Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions; a grill model is suitable for occasional browning. A combination model with fan-assisted cooking is better suited to gratins, pizzas and pastries prepared regularly without an oven, while a compact mini oven is worth comparing if oven cooking is more important to you than quick reheating.
For defrosting, reheating leftovers, soup or ready meals when space is limited, a compact solo microwave may be all you need. However, check that the turntable and cavity can accommodate the crockery you usually use. Que Choisir notes that microwaves are primarily used for reheating and defrosting.
If you often prepare gratins, pizzas, cakes or other dishes that need browning, look specifically for a combination model with a fan-assisted cooking function, or compare a compact mini oven. A grill on its own adds browning but does not provide the same cooking performance as an oven.
Measure the width, height, depth, door clearance, turntable diameter and interior dimensions before ordering. Also leave the ventilation clearances specified in the manual for the exact model.
Start with the recipes you usually make, then check the space available and the dishes you actually use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Microwave for reheating and defrosting; grill for browning; fan-assisted cooking explicitly stated for oven-like cooking. | I mainly reheat ready meals or leftovers: a solo model could be a good fit. If I often cook gratins, pizzas or pastries, I look for a genuine fan-assisted cooking function. |
| Practical footprint | External dimensions, depth, door clearance, turntable diameter or cavity dimensions, a flat surface and the specified ventilation clearances. | My appliance must fit on my worktop and accommodate my plate, ready meal or largest baking dish. |
| Containers and accessories | Microwave-safe containers; no metal in microwave mode; permitted modes for the supplied racks and accessories. | I want to use my containers without damaging the appliance. I check the manual before using a metal rack or dish in grill or convection mode. |
| Documents and support | Installation and user manual in French, an identifiable professional seller and proof of purchase retained. | I want to be able to install the appliance according to its instructions and keep the relevant documents if the product does not match its description. |
A grill does not replace an oven on its own: fan-assisted cooking must be stated if you plan to cook gratins, pizzas or pastries regularly. Even a combination model must be installed with the specified clearances.
Make a list of your weekly recipes. If oven dishes are occasional, compare a solo or grill model first; otherwise, check the fan-assisted cooking function, cavity, depth and permitted accessories.
The footprint can vary considerably by category: the Whirlpool MWSC833W is 54 cm deep, compared with 35.3 cm for the Whirlpool MAX34/BL, according to the Whirlpool France product specifications.
Capacity does not directly tell you the turntable diameter, the shape of the cavity or which dishes will actually fit. A compact appliance may have a relatively wide turntable, or the opposite may be true.
Measure the plates, ready meals and baking tins you use most, then compare them with the turntable and interior dimensions where these are provided. Include door clearance and total depth in your measurements.
Metal utensils are not suitable for microwave mode, and some plastics are not suitable either. The rules vary depending on the selected mode and the accessories permitted in the manual.
Choose glass, ceramic or plastic containers explicitly labelled as microwave-safe. For a supplied rack or metal dish, follow the cooking mode specified in the manual.
Blocked ventilation openings can cause overheating. Student accommodation or a shared kitchen may also have its own rules on use and installation.
Before delivery, ask the residence manager or landlord whether an individual cooking appliance is permitted. Install it on a flat surface, keeping the vents clear and following the instructions.
A range of freestanding microwaves, from compact solo models to Crisp combination models, making it useful for comparing footprint, cavity and capacity.
Offers solo, grill and combination microwaves, with some models combining microwave, convection, grill and air-fryer functions.
A useful reference point for a 23 L solo microwave, with a turntable close to 29 cm on the MS23K3614AW/EF.
An alternative to consider when compact oven-style cooking matters more than microwave reheating.
These Joybuy options include combination microwaves and grill models for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, browning or cooking with convection in accommodation without an oven.
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For regularly cooking gratins, pizzas or roast dishes without an oven, with microwave, grill, convection and hot-air functions listed.
Stated temperature range of 40 to 200 °C, 36 cm turntable and external dimensions of 54.4 × 52.5 × 32.7 cm.
Its footprint may be significant in a studio flat: measure the available space, door clearance and the clearances specified in the manual.
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Suitable for everyday reheating and defrosting, with occasional browning provided by the grill.
20 L, 700 W, 245 mm turntable, nine power levels and dimensions of 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm.
No fan-assisted cooking is listed: check the diameter of your dishes and the accessories permitted for each mode.
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For reheating, defrosting and occasionally browning individual portions or ready meals.
25 L, 900 W, 28.8 cm turntable, defrosting by weight or time, integrated grill and dimensions of 485 × 293 × 410 mm.
Without an explicitly stated fan-assisted cooking function, it is not suitable for regular oven-style cooking. Allow 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the rear according to the information provided.
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Suitable for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning, but not intended to replace an oven for everyday use.
25 L, 29.2 cm turntable, 950 W grill, touch controls and dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm.
Fan-assisted cooking is not listed; consult the manual for clearances and the containers permitted for each mode.
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An option for reheating, defrosting and browning dishes in a studio flat, with combination cooking listed.
23 L, 900 W microwave, 1,000 W grill, 27 cm turntable, 30-minute timer and dimensions of 48.2 × 28 × 32.1 cm.
The grill and combination cooking functions do not confirm fan-assisted cooking: check the manual, clearances and permitted containers.
It can handle a substantial proportion of an oven’s uses if the model explicitly has a fan-assisted cooking function, in addition to microwave and possibly grill functions. According to Que Choisir, combination models can perform some of the functions of a conventional oven; nevertheless, check the temperature, preheating, cavity and compatible accessories in the manual for the exact model.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, the clearance needed to open the door and the diameter of your largest dish or baking tin. Do not rely solely on the capacity in litres: the 13 L Whirlpool MAX34/BL lists a 28 cm turntable, while the 33 L MWSC833W lists a depth of 54 cm. Follow the installation clearances and conditions in the manual for the model you choose.
No. In microwave mode, do not use metal and check that plastic is explicitly microwave-safe. A metal rack or accessory may be intended for certain grill or convection modes, but whether it is permitted depends on the selected mode and the manual.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The DGCCRF states that it covers, among other things, goods that do not match their description or whose installation instructions are incomplete or incorrect. Keep your invoice, product listing and correspondence with the seller.