If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave may be all you need. Choose a model with a grill for browning dishes, and only opt for a combination model if you’ll genuinely use its oven mode. ‘Combination’ doesn’t necessarily mean fan-assisted cooking, so check the exact cooking modes and the space required for the appliance.
If you mainly reheat and defrost food, a solo model can cover the essentials without adding grill or oven functions. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide distinguishes between solo, grill and combination models according to how they are used.
A model with a grill is worth considering if you want to brown your meals without necessarily needing all the functions of an oven. Whirlpool France lists the MWP 253 B as a microwave with a grill.
A combination model may suit you if you plan to use its oven mode and have a suitable place for it. Check the model’s heating system: Panasonic describes the NN-DF38PBEPG as having top and bottom heating, not fan-assisted cooking.
Start with how you’ll use the microwave most often, then check the model’s functions and the space needed to install it. Extra features don’t override the rules that apply to your home.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the controls, manual settings and defrost function on the exact model you’re considering. | If I mainly want to reheat meals and defrost food without fiddling with lots of settings, I’ll look for simple controls; around 31% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Having an oven mode | Check the exact heating mode: Panasonic states that the NN-DF38PBEPG has top and bottom heating from 30 to 200 °C. | If I want to cook with one appliance and no separate oven, I’ll check that its oven mode suits the recipes I plan to make; around 19% of consumers prioritise this function. |
| Browning dishes | Look specifically for a grill mode and check the turntable’s diameter against the dishes you use. Whirlpool lists a 27 cm turntable for the MWP 253 B. | If I want to brown dishes occasionally without expecting the appliance to do everything an oven can, I’ll look at the grill first; around 13% of consumers prioritise browning. |
| Planning where to put it | Measure the appliance, its handle and the door opening, then check the required clearances. For the NN-DF38, Panasonic specifies 5 cm on the left, 10 cm behind and 25 cm above, and says it must be freestanding. | If I have limited worktop space, I’ll also measure the ventilation clearance before choosing; around 25% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
| Following your accommodation’s rules | In Crous student accommodation, check the applicable guidance: the published rules, updated on 2 September 2026, prohibit extension leads and ask residents to limit the number of electrical appliances plugged in at the same time. | If I live in student accommodation, I’ll check the rules for the appliance and its connection before choosing extra features; around 12% of consumers put installation requirements first. |
The manufacturer describes the Panasonic NN-DF38PBEPG as having top and bottom heating. So the name ‘combination’ alone doesn’t tell you what cooking system it uses.
Check the exact model details and choose one that suits the recipes you plan to make.
Panasonic’s installation guide for the NN-DF38 specifies clearances and says it must not be installed in a cupboard or built-in space.
Before you choose, allow for ventilation, the handle and the space needed to open the door.
If the required clearances won’t fit in your chosen spot, you’ll need to find somewhere else to put it.
The statutory guarantee of conformity is separate from an optional commercial warranty extension.
Before taking out an extension, compare what extra cover it provides, any exclusions and who is responsible for putting it into effect.
The MS23K3513AK/EF is an example of the brand’s solo microwave range, with a 23 L capacity and Samsung’s Quick Defrost function.
The MWP 253 B is a microwave with a grill. Whirlpool lists a capacity of 25 L and a 27 cm turntable.
According to Panasonic, the NN-DF38PBEPG is a 23 L multi-function model with a flatbed and top and bottom heating.
The products below include solo, grill and combination options for reheating, defrosting and adding other cooking modes. Check the functions and space requirements for the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost, with a grill option for browning dishes occasionally.
Capacity: 25 L. Power listed in the name: 1000 W. Finish: stainless steel.
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This model with a grill may suit you if you’d also like to brown dishes, while keeping to a 20 L capacity.
Capacity: 20 L. Power listed in the name: 700 W. The product description calls for 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a simple model with defrosting and pre-set menus.
Capacity: 20 L. Power: 700 W. The product name lists six pre-set menus and eleven power levels.
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This straightforward option is worth considering if you mainly need to reheat and defrost rather than use a grill.
Capacity: 23 L. The product name lists a quick defrost function and a power rating of 1150 W.
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Worth considering if you want several functions in one appliance and have a suitable place to put it.
Capacity listed in the name: 42 L. Check the model’s dimensions and clearances before choosing it for a small home.
Yes. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide mentions vegetables, fish and stewed fruit, for example. However, a solo model doesn’t have a grill or the same cooking modes as an oven.
No. According to Panasonic’s installation guide, the NN-DF38 is designed to be freestanding and must not be placed in a cupboard or built-in space. This guidance applies to this model and shouldn’t be assumed to apply to all microwaves.
The Crous accommodation rules we checked allow microwaves, prohibit extension leads and ask residents to limit the number of electrical appliances plugged in at the same time. These rules apply to Crous accommodation and aren’t general rules for all rented homes in France.
Follow the instructions for your model. Samsung recommends keeping the door and seals clean and avoiding abrasive cleaners. For the NN-DF38, Panasonic recommends using a soft cloth and soapy water, with the appliance switched off.
No. A commercial warranty extension is separate from the statutory guarantee of conformity. For a purchase from a professional seller, Service-Public.fr states that the fault must appear within two years of delivery; the terms of application depend in particular on the seller and the nature of the fault.