In a small kitchen, a solo microwave is enough if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food. Choose a grill model if you’d also like to brown or crisp food from time to time. A combination microwave with convection cooking is a more versatile option when there’s no practical oven available, provided it fits the space and you can meet the clearance requirements in its instructions.
In student or temporary accommodation, you may want to reheat portions and defrost food without giving up space for oven functions you’ll rarely use. A solo microwave does the job; keep your other cooking appliance if you have one.
Reheating is still your main use, but you’d sometimes like to brown a portion. In that case, look for a model with a grill, but don’t assume this also gives you the convection cooking of a combination microwave.
If your small kitchen doesn’t have a usable oven, a combination microwave with convection cooking can bring several cooking methods together in one appliance. First, check that it fits on the surface you’ve chosen, with room for the door to open and the required clearances.
Start with the dishes you’ll actually make. If you already have an oven or hob, the cooking functions on a combination microwave may be redundant. Then measure the space before choosing a capacity.
| Need | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost function and make sure there’s enough room for the dishes you usually use. | If I mainly prepare portions to reheat, I want controls suited to those tasks rather than oven modes. Around 33% of consumers put reheating and defrosting at the top of their list. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill and find out which accessories are approved for the model. | To brown a portion now and then, I’m looking for a grill without necessarily opting for convection cooking. Around 25% of consumers say browning food is their main need. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | Look for convection cooking to be clearly specified, then check the settings and which dishes are suitable. | Without a practical oven in the kitchen, I’d like to be able to cook some simple dishes using the same appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise the option of using their microwave for oven-style cooking. |
| Finding a place for the appliance | Measure the appliance and the available space, then check the instructions for the required clearances and support. | With a shallow worktop, I need to be able to open the door and keep the vents clear, whatever cooking mode I choose. Around 17% of consumers put finding a suitable spot for the appliance ahead of its functions. |
The internal capacity won’t tell you whether the door will open or whether the appliance will stick out beyond your worktop.
Check the width, height, depth and weight of the model you’re considering, then allow for the clearances specified in its instructions.
The grill and convection functions are only useful if you plan to use them. If you’ll mainly reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave may meet your needs without adding extra controls.
Think about the dishes you usually make and the appliances you already have before paying for extra functions.
A space that’s too tight may make it impossible to follow the model’s installation instructions. Whirlpool France advises that the ventilation grilles must not be blocked.
Check the instructions for the model you’ve chosen, and rule it out if you can’t leave the required clearances.
For eligible purchases from a professional seller in France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies independently of any commercial warranty. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request its application.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare its duration and exclusions, and check what it adds to your statutory protection.
Whirlpool France offers a range of freestanding microwaves, including grill and combination models.
Panasonic France offers combination microwaves with microwave, grill and convection functions.
Samsung France divides its freestanding range into solo, grill and combination microwaves.
These models are suited to choosing a solo microwave for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen. If you want to brown food or use convection cooking, look for those functions to be clearly listed on the appliance you’re considering.
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Worth considering if you prioritise reheating and defrosting over oven functions. Its name indicates a 23 L capacity and a quick defrost function. Check the instructions for the clearances required in your chosen space.
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For reheating and defrosting simple portions using rotary controls. The title lists 700 W, six power levels, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. Compare the appliance’s dimensions with your available space and follow its installation instructions.
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A digital-control option if you want to set the reheating and defrosting options. The model name indicates 700 W, 11 power levels and six preset menus. Check the dimensions, clearances and electrical requirements for this model before installing it.
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For reheating and defrosting, without the need for an oven mode. The title lists 700 W and six power levels. Measure the appliance’s external dimensions before buying. The installation instructions for this model specify 10 cm at the back, 5 cm at the sides and 20 cm above.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a microwave for simple portions and want to compare the turntable size with your dishes. The title lists 700 W, five power levels, defrosting and a 245 mm turntable. Check the external dimensions and installation instructions separately.
No. Measure the width, height and depth of both the appliance and the space where you plan to put it. Allow room for the door to open and for the clearances listed in the instructions. Capacity describes the cavity, not the space needed to install the appliance.
The grill is for browning or crisping food, but having one doesn’t mean the appliance also has convection cooking. If you plan to cook dishes that would usually go in an oven, look for this function and check the settings on the model you choose.
Only if the space meets the model’s instructions. Whirlpool France advises that the ventilation grilles must not be blocked. Check the instructions for the required clearances and support.
No. For eligible purchases from a professional seller, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies independently of any commercial extension. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request its application. Then compare any additional protection offered under the proposed contract.