Student or studio resident without an oven
If you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, start by looking at basic models. Measure the available worktop space before choosing the capacity.
Who is each option for?
Student accommodation and second homes are among the situations highlighted by UFC-Que Choisir. In a kitchen without an oven, your choice will mainly depend on how often you want to cook or brown dishes.
Owner of a basic second home
For occasional stays, choose the functions you need for the meals you’ll prepare there. A grill is useful if you want to brown dishes; consider a combination model if you also plan to cook using fan-assisted heat.
Small-kitchen resident without a conventional oven
If the appliance needs to handle some of the cooking you’d normally do in an oven, look at combination models with fan-assisted cooking. Make sure the appliance and the clearances specified in its manual will fit in the space you have in mind.
What should you check before choosing?
First decide whether you need to brown food or cook using fan-assisted heat. Then compare the dimensions of each appliance with the size of the dishes you’ll use.
Basic microwave
Choose this: if you want to reheat and defrost food without grilling or fan-assisted cooking.
The trade-off: it won’t meet your needs if you want to brown dishes or cook them as you would in an oven.
Microwave with grill
Choose this: if you’d like to brown a dish occasionally as well as reheat food.
The trade-off: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has fan-assisted cooking.
Combination microwave
Choose this: if you genuinely plan to cook and brown dishes in a kitchen without an oven.
The trade-off: check its size before setting aside space for it on a small worktop.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes models with a grill, which can brown dishes, from combination models that also offer fan-assisted cooking. These functions determine how you can use each appliance, but don’t guarantee the results you’ll get with a particular recipe.
| Feature | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Check the microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking functions separately. Make sure the model you’re considering offers the modes you need. | I mainly reheat and defrost food: extra functions will only be useful if I also plan to brown or cook dishes. |
| Size | Compare the appliance’s external width, depth and height with the space available. Allow room for the door to open and for the clearances specified in the manual. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to open the appliance and still have enough space to prepare meals. |
| Installation | Check whether it’s a freestanding or built-in model. For a freestanding appliance, provide a flat surface and keep the vents clear, as instructed in the manual. | If the appliance needs to fit inside a cupboard or in a corner of the worktop, I’ll check the model’s installation instructions before buying it. |
| Dish size | Compare your dishes with the turntable and the internal dimensions, if provided. The capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether a particular dish will fit. | My usual plates and dishes need to fit inside the cavity and be suitable for use as instructed by the appliance manual. |
| Containers | Check that your container and accessories are suitable for the selected mode. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between using plastic in microwave mode and using it with the grill or convection function. | If I switch between reheating and grilling, I won’t assume that a microwave-safe container is also suitable for the other mode. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination model for oven cooking you won’t do
Grill and fan-assisted cooking functions won’t be useful if you only need to reheat and defrost food. A larger appliance could also take up space you need for preparing meals.
Make a note of the dishes you genuinely plan to cook at home. If you don’t need to brown food or use fan-assisted cooking, start by looking at basic models.
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Comparing capacity in litres alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you how much worktop space the appliance will take up or how much room you’ll need to open the door. According to their respective specifications, the Panasonic NN-E20JW is 330 mm deep and the LG MJ3965ACW is 52.5 cm deep.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the external dimensions and required clearances for the model you’re considering.
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Blocking the ventilation
Whether an appliance can be placed in a particular spot depends on its installation instructions, not just its dimensions. Whirlpool recommends placing it on a flat surface and keeping the ventilation openings clear.
Follow the instructions for your chosen model. If you want to install it in a cupboard, choose an appliance designed for built-in installation and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
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Using the same container in every mode
UFC-Que Choisir says that plastic suitable for microwave mode shouldn’t be used when the grill or convection function is operating. A sealed container can also create a risk of pressure build-up.
Check the instructions for both the container and appliance for each mode, and don’t heat a sealed container.
A few brands and models to consider
These examples illustrate different functions and sizes; you should still check the specifications and manual for the model you’re considering.
Panasonic
The NN-E20JW is an example of a basic freestanding microwave. Panasonic France lists a capacity of 20 L and dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm.
- Worth considering if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food.
- If you want to brown food or cook using fan-assisted heat, look for a model that explicitly offers these functions.
Bosch
The FEL023MS2 is a freestanding microwave with a grill. Bosch Electroménager France lists a 20 L cavity, a maximum microwave power of 800 W and eight automatic programmes.
- The grill is useful if you want to brown food as well as reheat it.
- If you need fan-assisted cooking, check that it’s included on the model you choose rather than assuming it comes with the grill.
LG
The MJ3965ACW is a 39 L combination microwave with convection. LG France lists external dimensions of 54.4 × 32.7 × 52.5 cm.
- Its cooking modes are worth considering if you plan to use the appliance for more than reheating.
- Measure the available depth and check the required clearances before planning where to install it.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding microwaves and publishes useful installation advice to help you decide where to place them.
- Whirlpool’s guidance reminds you to place the appliance on a flat surface and keep the vents clear.
- The dimensions and clearances to follow depend on the instructions for each model.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes basic models, models with a grill and a combination model to consider, depending on the space available and the cooking you plan to do. Check the functions and installation instructions for the model you’re interested in.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with the option to brown a dish from time to time. The title lists a grill, a capacity of 20 L and microwave power of 700 W. Check the installation clearances and the size of your dishes before deciding where to place it.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter with grill, 25 L, 900 W
This model with a grill is suited to a mix of reheating and browning. Its title lists a capacity of 25 L and power of 900 W. If your worktop is narrow, measure the space and check the external dimensions, door opening and clearances specified in the manual.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB 3-in-1 combination microwave, 42 L
Worth considering if you plan to cook more than just reheat food. The title describes a 42 L 3-in-1 combination model; check its specifications for the modes you need for your recipes. Before setting aside space for it, check its external dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food. The title lists a capacity of 20 L and power of 700 W. If you’d also like to brown dishes, check that the model you choose has a grill; whatever you choose, check its ventilation requirements.
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Hkoenig VIO8 freestanding microwave, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in a small kitchen. The title lists a capacity of 20 L and power of 700 W. Check that your dishes will fit inside and that the space meets the ventilation clearances in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
Is a basic microwave enough for a small kitchen without an oven?
Yes, if you mainly plan to reheat and defrost food. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from browning food with a grill and cooking with fan-assisted heat on combination models. Choose these extra functions if you genuinely plan to use them.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in any corner?
No. You need to follow the appliance’s instructions. Whirlpool recommends a flat surface and clear vents, and its installation advice specifies a room temperature of between 5 and 35 °C. Check the clearances for the model you choose rather than assuming it’s enough for the appliance to fit.
Is a microwave-safe plastic container also suitable for the grill?
No, not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir explains that plastic suitable for microwave mode shouldn’t be used with the grill or convection function. Check the instructions for the container and appliance for the mode you plan to use.