For reheating and defrosting everyday meals in a student kitchenette, start by considering a solo microwave; choose a grill model if you’d also like to brown dishes. A combination microwave is more worthwhile if you don’t have an oven and plan to use convection regularly, provided its dimensions and the clearances required by its instructions suit the space available.
If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food without a host of extra features, a solo model is a good starting point. UFC-Que Choisir lists student accommodation among the settings where a microwave meets the need for reheating.
If you like to finish dishes under a grill, a model with a grill gives you that option. If you also want to cook using convection, don’t confuse it with a combination model: the two functions aren’t equivalent, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
If you prepare more than just reheated meals, the features of a combination microwave may appeal to you. However, measure the available space before choosing: capacity and dimensions vary considerably from one model to another.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost everyday portions.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t have a grill or convection function; check the features of the specific model.
Choose this if: you’d occasionally like to brown or grill dishes as well as reheat food.
Bear in mind: a grill on its own doesn’t provide the convection cooking of a combination microwave.
Choose this if: you don’t have an oven and will regularly use additional cooking modes.
Bear in mind: its extra features won’t make up for an appliance that won’t fit in the intended space with enough room for ventilation.
To compare these three options, start with the meal you prepare most often, then check how much room the appliance needs, including space for ventilation.
| Need | What to check | Which shoppers? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The model’s functions and whether the cavity has enough room for your dishes. | I want to prepare everyday meals without paying for oven features I won’t use. Around 50% of shoppers put this need first. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill and which dish sizes will fit. | I sometimes want to brown a portion, but don’t plan to cook regularly using convection. Around 30% of shoppers prioritise this occasional browning. |
| Cooking without an oven | Cooking modes, external dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions. | I don’t have an oven and plan to regularly cook dishes rather than simply reheat them. Around 20% of shoppers prioritise this cooking option. |
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you how much worktop space the appliance will take up. For example, Whirlpool lists dimensions of 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm for its 25 L MWF259SG.
Compare the external width, height and depth with your measured space, then allow for the clearances specified in the instructions for the model you choose.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, combination models add features such as a grill and convection cooking. If you won’t use them, they don’t meet your main need.
First decide whether browning is enough for you or whether you genuinely plan to cook regularly without an oven.
A space that fits the microwave’s dimensions doesn’t automatically provide the necessary clearance. Samsung gives general guidance of 10 cm behind and at the sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary by model.
Before deciding where to put the appliance, follow the distances and installation conditions in the instructions for that specific model.
A grill lets you brown food, but having one doesn’t mean the appliance offers the convection cooking that UFC-Que Choisir describes for combination models.
If you plan to cook dishes as you would in an oven, check that the model you’re considering explicitly lists the cooking modes you need.
Whirlpool offers freestanding microwaves with grills, as well as combination models. It’s a range worth exploring based on the features you’ll use.
Samsung has separate freestanding solo, grill and combination ranges, making it easy to start your search with the level of functionality you want.
Sharp’s product details cover solo, grill and combination microwaves in a range of capacities.
These models are mainly suited to reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen; the Beko also has a grill for browning dishes. Before deciding whether any appliance will fit your space, check the required clearances in its instructions.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and occasionally brown a dish.
It has a 20 L capacity and a stated power output of 700 W. Check the required clearances in the instructions, particularly above the appliance.
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For reheating and defrosting meals without the need for a grill function.
The product title lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the instructions to confirm the clearance required in your chosen space.
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For meals you want to reheat or defrost, if you prefer digital controls.
The product title lists six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. Compare the appliance’s dimensions and the clearances specified in its instructions with your available space.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting if a 23 L cavity suits the dishes you use.
The product title mentions quick defrosting and a display. Check the instructions for this model’s dimensions and required clearances.
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Compare it with smaller-capacity models if you’d like to reheat or defrost food in a 25 L cavity.
The product title describes it as a solo model. If browning matters to you, confirm its cooking modes before choosing it. Also measure the space required, including clearances.
Yes, if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food: Samsung describes its solo range as suitable for these uses. If you’d also like to brown dishes, look for a model with a grill.
A grill lets you brown food, but it doesn’t provide convection cooking on its own. For regular oven-style cooking, look specifically for this function on a combination model; UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these capabilities in its guide.
Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for the specific model. Samsung’s general guidance is to leave 10 cm behind and at the sides, and 20 cm above, but it notes that requirements vary between appliances.
Measure the space, then compare it with the appliance’s external dimensions, allowing for the clearances specified in its instructions. Also check that you’ll be able to open the door and fit your dishes into the cavity: capacity in litres alone won’t answer these questions.