Students who mainly reheat meals
If you mostly eat ready-made meals, a solo microwave covers reheating and defrosting without adding oven functions you may not use. Whirlpool France and Boulanger describe these uses for standard models.
Which appliance is right for you?
Students looking for several functions in one appliance
If you want to reheat and defrost, as well as brown some dishes, without installing two appliances, consider models with a grill. For convection cooking, make sure the combination microwave you have in mind specifically includes this function.
Students who regularly cook in the oven
If you often make gratins, roast dishes or bakes, it’s worth comparing a mini oven with combination microwaves that have convection. Make sure you have a suitable spot for it and factor preheating into your routine.
What should you look for first?
When choosing one appliance for a studio flat, start with the meals you actually make. Available space and installation requirements can then help you decide between models.
Solo microwave
Consider it: for reheating cooked dishes and defrosting, if you don’t need food to brown.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t offer grill or convection cooking functions.
Microwave with grill or combination microwave
Consider it: with a grill for browning as well as reheating, or with confirmed convection for some oven-style cooking.
Bear in mind: a ‘grill’ function on its own doesn’t guarantee convection.
Worktop mini oven
Consider it: if you regularly cook dishes that need an oven.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to allow time for preheating and have a suitable space to put it.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the model’s functions and make sure there’s enough room for your containers. | If my meals are already cooked, I mainly want to be able to reheat or defrost them without waiting for them to cook in an oven. Around 33% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Cooking in the oven | Check the cooking modes and the size of dishes that will fit. Don’t assume it has convection just because it has a grill. | If I regularly make gratins or bakes, I’m looking for a suitable way to cook them rather than just reheat food. This would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Keeping the number of appliances down | Tell the difference between a grill and convection, and check the functions of the combination microwave you’re considering. | If one appliance needs to cover several uses, I want to keep the reheating function while adding the cooking options I’ll actually use. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this versatility. |
| Finding a place for the appliance | Compare the external dimensions, the clearances specified in the manual and the power it draws with what your studio flat can accommodate. | With limited worktop space, I first need to know whether the appliance can be placed and powered as instructed. Around 20% of consumers would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a grill is the same as a convection oven
A grill browns the surface of a dish. If you plan to cook in it regularly as you would in an oven, this function alone may not meet your needs.
Check the model’s list of cooking modes and look for a clearly stated convection function if your recipes need it.
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Measuring the cavity but not the space around the appliance
An interior that’s big enough for your dishes doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance and its ventilation clearances will fit on your worktop. Whirlpool France reminds customers not to block a microwave’s air vents.
Measure the space available, then compare it with the external dimensions and installation instructions in the manual for the model you’ve chosen.
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Buying without checking what’s included in your accommodation
An appliance already provided in a furnished studio flat may cover your reheating or cooking needs. A second appliance could take up valuable worktop space.
Check the inventory and make sure the supplied appliance works before deciding what else you need.
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Confusing cooking power with the power supply needed
The stated cooking power alone isn’t enough to tell you whether the available socket and circuit are suitable. You also need to consider what other appliances are plugged in around the studio flat.
Check the model’s documentation for its power consumption. If you’re unsure about the electrical installation, ask your landlord or a qualified electrician for advice.
Brands worth comparing
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers standard freestanding microwaves as well as models with additional functions.
- According to Whirlpool France, the MWF259SG is a 25 L model with microwave and grill functions.
- Check the functions and clearances in the manual for the model you choose; the MWF259SG’s features don’t apply to other models.
Moulinex
Moulinex offers worktop mini ovens for people who prioritise oven cooking.
- The brand describes the Optimo 33L CT as a 33 L mini oven with fan-assisted cooking.
- Before choosing this model, compare its external dimensions and installation instructions with the space you have available.
Severin
Severin has mini ovens in a range of capacities to compare, including the TO 2052 and TO 2056 models.
- The specifications provided by the brand show that the TO 2052 has a 9 L capacity, while the TO 2056 has a 30 L capacity.
- Check the dimensions and cooking modes for each model. Capacity alone doesn’t tell you which dishes or recipes will fit.
Samsung
Samsung France separates its range of freestanding microwaves into solo, grill and combination models.
- This makes it easier to look for the functions you need for reheating, browning or cooking.
- Check the capacity, whether it has convection and which accessories are included for the specific model, rather than relying on the range name.
Appliances for reheating or browning
These Joybuy models are designed for microwave reheating, with or without a grill depending on the model. If oven cooking is your priority, check separately for a convection function or compare mini ovens.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost meals. This model is described as a 23 L solo microwave; check the manual for the required ventilation space.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L microwave with grill
Worth considering if you’d like to brown food as well as reheat and defrost. It has a stated capacity of 25 L. If you want to cook using convection, check that this function is listed among the model’s modes.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost, with the option to brown some dishes. The model name states a capacity of 20 L and 700 W. Check the manual for the required clearances, particularly above the appliance.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L black digital microwave
Worth considering if you want digital controls for reheating and defrosting. The product name lists 700 W, six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. Check the cooking modes if browning or convection matters to you.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L solo microwave
Worth considering if you mainly need to reheat food. The product name gives a capacity of 20 L and a power rating of 700 W. If you plan to defrost food regularly, check the settings for this specific model. Allow for the clearances specified in its manual, too.
Frequently asked questions
Should you buy an appliance if your furnished studio flat already has one?
Not before checking what the supplied appliance can do. Look at the inventory, make sure it works and compare its functions with the way you cook to avoid taking up worktop space unnecessarily.
How much space should you leave around a microwave or mini oven?
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model rather than using the same measurements for every appliance. Whirlpool France specifically says not to block a microwave’s air vents, so measure the space with its installation instructions in mind.
How can you tell if the socket in your studio flat is suitable?
Check the appliance’s power consumption and the connection instructions in its manual, then consider what else is powered by the same circuit. If you’re unsure about the condition or capacity of the electrical installation, ask your landlord or a qualified electrician for advice before using the appliance.