Reheating meals and defrosting portions
If these are your main uses and you don’t need to brown or crisp your food, start by looking at solo models.
What is each type best suited to?
Browning or crisping food without a full-size oven
If you reheat meals every day but also want to brown or crisp food occasionally, a model with a grill offers that extra option.
Occasional cooking without an oven
If you may occasionally need your microwave to act as an oven in a small kitchen, compare the functions offered by combination models, then check the space and installation requirements.
What should you check before choosing?
First, decide which cooking modes you’ll actually use. Then measure the space you have, allowing for the clearances specified in the manual.
Solo microwave
Consider this: for reheating, defrosting and cooking using microwave mode, when you don’t need food to brown or crisp.
Limitation: it won’t do the job of a grill or a convection oven.
Microwave with grill
Consider this: if you want to brown or crisp food occasionally as well as reheat meals every day.
Limitation: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a convection mode.
Combination microwave
Consider this: if the appliance may occasionally need to stand in for an oven. UFC-Que Choisir identifies this as a possible use for combination models.
Check: the modes available on the specific model, the space it will take up on your worktop and its installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Questions to ask yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Check which modes are available on the exact model: microwave, grill and, if needed, convection. Look for programmes and accessories that suit the food you prepare. | I mainly reheat and defrost meals. Do I really need to brown or crisp food, or cook dishes that need an oven-style setting? |
| Space and ventilation | Compare the appliance’s external dimensions with the space available, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual. For example, the manual for the Schneider SCMWN20SDG requires 10 cm at the back, 5 cm at the sides and 20 cm above. These measurements apply to this model only. | Is there enough space around the appliance on my worktop, not just enough room for its width? |
| Electrical supply | Check the chosen model’s voltage, frequency, total power and amperage on its product details or in the manual, then compare them with the accommodation’s electrical supply. | If I don’t know the specifications of the socket or circuit in my kitchenette, should I get them confirmed before installation? |
| Containers and cooking modes | Check the container’s instructions for each mode you use. UFC-Que Choisir notes that plastic intended for microwave mode must not be used with the grill or convection functions. | If I choose an appliance with a grill, will I be able to use containers suitable for the selected mode? |
What should you avoid?
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Choosing a combination model when you only need to reheat food
Extra functions won’t help you choose if you don’t plan to brown or crisp food or cook dishes in an oven-style mode.
Make a note of the dishes you usually prepare. Only compare models with a grill or combination functions if they suit the way you’ll use the appliance.
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Measuring the appliance without allowing for ventilation
An oven may fit on your worktop but still not have enough clearance around its vents.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then allow for the distances stated in the manual for the model you choose.
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Using the same container in grill mode
According to UFC-Que Choisir, plastic suitable for microwave mode isn’t suitable for the grill or convection functions.
Before switching modes, check the instructions for both the container and the appliance.
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Confusing similar model numbers
Different suffixes can indicate different versions. The Electrolux manufacturer details for the EMZ421MMK and the Electrolux listing for the EMZ421MMTI refer to different models.
Before deciding, compare the full model number, its features and accessories, and the warranty terms.
Which brands can you use as a guide?
These examples highlight features or installation details worth comparing. Their specifications don’t apply to every model from each brand.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s freestanding microwave range includes models with a grill and combination models.
- Whirlpool describes the MCP349WH as a 25 L freestanding combination microwave with a grill function that works alongside the microwave.
- Check the dimensions and modes of the model you’re considering. The MCP349WH’s features don’t represent the whole range.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is an example of an Electrolux freestanding model that combines microwave and grill functions.
- Electrolux’s product details for the EMZ421MMK list microwave, grill and combined microwave-and-grill modes.
- Its electrical specifications apply to this specific model. Check the details for the one you choose.
Schneider Consumer
The manual for the SCMWN20SDG gives a practical example of the clearance needed around a freestanding microwave.
- For this model, Schneider Consumer requires at least 10 cm at the back, 5 cm at the sides and 20 cm above.
- These clearances aren’t universal: always follow the manual for the model you actually buy.
Microwaves to compare on Joybuy
This selection includes solo models for reheating and defrosting, as well as models with a grill for occasional browning or crisping. If you’re choosing a combination model to stand in for an oven, check the cooking modes for the specific model separately.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting, with no grill function. Joybuy France’s product details for this model list a microwave power of 700 W and six power levels. Check that your chosen spot meets the installation requirements in its manual.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
Worth comparing if you want to brown or crisp food as well as reheat meals. The product title lists 700 W for the microwave function. Before installation, check the manual for the required clearances and full electrical specifications.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI, 21 L microwave with grill
For combining everyday reheating with occasional browning or crisping. Joybuy France’s product title lists 800 W in microwave mode and a 1 000 W grill. Check the clearances and electrical specifications for the EMZ421MMTI, and don’t confuse them with those for the EMZ421MMK.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
A solo model to consider if you prioritise reheating and defrosting over browning or crisping. The product title mentions rapid defrosting. Check the manual to make sure you can allow enough space around the appliance for ventilation.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
For reheating and defrosting with digital controls. The product title lists 700 W, six pre-set menus and 11 power levels. Check the manual for the ventilation space and electrical supply required.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should I leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for the model you buy, as they vary between models. For example, Schneider Consumer requires at least 10 cm at the back, 5 cm at the sides and 20 cm above the SCMWN20SDG. Add these clearances to the appliance’s dimensions before deciding where to put it.
Can I use the same container with the grill?
Don’t assume that a container suitable for microwave use is also suitable for the grill. UFC-Que Choisir says that plastic used in microwave mode must not be used with the grill or convection functions. Check the instructions for both the container and the appliance, too.
How do I check the electrical supply before buying?
Compare the voltage, frequency, total power and amperage listed for the model you’ve chosen with the accommodation’s electrical supply. For example, Electrolux’s product details for the EMZ421MMK list 230 V, 50 Hz, 1 270 W and 10 A. If you don’t know the specifications of your socket or circuit, ask the property manager or landlord to confirm them before installation.
What should I do with an old microwave in France?
Find out what take-back options are available for your appliance. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when you buy an appliance of the same type. Check the arrangements with the retailer concerned.