Everyday reheating when space is limited
In a studio flat, student accommodation or second home, you mainly want to reheat and defrost food without adding an appliance designed for oven cooking.
Which option is right for you?
The UFC-Que Choisir guide highlights student accommodation and second homes as situations where it’s important to choose functions you’ll actually use.
Occasional cooking without a separate oven
You’d like to brown dishes or use fan-assisted cooking from time to time, while keeping the number of appliances down. Compare the available modes, the space required and the accessories you can use.
Fitted kitchen with a space for a built-in model
If your cabinet is designed to house a built-in appliance, measure the space and check it against the installation requirements for the model you’re considering. Bosch notes that the location depends on the type of cabinet.
What should you look for?
In a small kitchen, start with the main reason for buying the appliance, then check the available space, cooking modes and instructions for the exact model.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the space available for your usual dishes and the model’s defrosting functions. | If you mainly need to reheat meals, oven-cooking functions are less important; around 33% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill and confirm which accessories are permitted for each mode. | If you want to brown a dish from time to time without needing fan-assisted cooking, a grill meets this main need for around 27% of consumers. |
| Fan-assisted cooking | Check the listed modes, cavity size and required power supply. | If you want to cook occasionally without installing a separate oven, versatility becomes a priority; this guides the choice of around 27% of consumers. |
| Fitting into a cabinet | Measure the space and check the appliance dimensions and ventilation requirements in the instructions. | When freeing up worktop space matters more than the choice of cooking mode, a built-in model is the main requirement for around 13% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming every combination microwave cooks like an oven
A grill is used for tasks such as browning, while fan-assisted cooking requires a separate mode. The product name alone doesn’t tell you which functions are included.
If you want fan-assisted cooking, look specifically for “fan-assisted” or “convection” in the product details and instructions for the model.
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Measuring only the width
The depth, height and ventilation clearances could make the intended location unsuitable, even if the appliance fits across.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and follow the installation instructions for that exact model. Don’t rely on the guidance for a different model.
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Using the same container for every mode
The DGCCRF advises that containers must be used in accordance with their instructions. A dish suitable for one mode may not be suitable for microwave mode.
Check the container markings and the appliance instructions. In line with UFC-Que Choisir’s advice, don’t use steel or stainless-steel utensils in microwave mode.
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Confusing a manufacturer’s claims with test results
A listed function alone doesn’t tell you how evenly a model reheats food or how well it cooks. UFC-Que Choisir describes tests carried out on appliances sold in France.
To compare two models on these results, look for detailed tests of the specific models rather than relying solely on their product descriptions.
Brands to consider when comparing ranges
These examples show the types and functions to look at. Your choice should be based on a specific model and the space you have available.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s range includes freestanding microwaves with grills and combination models.
- The MWP203SB is described as a 20 L grill model, while the MCP349WH is a 25 L freestanding combination microwave.
- The brand’s claims about cooking performance or crispness don’t replace independent testing of these models.
Samsung
Samsung France divides its freestanding range into solo, grill and combination microwaves.
- According to Samsung France, the MC28H5015CK/EF combination microwave brings together microwave, grill and convection cooking in a 28 L cavity.
- Its electrical specifications and cooking modes don’t apply to other Samsung models; check the details of the one you’re considering.
Panasonic
Panasonic France offers multifunction models combining microwave, grill and convection cooking.
- The NN-CD88 is listed with a 34 L cavity and convection cooking up to 220 °C.
- Panasonic’s claims about even cooking aren’t, on their own, independent test results.
Bosch
Bosch Home Appliances France offers built-in models to consider if you have a suitable cabinet space.
- The BFL520MS0 is listed as a built-in model, with a 20 L cavity and appliance dimensions of 382 × 594 × 317 mm.
- This example doesn’t confirm that the model has fan-assisted cooking. Check the modes and installation-space requirements for the model you’re looking for.
Joybuy models for different needs
These models cover reheating with a solo microwave, browning with a grill and cooking with a freestanding combination microwave. Before choosing one for a small kitchen, compare the actual space it takes up and the installation instructions for each model.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L black grill microwave
Worth considering if you regularly reheat and defrost food, but also want to brown dishes occasionally with a freestanding appliance.
The product title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W. Check the instructions for the ventilation space required and the cooking modes available.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
This solo model is suited to reheating and defrosting rather than browning or fan-assisted cooking.
Its listed capacity is 23 L. Before deciding where to put it, check the instructions for the required ventilation clearances.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L grill microwave
This freestanding model is for those who want to reheat and brown food without choosing an appliance for fan-assisted cooking.
The product title lists a 25 L capacity and 900 W. Compare its dimensions and the clearances specified in its instructions with the space available.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L black combination microwave
Consider this model if you want microwave, grill and convection functions in one appliance for occasional cooking, without adding a separate oven.
The listed 39 L capacity means you’ll need to measure the space carefully. Also check the clearances and electrical specifications required for this model.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L black microwave
This model is suited to reheating and defrosting, with digital controls.
The product title lists 700 W, six pre-set programmes and 11 power levels. Check the space needed for installation and the electrical requirements in the instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Which containers should you use in microwave mode?
Choose containers designed for this purpose and follow their instructions. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using steel or stainless-steel utensils and gilt-decorated porcelain in microwave mode. The DGCCRF recommends checking that the container is suitable for the intended use.
Can you install a freestanding microwave in an enclosed space?
Only do so if the model’s instructions allow it and you can meet its ventilation requirements. For example, the Schneider instructions for models SCMWN20SMG and SCMWN20SMW specify 30 cm of clearance above and 20 cm on each side. These clearances don’t automatically apply to other appliances.
What power supply details should you check before choosing a combination microwave?
Check the voltage, frequency and power consumption of the model you’re considering, then make sure they’re compatible with your home’s electrical installation. As an example specific to this model, Samsung France lists 230 V / 50 Hz and a power consumption of 1 400 W in microwave mode for the MC28H5015CK/EF.
Can you use a microwave if its door is damaged?
No. Schneider’s instructions say not to operate the appliance until it has been repaired by a qualified person. They also specify that any work requiring the protective cover to be removed must be carried out by a qualified person.