Student or studio flat dweller without an oven
If you mainly need to reheat and defrost meals, start with those functions. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between grilling for extra browning and convection for cooking dishes in an oven-like way.
Which type is right for you ?
If you don’t have a traditional oven, choose based on what you’ll actually cook in the appliance, not just the size of your kitchen.
Holiday home user
One appliance can cover several occasional uses, but a combination microwave is only worth it if you expect to use both the grill and convection functions. Check that your dishes will fit inside the cavity, too.
Small household without a traditional oven
If you’d also like to bake or roast, look for a model with clearly specified convection rather than just a grill. Then measure the space available, allowing for the ventilation clearances required for your chosen model.
What should you check before choosing ?
First, decide which cooking functions you need. Then check each model’s dimensions and installation requirements against the space you have.
Solo microwave
Choose this : if you want to reheat and defrost, and don’t expect the appliance to brown dishes or cook in an oven-like way.
Limitation : this type has neither a grill nor convection, according to the functions distinguished by UFC-Que Choisir.
Microwave with grill
Choose this : if you’d also like to brown or crisp certain dishes.
Limitation : a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has convection.
Combination microwave with convection
Choose this : if you also want to cook dishes in an oven-like way, such as baked goods or roasts, and its dimensions suit your kitchen.
Bear in mind : check the available space, compatible dishes and accessories, and the installation requirements for the specific model.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Check for microwave, grill and convection functions separately. If you want to bake or roast, confirm that the specific model has convection: the word “combination” on its own isn’t enough. | I want to know whether the appliance is just for reheating and defrosting, whether it can also brown dishes, or whether it can cook in an oven-like way too. |
| Space and cookware | Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth with the space available, then check the internal dimensions and turntable against the dishes you use. The stated capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how much usable space there is on its own. | In a small kitchen, the appliance needs to fit without making me give up the dishes I plan to use in it. |
| Installation | Check the manual for clearance requirements and installation restrictions. Also compare the model’s electrical specifications with your supply; Whirlpool says not to block the ventilation grilles on its appliances. | I need to be able to install the appliance where I plan to use it, with the required ventilation and power supply. |
| Containers and accessories | Follow the cooking instructions on food packaging, as recommended by Anses. For the grill or convection function, check the manual to see which dishes and accessories are permitted. | I shouldn’t use a container for another cooking mode just because it’s suitable for reheating food in the microwave. |
What mistakes should you avoid ?
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Assuming a grill means convection
A grill browns or crisps food; it doesn’t confirm that the appliance has a fan-assisted cooking function for recipes that need one.
If you’re planning to bake or roast, look for “convection” in the product details and manual for your chosen model.
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you how much depth the appliance needs on your worktop or which dishes will fit inside the cavity. For example, Samsung lists an external depth of 506 mm for its 32 L MC32J7035AW combination microwave; these measurements apply to this model.
Measure the space and check the internal dimensions, turntable and clearances required in the manual.
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Blocking ventilation to save space
Whirlpool says its ventilation grilles must not be blocked when installing a microwave.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, keep the vents clear and don’t place anything on top of the appliance if the instructions prohibit it.
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Assuming packaging is suitable for every cooking mode
Instructions for microwave reheating don’t confirm that packaging or a container is suitable for the grill or convection function.
Follow the cooking instructions on the packaging, as recommended by Anses, and check the manual before using other modes.
Which brand models can help you decide ?
These examples highlight functions and specifications to check on a particular model; they don’t represent every product range from these brands.
Whirlpool
The freestanding microwave range includes models with a grill and combination models.
- Whirlpool says the MCP349WH has a 25 L cavity and a mode that combines the grill and microwave functions.
- These specifications don’t confirm that this model has convection. Whirlpool also says the ventilation grilles must be kept clear.
Samsung
The MC32J7035AW is an example of a freestanding combination microwave for which Samsung publishes installation and convection specifications.
- For this model, Samsung lists a 32 L capacity, an adjustable convection thermostat from 40 to 200 °C, and external dimensions of 523 × 309 × 506 mm.
- Its stated power supply is 230 V / 50 Hz. Check the dimensions and functions separately for any other model.
Panasonic
The NN-C69KSM is an example of a combination microwave whose convection function is clearly described by Panasonic.
- Panasonic says this function uses a heating element with a fan, with settings at 40 °C and from 100 to 220 °C.
- Before choosing it for your recipes, check the appliance dimensions, the size of your dishes and which accessories are permitted.
Which microwaves should you look at on Joybuy ?
These options are mainly grill microwaves, plus a combination model listed with convection and a model called “Solo” for reheating and defrosting. Start by deciding which functions you need, then check the product details and manual for the model you choose.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L grill microwave, 900 W, titanium
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost, with a grill for certain dishes. The title lists a 25 L capacity and 900 W power; if you want to bake or roast, check separately whether it has convection. Compare the dimensions and clearances in the manual with the space available.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, 700 W, black
Consider this for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning. The title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W power; a grill alone doesn’t confirm that it has convection. Before installing it, check the manual for clearance requirements, particularly above the appliance, and for accessories permitted when using the grill.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, 25 L grill microwave, 1 000 W, white
This grill model is suited to reheating and defrosting, with the added option of browning dishes. Its title lists a 25 L capacity, 1 000 W power and a digital display. If you plan to bake or roast, confirm that it has convection; also check the power supply and clearances in the manual.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 3-in-1 combination microwave, 42 L
Worth considering if you’d also like to cook dishes in an oven-like way: the product details list microwave, grill and convection functions. It has a stated capacity of 42 L, so measure the space and check your dishes before choosing it. Confirm the defrost function, electrical specifications and installation clearances in the product details and manual.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H Solo, 25 L microwave, 900 W, black
An option for reheating and defrosting when those are your main priorities. The title lists a 25 L capacity and 900 W power. As the name “Solo” doesn’t clearly match the grill references in the description, check that this exact model has the function and accessories you need before relying on it. Also measure the available space, allowing for the specified clearances.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace a traditional oven ?
It can handle some of the cooking you’d normally do in an oven if it explicitly has convection. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from simple reheating and grilling. Also check the internal dimensions, and make sure your dishes and accessories are suitable for the recipes you plan to make.
Can you put a microwave on any worktop ?
No. The location must meet the requirements for your chosen model. Whirlpool says its ventilation grilles must not be blocked and that nothing should be placed on top of a microwave. Check the manual for the clearances and any other restrictions that apply to your appliance.
How can you check the power supply before buying ?
Compare the voltage, frequency and other electrical specifications listed in the product details or manual with your supply. These values vary by model: for example, Electrolux lists 230 V, 50 Hz, 10 A and a total power rating of 1 270 W for the EMZ421MMK.
Is a microwave-safe container also suitable for the grill ?
Don’t assume so. Anses recommends following the cooking instructions on food packaging. For the grill or convection function, also check the manual to see which containers and accessories are permitted.
What should you compare between two combination microwaves ?
First check which functions each model actually has, then compare the external and internal dimensions, compatible dishes, power supply and ventilation requirements. Test Achats’ testing protocol assesses usable internal capacity and defrosting, reheating, cooking, grilling and convection functions separately. So, the same stated capacity doesn’t answer all these questions on its own.