If you’ll mainly be reheating and defrosting meals, start by comparing freestanding solo microwaves. A grill is worth considering if you want to brown food, while a combination microwave may suit you if you’ll genuinely use its extra cooking modes. In every case, check the available space, allowing for the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions.
In a studio flat or shared house, if you mainly need to reheat and defrost meals, with the odd simple cooking task, a freestanding solo microwave is a sensible place to start. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this use from that of appliances with a grill or oven functions.
If you also make toast or dishes with a browned topping, a model with a grill adds this function to the usual reheating options. Check that you’ll use it often enough to justify the space the appliance takes up.
If you plan to use oven-like cooking modes regularly, consider a combination microwave. Their features and dimensions vary, so measure your worktop and check the instructions before choosing one.
Start with the meals you actually prepare, then check that the functions you need will work with the space and cookware you have.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and ventilation | Measure the appliance’s width, depth and height. Allow for the clearances specified in the instructions, and make sure the vents aren’t blocked. | I still need enough room to prepare meals in my kitchenette once the microwave is installed. |
| Cooking modes | Choose between a solo model for reheating and defrosting, a grill for browning and a combination model with extra cooking modes. Check the features of the specific model. | If I mainly reheat leftovers, basic functions will do the job. If I want to brown dishes or cook in other ways, I’ll look for the relevant modes. |
| Dishes and capacity | Compare the cavity and turntable dimensions with the plates you use. Make sure your dish can rotate without touching the sides. | My usual plate needs to fit inside the appliance: the stated capacity in litres doesn’t answer that question on its own. |
| Settings and containers | Check the power and settings for the food you prepare. Make sure your containers are suitable for each mode, especially the grill. | I want to use my usual containers without assuming that a microwave-safe one is also suitable for the grill. |
A microwave may fit on a unit but still have its vents blocked.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and allow for the clearances specified in the instructions for that model. Whirlpool advises against blocking the ventilation grilles.
Extra cooking modes won’t help if you only reheat and defrost meals. A combination model may also take up more space.
Think about the meals you usually prepare. Choose a grill for browning, and a combination model only if you’ll actually use its extra cooking modes.
Capacity alone doesn’t tell you whether your plate or dish will fit and rotate inside the cavity.
Compare the size of your largest everyday dish with the turntable diameter and the internal dimensions of the model you’re considering.
A container that’s suitable for microwave mode may not be suitable for the grill or convection. Sealed containers can also build up dangerous pressure.
Follow the container manufacturer’s guidance and the appliance instructions. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using plastic in grill or convection mode. Also avoid sealed containers and metal in microwave mode.
These examples help explain the functions and installation requirements to look out for. They aren’t a ranking of the brands.
The range mentioned here lets you compare a solo model with one that has a grill for a small kitchen.
The MCP349WH is an example of a freestanding combination microwave with fan-assisted heat.
Samsung France distinguishes between solo, grill and convection microwaves according to their functions.
These freestanding models are mainly for reheating and defrosting, with a grill function listed on some. Check the features and installation requirements for each model before choosing.
Image unavailable
For reheating and defrosting, with a grill if you’d also like to brown certain dishes. The title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W power. Check that your cookware fits on the turntable and that your available space meets the requirements in the instructions.
Image unavailable
An option for reheating, defrosting and preparing simple dishes, with no grill function listed. The title specifies six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the ventilation clearances in the instructions before deciding where to put it.
Image unavailable
The description lists reheating and defrosting, plus a grill function for browning dishes. With a stated capacity of 25 L, compare its dimensions and the clearances in the instructions carefully with your worktop space.
Image unavailable
For reheating and defrosting with digital controls. The title lists 700 W, 11 power levels and six preset menus. Check the turntable diameter to make sure your plates fit, and allow enough space for ventilation.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting, with a 25 L cavity. The title describes it as a solo model, while the description mentions a grill. If that feature matters to you, check the instructions for the version supplied. Also allow for the installation clearances specified for the model.
Yes, if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, with the occasional simple cooking task. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from browning and other cooking functions. Then check the appliance’s dimensions and ventilation requirements.
Choose this feature if you want to brown or grill dishes you actually prepare. A grill adds this option to a solo microwave, but doesn’t mean the appliance has all the modes of a combination model.
Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for your chosen model, as well as allowing for its external dimensions. Whirlpool advises that the ventilation grilles must not be blocked. Don’t rely on the appliance’s size alone to work out how much space you need.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir advises that plastic suitable for microwave mode should not be used with grill or convection modes. Also check the container manufacturer’s guidance and the appliance instructions.