Student who mainly reheats and defrosts
If you mostly eat leftovers and ready meals, with the occasional need to defrost food, start by comparing solo models. Check how much space they take up before adding a grill you may not use.
Which option is right for you?
Your choice mainly depends on the meals you prepare at home and the cooking appliances you already have.
Someone living in temporary accommodation
A freestanding model could suit a partially equipped kitchen. Measure the available space, allowing for the door to open and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
Small household without a usable oven
If you plan to bake or roast regularly, consider a combination model with fan-assisted cooking. The feature alone won’t settle the decision: the dimensions, installation instructions and cooking modes must also suit your needs.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the features you’ll actually use, then check that the model you choose can be installed in your home.
| Consideration | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday use | Look for reheating and defrosting functions. Compare the controls based on the settings you want to use. | I mainly reheat meals and defrost food from time to time, so a solo microwave is a good starting point. |
| Browning and cooking | According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill lets you brown dishes, while a combination model adds basic oven cooking functions, including fan-assisted cooking. Check the modes available on the specific model and take into account any oven you already have. | If I want to brown food occasionally, I could consider a grill model. If I also want to bake or roast without a usable oven, I’ll consider a combination model. If the property already has an oven, I’ll check whether this feature would be redundant. |
| Space and ventilation | Compare the width, height and depth with the available space, and remember to allow for the door to open. Follow the clearances in the manual and don’t block the vents. | My worktop needs to accommodate the appliance while it’s in use, not just match the width listed on a product page. |
| Electrical supply | Check the model’s electrical specifications on its product page or rating plate, then compare them with the available socket and circuit. | If I’m unfamiliar with the property, I’ll ask someone to check the installation before ordering if I’m unsure. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Confusing a grill with a fan-assisted combination microwave
A grill lets you brown or gratinate food, but having one doesn’t mean the appliance offers fan-assisted cooking.
Check the cooking modes listed for the exact model if you want to bake or roast without a separate oven.
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Measuring only the available width
The depth, door opening and space needed for ventilation could prevent you from installing an appliance that otherwise fits on your worktop. Whirlpool says that blocked ventilation can cause overheating.
Measure the available space in all three dimensions and follow the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
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Assuming any socket will do
Electrical specifications vary by model. The details for a different model won’t tell you whether the installation at your property is suitable.
Compare the voltage, current and total power listed for the appliance with the available socket and circuit. If you’re unsure, ask the property manager or a qualified professional.
A few examples from leading brands
These examples highlight features and practical considerations to compare; they don’t cover every model from each brand.
Bosch
Two freestanding models let you compare a solo microwave with one that has a grill.
- According to Bosch Home Appliances France, the FFL020MS2 and FEL023MS2 each have a 20 L capacity, 800 W microwave power and dimensions of 260 × 442 × 345 mm.
- The FEL023MS2 adds a grill; these specifications don’t tell you how much ventilation space you’ll need in your kitchen.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding grill model for occasional browning.
- According to Electrolux France, this model has a 21 L capacity, 800 W microwave power and a 1000 W grill.
- Its microwave and grill modes alone don’t confirm that it has fan-assisted cooking to replace an oven.
Whirlpool
The MWF259SG is a freestanding model worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance with several cooking functions.
- Whirlpool France lists a 25 L capacity, microwave and grill functions, and dimensions of 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm for this model.
- Its depth of 46,8 cm needs to be checked against the available space and the installation instructions for this appliance.
Panasonic
The NN-DF385M is a multifunction model to consider if your home doesn’t have a usable oven.
- The manual provided by Panasonic France specifies the clearances required around this model, so you can check whether it will fit in your available space.
- For this model only, Panasonic requires 15 cm above, 10 cm behind, 5 cm on one side and more than 40 cm of clearance on the other side. These distances don’t automatically apply to other appliances.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
These solo and grill models suit the reheating and defrosting needs discussed here, with some also offering browning. If you want to cook with fan-assisted heat without a separate oven, make sure the model you’re considering explicitly includes this feature.
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Beko MGC20100B1, microwave with grill, 20 L
For everyday reheating and defrosting, with a grill for occasional browning. The model name indicates 700 W; check its modes and the specified clearances if you plan to install it in a small space.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), digital microwave, 20 L
An option for reheating and defrosting with digital controls. The product name lists 700 W, six pre-set menus and 11 power levels; check the available space and ventilation instructions before installing it.
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Heinrich’s, solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For everyday reheating and defrosting. The product name mentions six power levels and a 30-minute timer; measure the available space and check the manual for the required clearances.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, microwave, 20 L
Worth considering if your main needs are reheating and defrosting. The product name indicates 700 W; before buying, compare the available space with the appliance’s dimensions and the model’s ventilation instructions.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI, microwave with grill, 25 L
Combines reheating, defrosting and browning in a freestanding appliance. The product name indicates 900 W and Inverter technology; check the dimensions, clearances and cooking modes if you want to replace an oven.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances in the manual for your chosen model and don’t block its vents. For the Panasonic NN-DF385M only, Panasonic France specifies 15 cm above, 10 cm behind, 5 cm on one side and more than 40 cm of clearance on the other side. Don’t use these measurements for a different model.
How can you check whether the electrical installation is suitable?
Compare the voltage, current and total power specified for the model with the socket and circuit in your home. As an example for this specific model, Electrolux France lists 230 V, 10 A and a total power of 1270 W for the EMZ421MMK. These figures don’t confirm that another appliance or your installation is suitable.
Can a combination microwave replace an oven?
A combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking can meet some baking and roasting needs when your home doesn’t have a usable oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these functions from those of a basic microwave with a grill. Check the modes, the space required and the dishes you plan to prepare before choosing.