Extra cooking options | Know the difference between a grill, for browning or crisping, and convection, for oven-style cooking. Check which modes the model actually offers and how much space it takes up. | Without an oven at home, I may need more than just reheating. If I already have a microwave, a mini oven could meet that need separately. |
| Installation and containers | Check whether the appliance is freestanding or built-in, and follow the manual’s ventilation instructions. Check which containers and accessories are suitable for each mode, particularly when using the grill. | I want to fit the appliance in the space available and keep using my usual containers where they’re confirmed as compatible. |
Two appliances with a similar capacity won’t necessarily take up the same amount of space, and capacity doesn’t guarantee that a wide or tall dish will fit inside.
Measure the space and your containers, then check the turntable, door opening and clearances specified in the manual.
Grill and convection functions are most useful if you plan to use them for your meals. They don’t mean you can skip checking the appliance’s overall size.
Make a note of the dishes you usually prepare. If you hardly ever cook in the oven, compare solo and grill models first.
Whirlpool advises against using aluminium, metal dishes and gold-decorated crockery in microwave mode, among other things. Appliances with a grill may also have specific instructions for each mode.
Check the markings on your containers and the model’s manual before using a dish or rack.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer. Commercial extended cover is separate from this right.
Before taking out extended cover, read about what it includes, how long it lasts and any exclusions. Make sure you understand how it differs from the statutory guarantee.
The French range includes solo and grill models in a variety of capacities, making it useful for comparing features before choosing a size.
Some of the brand’s multi-function models combine microwaving with additional cooking modes, making them worth considering if you want the appliance to handle some oven cooking too.
The built-in LMS2253TMX is an example of the measurements to check if your kitchen already has a space designed for a microwave.
Its mini ovens are worth comparing if you already have a microwave and mainly want an appliance for oven cooking.
These solo and grill models are suited to the reheating and defrosting needs discussed here, with some also offering a way to brown or crisp food. Compare their size and features with your kitchen and the meals you prepare. This list doesn’t include combination models with convection or mini ovens.
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Worth comparing if you’d like a grill as well as everyday reheating. The product listing gives a capacity of 20 L and power of 700 W. Check the manual for the usable dimensions for your dishes and the space to leave around the appliance.
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A solo option to consider for reheating portions, with digital settings. The product listing specifies six preset menus and 11 power levels. Check the turntable diameter, usable dimensions and installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Consider this if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than browning food. It’s listed as a 23 L solo model with quick defrost. Check that the internal dimensions will fit your containers and follow the clearance requirements in the manual.
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The grill is worth comparing if you’d like to brown your dishes from time to time. This freestanding model is listed as 25 L. Before choosing it for a small kitchen, measure the space and check how much room your containers need.
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Worth considering if you want to keep microwave reheating while adding a grill. The product listing specifies a 25 L capacity and a digital display. Check the manual for the power in microwave mode, the size of dishes it can hold and the installation clearances required.
Yes, if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food and cook simple dishes. If you’d also like to brown or crisp food, compare grill models. If you want the appliance to handle some oven cooking, look at combination models with convection and check their dimensions.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, remembering to allow for the door to open and the clearances specified in the manual. Then compare the turntable and published internal dimensions with your dishes. Capacity in litres alone won’t confirm that they’ll fit.
Not in microwave mode, unless the manual specifically says this is permitted for that model. Whirlpool advises against using aluminium, metal dishes and gold decoration, among other things. Check the manual and the markings on each container.
No, don’t assume you can. Only use it in the modes and as directed by the manufacturer. A rack approved for grill use isn’t automatically suitable for microwave mode.
No, not if it has scratches or dents. Whirlpool recommends in its FAQ that you stop using the appliance and contact the retailer or customer service. Don’t continue using it while you wait to find out what to do.