Students in halls with a kitchenette
You’re after a compact appliance for everyday meals while following your residence rules. Crous regulations allow microwaves, but specific conditions may apply depending on the residence.
What will you use it for?
Small holiday homes
A solo microwave covers reheating and defrosting without adding another cooking appliance. A combi only becomes relevant if you’ll use its oven-style functions regularly.
People who want to brown and crisp
If you often reheat dishes that need browning, a grill model can meet the need without moving up to convection. A combi is better for more frequent oven-style cooking.
Buying priorities
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mostly reheat dishes, defrost food and occasionally cook in the microwave.
Limitation: it doesn’t brown and won’t replace an oven for preparations that need browning or convection.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you also want to brown the odd dish, toasties, pizzas or desserts.
Limitation: the grill provides browning, but doesn’t automatically give you the possibilities of a convection oven.
Combi microwave
Choose this if: you plan to use the grill and convection regularly to reduce reliance on a separate oven.
Limitation: these appliances can be deeper; cooking results depend on the model and the programme used.
| Priority | What to check | Usage needs |
|---|---|---|
| Features you’ll actually use | Identify the available modes: microwave, grill, then convection. Also check the turntable diameter and the internal dimensions for your plates and dishes. | I mainly want to reheat and defrost: a solo model may be enough. If my dishes often need browning, I’ll look at a grill; for regular oven-style cooking, I’ll consider a combi. |
| Footprint and ventilation | Compare width, height and depth with the real space, door included. Check the clearances around the appliance in the manual for the exact model. | My worktop is limited: I measure the available space before choosing a capacity in litres. Capacity alone doesn’t tell you whether the appliance or my dishes will fit. |
| Residence rules and containers | Reread the residence regulations and any local conditions. For the grill or convection, use heat-safe containers according to the manufacturer’s guidance. | I must be able to cook without breaching the accommodation rules. A container suitable for microwave use isn’t necessarily suitable for a grill or convection programme. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing a combi just for its versatility
If your use is limited to reheating and defrosting, extra functions can take up more space without improving your everyday meals.
Note the meals you actually make over a week: solo for reheating and defrosting, grill for browning, combi if convection genuinely replaces some oven use.
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Measuring the space without allowing for airflow
A freestanding appliance can slide into a recess yet fail to meet the clearances needed for installation.
Record the available width, height and depth, then add the distances specified in the manual. Do not build in a freestanding model unless the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.
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Using a plastic container with the grill or convection
A plastic that’s microwave-safe may not withstand the temperatures reached in grill or convection modes.
Reserve plastic for uses explicitly intended in microwave mode and choose heat-safe dishes for other programmes, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Assuming all student residences have the same rules
Crous regulations state that specific conditions can complement the residence’s general rules.
Before buying, check the local rules and the equipment already provided so you choose an appliance that complies with your accommodation’s guidance.
A guide to microwave brands
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding solo, grill and combi microwaves, letting you compare sizes and functions for a small kitchen.
- The MWP201SB is listed as a 20 L solo microwave measuring 45.2 × 26.2 × 35 cm.
- The MCP349WH is listed at 25 L with convection and measures 52 × 30.1 × 49.4 cm.
- The Crisp functions and the cooking results claimed by the brand don’t replace an independent comparison between models.
Electrolux
Electrolux is worth a look for a freestanding grill microwave when you want to switch between daily reheating and occasional browning.
- The EMZ421MMK lists 21 L, with microwave, grill and microwave + grill modes.
- Its stated dimensions are 44.2 × 26.2 × 34.5 cm.
- These specifications refer to this specific model and don’t describe the entire Electrolux range.
Brandt
Brandt notably offers freestanding grill microwaves with mid-range capacity for people using larger plates or dishes.
- The GE2626W is listed as a 26 L microwave + grill with a 32 cm turntable.
- The product page states 900 W in microwave mode and 1,000 W for the grill.
- At 51.3 × 30.7 × 41.2 cm, this model requires careful checking of the available space and its installation manual.
Joybuy products for a kitchenette
This Joybuy selection brings together solo microwaves and grill models to reheat, defrost and, depending on the model, brown in a small kitchen.
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Beko MGC20100B1 20 L grill microwave
For reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a kitchenette.
20 L, 700 W, 800 W grill, 245 mm turntable, nine power levels and a freestanding format of 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm.
Check the full manual for the required clearance above the appliance. In grill mode, use heat-safe dishes.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) 20 L microwave
A simple option for everyday meals focused on reheating and defrosting.
20 L, 700 W, 11 power levels, six preset menus, quick start and defrost by weight or time. External dimensions: 44 × 31.9 × 25.9 cm.
Grill and convection are not specified; check ventilation distances in the manual before installation.
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LG MH6535GIS 25 L grill microwave
Suitable for reheating or defrosting meals, with a grill to brown certain dishes.
25 L, 950 W grill, 29.2 cm turntable, automatic programmes and five power levels. Freestanding format: 47 × 26 × 37 cm.
Check the clearances in the MH6535GIS manual and choose containers compatible with the grill.
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Samsung MS23K3513 23 L solo microwave
For daily reheating and defrosting with automatic programmes.
23 L, stated microwave power 800 W, 29 automatic programmes and a 28.8 cm turntable. Dimensions: 48.9 × 27.5 × 37.4 cm.
Grill and convection are not specified; check the required clearances in the manual before positioning.
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Heinrich's compact solo microwave 20 L
A solo model for reheating, defrosting and simple preparations in a small space.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute timer, defrost function and 9.6-inch turntable. Dimensions: 44.6 × 36.3 × 24.3 cm.
Grill and convection are not specified. See the manual for ventilation distances before placing it near a wall or in a recess.
Frequently asked questions
Is a microwave allowed in a Crous residence?
The internal regulations for Crous university residences allow microwaves while banning, in particular, gas appliances, hobs and other cooking appliances apart from microwaves. Specific conditions may complement these rules: check the guidance, the check-in inventory and your residence rules.
What ventilation gap should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the manual for the specific model, as there’s no universal distance. For example, the Schneider SCMWN20SDG manual states at least 10 cm at the back, 5 cm on the sides and 20 cm above; these values don’t automatically apply to other appliances.
Can you use the same containers in microwave and grill modes?
Not always. UFC-Que Choisir notes that plastic can be used with the microwave function, but not in grill or convection modes, where the heat can melt it; don’t use a metal container in microwave mode either.
Is a combi necessarily better than a solo microwave?
No: it adds a grill and convection, but its value depends on how often you cook as you would in an oven. UFC-Que Choisir evaluates defrosting, heating uniformity, the grill, combined cooking and convection separately: the “combi” label alone doesn’t predict a model’s results.