Students who mainly reheat meals
If you mainly use your appliance to reheat and defrost food, a solo microwave is suited to these tasks without adding a grill or fan-assisted cooking function.
Which type is right for you?
Short-term renters who want to crisp dishes
If you already have another way to cook but would sometimes like to brown a dish, consider a grill model. Check the cooking modes available on the model you’re considering.
Students without access to an oven
A combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking is worth considering for some oven-style cooking, provided its installation requirements and functions are right for your kitchenette.
What should you check before choosing?
Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combination microwaves based on their cooking functions. First decide which functions you’ll use, then check that the model you choose can be installed safely.
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, particularly if you have access to another way to cook.
Bear in mind: a solo model doesn’t have a grill or fan-assisted cooking function.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or crisp some dishes, but don’t need fan-assisted cooking.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan-assisted oven mode.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you don’t have access to an oven and plan to use both the grill and fan-assisted cooking for some dishes.
Bear in mind: check the modes and installation requirements of the exact model before relying on it as your main cooking appliance.
| What to check | What to look for | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Check which modes are actually available: microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking. Look at the model’s programmes rather than relying on the word “combination” alone. | I mainly want to reheat and defrost food, or I also need to crisp dishes and do some oven-style cooking. |
| Space and ventilation | Measure the external dimensions, the door opening and the space available. Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the freestanding model. | The microwave needs to fit on my worktop while leaving enough space for safe installation. |
| Power supply | Compare the appliance’s stated voltage and total electrical power with your accommodation’s electrical supply. Take other appliances being used at the same time into account. | I may be sharing the kitchenette with other electrical appliances, so I need to check that the power supply is suitable. |
| Containers | Follow the instructions for the food you’re reheating and check that the containers are microwave-safe. For cling film and pouches, the DGCCRF advises against using them unless they are explicitly labelled as suitable. | I want to reheat meals in suitable containers, without assuming that all packaging is microwave-safe. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination model just to reheat food
Grill and fan-assisted cooking functions are only a reason to choose a combination microwave if you genuinely plan to use them.
Make a list of what you’ll use it for: reheating and defrosting, crisping dishes and, possibly, fan-assisted cooking. Then compare the modes available on each appliance.
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Looking only at the capacity in litres
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you whether the microwave will fit on your unit with the door open and the required clearances in place.
Measure the space in width, depth and height, then check the model’s manual for its ventilation requirements. Don’t install a freestanding appliance like a built-in oven unless the instructions specifically say you can.
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Assuming packaging is microwave-safe
Reheating instructions and container suitability matter just as much as the appliance settings.
Follow the product instructions. Anses recommends following the instructions for microwaveable foods. For cling film and pouches, the DGCCRF advises against using them unless they are explicitly labelled as suitable for microwave use.
Brands and models to compare
Panasonic
Panasonic France offers solo and grill models that are useful for comparing functions in a small kitchen.
- Panasonic France lists the solo NN-E20JW as having a 20 L capacity, 800 W power and external dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm.
- According to Panasonic France, the NN-K10JW has a grill. Check the specifications of the exact model rather than assuming those of the NN-E20JW apply to the whole range.
Electrolux
The freestanding EMZ421MMK is a specific example of a microwave with grill.
- Electrolux France lists microwave, grill and microwave-with-grill modes for the EMZ421MMK, along with a total electrical power of 1 270 W.
- The modes listed for this model don’t include fan-assisted cooking, so don’t choose it expecting to cook in oven mode.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers freestanding grill and combination models, with different functions to suit different needs.
- The brand describes the MCP349WH as a 25 L freestanding combination model.
- Check the modes and accessories for the exact model before relying on it for a particular type of cooking.
Samsung
Samsung France offers convection combination microwaves for homes where extra cooking options are useful.
- According to Samsung France, the MC28H5015AW combines microwave, grill and convection cooking in a 28 L cavity.
- Its specifications, including the 900 W microwave output power stated by Samsung, apply to this model and not to every combination microwave from the brand.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as grill models for browning or crisping food. Check the functions of each model if you also want fan-assisted cooking.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave, 700 W, black
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost food, with a grill function for browning some dishes. Check the total electrical power and the clearance requirements for your chosen spot.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L solo microwave, 700 W
An option for reheating and defrosting if you don’t need a grill. Check how much ventilation space it needs before finding a place for it on your worktop.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave, 700 W, black
For reheating and defrosting with digital controls: the product name lists six pre-set menus and 11 power levels. Check the manual for the power supply and clearance requirements for your installation.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave, 700 W
Designed for reheating and defrosting, this model is listed with six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual for its power supply and ventilation requirements.
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LG MH6535GIS, 25 L microwave with grill, black
Worth a look if you want to reheat and defrost food, then use the grill to finish some dishes. Check the cooking modes, electrical specifications and ventilation clearances for the model before deciding where to put it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace my oven?
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model has fan-assisted cooking, but it won’t automatically replace everything you usually use your oven for. Que Choisir distinguishes this function from those of solo and grill microwaves. Check the modes, dimensions, ventilation and power supply requirements for the model you’re considering.
How much space should I leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the exact model, as there isn’t one measurement that suits every appliance. A Siemens manual reminds users to leave ventilation clearances when installing an appliance in a cabinet. Also measure the space needed to open the door.
Can you put any packaging in the microwave?
No. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for microwaveable products. For cling film and pouches, the DGCCRF advises that if there’s no clear statement that they’re suitable, you shouldn’t use them in the microwave.