Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost portions and already have a hob or oven. A grill model is suitable for occasional browning, while a combination microwave only makes sense if you genuinely need to replace some of the functions of an oven and your space, ventilation, weight restrictions and residence rules allow it.
You reheat portions, defrost food and prepare simple meals with very little washing-up. Check the available worktop space and your residence rules: Crous de Lyon states that studios do not have microwaves, although some shared kitchens do.
A solo appliance covers reheating and defrosting. A grill or combination model may be worthwhile if you also want to brown dishes or handle certain cooking tasks when an oven is not easy to use.
Measure the available space and allow for ventilation clearances before buying. If you already have a hob or access to a shared oven, choosing only the functions you will genuinely use means you avoid transporting an appliance that is heavier and deeper than necessary.
Choose it if: you reheat, defrost and prepare simple portions, and already have a hob or oven available.
Good to know: it cannot brown food; compare the dimensions and turntable, not just the stated capacity.
Choose it if: you also want to brown or gratinate pizzas, toasties or ready meals occasionally.
Good to know: the grill adds browning, but does not automatically turn the appliance into a complete substitute for a fan oven.
Choose it if: no practical oven is available and you plan to cook oven-style dishes regularly.
Good to know: combination models can be bulkier and heavier; check the depth of the worktop and the ventilation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and ventilation | Measure the width, depth, height, door opening and cable clearance. Follow the model’s instructions; Samsung gives a guideline of 10 cm at the back and on the sides, plus 20 cm above. | I want to be certain that the appliance fits on the worktop without blocking the vents or getting in the way of everyday use. |
| Simple reheating | Check the power levels, defrost setting and turntable diameter against the plates and dishes you usually use. | I mainly want to reheat leftovers, soups or frozen portions, with controls that are easy to use. |
| Browning or oven-style cooking | A grill is used for browning and gratinating. For cooking that is closer to an oven, check that a fan-assisted function is clearly specified and compare both the weight and depth. | I want to distinguish an occasional need to gratinate from a genuine need to cook regularly without an oven. |
Capacity does not tell you whether the appliance will fit in the recess, whether the door will open properly or whether your plates will fit on the turntable. A 25 L combination model can be close to 50 cm deep and weigh nearly 20 kg.
Measure the width, depth, height, door clearance and ventilation space. Also compare the internal dimensions and turntable diameter with the containers you normally use.
Blocked vents can cause overheating, and the required clearances vary from one model to another.
Follow the instructions for your chosen model, keep the vents clear and do not install a freestanding appliance as if it were a built-in model.
A combination model adds a grill and fan-assisted cooking, but it can be heavier and deeper than a solo appliance. These functions may be redundant if a hob, shared oven or communal kitchen already covers your cooking needs.
Make a list of the dishes you prepare over a week: choose a solo model for reheating and defrosting, a grill model for browning, and a combination model only if you regularly need oven-style cooking.
Facilities and rules vary between residences. Crous de Lyon states that studios do not have microwaves, although some shared kitchens do; Crous de Paris rules allow microwaves.
Before ordering, ask for an inventory of the studio, access to a shared kitchen, the rules that apply to cooking appliances and the permitted location for a freestanding model.
The range includes compact solo microwaves and multifunction combination models, making it useful for comparing a compact reheating appliance with a more complete cooking solution for a small space.
The freestanding microwave range includes grill models, which can be considered an intermediate option between a solo appliance and a combination model.
Whirlpool offers freestanding grill and combination models, with features such as Crisp, steam or fan-assisted cooking depending on the reference.
These Joybuy options include solo microwaves and grill models for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, gratinating in a studio or temporary accommodation.
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An option for reheating, defrosting and occasional gratinating in a small home.
Freestanding format measuring 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm, with a 245 mm turntable, nine power levels and mechanical controls. Leave 10 cm of clearance on the sides and at the back; no fan-assisted cooking is specified.
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This grill model is suitable for larger portions and occasional browning.
28.8 cm glass turntable, defrosting by weight or time and eleven power levels. Its dimensions of 485 × 293 × 410 mm require 20 cm of side clearance and 30 cm at the back; no fan-assisted cooking is specified.
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A grill solution for reheating, defrosting and gratinating without moving up to a fan-assisted combination model.
Dimensions of 53.6 × 43.6 × 33 cm, 28.8 cm turntable, quartz grill, six power levels and defrosting by weight or time. Check the required space before buying.
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A simple model for reheating meals and drinks with minimal settings.
Freestanding format measuring 452 × 362 × 262 mm, with a 245 mm turntable, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and two mechanical dials. Allow 10 cm of clearance on all sides; no grill or oven-style function is specified.
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This simple model is designed for reheating, defrosting and preparing basic portions.
20 L capacity, six power levels and installation on a flat, stable and dry surface. Leave 10 cm at the back, 5 cm on the sides and 20 cm above; check the external dimensions and turntable diameter before buying.
Do not assume so. Crous de Lyon states that studios do not have microwaves, although some shared kitchens do. Check your accommodation inventory and the shared facilities before buying.
It depends on your residence rules. Crous de Paris rules allow microwaves, while other cooking appliances may be subject to restrictions. Ask the residence for confirmation before buying, particularly in shared accommodation or where there is a communal kitchen.
Always follow the model’s manual first. Samsung gives an average guideline of 10 cm at the back and on the sides, plus 20 cm above, while specifying that requirements vary by model. The appliance should also be placed on a flat surface, with its vents left unobstructed.
No, unless the model is explicitly designed and installed as a built-in appliance in accordance with its instructions. A Bosch manual for freestanding models states that they are not intended to be installed or used in built-in units.
Choose a solo model for reheating and defrosting, a grill model if you mainly want to gratinate or brown food, and a combination model if you need oven-style cooking functions. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses and notes that combination models combine microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking.