Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions: it’s the most straightforward option when space and simplicity matter. A grill model is suitable for occasional browning, while a combination microwave is worthwhile if you genuinely cook oven-style dishes without a traditional oven and have enough worktop space, ventilation and support for it.
You mainly want to reheat and defrost food without adding lots of appliances. In France, two-thirds of students lived away from the family home in 2023, according to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space.
A freestanding appliance may be all you need for everyday meals without installing a conventional oven. Que Choisir lists a second home among the typical use cases for a microwave.
A combination model is worth considering only if you regularly prepare dishes that need a grill or fan oven, and if your worktop leaves enough space around the appliance.
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost individual meals.
Accept that: there’s no grill browning or fan-assisted cooking.
Choose this if: you occasionally brown a gratin, crisp up a pizza or finish a toasted ham and cheese sandwich.
Accept that: the grill does not replace a fan oven for baking and roasting.
Choose this if: you plan to cook gratins, pizzas, roasted vegetables or baked goods regularly without a separate oven.
Accept that: it is generally deeper, heavier and more demanding to install.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the worktop’s width, height and especially its depth. Also check the turntable diameter against your usual plates and dishes. | I want to reheat and defrost without losing all my food-preparation space. |
| Everyday reheating | Compare capacity, power levels, programmes and the advertised defrosting functions. Follow cooking guidance suited to your portion sizes. | I’m looking for a straightforward appliance for everyday meals, not a mini oven that I’ll rarely use. |
| Occasional browning | Choose a grill if browning is genuinely useful. In this mode, use compatible dishes rather than plastic intended solely for microwave use. | I’d like to keep a golden crust on a few dishes without installing a full-size oven. |
| Installation and safety | Check the clearances, socket and instructions in the manual for the exact model. Also check the inventory and condition report in a furnished rental. | My appliance must be able to sit securely and ventilate properly in an already fitted kitchenette. |
A combination model can bring together microwave, grill and fan-oven functions, but its size may become a nuisance. The Panasonic NN-C69KSM, cited as a reference by Panasonic France, is 52 cm deep and weighs 22.2 kg.
List the meals you make over one or two weeks: stick with a solo model for reheating and defrosting, choose a grill for occasional browning, and opt for a combination model only if you frequently need oven-style cooking.
Depth, overhead clearance, weight and ventilation distances can prevent installation even when the appliance fits from the front. The Whirlpool MWP 201 manual specifically prohibits installation in a cupboard.
Before ordering, measure the width, depth, available height and socket position, then apply the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
According to Que Choisir, plastic should only be used in microwave mode, not with grill or convection functions. A sealed container can also create excess pressure.
Keep containers that are explicitly suitable for microwave reheating, and choose dishes compatible with the temperatures expected for grilling or fan-oven cooking.
For furnished rentals covered by Decree no. 2015-981, the minimum furniture list includes cooking hobs and an oven or microwave oven.
Check the inventory, the appliance’s operation and the condition report before buying. If you identify a fault, document it with the landlord.
Worth considering for straightforward freestanding solo, grill or combination microwaves when worktop installation is the priority.
A potential choice for a mid-range grill microwave designed for everyday reheating and occasional browning.
Consider it for a combination model when your aim is to partly replace an oven with microwave, grill and fan-oven functions.
Joybuy options for a kitchenette, including solo microwaves and grill models designed for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasional browning without stepping up to a combination model.
20 L, 700 W, 800 W grill, nine power levels and stated dimensions of 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm.
Allow for the stated 10 cm clearance at the sides and rear, and use dishes suitable for grilling.
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For everyday meals with defrosting and occasional browning in a freestanding appliance.
25 L, 1000 W, quartz grill, automatic programmes and stated dimensions of 47.6 × 38.8 × 27.2 cm.
Fan-assisted cooking is not advertised: check the manual for clearance and connection requirements before installation.
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For everyday reheating and defrosting without adding oven functions.
23 L, stated microwave power of 800 W, Quick Defrost, 29 automatic programmes and a 28.8 cm turntable.
No grill or fan-assisted cooking advertised; check the required clearances around the dimensions of 48.9 × 27.5 × 37.4 cm.
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For a kitchenette where the main priorities are reheating and defrosting.
20 L, 700 W, 11 power levels, six pre-set menus and defrosting by time or weight.
Stated dimensions of 44 × 31.9 × 25.9 cm; confirm the ventilation space and the size of your larger dishes.
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For reheating and defrosting with simple mechanical controls in a small space.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute timer, defrost function and 9.6-inch turntable.
No grill or fan-assisted cooking advertised; check ventilation, connection and available space for your dishes.
Not necessarily. For furnished accommodation covered by Decree no. 2015-981, the minimum furniture includes cooking hobs and an oven or microwave oven. Check the inventory, operating condition and status of your rental before buying.
Don’t assume that you can. The Whirlpool MWP 201 manual states that it must not be placed in a cupboard; for any other appliance, follow the installation instructions for the exact model exclusively.
Not for grill or convection functions, according to Que Choisir. Plastic may only be used in microwave mode; you should also avoid sealed containers to prevent excess pressure.
No. The DGCCRF states that the CE marking is not a certification mark: it represents the manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets the applicable essential requirements. It does not replace reading the manual or checking the dimensions.
The statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a consumer, according to the Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. Keep your receipt and contact the seller first if the goods do not conform to the contract.