Students who mainly reheat meals
You live in a studio flat, a room or shared accommodation and mainly want a straightforward way to reheat and defrost food, using a freestanding appliance suited to a smaller space.
Who this is for
Students who occasionally want to grill or brown food
You often reheat meals but would also like to brown or grill food from time to time; the right choice then depends on how useful the grill will genuinely be and on your accommodation’s rules.
Students without an oven who cook regularly
You are considering a combination microwave or mini oven to gain oven-style cooking as well. Footprint, ventilation and your accommodation’s rules then become decisive factors.
Buying priorities
Start with how you will actually use the appliance, then measure the available space precisely before comparing programmes.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the reheating and defrosting functions, as well as the capacity suited to your portions. A solo model is enough when browning food is not a frequent requirement. | I want to reheat leftovers, ready meals and frozen food without adding more appliances. |
| Space and ventilation | Compare the width, height and especially the depth with your worktop. Follow the clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model. | My appliance needs to fit on the worktop while leaving convenient access to the socket and enough clear space around it. |
| Grill or oven function | A grill meets the occasional need to brown or grill food. For fan-assisted cooking, compare the capacity, functions and intended cooking uses rather than assuming that a combination model will always replace an oven. | I would sometimes like to brown a dish, but I only want a more versatile appliance if I genuinely cook using oven-style functions. |
| Accommodation rules | Check your residence rules and any specific conditions. Also follow the installation guidance in the instructions. | I want to avoid buying an appliance that is not permitted or cannot be installed correctly in my accommodation. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by capacity or number of programmes without measuring the space
A suitable cavity size does not guarantee that the appliance can be installed without obstructing ventilation. The depth of a combination model can take up a particularly large amount of space on a small worktop.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then compare them with the external dimensions and the clearances in the instructions for the exact model before ordering.
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Buying a combination model when you only need to reheat food
A solo microwave already covers reheating and defrosting. A combination model becomes worthwhile when its oven functions will genuinely be used regularly.
List how you will use it each week: reheating and defrosting, occasional browning or grilling, or cooking as you would in an oven. Then choose a solo model, a grill or a combination model based on those needs.
ADEME and the Institut national de la consommation state that combination ovens are generally more expensive than convection ovens and do not show a clear advantage in every situation.
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Assuming that an electrical appliance is automatically permitted
The standard rules for the Crous university residences reviewed here cover cooking appliances other than microwaves, while allowing for additional specific conditions. They do not separately clarify the status of grill or fan-assisted cooking functions.
If you live in university accommodation, check the local rules or ask for written confirmation before buying a mini oven, grill or combination model.
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Treating a brand promise as a universal performance guarantee
Evenness of heating, defrosting, grilling and combination cooking vary according to the model, programme and dish. UFC-Que Choisir assesses these functions separately in its testing protocol.
Compare the specifications of the exact model and, where available, independent tests covering the functions you will use most.
Brands to know for this type of appliance
Whirlpool
The French range of freestanding microwaves includes grill and combination appliances, making it worth considering if you want several levels of functionality without choosing a built-in model.
- The French range includes freestanding, grill and combination models.
- For the MCP349WH, Whirlpool states a 25 L capacity, fan-assisted cooking, Crisp function and dimensions of 52 × 30,1 × 49,4 cm; check the clearances in the instructions and your residence rules before choosing a combination model.
LG
An option to consider for a grill or combination microwave with an extensive range of programmes, particularly if you want an oven function in the same appliance.
- The LG MJ3965BCR combines microwave, grill and oven functions in a stated 39 L cavity; the MH7265DDH is stated as having a 32 L capacity.
- These formats may be bulkier than a small microwave. LG’s claims about power control apply to its own models and should not be generalised to the entire brand.
Samsung
A brand worth considering if you want to filter a range by appliance type: solo, grill, combination, freestanding or built-in.
- Samsung France offers solo, grill, combination, freestanding and built-in categories, making it easier to identify the right type of appliance.
- The dimensions, ventilation requirements and accommodation conditions must be checked on the product page and in the instructions for the model you choose.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy options cover straightforward freestanding microwaves, including grill models, for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, occasional browning or grilling in smaller accommodation.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating, defrosting and occasional browning or grilling without adding a second appliance.
45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm format, 24,5 cm turntable, nine power levels and grill function. Check the 10 cm clearance specified at the sides and rear, as well as the residence rules relating to grill functions.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI with grill, 25 L, 900 W
An option for reheating and defrosting a variety of meals while retaining a grill function for occasional use.
25 L, 900 W microwave, 1 150 W quartz grill, six power levels, eight programmes and a 28,8 cm turntable. Allow 10 cm of clearance at the sides and 20 cm above the appliance.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI with grill, 21 L, 800 W
Suitable if reheating and defrosting remain your priorities, while still giving you the option to brown or grill food without a second appliance.
21 L, 800 W, 1 000 W grill, eight automatic programmes and multi-stage cooking. The product information specifies 10 cm of clearance on each side and 20 cm above; also check your local rules for grill functions.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H with grill, 25 L, 900 W
For larger portions or dishes, with integrated defrosting and grill functions for occasional browning.
25 L, 900 W, eleven power levels, 28,8 cm turntable and combination mode. The product information allows 20 cm of clearance at the sides and 30 cm at the rear, so careful measuring is essential in a narrow kitchen.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L, 700 W
A straightforward choice for reheating meals and drinks in accommodation where browning or grilling is not required.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute mechanical timer and 24,5 cm turntable. Its dimensions are 45,2 × 36,2 × 26,2 cm; allow 10 cm of ventilation clearance on all sides. Check the instructions if defrosting is essential for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is a microwave permitted in Crous university accommodation?
The house rules for the Crous university residences reviewed here state that cooking appliances are prohibited apart from microwaves, unless the appliances are provided by Crous. However, additional specific conditions may apply: check your residence rules and contract before buying. This wording does not explicitly clarify the status of an appliance using a grill or fan-assisted cooking.
How much clearance should be left around a freestanding microwave?
Check the instructions for the exact model. For example, Panasonic requires at least 5 cm on the left, 10 cm behind and 25 cm above the NN-DF38, with the right-hand side kept as clear as possible and the appliance installed independently rather than built in. These distances should not automatically be applied to another model.
Is a combination model always a better replacement for a mini oven?
No. The study by ADEME and the Institut national de la consommation, covering four combination ovens and ten convection ovens, states that combination models are generally more expensive and do not show a clear advantage over convection ovens in every situation. Choose a combination model to combine reheating, defrosting and oven-style cooking; choose a mini oven instead if oven cooking is your main use and your accommodation rules permit it.
What should I do with the appliance when I move?
To recycle an electrical appliance, the ministry responsible for France’s ecological transition highlights options including a collection point or recycling centre, returning it to the retailer and organisations within the social and solidarity economy.