People who mainly reheat meals
You want to reheat, defrost and prepare simple meals without giving up space for cooking functions you’re unlikely to use.
Who is this guide for?
Small kitchens where you occasionally brown dishes
You’d like to brown some dishes, but need to check whether a model with a grill will fit before considering a combination microwave.
Kitchens with a built-in housing
You want to free up worktop space. The dimensions of the housing and the installation instructions for the built-in model matter more than the look of its front.
What should you look for?
First, measure the space and decide between a freestanding and a built-in model. Then consider whether you need your microwave just to reheat food, or whether you’ll use a grill or fan-assisted cooking.
| Criterion | What to check | Who might prioritise it? |
|---|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | If my worktop is narrow, I want to fit the appliance without losing the space I need to prepare meals; around 40% of consumers might make size their priority. |
| Simple reheating | Check that the turntable can accommodate your usual dishes; compare the defrost settings if you expect to use them. | I mainly reheat and defrost meals and don’t need oven functions; this simplicity might be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Grill or fan-assisted cooking | Know the difference between a grill, which is particularly useful for browning dishes, and the fan-assisted cooking in a combination model; check the settings on the specific model. | If I want to brown dishes or cook more than just reheat food on a regular basis, cooking functions come first; around 20% of consumers might prioritise them. |
| Fitting into a housing | Check the model’s built-in dimensions against the existing housing and follow its installation instructions. | If I already have a housing, I want to free up worktop space without choosing an appliance that won’t fit the unit; built-in installation might be the priority for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by capacity without measuring the space
Two microwaves with similar capacities may have different depths. Built-in appliance dimensions also differ from those of the housing: Electrolux specifies a housing size of 380 × 562 × 500 mm for the LMF4263TET.
Measure your worktop or cabinet, then compare those measurements with the dimensions and installation requirements in the instructions for the model you’re considering.
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Choosing a combination microwave just for reheating
Fan-assisted cooking in a combination microwave is designed for a different purpose from everyday reheating. Size is also worth considering: Whirlpool lists the MCP349WH as 49,4 cm deep and weighing 18,6 kg.
Start with the dishes you actually prepare: consider a solo microwave for reheating, a grill for browning, or a combination model if you expect to use its additional cooking functions.
Brands to consider for these types of microwave
Bosch
Freestanding models to consider if you’re choosing between a solo microwave and one with a grill.
- Bosch describes the FFL020MS2 as a freestanding model and the FEL023MS2 as a freestanding model with a grill.
- Compare the dimensions and functions of the specific models: being from the same brand doesn’t mean they’ll take up the same amount of space.
Whirlpool
Models to consider for combination cooking, either freestanding or in a suitable cabinet.
- Whirlpool says the freestanding MCP349WH combination microwave has fan-assisted cooking; the WMD44MWF is described as a built-in model.
- Whirlpool lists the MCP349WH as 49,4 cm deep. Before choosing the WMD44MWF, check the housing dimensions and installation instructions.
Electrolux
A brand to consider if you need to check whether a built-in model will fit an existing cabinet.
- Electrolux lists built-in dimensions of 380 × 562 × 500 mm for the LMF4263TET.
- These dimensions apply to the LMF4263TET, not to other models or every housing.
Samsung
Solo models to consider if the size of your dishes matters as much as the stated capacity.
- Samsung lists a 28,8 cm turntable for the MS23K3614.
- This measurement applies to the MS23K3614 only: check the turntable and external dimensions separately for any other model.
Freestanding microwaves on Joybuy
These freestanding models are mainly for reheating and, in some cases, using a grill. Compare their dimensions and specific settings with the dishes you use and the space available. If your kitchen has a built-in housing, look for a model explicitly designed for built-in installation.
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Samsung MS23K3513 Solo Quick Defrost, 23 L
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost, without needing a grill. It has a stated capacity of 23 L; check its depth and the required clearances before deciding where to put it on your worktop.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H Solo, 25 L
Worth comparing for reheating, with a stated capacity of 25 L and power of 900 W. If you also want to brown dishes, check the H25MOBS7H’s instructions before buying: its “Solo” designation doesn’t match the references to a grill.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Worth considering if you want to brown dishes as well as reheat food. The listing states a capacity of 20 L and power of 700 W; check that your dishes fit on the turntable and that the space meets this model’s clearance requirements.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter with grill, 25 L
Worth considering for reheating and browning dishes, provided you have enough space for this freestanding model. The listing states a capacity of 25 L and power of 900 W; if you also want fan-assisted cooking, check that this setting is listed in the EMZ725MMTI documentation.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih with grill, 25 L
Worth considering if you want to reheat and brown dishes with a freestanding model. The listing states a capacity of 25 L; check the installation clearances and the grill’s exact power in the MH 6535 gih documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a freestanding microwave in a housing?
Don’t assume a freestanding model can be built in. Look for an appliance explicitly designed for built-in installation, compare its dimensions with the cabinet and follow its instructions. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing size of 380 × 562 × 500 mm for the LMF4263TET.
Do you need a combination microwave to reheat meals?
No. You don’t need a combination microwave just to reheat or defrost food. Consider fan-assisted cooking if you expect to use it regularly, then check that the model’s dimensions suit your kitchen.
Do you need an extended warranty for protection in France?
No. You don’t need a commercial extended warranty to benefit from the legal guarantee of conformity. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, this applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional. Check the services and exclusions of any extended warranty separately.
Does condensation after reheating always mean there’s a fault?
No. Moisture can come from the food being heated, as Electrolux explains. Follow your model’s care instructions. If the condensation seems unusual or continues, contact the appropriate service team rather than taking the appliance apart.