For reheating leftovers and defrosting, start with a solo microwave. Choose a grill model if you want to brown dishes, or a combination microwave with convection if you genuinely plan to cook oven-style dishes and don’t already have an oven. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a grill, which browns food, and convection. Before you buy, check the dimensions, door opening and clearances specified in the manual, as well as the rules of your accommodation.
If you mainly use your microwave to reheat leftovers and defrost food, start by comparing useful functions and the space it needs, rather than the number of programmes. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from grill and convection functions.
When setting up a small kitchen, check the appliance dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the ventilation clearances specified for that model. Whirlpool advises that ventilation openings must not be blocked.
If you’d like to brown dishes from time to time, a grill model may be suitable. For recipes that need oven-style cooking, look specifically for a convection mode. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these two functions.
Choose this : if you mainly reheat and defrost, and do simple cooking suited to a microwave.
Worth knowing : it doesn’t have a grill or convection function. Check the internal capacity and external dimensions separately.
Choose this : if you’d like to brown or gratinate some dishes as well as reheat them.
Worth knowing : a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has convection.
Choose this : if you often cook dishes that need an oven mode and don’t have room for two appliances.
Worth knowing : convection adds a function beyond simply reheating, but a combination microwave can cost more and take up more space.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Available modes, controls, internal capacity and room for the plate you usually use. | If I mainly reheat leftovers and defrost food, I’d rather pay for functions I’ll use. Around 40 % of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Space and installation | External dimensions, door opening, an accessible socket and the clearances specified in the manual for that model. | When my kitchen is small, I check that the appliance can be positioned and ventilated as instructed in its manual. Around 30 % of consumers put compatibility with their available space first. |
| Convection cooking | Whether a convection mode is explicitly listed, the temperature range and which accessories are approved for this mode. | If I regularly cook dishes that need oven-style cooking, I check that the model definitely has convection. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise this function. |
| Grilling and browning | Whether it has a grill, the size of the dishes you use and the manual’s instructions on accessories. | If I want to brown some dishes without needing convection cooking, I compare models with a grill. Around 10 % of consumers make browning their priority. |
A grill is for browning or gratinating food, while convection is an oven-style cooking mode. So an appliance with a grill won’t necessarily meet the needs of a recipe that requires convection.
If you plan to cook oven dishes regularly, check that the product specification explicitly lists convection. If you simply want to brown food, compare models with a grill instead.
If your recipes need convection, you may still need a second appliance.
An appliance may fit on a unit, but there might not be enough room to open its door or meet the ventilation requirements.
Measure the space and check the door opening, then compare them with the installation instructions for the exact model.
An unsuitable spot may mean you have to move the appliance or choose a different model.
The Crous network guide lists microwaves as an exception to the ban on other cooking appliances and refers readers to the accommodation’s house rules. This guidance doesn’t describe the rules for every privately run student property.
Before you buy, check your accommodation’s rules and find out which appliances are already provided.
These examples illustrate specific formats and functions. A product range’s features don’t guarantee that every model will be available or suit the space you have.
Samsung France lists, among others, a 23 L solo model, the MS23K3515AK/EF, and a 23 L grill model, the MG23K3515AK/EF.
The MWP 201 SB is an example of a 20 L freestanding solo microwave. Whirlpool France lists microwave power of 700 W and a 24.5 cm turntable.
The NN-CD58RS is an example of a freestanding combination microwave with a grill and convection. Panasonic France lists a capacity of 27 L and a convection temperature range of 30 to 220 °C.
The BFL523MS0 is an example of a built-in model for accommodation already set up for one. Bosch France lists a capacity of 20 L and dimensions of 382 × 594 × 317 mm.
This selection includes solo microwaves and models with a grill for reheating or defrosting and, depending on the model, browning some dishes. If you’re looking for oven-style cooking, check that a convection mode is explicitly listed.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting meals in accommodation where space is at a premium.
Capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W; six power levels; 9.6-inch turntable. Listed dimensions: 44.6 × 36.3 × 24.3 cm.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to reheat or defrost food and brown some dishes under the grill.
Capacity: 25 L; power listed in the product name: 1,000 W; quartz grill mentioned in the description.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for reheating, defrosting and browning dishes, depending on the modes available on this model.
Capacity: 25 L; power listed in the product name: 1,000 W; 29.2 cm turntable.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for defrosting and preparing simple meals.
Capacity: 20 L; six power levels; defrost function mentioned in the product title.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with the option to brown dishes under the grill.
Capacity: 20 L; microwave power listed in the name: 700 W; grill: 800 W; turntable: 245 mm. The description for this model specifies at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear. Check the manual before installation.
The Crous network guide, updated on 2 September 2026, lists microwaves as an allowed exception among cooking appliances. It also reminds residents that the house rules they agree to set out their rights and responsibilities. Check the rules for your accommodation and find out which appliances are already provided. This guidance doesn’t apply to all private student accommodation.
Don’t assume it will fit based on the appliance dimensions alone. Samsung says the clearance required varies between models, while Whirlpool advises against blocking the ventilation openings. Follow the manual for the exact model before installing it.
Follow the instructions on the container, particularly those stating whether it can be used in a microwave and under what conditions. The DGCCRF recommends checking the instructions on the item or its packaging. Also check the appliance manual for approved modes and accessories.
You should claim under the legal guarantee of conformity through the professional seller. The DGCCRF states that you have two years from delivery of the goods, whether new or second-hand, to bring a claim. This guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty.
Wipe away splashes and follow your appliance’s manual. If your model has a grill or convection function, check which surfaces and accessories need special care.