Student who mainly reheats portions
If you mainly need to reheat and defrost meals, start by looking at solo models. In a kitchenette, compare their overall size too, and check there’s enough room for your plates.
Which option is right for you?
Oven-free household that cooks regularly
If you want to cook dishes that need convection, look for a combination microwave that explicitly includes this mode. Measure the space before choosing a larger model.
Occasional browning and grilling
If you mainly want to brown food as part of reheating, a model with a grill will suit you, without assuming you’ll also need convection cooking.
What sets the models apart?
For a student kitchen or a second home without an oven, start with the type of cooking you need most. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combination microwaves based on the cooking options they offer.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Oven-style cooking | Whether it explicitly has a convection or fan-assisted mode; the combination microwave’s external dimensions. | I don’t have an oven and want to regularly cook dishes that need oven-style cooking, not just reheat a plate; around 40% of consumers rank this type of cooking as their top priority. |
| Reheating and available space | External dimensions, cavity and turntable; the clearance specified in the instructions. | In my kitchenette, I mainly need to reheat and defrost portions without taking up too much worktop space; this compact use comes first for around 40% of consumers. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill; accessories and containers permitted for this mode. | I want to brown food from time to time, but don’t need convection for my other meals; browning is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on capacity alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or whether your dishes will fit inside the cavity. You’ll also need space for the door and ventilation.
Measure the space and your largest dish, then compare the width, height, depth, internal dimensions and turntable diameter.
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Buying a combination microwave just to reheat food
Convection won’t add anything to your meals if you don’t plan to use that mode. A combination microwave may also take up more worktop space.
Make a note of the cooking you’ll actually do: reheating and defrosting, occasional browning, or dishes that need oven-style cooking.
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Blocking the vents on a freestanding model
Whirlpool France warns that blocked ventilation can cause overheating. A Bosch instruction manual also specifies that the freestanding model it covers is not designed to be installed in a built-in unit.
Keep the vents clear and follow the installation instructions for your chosen model. Don’t assume a freestanding appliance is suitable for an enclosed unit.
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Heating a ready-meal tray without checking its instructions
Anses recommends following the instructions on food packaging designed for microwave use. This helps avoid excessive heating, which could increase the migration of substances into food.
Check that the container is suitable for the mode you’re using, and follow the power and heating time shown on the packaging.
Brands to consider
Panasonic
The French models cited by Panasonic showcase solo, grill and multi-function options.
- The NN-E20JW product details give external dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm, which are useful when comparing the model with your available space.
- These dimensions and the listed cooking modes apply to specific models, not the entire Panasonic range.
Whirlpool
The Whirlpool France product details cited include a freestanding model with a grill and a combination model with fan-assisted cooking.
- The modes described distinguish grill browning from the fan-assisted cooking listed for the MCP349WH.
- Whirlpool France says not to block the vents. Check the instructions for your chosen model to find out its installation requirements.
Samsung
Samsung France’s MC35R8088LC/EF combination microwave is an example of a 35 L convection model.
- Samsung France lists external dimensions of 528 × 404 × 481 mm for this model, so check that it will fit on your worktop.
- This model’s capacity and overall size don’t represent the brand’s other combination microwaves.
Bosch
The Bosch product details cited showcase solo and grill freestanding microwaves.
- Depending on the model, the specifications list the cavity, turntable or connection requirements, which are worth comparing before you buy.
- The warning against installation in a built-in unit appears in a Bosch manual for the freestanding models it covers. Always check the instructions for your exact model.
Microwaves to explore on Joybuy
These models cover everyday reheating with a solo microwave, browning with a grill and convection cooking with a combination model. First choose the mode you need, then check the available space and installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, 700 W
For reheating and defrosting portions in a small kitchen. The product title lists 11 power levels and six pre-set programmes. Compare the cavity dimensions, turntable and required clearances with your available space and cookware.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering if you usually reheat meals but also want to brown them from time to time. Check the cavity size against your dishes. If you want to cook as you would in an oven, check separately whether it has a convection mode.
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Heinrich's, solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating or defrosting portions without needing a grill. The product title lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the instructions for ventilation clearances before installation.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L, 700 W
For everyday reheating and defrosting. The guidance given for this model calls for at least 10 cm of clearance on all sides. Make sure your chosen spot allows for this, and check the requirements in the instruction manual.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB combination microwave, 42 L
Worth considering if you’ll use convection as well as the microwave and grill modes. Its listed external dimensions of 553 × 326 × 505 mm mean you’ll need to measure the space and check there’s room to open the door. Also check the ventilation and electrical requirements in the instruction manual.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before ordering a microwave for a kitchenette?
Measure the available width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the door and reach the socket. Then compare these measurements with the model’s external dimensions, and check that the cavity or turntable will fit your cookware. Check the instructions for the required clearances.
Can I install a freestanding microwave in an enclosed unit?
Don’t do this unless the instructions for your specific model explicitly say it’s suitable. Whirlpool France says not to block the vents, while a Bosch manual rules out installation in a built-in unit for the freestanding models it covers.
Can all plastic food trays go in the microwave?
No. Only use packaging or containers labelled as suitable for microwave use, and follow the power and heating time instructions. Anses recommends following this guidance to help avoid excessively heating food in its packaging.
When should I choose a combination microwave instead of a model with a grill?
Choose a combination microwave if you plan to regularly use an oven-style cooking mode as well as reheat food. If you only want to brown or grill food occasionally, a model with a grill will do the job. Check the product details to confirm the exact modes.