Choose a solo microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions and already have another way to cook. A grill model is suitable for occasional browning, while a combination model makes sense when it genuinely needs to cover oven-style cooking; in that case, carefully measure its external dimensions and the ventilation space required.
You need to defrost or reheat food quickly, but already have a hob, a shared oven or another cooking method: a solo appliance is primarily designed for this use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these basic functions from models with a grill or fan-assisted cooking.
You want to brown dishes or snacks as well as reheat food, without planning to cook with fan assistance: a grill model is an intermediate option to compare with a solo microwave. Whirlpool, for example, describes the MWP253B as a microwave with grill.
If you plan to cook, grill and reheat food frequently using one appliance, a combination model could suit the way you organise your kitchen. However, make sure its external dimensions and depth are compatible with your kitchenette.
Start with the meals you actually prepare, then check the available space before comparing programmes or the stated capacity.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Useful functions | Compare reheating and defrosting functions with the grill and fan-assisted cooking. A grill lets you brown food, while a combination model generally combines microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking. | I want to avoid cluttering the kitchen with functions that duplicate those already provided by an oven or hob. If I mainly reheat food, a solo microwave remains the simplest starting point. |
| Actual footprint | Note the external width, height and depth of the exact model. Also check the cavity, turntable diameter and the required ventilation clearances. | My worktop space is limited: litres alone do not tell me whether the appliance and my dishes will fit. |
| Everyday use | If cooking results matter, look for comparable tests covering defrosting, even reheating, grilling and fan-assisted cooking. Also examine the controls, door opening and cleaning requirements. | I want to be able to use the appliance regularly without choosing its programmes solely on the basis of one isolated review. |
A combination model adds a grill and fan-assisted cooking, but these functions are less useful when they duplicate equipment you already have. It may also take up more space than a solo model.
Make a list of the meals you prepare over a week: compare solo models first if you mainly reheat and defrost, then consider a grill or combination model if you regularly need those additional functions.
Two appliances with a similar capacity can have very different widths and depths. Capacity also does not guarantee that a plate, rectangular dish or tin will be practical to use.
Check the external dimensions, cavity dimensions and turntable diameter, and, where useful, whether the turntable can be switched off on the exact model.
Feedback about a pizza or quiche may suggest a use worth investigating, but it cannot establish how evenly the appliance reheats or defrosts food, or how well the grill performs.
Use reviews to plan what to check, then compare the specifications and, if cooking results are important, tests with a clearly explained methodology.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer when they notably have a lack of conformity or do not match their description.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare its cover carefully with your rights and keep the receipt, exact reference and product page.
A paid extended warranty may be added to your statutory rights; it does not replace them.
The range mentioned includes solo microwaves and combination models, making it possible to compare formats according to your intended use.
Whirlpool offers freestanding appliances with a grill, worth considering as an option between a solo microwave and a combination model.
Sharp is represented here by a large-capacity combination model, illustrating the trade-off between versatility and footprint.
These Joybuy options include solo microwaves and models with a grill for reheating, defrosting and occasional browning in a small kitchen.
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For everyday reheating and defrosting, while retaining a grill function for occasional browning.
20 L, 700 W, 245 mm turntable, nine power levels and mechanical timer. Stated dimensions: 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm.
Fan-assisted cooking is not listed; also check that the stated 10 cm clearance at the sides and rear is possible.
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An option with a grill for reheating, defrosting and browning in one freestanding appliance.
25 L, digital display, touch controls, glass turntable and stated dimensions of 47,6 × 27,2 × 38,8 cm.
Fan-assisted cooking is not explicitly listed; check the connection requirements in the manual for the exact model.
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Suitable for reheating, defrosting and browning without adding a dedicated oven.
25 L, 900 W, eleven power levels, 28,8 cm glass turntable and stated dimensions of 48,5 × 29,3 × 41 cm.
The product page requires at least 20 cm at the sides and 30 cm at the rear: check the total footprint before installation.
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For reheating or defrosting individual portions in a studio with limited space.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 30-minute timer, interior light and 9.6-inch turntable. Stated dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
Neither a grill nor fan-assisted cooking is listed; check the manual for the required ventilation clearances.
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A solo microwave for reheating and defrosting when oven-style cooking is already covered elsewhere.
23 L, 800 W microwave power, 29 automatic programmes, 28,8 cm turntable and stated dimensions of 48,9 × 27,5 × 37,4 cm.
With no grill or fan-assisted cooking listed, it is not suitable if you need to brown food or replace a missing oven. Check the ventilation space and whether your 230 V socket is compatible.
It can cover cooking tasks involving the microwave, grill and fan-assisted functions if you genuinely use them. UFC-Que Choisir describes combination models as appliances bringing these functions together, but their size and cost may be greater than those of a basic model: check the available space before choosing this solution.
Measure the width, height and especially the depth of the unit or worktop, then compare them with the external dimensions of the exact model. Also check the capacity, turntable diameter or whether it can be switched off, and follow the manufacturer’s installation and ventilation instructions.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. It covers, among other things, products that do not match their description or the advertised qualities; keep your proof of purchase and the product page.
Yes, the ‘1 for 1’ take-back scheme applies when buying an appliance of the same type, according to information from the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Some shops of at least 400 m² also offer a ‘1 for 0’ take-back service for certain electrical and electronic equipment.