Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions. A grill model is useful if you regularly want to brown or gratinate food, while a combination model is most worthwhile when it needs to cover some of the functions of an oven. First, measure your worktop and check the manual for clearance requirements, electrical connections and compatible containers.
You have limited worktop space and primarily want to reheat and defrost food easily as part of your daily routine. UFC-Que Choisir specifically lists student accommodation among the settings where microwaves are used.
Reheating remains the main use, but you would also like to brown or gratinate food occasionally without installing a full-sized oven. A grill microwave is well suited to this additional use.
A combination model is worth considering if the appliance also needs to grill and cook using fan-assisted heat. Available space, ventilation clearances and how often you will genuinely use these functions are therefore decisive factors.
Start by identifying the meals you actually prepare, then check that the model can be installed and used in your kitchenette.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and ventilation | Measure the width, height and depth, including the door when open. Check the clearances specified in the manual, as well as the stability and type of surface required. The Whirlpool MWP 3391 manual requires 30 cm of clearance above the appliance and space around it, but this requirement applies specifically to this model. | I want to install the appliance on a narrow worktop without restricting airflow or blocking nearby cupboards. |
| Cooking functions | A solo model is suitable for reheating and defrosting; a grill adds browning; a combination model may also offer fan-assisted heat. Compare the functions you will actually use, not just the number of programmes. | If I mainly prepare ready meals, I would rather avoid a larger appliance with functions I will rarely use. |
| Suitable containers | Check which cooking mode is intended for each container. When using the microwave function, avoid metal and sealed containers; for grilling or convection cooking, use only containers explicitly approved for those modes. | I want to reheat my meals without damaging a container or choosing one that is unsuitable for the selected programme. |
| Everyday use | Consider the door opening, controls, screen visibility, how easy the cavity is to clean and whether spare parts are stated to be available for the model selected. UFC-Que Choisir's testing protocol includes ease of use among its assessment criteria. | In a small home, I am looking for an appliance that is easy to use, clean and handle with my usual dishes. |
A grill or combination model may be too deep, too heavy or poorly ventilated for your worktop. The Whirlpool manual for a freestanding combination model specifies, among other things, 30 cm of clearance above the appliance and open space around it.
Measure the available area, the door swing and nearby cupboards, then compare the external dimensions, weight and instructions in the manual for the exact model.
A combination model adds grilling and fan-assisted heat, but its value depends on how often you cook meals that would normally require an oven. It may also require more space than a solo model.
Make a list of the meals you would prepare in a typical week: if you only gratinate or oven-cook occasionally, compare a compact solo or grill model first.
Metal can damage the appliance, a sealed container can cause pressure to build up, and plastic intended for microwave use may melt under the grill or with convection cooking.
Read the container label and the appliance manual. Use containers explicitly suited to the selected mode and follow the instructions on food packaging.
Microwave output power, power consumption and grill power describe different functions. For the LG MH6535GISS, for example, LG France states an output of 1 000 W for microwave cooking and 900 W for the grill.
Compare like-for-like figures between similar appliances and assess separately the defrosting, reheating, grilling and fan-assisted cooking functions that matter to you.
Worth considering for a solo microwave dedicated to reheating and defrosting. The Samsung MS23K3515AS is a 23 L solo model; Samsung France lists dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm and microwave power consumption of 1 150 W for this specific reference.
Worth considering if grilling is an additional requirement alongside microwave cooking. For the MH6535GISS, LG France states a capacity of 25 L, dimensions of 47,6 × 27,2 × 38,8 cm, microwave output power of 1 000 W and grill power of 900 W.
Worth considering for freestanding combination microwaves when one appliance needs to handle reheating, grilling and possibly fan-assisted cooking. Whirlpool distinguishes its freestanding appliances from its built-in models.
Joybuy solo and grill microwave options for a kitchenette when the intended uses are reheating, defrosting or gratinating simple portions.
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For reheating, defrosting and gratinating simple portions without a separate oven.
25 L capacity with microwave and quartz grill functions, touch controls, rapid defrosting and automatic programmes with weight control.
Check the manual for ventilation clearances and electrical specifications before installation; the grill requires containers that are compatible with this mode.
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For limited worktop space when grilling complements reheating and defrosting.
External dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm, 20 L capacity, microwave power of 700 W, grill power of 800 W and a 245 mm turntable.
Allow for the clearances specified in the manual and check that your plates and dishes fit the 245 mm turntable.
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For combining reheating, defrosting and gratinating in a kitchenette.
Freestanding model with microwave function, 950 W grill, 29,2 cm turntable, touch controls, automatic programmes and EasyClean interior.
Check the manual for the connection requirements and clearances. Data for the MH6535GISS sold by LG France must not be applied to this MH6535GIS.
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For reheating and defrosting individual portions when you do not regularly need to gratinate food.
23 L, 800 W freestanding solo microwave with Quick Defrost, reheating function, 28,8 cm turntable, dimensions of 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm and 230 V power supply.
This model has neither a grill nor fan-assisted cooking. Check the ventilation clearances and the usable dimensions of your worktop.
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For a very small kitchenette dedicated to simple meals that need reheating or defrosting.
20 L, 700 W solo microwave with external dimensions of 44 × 31,9 × 25,9 cm, 11 power levels, six pre-set menus, express cooking and defrosting by weight or time.
No grill or convection function is specified. Check the manual for clearances, voltage, power consumption and turntable diameter.
Measure the available width, height and, above all, depth, including the door, then consult the manual for the model. For example, the Whirlpool MWP 3391 manual specifies 30 cm of clearance above the appliance, open space around it and a flat, stable surface; these conditions apply specifically to this model.
No, unless the container manufacturer explicitly states that it is compatible with the relevant mode. UFC-Que Choisir explains that plastic can be used with the microwave function, but not with the grill or convection, where the heat may cause it to melt. You should also never heat a sealed container.
Avoid steel utensils, sealed containers and porcelain decorated with gold detailing. According to UFC-Que Choisir, glass, ceramic and undecorated porcelain can be used unless the manufacturer states otherwise; Anses recommends following the preparation instructions on packaging designed for microwave use.
No. The DGCCRF states that a commercial warranty is optional and is provided in addition to legal guarantees, with conditions set by the seller. Check its coverage, duration and exclusions separately.