Students who mainly reheat meals
If you mainly use your microwave for individual portions and defrosting, consider the controls and how much space it takes up before opting for extra cooking functions.
Who is this choice for?
Renters without an oven
If you make dishes that need browning or recipes requiring convection cooking, think about these as two separate needs: a grill can brown food, while a combination microwave also offers an oven-style cooking mode.
Anyone with very limited worktop space
Measure the space available, including the clearance needed to open the door. Check the model’s manual too, so you can allow for ventilation before deciding on a capacity in litres.
Which features should you prioritise?
In a student kitchenette, the functions you choose need to fit the space you have available.
Solo microwave
Consider one: for reheating, defrosting and a few simple dishes.
Limitation: it won’t meet your needs if you want to brown food.
Microwave with grill
Consider one: if you’d also like to brown or grill dishes from time to time.
Limitation: the grill won’t replace a convection mode for recipes that require one.
Combination microwave
Consider one: if you don’t have an oven and expect to use convection cooking regularly.
Limitation: its dimensions may make it difficult to fit on a small worktop.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and ventilation | Compare the external dimensions with the space available, then check the door clearance and the ventilation gaps specified in the manual. | If my worktop is narrow, the appliance needs to fit without blocking its door or vents. Around 38 % of consumers put this installation requirement first. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the power settings, defrost function and controls, as well as whether the turntable is large enough for your plates. | For leftovers and individual portions, I prioritise settings I’ll use every day. Ease of use comes first for around 37 % of consumers. |
| Cooking without an oven | Choose a grill for browning or a combination model with convection for recipes that need it. Then check that the appliance will fit in your available space. | Without an oven at home, I want to be able to make the dishes I actually cook, not just reheat food. Around 25 % of consumers prioritise this cooking option. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on capacity in litres
Internal capacity doesn’t tell you how deep the appliance is or how much space you’ll need in front of it to open the door. The Panasonic France specifications for the solo NN-E20JW and Sharp Consumer France specifications for the combination R-970W list dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for 20 L and 550 × 537 × 368 mm for 40 L respectively. These measurements apply to those specific models.
Measure your worktop and compare it with the external dimensions of the model you’re considering, remembering to allow room to open the door.
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Confusing a grill with convection cooking
A grill is for browning food; it doesn’t mean the appliance has the convection mode required for some recipes. UFC-Que Choisir treats these as separate functions in its microwave advice.
If you plan to cook oven recipes regularly, check that convection cooking is explicitly listed among the model’s functions.
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Installing the appliance without allowing for ventilation
A recess or objects placed around the appliance can obstruct its ventilation. Whirlpool France advises against blocking the air vents.
Check the installation requirements in the manual for the model you buy rather than relying on the clearance specified for a different appliance.
Brands and models to consider
Panasonic
Panasonic’s French product specifications let you compare a compact solo model, the NN-E20JW, with a grill model, the NN-GD38.
- The NN-E20JW is listed as 20 L, 800 W and 443 × 330 × 258 mm, with five power levels.
- The NN-GD38’s functions, including its grill, are specific to that model. Check the specifications of the version you’re considering.
Whirlpool
The MWP203SB is an example of a freestanding 20 L microwave with a grill, as shown in Whirlpool France’s documentation.
- Its specifications list dimensions of 45,2 × 36,3 × 26,2 cm, a microwave output of 700 W and a grill output of 1 000 W.
- Whirlpool says the MWP203SB is no longer in its range. Use its specifications for comparison, not as an indication that it’s available to buy.
Sharp
The R-970W featured by Sharp Consumer France is an example of a large-capacity combination microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions.
- Its specifications list a 40 L capacity and dimensions of 550 × 537 × 368 mm, giving you an idea of the space this size of appliance requires.
- These specifications don’t apply to every Sharp combination microwave. Check each model against the space available in your kitchenette.
Microwaves to consider on Joybuy
These models suit two kitchenette needs: reheating and defrosting with a solo microwave, or adding the option to brown food with a grill. Compare each appliance with your available space and the functions you need.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L
For reheating and defrosting with a solo microwave. The product name lists 700 W, six power levels, a defrost function and a 30-minute timer. Check the ventilation requirements and allow enough space to open the door.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Worth considering if you’d like to brown food occasionally as well as reheat meals. The product name lists a microwave output of 700 W. If you need convection cooking for your recipes, check this function separately. Remember to allow enough room to open the door, too.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L
For reheating and defrosting with digital settings. The product name lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six pre-set menus. If browning food is important to you, check the functions of this version, and consult the manual for installation guidance.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo, 23 L
For reheating and defrosting, with a 23 L capacity rather than 20 L. The product name mentions a quick defrost function. Compare it with the size of your dishes and the space available, then check the installation requirements for the exact model.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost, with a grill function to check for the version you choose if you plan to brown food. The product name lists 800 W. Before choosing this model, compare its dimensions with your worktop and allow enough space to open the door.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for your exact model. Whirlpool France advises against blocking the air vents. Remember to leave enough space in front of the appliance to open the door, too.
Can a microwave with a grill replace an oven?
A grill can brown food, but that alone doesn’t provide convection cooking. If your recipes regularly require this mode, check that it’s explicitly listed among the functions of the combination microwave you’re considering.
Is a 20 L capacity suitable for one person?
It can suit individual portions, as long as your plates and containers fit inside the model you choose. As an example for one specific appliance, Panasonic France lists a 255 mm turntable for its 20 L NN-E20JW solo microwave. Measure your containers and the space available before choosing.
What statutory guarantee covers a new microwave bought in France?
For a new appliance bought from a professional seller in France, you can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity for two years, according to the Ministry of the Economy. It covers defects of conformity; any commercial warranty is in addition to, and does not replace, this guarantee.