Students and studio flat renters
If you mainly reheat leftovers and defrost food, first consider whether you’d genuinely use a grill or oven function. Que Choisir lists student accommodation as one situation where a microwave can come in handy.
Who is this choice for?
People with a second home
If you only stay there occasionally, compare the functions with the meals you prepare there and measure the space available. Que Choisir also lists second homes as a place where a microwave can be useful.
Small kitchens without a separate oven
A grill can help you brown food, while a combination microwave adds oven-style cooking options. Check that the dishes you plan to cook will fit inside and that the appliance can be installed as instructed in its manual.
What should you check?
Start with the meals you prepare, then match the useful functions to the space you actually have.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the power and timer settings, as well as the defrost function on the model you’re considering. | I mainly reheat portions and defrost food; I wouldn’t get much use out of extra cooking functions. |
| Browning | Look for a grill function if you want to brown food. Que Choisir assesses grill browning separately from reheating, so compare these results for the models you’re interested in. | I’d like to brown some dishes without giving up space for a separate appliance. |
| Oven-style cooking | For a combination microwave, check whether it has a fan oven function, the cavity dimensions and any accessories your recipes require. Que Choisir describes this type of microwave as bringing together several cooking modes. | I don’t have a separate oven and often cook dishes that need more than just reheating. |
| Installation | Measure the width, height and depth, and allow for the door to open. Follow the clearances in the manual: Whirlpool, for example, says to keep its appliances’ vents unobstructed. | The microwave needs to fit in its space without blocking the door or vents. |
What should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination microwave just to brown a few dishes
A combination microwave adds cooking modes that may go unused if you almost always just reheat and defrost. If you only want to brown food occasionally, a grill function is a more targeted option.
Make a note of the meals you regularly prepare before deciding whether you’d use the fan oven function.
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Comparing capacity without measuring the appliance
The cavity capacity in litres won’t tell you whether the microwave will fit on your worktop. For example, Whirlpool’s MWF259SG product details give its dimensions as 49 cm wide, 32,5 cm high and 46,8 cm deep, with a weight of 19,6 kg.
Compare the external dimensions of your chosen model with the space available, allowing for the door to open and following the instructions in its manual.
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Putting a freestanding model in an enclosed cupboard
Whirlpool warns that obstructed ventilation can cause overheating. So, just because an appliance fits in a cupboard doesn’t mean it’s suitable for installation there.
Check the model’s manual to find out where it can be placed, and keep its vents clear.
Which brands should you compare?
Whirlpool
The range includes freestanding microwaves and models with several functions.
- According to Whirlpool’s product details, the MWF259SG combines microwave and grill functions in a 25 L cavity without a turntable.
- Check its dimensions and weight against the space available; they don’t represent other models in the range.
Panasonic
The NN-GD35 and NN-CT57RM illustrate options with a grill and multiple cooking modes respectively.
- Panasonic lists a grill and automatic defrost function for the NN-GD35; the NN-CT57RM also has convection cooking.
- Check the functions and dimensions of the specific model rather than assuming they apply to the entire range.
Samsung
Samsung separates its freestanding models into Solo, Grill and Combination ranges.
- This makes it easier to start with the functions that suit the meals you usually prepare.
- Then compare the specifications and installation requirements for each model.
Microwaves to explore on Joybuy
These solo and grill models let you explore options for reheating and defrosting, with or without occasional browning. If you also want oven-style cooking, check the functions of a combination microwave separately.
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Heinrich's solo microwave 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting make up most of your microwave use. The title lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer; check the manual to see how much space to leave around the appliance.
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Beko MGC20100B1 grill microwave 20 L, 700 W
Worth a look if you’d like to add browning to your everyday reheating. The title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W power; check the manual for full installation requirements.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) microwave 20 L, 700 W
A straightforward option to compare for reheating and defrosting portions. The title lists 11 power levels and six pre-set programmes; check the model documentation for its dimensions and required clearances.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo microwave 23 L
Worth comparing if you mainly want to reheat and defrost, without a listed grill function. Check that its 23 L capacity, external dimensions and required clearances suit your kitchen.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih grill microwave 25 L
Worth considering if you want to brown food as well as reheat and defrost. The title lists a 25 L capacity; check the power ratings for each function and the ventilation requirements in the model documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a freestanding microwave in a cupboard?
Only if the model’s manual allows it and its vents remain clear. Whirlpool recommends placing freestanding models on a flat surface and warns that obstructed ventilation can cause overheating. Measure the cupboard before you buy.
Can a combination microwave always replace an oven?
No. A combination microwave with a grill and fan oven function can handle some oven-style cooking, but check that its cavity, accessories and cooking modes suit the dishes you prepare.