Students who mainly reheat meals
If reheating and defrosting are your main priorities, start by considering a solo model. Still, measure the space available: the capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether it will fit on your worktop.
What will you use it for?
In a small home, your choice largely depends on what you need the microwave to do instead of a conventional oven, if you don’t have one.
For the occasional cheesy topping or browned finish
A grill microwave lets you brown or grill food. It’s a useful extra for occasional use if you don’t need oven-style cooking every day.
For a second home without an oven
If you plan to cook regularly with your microwave, check the specific functions offered by a combination model. Make sure its depth, door opening and required clearances will also work in your space.
What should you check?
Start with the dishes you plan to make, then check that the functions you need suit the model’s dimensions and installation requirements.
Solo microwave
Consider it: if you’ll mainly use it to reheat and defrost food.
Limit: it won’t meet your needs if you want to brown or grill food, or cook with convection heat.
Grill microwave
Consider it: if you’d also like to brown or grill food from time to time.
Limit: having a grill doesn’t mean the microwave also has convection cooking.
Combination microwave
Consider it: if you’ll genuinely use its extra functions for some of the cooking you’d normally do in an oven.
Consideration: check the full installation requirements, including clearances, before deciding where to put it.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need it for |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | Check the model’s product details for microwave, grill and, if needed, convection settings. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions in its buying guide. | I mainly reheat meals, or I’d also like to grill and cook some dishes as I would in an oven. |
| Size | Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth with your available space, and allow room to open the door. Make sure the cavity is big enough for the dishes you use regularly. | I have limited worktop space and need to be able to open the door without moving the microwave. |
| Installation | Check the manual for your exact model for ventilation clearances and air vents. The appliance’s dimensions alone don’t show how much space you’ll need overall. | I plan to put the microwave near a wall or somewhere with limited airflow. |
| Containers | Check the usage instructions for each dish or tray. The DGCCRF advises following the instructions for materials that come into contact with food, including whether they’re suitable for microwave use. | I use containers or dishes that I’d like to put straight into the microwave. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination microwave just to reheat food
Extra functions won’t add much if you don’t use them. For example, the Whirlpool MWF255B combination microwave is 46.8 cm deep, according to Whirlpool France, so you’ll need to check carefully that it will fit.
Make a note of what you’ll use it for regularly: reheating and defrosting, grilling, or oven-style cooking. Then choose the type that covers those needs.
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Comparing capacity in litres alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you the appliance’s external depth or how much room you’ll need to open the door.
Measure your worktop and the space in front of it, then compare those measurements with the exact model’s dimensions and the size of your dishes.
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Assuming any food tray is microwave-safe
A container made for food isn’t necessarily suitable for microwave use. The DGCCRF recommends following the instructions provided for containers.
Before using it, check that the label or instructions explicitly say it’s suitable for microwave use.
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Positioning the appliance without checking the manual
Ventilation helps cool the components, as Electrolux France explains. Even if there seems to be enough room for the appliance, airflow could still be restricted.
Check the installation instructions for your model and keep the specified air vents clear.
Brands to consider
These models give you examples of functions and sizes to compare. The features of one model don’t automatically apply to other appliances from the same brand.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers solo, grill and combination microwaves, including models without a turntable.
- Whirlpool France lists a 25 L capacity, microwave and grill functions, and dimensions of 49 × 32.5 × 46.8 cm for the MWF255B.
- The MWP201W product page says this model is no longer in the range, so its specifications shouldn’t be taken as those of a different model.
Samsung
The MG23K3515AW/EF is an example of a grill microwave to compare with the space you have available.
- Samsung France lists a 23 L capacity and external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 392 mm for this model.
- Its French product page says it’s unavailable. Check the specifications of any other model you’re considering.
LG
The NeoChef range includes solo microwaves, which are different from models fitted with a grill.
- LG France lists a 25 L capacity and dimensions of 47.6 × 27.2 × 36.9 cm for the NeoChef MS2535GIB.
- LG says this model has been discontinued, so its dimensions won’t necessarily apply to another version.
Models to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes solo models and models listed with a grill, so you can compare the functions that may be useful in a studio or second home. If oven-style cooking is important to you, check separately that your chosen model has the functions you need.
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Beko MGC20100B1, grill, 20 L, 700 W, black
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and grill food from time to time. Check the required clearances and the space needed to open the door; a grill function alone doesn’t mean the microwave can cook with convection heat.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, grill, 25 L, white
The grill is handy if you want to brown food occasionally as well as reheat meals. Compare the space you have available with the microwave’s dimensions and the clearances in the manual. If you want oven-style cooking, check the available settings rather than relying on the grill alone.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L, 900 W, black
If you mainly need a microwave for reheating, first check that it will fit on your worktop. The product title describes it as a solo model, while other information mentions a grill, so check its exact functions before choosing it for grilling food. Also check the plug and installation instructions.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L, 700 W
This solo model is worth considering if you mainly want to reheat food. If you need a defrost function, check the manual before buying. Also allow enough room for the specified clearances and to open the door.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, 700 W, black
This solo model offers reheating and defrosting, with digital controls and six pre-set menus listed in its product title. Compare its dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm with your available space, then check the manual for clearance requirements and room to open the door.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for a student studio?
Yes, if you mainly plan to reheat and defrost food. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes grills for browning from the extra functions of combination microwaves for oven-style cooking. Only choose these features if you’ll use them.
Can I put any box or food tray in the microwave?
No. The DGCCRF advises following the instructions for containers that come into contact with food. Check the label or instructions to make sure the container is suitable for microwave use.
Why does the fan sometimes keep running after I switch the microwave off?
The fan may continue to cool the components after use, as Electrolux France explains. Don’t block the air vents, and check your model’s manual if its operation seems unusual.
What should I do with an old microwave in France?
You can take an old microwave to a collection point or recycling centre, return it to a shop, or pass it on to a social enterprise, depending on the options listed by the ministry responsible for ecological transition.