For a small kitchen, choose a solo microwave if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, a grill model if you’d also like to brown dishes, or a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking if you genuinely need oven-style cooking. Before deciding, check the external dimensions, how the door opens and the clearances specified in the manual. The cavity capacity alone won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit in its intended spot.
If your worktop is narrow, check the appliance’s footprint, how its door opens and the clearances specified in the manual before comparing features. The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how much space you’ll need to install it.
If you mostly want to heat leftovers and ready meals or defrost food, a solo model may suit your needs without paying for an oven-style cooking function you won’t use.
If you also make gratins or dishes that would usually go in the oven, distinguish between a grill, which is designed for browning, and a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking. Let the dishes you plan to make guide your choice.
In student accommodation or a holiday home, first check that the microwave will fit in the space you’ve chosen. Then pick the features that suit the meals you’ll actually be making.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Compare the external dimensions with the space available; check the manual for ventilation and installation requirements. | In a narrow kitchenette, being able to fit the appliance in and open its door comes before its features. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise whether it can be installed in their chosen space. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost setting and internal dimensions if you use large dishes. | If you mainly want to heat leftovers or frozen portions, extra cooking functions may not meet your main need. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill and see which accessories are supplied with the model. | If you’d like to brown or crisp dishes from time to time without using your microwave as your main oven, a grill may be what you’re looking for. This would be a priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Oven-style cooking | Look specifically for fan-assisted cooking or convection; also check the combination model’s footprint. | Without a full-size oven, you may want to cook dishes rather than simply reheat food or brown the top. Around 18% of consumers would prioritise this cooking function. |
The cavity capacity won’t tell you how much worktop depth the microwave takes up or how much space you need in front of the door. For example, Brandt lists external dimensions of 307 × 513 × 412 mm for its 26 L GE2626W.
Measure the space, then compare it with the dimensions and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
A freestanding microwave isn’t automatically designed to be built in. Bosch’s manual for the FFL023M and FFL053M states that they must not be installed or used in a built-in cabinet.
Follow the instructions for the specific model you choose, particularly those covering installation and airflow.
A grill is for browning or crisping the top of a dish; it doesn’t, by itself, mean the microwave has fan-assisted cooking.
If you plan to cook dishes in it regularly as you would in an oven, look for this function in the combination model’s specifications and check that its size suits your kitchen.
The GE2626W is an example of Brandt’s range of freestanding microwaves with a grill.
Samsung describes the MG23T5018AW as a 23 L grill microwave with a defrost function.
The LG MC-8090WH is an example of a freestanding combination microwave with microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking functions.
These Joybuy models are suited to reheating and, where a grill is confirmed, occasional browning. If fan-assisted cooking is your main requirement, check that the appliance you’re considering has this function rather than assuming it does from the word ‘grill’ alone.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, as well as brown dishes occasionally. This freestanding model has mechanical controls. Check the manual for the required clearances and the space needed to open the door.
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One to consider for reheating food and defrosting. If browning is important to you, check that the exact model has a grill: its ‘Solo’ designation doesn’t confirm this feature. Also check the manual for installation clearances.
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Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food. This freestanding model is described as having Quick Defrost and automatic programmes. Check the manual for the required clearances before deciding where to put it.
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This solo model is suited to straightforward reheating with manual controls. It has mechanical controls, power levels and a timer. If you need a dedicated defrost setting, confirm this in the manual, along with the required clearances and space in front of the door.
Don’t assume you can: Bosch’s manual for the FFL023M and FFL053M states that these freestanding models aren’t designed to be installed or used in a built-in cabinet. Check the manual for your chosen model for its installation and ventilation requirements.
A grill can brown or crisp the top of a dish, but it doesn’t guarantee fan-assisted cooking. If you want to cook dishes in it regularly as you would in an oven, look for a combination model with this function and check that it fits in the space available.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. Keep your proof of purchase and the description of the model you ordered in case the appliance you receive doesn’t match that description.
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that a ‘one-for-one’ take-back service may apply when buying an appliance of the same type. Ask the seller about the take-back arrangements for your purchase.