Students who mainly reheat meals
If you mostly prepare individual portions, reheat leftovers or defrost ingredients, a freestanding solo model will do the job without adding cooking modes you don’t need.
Which type of microwave is right for you?
Students who want to brown or crisp food
If you’d also like to brown or crisp some dishes, a microwave with a grill offers this option as well as reheating. However, having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance can cook like an oven.
Students without access to an oven
If you plan to cook more often using just one appliance, look at the modes available on a combination microwave. Its worktop footprint and installation requirements matter just as much as the functions you’ll actually use.
What should you look for before choosing?
In student accommodation, start with the meals you usually prepare, then weigh up the features you want against the space you have available.
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost food, with only a little simple cooking.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t have a grill or oven-style cooking modes.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you want to brown or crisp some meals as well as reheat them.
Bear in mind: the grill alone won’t replace the other cooking modes of an oven.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you don’t have access to an oven and plan to use its extra cooking modes regularly.
Bear in mind: the extra functions mean you’ll need to consider the space it takes up, its accessories and how to maintain the model you choose.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check for a defrost function and the external dimensions, then look at the clearances required in the manual. | If I mainly reheat leftovers and defrost ingredients, I want an appliance that fits without adding lots of controls; around 50% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Browning and crisping | Look for a grill mode and check which accessories and containers are suitable for it. | To brown some dishes before serving, I’m looking for a grill function rather than other cooking modes; this would be the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Cooking without another oven | Compare the modes actually available, the size of dishes that will fit and the space needed for installation. | Without access to an oven, I’d like to prepare more meals in one appliance; around 20% of consumers would put this option first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a combination model for modes you’ll rarely use
A solo microwave already covers reheating, defrosting and some simple cooking. The extra modes on a combination model are only worth considering if you’ll genuinely use them for the meals you make.
Think about what you cook over the course of a week: if you only brown food or cook oven-style dishes occasionally, compare solo and grill models first.
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Relying on the litre capacity without measuring the space
The capacity of the cavity doesn’t tell you how deep the appliance is or how much space you need to leave around it. For example, Whirlpool lists its MWF255B combination model as 25 L, with external dimensions of 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm.
Measure your worktop, then compare the available space with the model’s dimensions and the ventilation clearances specified in its manual.
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Reheating food in an unsuitable container
It’s just as important to follow the instructions for packaging or containers as it is to follow those for the appliance. The DGCCRF advises, for example, against using films and bags in a microwave unless they are specifically labelled as suitable for this use.
Check the container’s instructions before heating it. For grill or combination modes, also follow the manual’s guidance on suitable containers and accessories.
Brands to consider
Samsung
Samsung France divides its freestanding range into Solo, Grill and Combination microwaves.
- This makes it easier to start with the cooking modes you’ll use.
- The capacity and power recommendations in Samsung’s guide are the brand’s own advice: measure your space and check the manual for the model you choose.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers a range of freestanding combination models. Its MWF255B is listed with a 25 L cavity and no turntable.
- This model gives you a practical example of what to expect from an appliance with several cooking modes.
- Whirlpool lists the MWF255B as weighing 19 kg and measuring 46,8 cm deep: compare these figures with your available space and the installation instructions.
Sharp
Sharp Consumer France’s documentation features 20 L single-function microwaves, with controls that vary by model.
- The R-208 W and R-209 W models are examples of appliances designed for straightforward everyday use.
- Before choosing a particular model, check its product information, manual and the after-sales service offered by the retailer.
Microwaves for these needs on Joybuy
These models let you compare solo microwaves for everyday meals with a Beko model that has a grill for browning or crisping food. If a grill is essential to your choice, check the modes available on the exact model.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave, 700 W
If you want to reheat and defrost food without a grill mode, this solo model is a good fit for everyday use. Its product description lists six power levels, a defrost function, a turntable and a 30-minute timer.
Before setting aside a space for it, check the manual for the ventilation clearances and electrical requirements.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill, 700 W
If you’d sometimes like to brown or crisp a dish, this model combines microwave and grill functions. Check the manual to see which containers are suitable for each mode.
Leave at least 10 cm of space at the sides and rear, in line with the guidance for this model.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave, 700 W
If you want to reheat and defrost food using digital controls, this model is listed as having six automatic programmes, eleven power levels and a defrost function.
Before installing it, check the manual for ventilation clearances, care instructions and electrical requirements.
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Hkoenig VIO8, 20 L freestanding microwave, 700 W
This 20 L freestanding model is worth considering for reheating meals and defrosting food. Before placing it on a small worktop, compare its dimensions with the space you have available.
Check the manual for ventilation clearances, care instructions and the electrical requirements for installation.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H, 25 L solo microwave, 900 W
If you’re comparing microwave sizes for reheating meals, this model is listed as a 25 L solo microwave. If you also want a grill, check the cooking modes of the H25MOBS7H in its manual before making your choice.
The guidance for this model specifies at least 20 cm of space at the sides and 30 cm at the rear; make sure your chosen spot meets these requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for student accommodation?
Yes, if you reheat and defrost food and only do a little simple cooking. If you want to brown or crisp dishes, look at models with a grill. If you plan to cook regularly without access to another oven, compare the modes on a combination model and the space it needs.
Can I heat any takeaway tray or container in the microwave?
No. Use a container intended for contact with food and follow its instructions. For films and bags, the DGCCRF advises against using them in the microwave unless they are specifically labelled as suitable for this purpose. Also check the appliance manual when switching from microwave to grill mode.
What should I measure before ordering a freestanding microwave?
Measure the available width, height and depth, then allow for the ventilation clearances required in the model’s manual. Don’t rely on the internal capacity alone: Whirlpool lists its MWF255B combination model as 25 L, with external dimensions of 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm.