Who is this choice for?

Renter with a very compact kitchen

If you mainly reheat and defrost food, measure the space the freestanding appliance will take up. Remember to allow for the door to open and the clearances specified in its manual.

Student preparing simple meals

If you’d also like to prepare small portions without adding more appliances, compare the defrost functions and check that the cavity has room for your plates and containers.

Holiday-home occupant without a dedicated oven

If you plan to brown or oven-cook food, think about how often you’ll use a grill or fan oven function before choosing a more versatile appliance.

What to check before you buy

In a student or holiday-home kitchen, start with the meals you actually prepare, then check that your chosen appliance can be installed in the space you have in mind.

Standard microwave

Consider it if: you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions.

Limitation: it doesn’t have a grill or fan oven function for browning or cooking food like an oven.

Microwave with grill

Consider it if: you use your microwave every day and would also like to brown small dishes.

Limitation: a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan oven function.

Combination microwave

Consider it if: you don’t have a dedicated oven and will use the fan oven function regularly.

Limitation: check that its functions and dimensions suit the dishes you plan to prepare.

Mini oven

Consider it if: oven cooking and browning matter more to you than reheating food in a microwave.

Limitation: it doesn’t have microwave functions for reheating and defrosting.

What matters What to check Who this matters to
Reheating and defrosting Compare the controls and defrost programmes; check that the turntable will fit your plates. If I mainly reheat leftovers and defrost portions, I want to do so without complicated settings; around 36% of consumers make this their priority.
Space and installation Measure the appliance’s external dimensions, then allow for the clearances specified in its manual; check that the door can open too. In a kitchenette where worktop space is limited, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without obstruction; space is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Cooking and browning Know the difference between a grill and a fan oven function, then check the modes and accessories included with the model you’re considering. Without a dedicated oven, I want to prepare small baked or browned dishes; around 21% of consumers put this option first.
Containers and cleaning Check that your containers are suitable for the mode you’re using and follow the cleaning instructions for the cavity and accessories. For everyday meals, I prefer suitable containers and an appliance that’s easy to clean; this is the top priority for around 14% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing based on capacity in litres alone

    The cavity capacity doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will fit in your chosen spot with the door open and enough space for ventilation.

    Measure the appliance and check the clearance requirements in its manual before placing it on a worktop or near a cupboard.

  • Choosing a combination model without planning to use the fan oven function

    Having several functions in one appliance only makes sense for your kitchen if they suit the dishes you actually prepare.

    If you almost always reheat and defrost, start by looking at a standard model. For browning, consider models with a grill; choose a fan oven function only if you’ll actually use it for cooking.

  • Assuming a container is suitable just because it fits in the cavity

    A container’s size doesn’t guarantee that it’s suitable for microwave use, particularly if it contains metal or is made from unsuitable plastic.

    Choose containers labelled as suitable for the mode you’re using, and follow the appliance manual’s guidance on utensils and accessories.

Brands to consider

These models illustrate different functions; their features don’t represent the full range from each brand.

Brandt

The GE2626W is a freestanding microwave with a grill. It’s worth considering if you’d like to brown dishes without installing a separate cooking appliance.

  • Brandt lists the GE2626W with a 26 L capacity, 900 W microwave output and a 1,000 W grill.
  • Its dimensions without packaging are 307 × 513 × 412 mm; allow for the clearances required for this model before deciding whether it will fit in your kitchen.

Panasonic

The NN-SD28HS is a standard microwave to consider if you mainly use your appliance for reheating and defrosting.

  • Panasonic lists this model with a 23 L capacity, Auto Defrost and Quick 30 controls.
  • Its listed dimensions are 279 × 488 × 395 mm; also check the space needed for installation.

Samsung

Samsung France’s guide distinguishes between standard microwaves, grill models and combination models to help you compare the functions you’re looking for.

  • This distinction can help you work out whether you need an appliance for reheating, browning or fan oven cooking.
  • Then check the features and manual for the specific model, particularly its installation requirements.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a microwave will fit in my kitchenette?

Compare the appliance’s external dimensions with the space you’ve measured, allowing for the clearances specified in its manual. Check that the door can open too: capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether it can be installed properly.

Is a grill or combination microwave better if I don’t have an oven?

A grill model is useful for browning dishes; choose a combination model if you’ll also use its fan oven function to cook small dishes. According to an INC study reported by ADEME, how useful a combination microwave is compared with a convection oven depends on the dishes and models involved. Don’t assume it will be better for every type of cooking.

Which containers should I use in microwave mode?

Use containers labelled as suitable for microwave use and follow the appliance manual. Not all plastics are suitable; check the guidance on metal items too before using this mode.

What should I do with an old microwave I no longer use?

Depending on its condition, consider having it repaired or reused before looking into a dedicated collection service for electrical and electronic equipment. ADEME outlines these options for small household appliances; find out what’s available near you.