If you mainly want to reheat and defrost individual portions in a student kitchen, start by comparing solo microwaves. A grill is worth considering if you regularly want to brown dishes; a combination microwave with convection is an option if you also plan to cook without a conventional oven. Whatever you choose, measure the available space, check that your dishes fit inside and follow the clearance requirements in the instruction manual.
If you reheat and defrost food, and occasionally prepare simple dishes, a solo microwave is the first type to compare. Just check that it fits on your worktop and can accommodate the plates you usually use.
If you want to brown dishes, look at models with a grill. For recipes that need oven-style cooking, compare the functions and dimensions of combination microwaves with convection instead.
Capacity in litres isn’t the only thing that matters: measure the space where you’ll put the microwave, the door opening and your dishes, then allow for the ventilation clearances required for the model you choose.
UFC-Que Choisir identifies three uses: a solo microwave for everyday tasks, a grill for browning and a combination microwave with convection for a wider range of cooking options. Choose based on the meals you actually prepare, then consider how much space the appliance needs.
Consider this if: you mainly reheat and defrost food, and don’t need to brown dishes.
Limitation: this type won’t suit recipes that need a grill or convection cooking.
Consider this if: you regularly want to brown the top of your dishes.
Limitation: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance offers convection cooking.
Consider this if: you don’t have an oven and plan to prepare dishes that need this cooking mode.
Limitation: UFC-Que Choisir notes that combination models cost more. Check their dimensions too, and look up test results for the exact model and the types of cooking that matter to you.
| Feature | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Compare the external dimensions with the space available, including room for the door to open. Check the turntable diameter and the dimensions of your dishes, not just the capacity in litres. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to place the appliance without blocking the way and fit the plates I use inside it. |
| Cooking modes | Check which modes the appliance actually offers: solo, grill and convection. With a combination model, check the functions of the exact model rather than assuming they’ll all deliver the same results; UFC-Que Choisir tests them separately. | If I mainly reheat food, I don’t need the same functions as I would for browning dishes or preparing oven-style meals. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the time and power settings, as well as the defrost programmes. The stated power alone doesn’t tell you how evenly food will reheat; look for tests of the exact model if this is important to you. | I want to reheat a portion and defrost food without relying solely on maximum power. |
| Positioning and containers | Check the instruction manual for the clearances required for ventilation. Follow the time and power instructions on food packaging, and use cookware that’s suitable for the cooking mode. | Before buying, I need to know whether the space allows for proper ventilation and whether my containers are suitable for the meals I plan to prepare. |
In a kitchenette, you need to check two separate things: how much worktop space the microwave takes up and whether there’s enough room inside for your dishes. For example, the Electro Dépôt listing for the HIGH ONE MWO 20L W 902C V4 gives a capacity of 20 L, a 25.5 cm turntable and external dimensions of 44.5 × 24.2 × 32.5 cm.
Measure the space you have, the door opening and your largest plates before comparing models.
Clearance requirements vary by model and are set out in its instruction manual. The manual for one Schneider microwave, for example, requires at least 10 cm at the back, 5 cm on each side and 20 cm above. These measurements don’t apply to every model.
Check the installation instructions for the model you’re considering and make sure your chosen spot allows for the specified clearances.
A combination microwave offers extra cooking modes, but their value depends on the recipes you make. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combination models, and notes that combination models cost more.
Think about the meals you usually prepare: compare a solo model for reheating and defrosting, a grill model if you regularly brown dishes, or a combination model if you’ll make use of convection cooking.
According to Anses, overheating food, particularly at excessive power or for too long, increases the risk of substances migrating from certain food packaging.
Follow the power and timing instructions on packaging that’s suitable for microwave use. If the packaging isn’t intended for microwave use, transfer the food to a microwave-safe container.
These examples highlight features and sizes worth comparing. The specifications apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance made by each brand.
The MOC20100SFB is a 20 L solo model worth considering for reheating and defrosting in a small space.
The MG23K3515AK is a 23 L grill model worth considering if you want to brown certain dishes.
Whirlpool describes the MCP349WH as a freestanding 25 L combination microwave for a small kitchen.
The MWO 20L W 902C V4 is a mechanical solo microwave for everyday reheating and defrosting.
These solo and grill models suit the reheating, defrosting and browning needs covered here. If you’re looking for convection cooking, check that the specific appliance you’re considering offers this function.
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Worth comparing if you reheat and defrost meals but would also like a grill for certain dishes. The product name lists a capacity of 25 L and 900 W; check the instruction manual for the clearances needed when positioning it.
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The grill is useful if you want to brown food as well as reheat it. The product name lists a capacity of 20 L and 700 W; compare the available space, including room for the door to open, and check the full clearance requirements in the instruction manual.
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Worth considering if you prioritise reheating and quick defrosting over browning. The product name lists a capacity of 23 L; check the instruction manual for the space required around the appliance.
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This solo model is worth comparing if you want digital settings for reheating and defrosting portions. Its name lists 700 W, six pre-set programmes and 11 power levels; check that your plates fit and that your chosen spot meets the requirements in the instruction manual.
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The grill is useful if you sometimes want to brown a dish after reheating it. The product name lists a capacity of 25 L; check the documentation for this model to confirm the grill power, and consult the instruction manual for positioning clearances.
It can be suitable for reheating and defrosting individual portions, as long as your dishes fit inside. Pay particular attention to the turntable diameter and external dimensions: a 20 L capacity doesn’t guarantee that a large plate will fit.
Yes. Follow the clearance requirements in the instruction manual for your chosen model, and don’t block its ventilation openings. For example, the manual for one Schneider appliance requires at least 10 cm at the back, 5 cm on each side and 20 cm above. Don’t automatically apply these measurements to another model.
Only if the packaging says it’s suitable for microwave use, and you follow the stated timing and power instructions. Anses warns that overheating can increase the migration of substances from some food packaging. When using microwave mode only, use microwave-safe, non-metallic cookware, as directed in the appliance manual.
No. Check the cooking modes available on the exact model and make sure they suit your recipes. UFC-Que Choisir tests the grill, combination cooking and convection separately. The term ‘combination’ alone doesn’t tell you how the appliance will perform with every dish.