Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions, or a grill model if you would like to brown or grill dishes occasionally. A combination microwave is useful when it genuinely needs to handle convection cooking instead of an oven, while a compact mini oven is a better choice if traditional cooking is your priority and the microwave function is not essential.
You need an appliance for reheating and defrosting without taking up too much space. First check whether your accommodation already provides a microwave or has a communal kitchen: Étudiant.gouv.fr indicates that these arrangements are available in some French halls of residence.
When worktop space is limited, avoid accumulating a microwave, grill and oven unless you genuinely need them. Compare how often you cook in the oven with the appliance’s external dimensions, usable cavity and installation requirements.
A simple appliance is often enough for short stays and reheating meals. UFC-Que Choisir lists second homes among the relevant use cases and distinguishes between solo, grill and combination models according to the cooking functions required.
Start with the meals you usually prepare, then measure the available space before comparing cooking functions. A more versatile appliance is only worthwhile if you will regularly use its additional modes.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the power settings, defrost function and cavity dimensions. Make sure your usual dish will fit inside the appliance. | I want to reheat leftovers and defrost food without adding another appliance. |
| Cooking functions | The grill is used for browning or grilling. Look specifically for convection or fan-assisted cooking if the appliance needs to cover oven-style cooking. | I would like to grill dishes occasionally, without choosing an appliance designed to replace an oven if I will not use that function. |
| Size and installation | Compare the width, height and depth with the available space. For built-in installation, also check the niche dimensions and the manufacturer’s diagram. | My worktop or cabinet is narrow; I need to be able to install the appliance without restricting its ventilation. |
| Replacing your old appliance | Compare the warranty and take-back terms offered. Arrange collection for your old microwave. | I am replacing an existing appliance and want to arrange its collection or drop-off rather than putting it in household waste. |
A combination microwave can add a grill and convection cooking, but it may have a larger footprint. These functions are mainly worthwhile if you regularly prepare dishes that require oven-style cooking.
Make a note of your meals over one week: reheating and defrosting, occasional grilled dishes or genuine oven cooking. Then choose a solo, grill or combination appliance according to how you use it.
Two appliances with a similar capacity can have different depths, widths or cavity layouts. A built-in model also requires a suitable niche.
Measure the available space, the clearance needed to move the appliance into position and the dish you use most, then compare these with the product’s H × W × D dimensions and the niche dimensions where required.
Ventilation removes heat and moisture; a freestanding appliance must not be treated like a built-in model. The vents must not be blocked.
Read the manual and installation diagram for the model you are considering before buying, then follow its installation type, clearance requirements and safety instructions.
A microwave falls under the waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme. Replacing it therefore also means planning for the end of its life.
Before placing your order, check whether the seller offers a take-back service. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition also lists collection points, recycling centres and certain social and solidarity economy organisations.
Worth considering for freestanding microwaves and combination models, particularly if you are looking for a cavity without a turntable or a built-in model with oven functions.
Worth considering for 20 L freestanding models when the aim is reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, browning or grilling in a compact format.
Worth considering for a built-in solution when the kitchen already has a compatible niche and you want to integrate microwave and grill functions.
This Joybuy selection brings together solo microwaves and grill models for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the appliance, grilling dishes in a small kitchen. None of these models is presented here as a combination microwave with convection cooking.
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For reheating, defrosting and grilling dishes in a small kitchen.
Freestanding format measuring 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm, 800 W grill, 245 mm turntable and 9 power levels. The grill does not confirm that it can replace a convection oven; also check the clearance above the appliance in the manual.
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For reheating and defrosting with occasional grilling, without built-in installation.
Freestanding installation, dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm, 29,2 cm turntable, 950 W grill and weight-controlled defrosting. It is not presented as a combination microwave with convection cooking; consult the manual for ventilation clearances.
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For a studio or kitchenette focused on reheating and defrosting.
Dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm, 6 pre-set menus, 11 power levels, express cooking and defrosting by weight or time. With no grill or convection cooking listed, it is not suitable for regular grilling or oven-style cooking.
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For reheating, defrosting and grilling dishes with a 28,8 cm turntable.
25 L cavity, 11 power levels, defrosting by weight or time, grill and combination modes. The specified clearances are 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the back, which is important to consider on a narrow worktop.
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For reheating, defrosting and grilling larger dishes in a freestanding appliance.
Dimensions of 53,6 × 43,6 × 33 cm, 1150 W quartz grill, 8 programmes, multi-stage cooking and defrosting by weight or time. Measure your worktop carefully: this model is not listed with a convection cooking function.
Yes, some foods can be cooked in a microwave, but a solo model is mainly suited to reheating and defrosting. For browning or grilling, look for a grill; for cooking that matches an oven’s basic functions, specifically look for a combination model with convection or fan-assisted cooking.
Measure the available width, height and depth before choosing, then compare these measurements with the appliance’s overall dimensions. For a built-in model, also check the niche dimensions and consult the manual for the exact model’s clearance and ventilation requirements.
No, not without explicit confirmation from the manufacturer that the product is designed for built-in installation and that the niche matches its installation diagram. For example, the Electrolux LMF4263TET specifies a niche of 380 × 562 × 500 mm, while the Bosch FFL020MS2 and FEL023MS2 are freestanding models.
It is classified as waste electrical and electronic equipment. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists drop-off at a collection point or recycling centre, returning it to a retailer and donating it to a social and solidarity economy organisation; check the options available when replacing the appliance.