Crous residence residents
If you live in accommodation covered by the Crous network guide, first check what equipment is provided and which rules apply. The guide allows microwaves, but not other cooking appliances that are not provided.
Who is this choice for?
People who mainly reheat and defrost food
For portions, leftovers or food that needs defrosting in a small kitchenette, a solo microwave covers the everyday uses described by UFC-Que Choisir, without requiring you to choose extra cooking modes.
People who want to cook with a single appliance
If you’d also like to brown food or cook as you would in a small oven, compare grill and combination models. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions; whether they’re useful depends on the space available and your accommodation rules.
What should you consider first?
First check which appliances are allowed, then think about the meals you actually prepare. According to UFC-Que Choisir and Samsung France, a grill adds browning to a solo microwave, while a combination model adds oven-style cooking. A separate appliance also needs its own space.
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost food.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t brown food or offer oven-style cooking.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown food from time to time.
Bear in mind: the grill requires suitable containers, and doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan oven function.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you plan to use both the grill and oven-style cooking regularly in one appliance.
Bear in mind: check its size, where you’ll store the accessories and which modes you’ll actually use.
Separate cooking appliance
Consider this if: the rules specifically allow that appliance and you have a dedicated space for it.
Bear in mind: an air fryer is another appliance to store; UFC-Que Choisir also highlights its potential bulk and noise.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Permitted appliance | Read your accommodation rules and check which appliances are provided or allowed. The Crous network guide permits microwaves in the residences it covers, but not other cooking appliances that are not provided. | In a residence, I need to be able to use the appliance before I even compare its features; around 29% of the consumers concerned might put this permission first. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare the defrost settings and controls you’ll use every day. | When my meals mainly need reheating or defrosting, I don’t need to choose an oven mode first; this would be the top priority for around 29% of the consumers concerned. |
| Browning and cooking | Know the difference between a grill and a combination microwave with fan cooking; check the modes and accessories for the specific model. | If I want to brown food or regularly cook oven-style meals without a second appliance, these modes become essential; around 24% of the consumers concerned might prioritise them. |
| Available space | Measure the space and the clearance needed, then work out where you’ll store racks or baskets. | With limited worktop space, I want to avoid an extra appliance getting in the way of other uses; space would come first for around 18% of the consumers concerned. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Assuming a small appliance is automatically allowed
In residences covered by the Crous network guide, cooking appliances that are not provided are prohibited, with microwaves as the exception. The appliance’s small size doesn’t change this rule, whether it’s an air fryer, hob or mini oven.
Before buying another cooking appliance, check your residence rules or ask the manager or landlord for written confirmation.
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Choosing a combination model without using its extra modes
The grill and fan cooking are only useful if you actually want to brown food or cook as you would in an oven. A solo model already covers reheating and defrosting, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Start with the meals you prepare, then check the combination model’s external dimensions against the space available.
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Using the same container for every mode
UFC-Que Choisir says that plastic suitable for microwave use should not be used in grill or convection mode.
Choose containers and accessories to suit the mode you’re using, and follow the appliance instructions.
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Confusing a commercial warranty with your statutory rights
In France, the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between the statutory guarantee of conformity, which is mandatory within its scope, and an optional commercial warranty, which is an additional cover.
Before taking out a commercial warranty, check its duration, territorial scope, exclusions and claims process, and don’t confuse it with your statutory rights.
Brands to consider
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers freestanding microwaves, including grill and combination models worth comparing for a small kitchen.
- The range lets you explore different levels of functionality without choosing a built-in appliance.
- Check the dimensions and modes of the exact model before setting aside space for it.
Samsung
The grill microwave range featured by Samsung France is designed for uses including reheating, defrosting and browning.
- This distinction makes it easier to look for a grill function without assuming you need a combination model.
- Check the capacity, accessories and specifications of the exact model.
Panasonic
Panasonic France features the NN-CT55RW, a combination microwave with grill, convection and air fryer functions.
- This model shows the range of functions you can get in a single appliance, provided they’re allowed in your accommodation.
- Check the dimensions, the modes you need and whether the model you’re interested in is available.
Microwaves to explore on Joybuy
These freestanding models are suited to reheating and defrosting in a small kitchenette. Some explicitly include a grill; if you want fan cooking, check the modes on the model you’re considering rather than assuming it has this function because it’s described as a ‘microwave oven’.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
Worth a look if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food without a grill function. The model name specifies 20 L, 700 W, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function. Measure the space and allow for the clearance specified in the instructions.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave
Consider this model if you’d also like to brown food in the same appliance. It’s described as a 20 L, 700 W microwave with a grill. For grill use, check the instructions for suitable accessories and containers; UFC-Que Choisir advises against using plastic in grill mode.
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Hkoenig VIO8, 20 L freestanding microwave
Worth a look for reheating in a freestanding appliance: the model name specifies 20 L and 700 W. If you want to brown food or use fan cooking, check the available modes carefully before choosing it.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L freestanding microwave
Consider this if you’re looking for a freestanding microwave and have enough space for it. The model name specifies 21 L and 800 W. Check its exact modes if browning or fan cooking matters to you, as well as its dimensions and the clearance required.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L digital microwave
Worth a look if you’d like digital controls for reheating and defrosting. The model name specifies 20 L, 700 W, eleven power levels, six pre-set programmes and a defrost function. Check the other modes if you also need a grill or fan cooking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an air fryer or mini oven in a Crous residence?
Not if it’s a cooking appliance that isn’t provided in accommodation covered by the Crous network guide: the guide allows microwaves but excludes other cooking appliances that aren’t provided. Check the rules and equipment in your particular residence; this rule doesn’t automatically apply to private rentals.
Which microwave should I choose if I only want to reheat and defrost food?
A solo microwave suits these uses if you don’t need a grill or fan cooking, as outlined in the UFC-Que Choisir guide. Check the defrost function, the capacity you need for your dishes and the model’s external dimensions.
Can I use the same container in microwave and grill modes?
Don’t assume that a container suitable for microwave mode is also suitable for grill or convection mode. UFC-Que Choisir explains that plastic suitable for microwave use shouldn’t be used in either of these other modes; you should also follow your appliance instructions.
Does an extended warranty replace the statutory guarantee?
No. For an appliance sold by a business to an individual in France, the Ministry of the Economy says that a commercial warranty is optional and is additional to statutory guarantees, including the statutory guarantee of conformity. Check the terms of the extended warranty separately from your statutory rights.