Students and anyone short on space
You want to reheat and defrost food without taking up a large part of your worktop. Check the width, depth, door opening and ventilation requirements before choosing a capacity in litres.
Who is this guide for?
Anyone who mainly reheats simple meals
If you mostly use your microwave for leftovers, soup, ready meals and defrosting, a solo model may be all you need, without extra cooking modes you’re unlikely to use.
Anyone without a practical oven
If you want to brown or crisp food, a grill is worth considering. If you also plan to cook regularly in the same appliance, look at the modes available on a combination microwave and check which dishes it can accommodate.
Which features should you prioritise?
Start with the meals you’ll actually prepare, then check that the appliance and your dishes will fit in the available space. Built-in installation is a separate consideration: it requires a housing unit that complies with the model’s instructions.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | External dimensions, door opening and the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions. | With limited worktop space, I need to be able to position and open the appliance without blocking its vents; around 29% of consumers rank this as a priority. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Controls suited to these uses and enough space in the cavity for your plates. | For everyday meals, I mainly want an appliance that’s easy to use, without a browning function; around 29% of consumers would share this priority. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill mode and whether the accessories are compatible with that mode, as stated in the instructions. | I sometimes want to brown a dish, but don’t expect to cook oven-style meals regularly; around 18% of consumers would prioritise this use. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | The combination microwave’s cooking modes, the size of compatible dishes and the space the appliance takes up. | When there’s no practical oven in my home, I plan to cook regularly in the microwave; around 24% of consumers would put this need first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or whether your dishes will fit inside the cavity.
Measure the space, allow room to open the door and compare your dishes with the available internal dimensions. Also check the clearances required in the instructions.
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Choosing a combination microwave for features you rarely use
According to Que Choisir, a combination microwave offers cooking options similar to those of a conventional oven. Whether it’s worthwhile depends on the meals you actually plan to prepare.
If you mainly plan to reheat and defrost food, compare solo models first. If you only want to brown food occasionally, look at models with a grill.
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Saving space by blocking the ventilation
Whirlpool France reminds users to keep the ventilation grilles clear and not to place anything on top of a microwave.
Choose a location that meets the clearances specified in the model’s instructions, even if the appliance’s external dimensions appear to fit.
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Reheating food in a tray without checking what it’s designed for
Anses warns that excessive heating can increase the migration of substances from packaging into food.
Follow the container’s instructions on microwave use, power and heating time. DGCCRF advises against reusing single-use containers.
Brands to consider for these needs
Whirlpool
The range includes freestanding models and combination microwaves. The MWF255B is an example of a 25 L freestanding microwave with microwave and grill functions, and no turntable.
- Whirlpool presents the lack of a turntable as a way to provide more usable space; the stated external dimensions of the MWF255B are 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm.
- Check that your dishes will fit inside the cavity and that the location meets the ventilation instructions. Having a grill doesn’t necessarily mean this model can replace an oven for every type of dish.
Samsung
The French range includes standard, grill and combination microwaves, both freestanding and built-in. The MG23K3513AK/EF is an example of a 23 L grill model.
- Samsung France’s guide distinguishes between models based on reheating, browning and other intended cooking uses.
- Descriptions of a range or model’s features don’t replace checking the dimensions and modes of the specific product you choose.
Bosch
The BFL554MB0 is a 25 L built-in microwave to consider if your kitchen already has a suitable housing unit.
- Bosch lists the appliance dimensions as 382 × 594 × 388 mm, which can help you prepare for an installation check.
- These dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that a housing unit is compatible: check the installation diagram and its ventilation requirements.
Electrolux
The range includes built-in microwaves with a grill, for kitchens with a compatible cabinet.
- For the 26 L LMF4263TET, Electrolux lists the appliance dimensions as 388 × 594 × 404 mm and the built-in dimensions as 380 × 562 × 500 mm.
- Fixed installation is less suitable if you want to be able to move the appliance. Check the housing unit and instructions before choosing this model.
Microwaves to consider on Joybuy
These freestanding models cover simple reheating and, in some cases, browning. First choose the features you need, then check each appliance’s dimensions against your kitchen.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen.
The title lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six preset menus. Check that your dishes will fit inside the cavity and that the location meets the ventilation instructions.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo, 23 L
The solo mode is a good fit if you prioritise reheating and defrosting over browning.
The title mentions rapid defrosting and an LED display. Before installation, compare the appliance’s overall dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions with the space available.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Consider this if you’d like to brown food as well as reheat it, without choosing an appliance for regular oven-style cooking.
The title lists a microwave power rating of 700 W. Check the instructions for installation details and which accessories can be used in grill mode.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih with grill, 25 L
The grill is useful for browning food as well as for microwave cooking, but that doesn’t mean the appliance can replace an oven.
The title lists a digital display and a white finish. Check the ventilation clearances and cooking modes in the model’s instructions.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W solo, 20 L
This solo model is suitable for reheating and simple meals if you don’t need a browning function.
The Joybuy France product listing gives a power rating of 700 W and external dimensions of 452 × 362 × 262 mm. If you want a dedicated defrost function, check the controls and instructions before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for student accommodation?
Yes, if you mainly plan to reheat and defrost food. According to Que Choisir’s guide, a grill adds browning, while a combination microwave offers cooking options similar to those of a conventional oven. Choose these features if your meals genuinely call for them.
How can I tell if a freestanding microwave will fit in my kitchen?
Compare its width, height and depth with the space available, remembering to allow room for the door to open. Then follow the clearances in the model’s instructions and keep the ventilation grilles clear.
Can I reheat food in any plastic tray?
No. Use a container designed for microwave use and follow its instructions on power and heating time. DGCCRF advises against reusing single-use containers; Anses warns that excessive heating can increase the migration of substances from packaging into food.
Can you put a metal utensil in a microwave?
Don’t use an ordinary metal utensil in microwave mode: Que Choisir warns that this could damage the appliance. If accessories are supplied with a grill or combination model, follow the instructions for each mode.
Will a built-in model fit any kitchen cabinet?
No. It needs a housing unit that’s compatible with its installation diagram. Check the built-in dimensions and ventilation requirements, not just the appliance’s visible dimensions.