If you mainly want to heat food and defrost, a solo microwave covers the essentials. A model with a grill is worth considering if you also want to brown food, while a combination microwave with convection is suitable if you genuinely need an oven function. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes between these uses, but you’ll need to check the exact model to see how much space it takes up: external dimensions, internal capacity and installation clearance are all different measurements.
You mainly want to heat food, defrost and prepare simple meals in student accommodation or a property you only use occasionally. Que Choisir Ensemble lists these as situations where comparing solo, grill and combination microwaves can be useful.
You’d like more cooking options: check whether you need a grill, convection or top-and-bottom heating. These modes aren’t interchangeable.
You need to avoid buying something you already have and take your accommodation’s rules into account. The Crous says that some properties already have a microwave; check what’s provided in your own accommodation before choosing one.
Choose this if you mainly heat food and defrost, or already have another appliance for oven cooking.
Bear in mind it doesn’t add a grill or convection function.
Choose this if you’d also like to brown or grill food.
Bear in mind having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has convection.
Choose this if you need a proper oven mode as well as a microwave.
Bear in mind check the exact function: the Panasonic NN-DF38PBEPG uses top-and-bottom heating, while the NN-CT57RMEPG offers convection.
Start with the functions you’ll actually use, then make sure the appliance and your dishes will fit in the space available.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Essential functions | Available cooking modes, time and power settings, and manual or automatic defrosting. Darty and Boulanger list mechanical controls and 700 W microwave power for the Samsung MS20A3010AL. | If I mainly want to heat food and defrost, I’d prioritise simple controls over modes I won’t use. Around 33% of consumers in this scenario put these functions first. |
| Size and cookware | Compare the exact model’s width, height and depth, the turntable diameter and the size of your dishes. Boulanger lists the Samsung MS20A3010AL as measuring 44 × 25,9 × 33,7 cm; Fnac gives a 25 L capacity and a 29,2 cm turntable for the LG MH6535GIB. Check the manual for installation clearance. | If I have limited worktop space, I also check whether my usual dishes will fit inside. Around 27% of consumers in this scenario prioritise making sure the appliance fits their space. |
| Extra cooking options | Look for an explicit mention of a grill or convection, the temperature range and the accessories included with the model. Panasonic lists convection from 30 to 220 °C for the NN-CT57RMEPG; the NN-DF38PBEPG lists top-and-bottom heating from 30 to 200 °C. | If I prepare food that needs browning or oven cooking, I check the specific mode rather than relying on the word “combination”. Around 27% of consumers in this group prioritise an extra cooking function. |
| Accommodation equipment and rules | Check what’s included and the rules for your accommodation, particularly for functions other than microwave cooking. The Crous’ national guide allows microwaves, but you should confirm the rules for your own accommodation with your residence. | If I live in halls, I want to avoid buying something I already have and find out which appliances are allowed. Around 13% of consumers in this scenario put suitability for their accommodation first. |
A microwave with a grill isn’t necessarily a convection model. The LG MH6535GIB is described as a grill model; the Panasonic NN-DF38PBEPG offers top-and-bottom heating, not convection.
Check the exact model’s specifications for the mode’s name and temperature range.
Internal capacity doesn’t tell you the external dimensions or turntable diameter. So the stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit in your space or accommodate your dishes.
Measure the space and your dishes, then check the appliance dimensions and the clearance specified in its manual.
Some Crous accommodation already comes with a microwave, and the Crous guide sets out rules on cooking appliances and using multiple appliances at once.
Check the inventory for your accommodation and, if you live in halls, ask which functions are allowed.
The MS20A3010AL is a useful example of a solo microwave with mechanical controls on the French market.
LG France describes the MH6535GIB NeoChef as a 25 L grill microwave.
French models use different configurations: the NN-CT57RMEPG offers convection, while the NN-DF38PBEPG uses top-and-bottom heating.
This selection includes solo microwaves and models with a grill for heating or defrosting, with extra cooking options available on some models.
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Worth considering for heating and defrosting without adding a grill function.
Stated capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W; turntable: 24,5 cm; 6 power levels and a 30-minute timer. Stated dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
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Worth a look if you want microwave cooking and a grill function in a freestanding appliance.
Stated capacity: 25 L; microwave power: 900 W; grill power: 1 000 W. Automatic defrost function listed. Stated dimensions: 48,4 × 28,5 × 42 cm.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a microwave with a grill and advertised automatic programmes.
Stated capacity: 25 L. The description mentions defrosting and a keep-warm function; it doesn’t confirm that the model has convection.
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Worth a look for everyday heating and defrosting on a worktop.
Stated capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W; 6 power levels. The description mentions a defrost function.
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Worth considering if you want to heat food and defrost, with an advertised grill function for browning or grilling.
Stated capacity: 20 L; microwave power: 700 W; grill power: 800 W. Stated dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm.
Not necessarily. The Crous national guide allows microwaves and sets out rules for other cooking appliances, but doesn’t explicitly cover every grill or convection model. Ask your residence to confirm; this guidance applies to Crous residents, not all student accommodation.
Check what’s provided first. For example, Wangari Maathai residence in Nantes lists a microwave in its accommodation; this may not be the case at other residences.
No. If you buy from a professional seller, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity covers eligible defects that appear within two years of the goods being delivered, according to Service Public. A commercial warranty is separate, so check what it covers before taking one out.
Follow the cleaning instructions in the manual for your exact model. The Samsung manual warns that inadequate maintenance can damage surfaces; instructions may vary depending on the model and its coating.
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE mark isn’t a certification mark: it indicates the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the relevant regulatory requirements, not a quality rating.