You mainly reheat meals
If you mostly want to reheat leftovers and defrost food, start by comparing basic microwaves. Then check that the dimensions will fit in your kitchenette.
Which option suits your needs?
In a student kitchen without an oven, how often you cook rather than simply reheat food can help you choose between the three types of microwave identified by UFC-Que Choisir.
You’d like to brown or grill food occasionally
If you sometimes want to brown or grill your food, a microwave with a grill gives you this option as well as reheating. However, a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan oven mode.
You don’t have an oven for cooking
If you regularly need to cook food in ways beyond microwaving and grilling, compare combination microwaves with a clearly stated oven mode. Their usefulness depends on the functions of the specific model and how much space it takes up.
What should you check before buying?
Basic microwave
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting cover most of your needs.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t have a grill or an oven-style cooking function.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you’d occasionally like to brown or grill food without using another appliance.
Bear in mind: a grill alone doesn’t replace a fan oven mode.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you’ll be without an oven for the foreseeable future and need additional cooking modes.
Bear in mind: the available modes and installation requirements vary by model. Check them before relying on it for cooking.
To compare appliances, start with the function that matters most to you, then measure the available space and check the instructions for the model you’re considering.
| Priority | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Reheating and defrosting functions; external dimensions and the space needed to open the door. | If I mainly reheat leftovers in a small kitchenette, I want an appliance that covers these needs without taking up unnecessary worktop space. Around 40 % of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Occasional grilling | Whether it has a grill; modes and accessories permitted by the instructions. | For browning a dish now and then, I’m looking for a grill function, without expecting it to handle everything an oven can. This would be the priority for around 30 % of consumers. |
| Cooking without a traditional oven | A clearly stated oven or fan oven mode; dimensions, ventilation and installation requirements. | Without an oven in my accommodation, I need to regularly prepare more than reheated or grilled meals. Around 30 % of consumers would make this ability their main criterion. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a grill means it’s a combination oven
A grill lets you brown or grill food, but having one doesn’t guarantee an oven mode. If you regularly need to cook without a traditional oven, this difference affects which appliance you should choose.
Look for an oven or fan oven mode clearly listed for the model you’re considering. Choose a grill-only model if occasional grilling is enough for you.
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Focusing only on the capacity in litres
Two appliances with similar capacities may need different amounts of space. You’ll also need to be able to open the door and leave the clearance required for ventilation.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare them with the exact model’s dimensions, door opening and installation instructions.
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Assuming all student residences are equipped in the same way
Information about Crous Paris and Crous Lyon residences describes different kitchenettes and electricity arrangements. The presence of a kitchenette alone doesn’t tell you which appliances are provided or permitted.
Ask for an inventory of your accommodation and check the rules, available sockets and electricity arrangements with your residence before buying.
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Confusing a commercial warranty with your legal guarantee
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. A separate commercial warranty does not replace it.
Before choosing a commercial warranty, compare its coverage and exclusions with the legal rights that already apply to your purchase.
Brands to compare
These examples illustrate features worth comparing, without making assumptions about other models from each brand.
Bosch
The freestanding FFL020MS2 and FEL023MS2 models let you compare a basic microwave with a 20 L grill model.
- Bosch lists dimensions of 260 × 442 × 345 mm and a maximum microwave power of 800 W for both models; the FEL023MS2 also has a grill.
- These dimensions and functions apply to these two models, not to all Bosch microwaves. Also check the clearance required in their instructions.
Panasonic
The NN-DS59N is worth considering if you’re looking for additional cooking functions in a combination appliance.
- Panasonic’s product information for the NN-DS59N lists, among other features, an oven mode adjustable from 30 to 220 °C, a grill and a microwave function.
- Check the modes and accessories for the exact model you choose. Internal test results presented by Panasonic for other models don’t apply to all combination microwaves.
Whirlpool
The MWF255B-NEW is an example of a freestanding combination microwave to consider for a small kitchen.
- Whirlpool describes this model as having a 25 L stainless steel cavity with no turntable.
- The internal capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much space it takes up. Check the external dimensions and installation instructions for the model you choose.
Freestanding microwaves to consider
These freestanding appliances let you compare models designed for reheating in a small kitchen; some also have a grill. If you’re looking for an alternative to an oven, check separately whether the model you’re considering has an oven mode.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI Titanium, 21 L microwave
Worth considering if you reheat and defrost meals and would also like to brown or grill food occasionally. Check which modes this model offers.
21 L freestanding model; 800 W power as stated in its name. Also measure the space needed when the door is open and check the ventilation clearances in the instructions.
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Beko MGC20100B1, black 20 L microwave with grill
For reheating and defrosting, with a grill if you’d also like to brown or grill food occasionally. Don’t expect the grill alone to replace an oven mode.
20 L capacity and 700 W power as stated in the product name. Check the door opening and clearances required in the instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L microwave
An option to compare if your main needs are reheating and defrosting rather than grilling.
20 L capacity and 700 W power as stated in the product name. Check how much space you’ll need to open the door and allow for ventilation as set out in the instructions.
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Samsung MS23K3513 Quick Defrost, 23 L solo microwave
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a solo model for reheating and defrosting, without expecting this option to include a grill or oven function.
23 L capacity as stated in the product name. Before buying, compare its dimensions and the clearances in the instructions with the space you actually have available.
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Hkoenig VIO8, 20 L black and stainless steel microwave
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen. If grilling or oven-style cooking is important to you, check the exact modes available on this model before choosing.
20 L, 700 W freestanding model, according to its name. Check the instructions for connection and ventilation requirements, and the space needed to open the door.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether a microwave will fit in my kitchenette?
Compare the available width, height and depth with the model’s dimensions, and remember to allow for the door opening and the clearances required in the instructions. To compare specific models, Bosch lists dimensions of 260 × 442 × 345 mm for the FFL020MS2. You’ll still need to check how much space is needed once the appliance is installed.
Does a kitchenette in student accommodation always include a microwave?
The mention of a kitchenette doesn’t tell you which appliances are provided. Ask for an inventory of your accommodation and check your residence’s rules before buying your own microwave.
Is electricity always included in student accommodation?
Arrangements vary by residence: the details for Crous Paris’s Poulet residence state that students are responsible for electricity costs, while those for Crous Lyon’s Garibaldi residence say it’s included. Check the terms for your accommodation and whether you can connect the appliance before adding it.
What legal guarantee applies to a microwave bought from a business in France?
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. It’s separate from any commercial warranty. Check the terms of the latter without confusing it with your legal rights.
Can I alter a microwave’s cable to install it?
Don’t alter the cable or appliance yourself to make it fit the space. The INRS highlights the risks involved in repairing or modifying an electrical appliance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting it, and ask a competent person to assess any installation issue.