Choose a solo microwave if you mainly need to reheat and defrost, and already have access to a hob or oven. A grill model is suitable for occasional browning, while a combination microwave is worth considering when an oven is unavailable or difficult to access and you will genuinely use the fan oven function. Measure the space, check the size of your dishes and consider cleaning before making your decision.
In a studio flat, shared accommodation or already-equipped halls of residence, a solo model will generally cover reheating, defrosting and quickly preparing a portion. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from those requiring a grill or fan oven function.
If an oven is unavailable or difficult to use, a combination microwave may be worthwhile if you genuinely plan to use the grill and fan oven functions. Start by measuring the available worktop space.
A grill microwave is suitable if you often reheat meals and occasionally want to brown or grill the top, without needing all the functions of a combination oven. UFC-Que Choisir explains that the grill provides this additional function.
Choose this if: you reheat, defrost and occasionally cook in the microwave while having access to a hob or oven.
Good to know: it has neither a grill nor a fan oven function.
Choose this if: you also want to brown or grill a dish occasionally.
Good to know: a grill alone does not replace a fan oven function.
Choose this if: a conventional oven is unavailable or difficult to access and you need several cooking modes.
Good to know: combination models are generally more expensive, and their performance varies depending on the dishes and models, according to ADEME and the Institut national de la consommation.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Useful functions | Compare the advertised modes: microwave for reheating and defrosting, grill for browning, and fan oven for oven-style cooking. Check that the combination model explicitly lists the latter function. | I mainly want to reheat and defrost: a solo model will often be enough. If I also prepare gratins, I am looking for a grill; if an oven is genuinely unavailable, I will consider a combination model. |
| Actual footprint | Measure the width, height and depth of the space. Compare these with the external dimensions, then check the turntable diameter or internal dimensions suitable for your dishes. | My worktop space is limited, and my usual plate or dish must fit without obstructing the door or ventilation. |
| Usage and budget | Only pay for additional functions if you have a confirmed use for them. ADEME points out that actual energy consumption depends in particular on the appliance’s size and how it is used. | I would rather avoid paying for cooking modes that I will hardly ever use. |
| Everyday cleaning | Examine the shape of the cavity, the door, the controls and access to areas that need wiping. Check the cleaning features stated in the model’s manual. | After frequent splashes, I want to be able to clean the interior and controls easily in a confined space. |
A combination model is mainly useful if you often cook using the fan oven function or do not have access to an oven. ADEME and the Institut national de la consommation indicate that its performance varies depending on the dishes, models and brands, with no clear advantage over the convection ovens studied.
List your typical weekly uses: reheating and defrosting point towards a solo model; occasional browning towards a grill; and regular oven-style cooking towards a combination model.
Combination models are generally more expensive than basic models and the convection ovens compared in the ADEME-INC study.
Capacity does not confirm that the appliance will fit on your worktop or that your dishes will fit inside the cavity. Two appliances can list similar capacities while having very different depths.
Measure the available space, then compare the model’s external width, height and depth. Also check the turntable diameter or the stated internal dimensions.
Cleaning also depends on splashes, the door, the controls and your habits. Que Choisir treats cleaning as a separate usage criterion.
Read the manual and check access to the cavity and controls. A coating or cleaning programme advertised by a brand remains a feature to verify on the model you choose.
A microwave belongs in the waste electrical and electronic equipment stream and should be donated or recycled.
In France, when replacing it with a new appliance, ask the seller about the free “1-for-1” take-back service. If you are not replacing it immediately, use a suitable collection point.
Bosch is worth considering for a compact freestanding grill microwave. According to Bosch Electroménager France, the FEL023MS2 measures 260 × 442 × 345 mm, and offers 20 L and 800 W.
Samsung France offers solo, grill and combination microwaves, including 23 L grill models and a 32 L Air Fry grill model.
LG is worth considering for large-capacity combination models and NeoChef models with a variety of cooking functions. According to LG France, the MJ3965ACW is a 39 L combination model with grill and convection.
Whirlpool offers freestanding models, including combination models and options without a turntable. Whirlpool presents the MWF255B as a 25 L combination model without a turntable.
Joybuy options for reheating, defrosting, occasional browning or completing a student kitchenette, depending on the type of microwave you are looking for.
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An option for reheating, defrosting and occasional cooking when you already have access to an oven.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute timer, defrost function and 9.6-inch turntable. Stated dimensions: 44.6 × 36.3 × 24.3 cm.
No grill or fan oven function; check the ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
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For reheating and defrosting while retaining the option to brown dishes occasionally.
25 L, 1 000 W, 29.2 cm turntable, five power levels, microwave, grill and defrost modes, automatic weight-controlled programmes and advertised EasyClean coating. Dimensions: 47 × 26 × 37 cm.
The grill does not confirm a fan oven mode; follow the ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
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A compact solo model for everyday portions in a small kitchenette.
20 L, 700 W, 11 power levels, six preset menus, express cooking, timed or weight-based defrosting and memory function. Stated dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
No grill or fan oven function; consult the manual for cavity cleaning and installation requirements.
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An in-between solution for reheating, defrosting and browning without aiming for oven-style cooking.
20 L, 700 W microwave, 800 W grill, nine power levels, mechanical timer, defrost function and 245 mm turntable. Dimensions: 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm.
The grill provides browning without confirming a fan oven function. Allow at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear.
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Worth considering for reheating, defrosting and browning larger dishes if your worktop allows it.
25 L, 900 W, 1 150 W quartz grill, 28.8 cm turntable, stainless steel cavity, six power levels, automatic programmes and timed or weight-based defrosting. Dimensions: 53.6 × 43.6 × 33 cm.
Allow 10 cm at the sides and 20 cm above. The grill does not confirm a fan oven function.
No. In a small kitchen, it can combine microwave, grill and, depending on the model, fan oven functions. However, the study by ADEME and the Institut national de la consommation indicates that combination models are generally more expensive than the convection ovens compared, and that their performance varies depending on the dishes, models and brands.
Measure the available space and compare it with the exact external dimensions on the product page, not just the capacity in litres. Also check the size of your usual plate or dish: the Bosch FEL023MS2 measures 260 × 442 × 345 mm for 20 L, while the LG MJ3965ACW measures 54.4 × 32.7 × 52.5 cm for 39 L, according to their manufacturers.
Yes, the grill is used to brown or grill the surface of food. If you also want to cook using an oven-style mode, look specifically for a combination model with a fan oven function: a grill alone does not prove that this function is available.
Donate or recycle it rather than putting it in household waste. When buying a new appliance to replace it, the retailer must take back the old one free of charge under the “1-for-1” scheme, as stated by ecosystem.
No. The DGCCRF specifies that the CE marking is not a certification mark. Also compare the model’s dimensions, functions, manual, parts availability and warranty terms.