In a small kitchen, a solo microwave is a good choice if you mainly reheat and defrost food. Choose a model with a grill if you’d also like to brown certain dishes. If you don’t have an oven and plan to cook using fan-assisted heat, consider a combination microwave instead. In every case, compare the external dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the clearances specified in the manual. Capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether it will fit.
Your choice depends less on the type of home you live in than on the meals you want to prepare and the space you actually have available.
In a studio flat or shared house, a solo microwave may be all you need for reheating and defrosting. If you’d also like to brown dishes or cook without an oven, look at models with grill or combination functions. UFC-Que Choisir lists student accommodation as one of the settings in which microwaves are used.
If some of your meals need browning or fan-assisted cooking, make sure you understand the difference between these two functions before choosing. Then check that the appliance, its open door and the ventilation clearances will all fit in the space you have in mind.
For a kitchen you use occasionally, choose the functions that suit the dishes you prepare there. UFC-Que Choisir lists holiday homes as one setting in which microwaves are used, and notes that a combination model can bring together microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking functions.
Start with the dishes you want to prepare, then check the installation requirements and the cookware needed for each cooking mode.
| Consideration | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | A solo model is mainly for reheating and defrosting; a grill adds browning. If you want to cook using fan-assisted heat, check that the combination model you’re considering has this function. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these three uses. | I mainly reheat meals: a solo model may be enough. If I want to brown dishes, I’ll look for a grill; if I don’t have a conventional oven, I’ll consider a combination model if I’m genuinely going to use the fan-assisted cooking function. |
| Available space | Compare the external width, height and depth, the door opening and the size of the dishes you use. Allow for the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. Whirlpool France notes that the ventilation openings on a freestanding appliance must not be obstructed. | My worktop is short or shallow: I’ll measure the whole space rather than relying on the cavity capacity in litres alone. |
| Cookware | Check that your cookware is suitable for the mode you’re using, and follow the instructions on food packaging. UFC-Que Choisir points out that plastic suitable for microwave use is not necessarily suitable for the grill or convection cooking. Avoid sealed containers too. | If I switch from reheating to grilling, I want to be able to use cookware that’s suitable for high temperatures, rather than automatically reaching for containers intended only for microwave use. |
| Use and maintenance | Check the manual, the accessories included and the after-sales service arrangements for the model you choose. In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity from a professional seller is separate from any commercial guarantee, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy. | I want to understand how to use the programmes I’m interested in and know who to contact if the appliance develops a fault. |
A grill can brown food, but having one doesn’t mean the appliance can cook like a conventional oven. UFC-Que Choisir notes that fan-assisted cooking is available on combination models equipped with this function.
Make a note of the dishes you prepare regularly: reheating, browning or oven cooking. Choose the corresponding function rather than assuming a grill can do all three.
Depth and ventilation clearances matter too. For example, Whirlpool France lists a depth of 54 cm and a weight of 27,45 kg for its MWSC9133SB combination microwave; these measurements don’t apply to all combination models.
Measure your worktop and the space needed to open the door, then check the manual for the clearances required to install the specific model you’ve chosen.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a plastic container that’s suitable for microwave use must not be used with the grill or convection function. A sealed container can also build up dangerous pressure.
Check the instructions for the container, appliance and food packaging before switching cooking modes. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for microwaveable food.
For purchases from a professional seller in France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity is separate from any optional commercial guarantee, according to the Ministry of the Economy.
Keep your proof of purchase and the seller’s details. If the appliance develops a fault that may be covered by the conformity guarantee, contact the seller to discuss the remedies available.
These models illustrate different configurations to compare. The features listed don’t apply to every model in each brand’s range.
The LG MS2032GASW is a 20 L solo model. LG France lists external dimensions of 454 × 261 × 328 mm.
The Samsung MS23K3515AS is a 23 L solo model, measuring 489 × 275 × 374 mm externally, according to Samsung France.
Whirlpool France describes the MCP 345 WH as a 25 L microwave with a grill, and the MWSC9133SB as a 33 L combination model.
This selection includes solo models for reheating and defrosting, as well as a model with a grill for browning dishes. For each appliance, check the dimensions and installation requirements before deciding whether it’s right for your small kitchen.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you mainly need to reheat or defrost meals and don’t need a grill.
The product name lists six power levels, a 30-minute timer, a defrost function and a turntable. Check the manual for the space needed to install it and the power socket requirements.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d like to brown certain dishes as well as reheat them.
The product name lists a microwave power output of 700 W. Check the manual for all the required clearances, especially above the appliance. If you want to cook using fan-assisted heat, check separately whether this function is included.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if you’d prefer digital controls.
The product name lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six pre-set menus. Before setting aside space for it, check the order of the external dimensions and the required clearances in the manual.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 25 L cavity, provided the appliance and its required clearances fit the space you have available.
The product name lists 900 W and describes a solo model. If browning or fan-assisted cooking is essential to your purchase, check the exact functions in the manual for this model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you prioritise reheating and defrosting over grilling.
The product name mentions Quick Defrost and an LED display. Check the manual for ventilation clearances before comparing its dimensions with your worktop.
It can handle some oven cooking if the model has the necessary functions, particularly fan-assisted cooking. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes combination models from those with a grill only. Before choosing, check the cooking modes, the size of your dishes, the accessories and the space needed for installation.
Capacity describes the cavity, not the amount of worktop space the appliance takes up. For example, LG France lists dimensions of 454 × 261 × 328 mm for its 20 L MS2032GASW solo model, while Samsung France lists 489 × 275 × 374 mm for its 23 L MS23K3515AS solo model. Also compare the size of your dishes, the door opening and the clearances specified in the manual.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a plastic container suitable for microwave use must not be used with the grill or convection function. Check the instructions for the container and appliance for each cooking mode. For food in packaging, follow the preparation instructions too, as recommended by Anses.
Old microwaves should be taken to an electrical and electronic equipment collection point. ADEME lists options including recycling centres, shops, charities and reuse organisations. Check the arrangements at your chosen collection point before you go.