For reheating individual portions
If you mainly reheat meals and defrost food, a solo microwave is the first type to compare. Before choosing its capacity, though, measure the available space and your plates.
Which option is right for you?
For browning food now and then
A grill model adds browning to reheating and defrosting. It’s a practical choice if you occasionally want to brown a dish, without assuming you’ll use the convection function of a combination microwave.
For cooking without a usable conventional oven
If you plan to use convection for extra cooking, compare freestanding combination microwaves. Check their dimensions and weight against your worktop and any future moves.
What should you check before buying?
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo microwaves, grill models that let you brown food, and combination models that also offer convection cooking. Your choice depends first on which functions you’ll use, then on how much space the appliance needs.
Solo microwave
Choose this: for reheating and defrosting, without the need to brown food.
The trade-off: it doesn’t offer a grill or convection cooking.
Grill microwave
Choose this: if you want to add occasional browning to your usual microwave tasks.
The trade-off: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also offers convection cooking.
Freestanding combination microwave
Choose this: if you’ll use convection for extra cooking, particularly if you don’t have another oven.
Bear in mind: measure the space and check the weight of the model you’re considering before setting aside a spot for it.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check for a defrost function, power settings and the turntable diameter to make sure it suits your containers. | I mainly reheat individual portions, leftovers or drinks, and don’t regularly use other cooking functions. |
| Grill or convection | Tell the difference between a grill and convection or fan-assisted cooking. Check the functions available on the exact model. | Is occasional browning enough, or do I need extra cooking functions similar to those of an oven? |
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height, depth and door clearance. Check the manual for installation, clearance and ventilation requirements, as well as the model’s electrical specifications. | My worktop needs to fit the appliance and leave the clearances specified in its manual. |
| How long you’ll use it and end of life | Check the model-specific information on spare parts and warranty terms. If you replace the appliance, look into collection or reuse options. | If I move or replace the appliance, I want to know what repair options are available and how I can dispose of my old microwave. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Going by capacity alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether your plates will fit or whether the appliance will sit comfortably on your worktop. According to Boulanger, the 20 L Samsung MS20A3010AL has a 25.5 cm turntable and is 33.7 cm deep.
Compare the diameter of your containers with the turntable, the appliance’s external dimensions, door clearance and the clearances specified in the manual.
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Choosing a combination model just for reheating
Convection won’t add anything if you don’t plan to use it. For example, Whirlpool lists its MCP349WH combination microwave as 49.4 cm deep and weighing 18.6 kg.
Work out what you’ll actually cook before making space for a combination microwave. Compare solo and grill models too.
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Confusing freestanding and built-in models
A freestanding model isn’t automatically designed to operate in a fitted kitchen unit. Bosch says its FFL023M and FFL053M freestanding microwaves aren’t intended for installation in a built-in cabinet.
Only plan to fit a microwave into a cabinet if the manual for your chosen model allows it and gives the relevant installation requirements.
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Using another appliance’s clearance measurements
Whirlpool says not to block the ventilation openings on its microwaves. Check the space required for the specific appliance you plan to install.
Read the manual for the exact model before deciding where to put it, and leave the specified clearances unobstructed.
A few brands to consider
Samsung
These two models let you compare solo and grill options without assuming that every Samsung microwave offers the same functions.
- According to Boulanger, the MS20A3010AL is a 20 L, 700 W freestanding model designed for reheating and defrosting.
- Samsung France describes the MG23K3515AK as a grill model with Quick Defrost; check the dimensions and functions of the specific model you’re interested in.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a freestanding grill microwave for adding browning.
- Electrolux France lists microwave power of 800 W, grill power of 1,000 W and dimensions of 262 × 442 × 345 mm for this model.
- Its listed functions include microwave and grill, but it isn’t a convection cooking model.
Whirlpool
The MCP349WH is a freestanding combination model to consider if you’d also like to use fan-assisted cooking.
- Whirlpool France lists a 25 L cavity and combination cooking functions for the MCP349WH.
- According to Whirlpool France, this model is 52 cm wide, 49.4 cm deep and weighs 18.6 kg. Check that you have a suitable space for it.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as grill models for browning food. Compare the dimensions and installation requirements of your chosen model with the space available in your accommodation.
Image unavailableElectrolux EMZ421MMTI Titanium, 21 L
Worth comparing if you want a freestanding appliance for reheating and are also considering browning food. The model name indicates 21 L and 800 W. Check its cooking functions and dimensions, and the clearances required in the manual, before choosing a spot for it.
Image unavailableBeko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, black
The grill is handy if you occasionally want to brown food as well as reheat it. The model name indicates 20 L and 700 W. Also compare the turntable size with your plates and check the manual for the required clearances.
Image unavailableCOMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, black
For reheating and defrosting, this model has a stated output of 700 W, 11 power levels and a defrost function. Check the turntable diameter, external dimensions and installation requirements to make sure it suits your space.
Image unavailableHeinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
This solo model is suited to reheating and defrosting, and its name doesn’t mention a grill. It has six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual to see how much space you need to leave around the appliance.
Image unavailableLG Electronics MH 6535 gih with grill, 25 L, white
Consider this model if you’d like a grill and a stated capacity of 25 L. The product name mentions 1,000 W but doesn’t say which function this refers to. If microwave power is important to your choice, check the details for the exact model, along with its manual for installation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for a student studio flat?
Yes, if you’ll mainly be reheating and defrosting food. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this type from grill models, which let you brown food, and combination models, which also offer convection cooking. Choose those functions if you expect to use them.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in a fitted unit?
Don’t assume a freestanding appliance can be built in. Bosch says its FFL023M and FFL053M models aren’t intended for installation in a built-in cabinet. Check the manual for your own model to see what it allows.
How much space should you leave for ventilation?
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for your chosen model rather than using a measurement from another appliance. Whirlpool says not to block the ventilation openings on its microwaves and to place the appliance on a flat surface. This doesn’t set a clearance that applies to every microwave.
What can you do with an old microwave in France?
The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition says you can take an electrical appliance to a collection point or waste disposal centre, return it to a retailer, or give it to a social and solidarity economy organisation.