Students who mainly reheat and defrost
For portions, leftovers, drinks or frozen meals, a standard microwave covers the uses described by UFC-Que Choisir, without adding oven-style cooking features you won’t use.
Which type is right for you?
Renters with limited worktop space
Compare the appliance’s width, depth and height with the space available. Also check how the door opens and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
People who cook without access to an oven
If pizza, gratins or cakes feature regularly in your meals, distinguish between a grill, which browns food, and a combination microwave with convection. UFC-Que Choisir describes the latter as offering oven-style cooking; you’ll still need to check how much space your chosen model requires.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the meals you actually make, then check that the appliance and its installation requirements are right for your kitchen.
| Criterion | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check that it has the functions you’ll use and that the controls are easy to operate for everyday tasks. | I mainly reheat portions or leftovers and defrost food: a standard microwave may be enough. |
| Cooking modes | Know the difference between a grill, which browns food, and the convection function on a combination microwave. Check which modes the model actually offers. | For the occasional crispy topping, I’d look at a model with a grill. If I regularly make dishes that need oven-style cooking, I’d also compare combination models and consider whether I have access to a separate oven. |
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the room needed to open the door. Follow the clearances in the manual and check whether the appliance is freestanding or built-in. | My worktop space is limited: I need to allow for the required clearance around the appliance, not just check that it fits on the unit. |
| Containers | Check which materials are suitable for each mode. UFC-Que Choisir rules out metal utensils for microwave mode and notes that plastic suitable for microwave use may not be suitable for the grill or convection modes. | If I switch between reheating and grilling, I want to choose a container that’s suitable for the mode I’m using, rather than assume one container works for both. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination model when you mainly reheat food
Its cooking functions can make some models take up more space: the Whirlpool MWSC833W is 54 cm deep, compared with 34.5 cm for the Bosch FFL020MS2 and FEL023MS2, according to the manufacturers’ specifications.
Think about the meals you usually make. If you already have access to an oven and mainly want to reheat or defrost food, compare standard models first; if you want to brown food, look at models with a grill.
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Measuring only the width
An appliance may fit on the worktop but leave too little room to open the door or allow proper ventilation.
Measure all three dimensions of the space and check the clearances required in the model’s manual. Whirlpool says that the ventilation openings on a freestanding appliance must not be blocked.
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Using the same container in every mode
UFC-Que Choisir advises that plastic suitable for microwave mode isn’t necessarily suitable for the grill or convection modes. Metal utensils should not be used in microwave mode.
Check the container’s markings and the appliance manual for each mode you select; don’t heat a sealed container.
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Confusing freestanding and built-in models
A built-in model needs a compatible housing and installation. For example, Bosch describes the CMA485GB2 as a built-in appliance measuring 454 × 594 × 570 mm, which doesn’t automatically make it suitable for a rented studio kitchen.
Before considering a built-in appliance, check the installation type specified by the manufacturer and what your home can accommodate.
A guide to some of the brands
Bosch
Bosch France’s product pages feature standard freestanding microwaves, models with a grill and built-in combination appliances.
- The FFL020MS2 and FEL023MS2 are 20 l freestanding models, each measuring 260 × 442 × 345 mm; the latter has a grill.
- The CMA485GB2 is a built-in combination model, so it needs a compatible housing and installation.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France distinguishes between standard microwave, grill and combination cooking with oven-style functions.
- The MWSC833W combines microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking, according to Whirlpool France’s product page.
- This model measures 49 × 37.3 × 54 cm: compare its depth with the space available and the clearances specified in the manual.
Samsung
Samsung France divides its freestanding range into Solo, Grill and Combination models.
- This distinction helps you separate reheating and defrosting from the need to brown food or cook using other modes.
- Samsung’s general ventilation clearances don’t replace the instructions for the specific model you choose.
Standard and grill microwaves on Joybuy
These models are suited to reheating and defrosting, with grill options for anyone who also wants to brown food. Compare the listed features, then check the dimensions and installation instructions for the model you choose.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 l microwave with grill
Worth considering if you want to brown food as well as reheat it. The product name lists a 20 l capacity and 700 W power; check the dimensions and ventilation clearances before installation.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 l standard microwave
For reheating and defrosting, without the need for a grill function. The product name mentions rapid defrost, an LED display, 23 l and 1150 W; check what the stated power refers to, as well as the space needed for installation.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI, 25 l microwave with grill
An option to consider if you want to brown food as well as reheat it. The product name lists a 25 l freestanding Inverter appliance, 900 W and a titanium finish; measure the space and check the manual for ventilation requirements.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 l microwave
For reheating, with additional modes to explore if you also want to brown food. The product name lists a 25 l capacity and 1000 W; check the full range of cooking modes, dimensions and ventilation instructions before choosing.
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Galanz P4, 20 l microwave, -Type Plug (230) variant
Worth considering for reheating meals in a small home. The product name lists a 20 l capacity; confirm the external dimensions, the electrical plug for this variant and the installation instructions before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is a standard microwave enough for student accommodation?
Yes, if you mainly reheat portions and defrost food. Based on the distinctions made by UFC-Que Choisir, it won’t replace a grill for browning food or a convection appliance for oven-style cooking.
When should you choose a grill rather than a combination model?
Choose a model with a grill if you mainly want to brown food or give it a crispy topping. If you’ll regularly use oven-style cooking, consider a combination model with convection instead, while checking that you have space for it in your kitchen.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances specified in the model’s manual and don’t block its ventilation openings. Samsung France gives a general guideline of 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, but notes that requirements vary by appliance.
Can you use a metal container in microwave mode?
No: UFC-Que Choisir advises against metal containers and utensils in this mode. Also check the instructions for each container before using the grill or convection modes; plastic that’s suitable for microwave use isn’t automatically suitable for these modes.