Students who mainly reheat and defrost
You have limited worktop space and primarily want to reheat meals and defrost food without installing several appliances; a solo microwave is the first option to consider.
What will you use it for?
Renters who want to brown food without a separate oven
You mainly use the microwave for reheating but occasionally want to brown or grill food; a grill microwave could be suitable if its dimensions, ventilation and power supply match the available space.
Small kitchens without a practical everyday oven
You plan to cook regularly using fan-assisted heat, the grill and microwave functions in one appliance; a combination microwave may be worthwhile if you are happy with a greater depth and weight.
What to look for
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you reheat and defrost food without regularly needing to brown it or cook as you would in an oven.
Good to know: microwave-only mode cannot replace a grill or oven for browning or grilling.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you also want to brown or grill food occasionally without buying a separate appliance.
Good to know: the grill adds a finishing function, but not the full versatility of a fan-assisted oven.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you will regularly cook using the grill and fan-assisted heat in one appliance.
Good to know: greater versatility often comes with a deeper and heavier appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and footprint | Measure the appliance’s width, height and, above all, depth. Also check its weight and the strength of the supporting surface. | I need to be able to place the appliance on a worktop or unit without compromising the available space. |
| Cooking modes | Compare microwave-only, grill and fan-assisted heat functions. Check that the features you want are listed for the exact model. | Reheating and defrosting may be enough; a grill or combination model becomes relevant if I regularly brown food or cook meals. |
| Installation | Consult the manual for required clearances. Keep the ventilation grilles clear and check the voltage, frequency and current where these details are provided. | My chosen location must allow air to circulate, and my socket must meet the requirements of the selected model. |
| Care and service | Review the cleaning instructions, support options and parts information for the model you choose. Keep your proof of purchase. | I want an appliance suited to frequent use and need to know which seller to contact if a fault develops. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing by capacity without measuring the external footprint
A slightly larger internal capacity may come with considerably greater depth and weight, making the appliance unsuitable for a narrow worktop.
Measure the width, height, depth and load-bearing capacity of the surface before comparing litre capacities. Add the clearances specified in the manual for the model you choose.
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Buying a combination model for occasional cooking
A combination model adds fan-assisted heat and a grill, but it may take up more space than an appliance designed only for reheating.
List how you use a microwave during a typical week: if reheating and defrosting account for most of your needs, compare solo models first; choose a grill or combination model if you will genuinely use its additional modes.
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Blocking the ventilation grilles or placing objects on top of the appliance
Obstructed ventilation does not comply with the installation conditions specified by the manufacturer.
Keep the vents clear, do not place anything on top and follow the clearance distances given in the manual for the exact model.
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Confusing a commercial warranty with your statutory rights
In France, according to Légifrance and Article L217-3 of the French Consumer Code, the seller is responsible for conformity defects that existed when the goods were delivered and that become apparent within two years of delivery.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare its terms with your statutory rights, check what is covered for transport and repairs, and keep your proof of purchase.
A paid extension may include exclusions: check precisely what it adds to the protections that already apply.
Relevant brands for this comparison
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers straightforward freestanding, grill and combination models, making it useful for comparing different cooking capabilities in a small kitchen.
- The models mentioned cover microwave-only uses as well as combination cooking with a grill or fan-assisted heat.
- Dimensions, weight, power and features vary by model; a function found on one appliance does not apply to the entire range.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is worth considering as a compact freestanding grill microwave.
- The model specifications state a 21 L cavity, 800 W microwave power, a 1,000 W grill and electrical details of 230 V and 10 A.
- This is a grill microwave, not a combination model with fan-assisted heat; check availability and the manual before buying.
LG
LG lets you compare 23 L solo and grill models, as well as combination appliances combining microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking.
- The cited product specifications clearly distinguish the capacities, turntable and power ratings of specific solo or grill models.
- The specifications of a solo or grill model cannot be used to infer those of a particular LG combination model.
Joybuy options for a small kitchen
These Joybuy options include solo microwaves and grill models for reheating and defrosting food and, depending on the model, browning or grilling dishes in a small kitchen.
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Beko MGC20100B1 20 L grill microwave
For reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a carefully measured kitchenette.
20 L, 700 W microwave power, 800 W grill, 245 mm turntable and 230 V / 50 Hz power supply. Stated dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. No fan-assisted heat is indicated; check the clearance required above the appliance in the manual.
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LG MH6535GIS 25 L grill microwave
An option with a grill for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning.
25 L, stated dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm, 950 W grill, touch controls, EasyClean coating and programmes with weight control. No fan-assisted heat is explicitly indicated; check the installation requirements in the manual.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H 25 L microwave with grill
Worth considering for reheating, defrosting and browning if you have enough depth available on your worktop.
25 L, 900 W, 11 power levels and a 28,8 cm turntable. Stated dimensions: 48,5 × 29,3 × 41 cm; 230 V / 50 Hz power supply and clearances of 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the rear are specified. No fan-assisted heat is mentioned.
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Heinrich's compact 20 L solo microwave
For everyday reheating and defrosting in a very small space.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute timer, defrost function, interior light and turntable. Stated dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm. No grill or fan-assisted heat is indicated.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) 20 L digital microwave
A straightforward model for reheating and defrosting meals in a kitchen with limited worktop space.
20 L, 700 W, 11 power levels, six pre-set menus, express cooking, defrosting by weight or time and a memory function. Stated dimensions: 44 × 31,9 × 25,9 cm. No grill or fan-assisted heat is indicated.
Frequently asked questions
Which type should I choose if I mainly reheat meals and defrost food?
A solo microwave is generally the most suitable choice if you do not need to brown food or cook as you would in an oven. Check the internal capacity, external dimensions and defrost programmes of the specific model.
Can a grill microwave replace a small oven?
Not automatically: the grill is used for browning or grilling. If you regularly cook using fan-assisted heat, look for a genuine combination model whose specifications explicitly mention this function.
What should I check before installing a freestanding microwave in a kitchenette?
Measure the appliance and the space where it will go, then follow the manual for the exact model. Whirlpool advises keeping the ventilation grilles clear and not placing anything on top; also check the published electrical specifications and required clearances.
What statutory protection applies in France if there is a lack of conformity?
According to Article L217-3 of the French Consumer Code published by Légifrance, the seller is responsible for conformity defects that existed when the goods were delivered and that become apparent within two years of delivery. Keep your invoice, order confirmation and model reference, then contact the seller with your claim.
How can I dispose of an old microwave in France?
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that a microwave may be eligible for take-back in-store. The “1 for 1” take-back scheme applies when buying a product of the same type; the conditions for “1 for 0” take-back depend, among other things, on the sales area.