If you mainly want to reheat and defrost food in accommodation that already has cooking facilities, start by comparing solo microwaves. A grill is useful for browning food; if you don’t have an oven, a combi microwave can offer oven-style cooking, but you’ll need to check its size and weight. If you mainly cook using an oven, compare a mini oven too rather than assuming a microwave will meet your needs.
If you’ll mainly use your microwave to reheat and defrost food, start by looking at a solo model. There’s little point paying for a cooking function that duplicates your existing appliances unless you have a specific use for it.
A grill can be used to brown or crisp food. If you also want oven-style cooking, compare combi microwaves and measure how much space they’ll actually take up.
If you regularly make quiches, pastries or other dishes that need fan-assisted heat, weigh up a mini oven against a combi microwave. A mini oven won’t, however, reheat food using microwaves.
Start with the meals you’ll prepare in your accommodation, then check the available space and installation requirements for the appliance you’re considering.
| Consideration | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | According to UFC-Que Choisir, microwaves are mainly used for reheating and defrosting; a grill lets you brown food, while a combi microwave adds oven-style cooking. Make sure you distinguish between a grill and fan-assisted cooking. | Will I mainly reheat meals, or do I also need to brown food and cook as I would in an oven? Is an oven already available? |
| Space and capacity | Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth, the size of your containers and how the door opens. Allow for the clearances specified in the manual; don’t rely on the cavity capacity in litres alone. | Will the appliance fit on my worktop while leaving enough space for installation? |
| Installation and containers | Check the model’s electrical specifications and ventilation instructions. For each mode, consult the manual for details of compatible containers and accessories. | I want to use the appliance in the space I’ve chosen, with containers that suit the meals I make. |
| How long you’ll use it | Consider which functions you’ll use, how much the appliance weighs if you need to move it, and what the manufacturer says about parts and after-sales service. | If I move, will I be able to transport and keep this appliance, rather than choosing functions I won’t use? |
If your accommodation already has an oven, the combi microwave’s fan-assisted cooking function may duplicate it. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that combi microwaves cost more than models designed mainly for reheating.
Make a note of the dishes you’ll prepare without using the existing oven. If you’ll mainly reheat and defrost, compare solo models first.
The internal capacity won’t tell you how much worktop space the appliance will take up. For example, Samsung France and Whirlpool France list the MS23K3513AK/EF 23 L model as 374 mm deep and the MCP349WH 25 L model as 49,4 cm deep, respectively.
Before ordering, measure the space, check how the door opens and allow for the clearances required in the model’s manual.
A rack supplied for a particular model and mode doesn’t mean other metal items are compatible. Samsung France specifically distinguishes the rack supplied for its appliance from other metal objects.
Check the manual for accessories approved for the mode you’re using, and look for a compatibility symbol on your containers.
A microwave that no longer works is electrical equipment and should be taken to a collection point rather than put in household rubbish.
In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition lists collection points, civic amenity sites and retailers among the options. Find a convenient solution near your accommodation.
These examples illustrate different functions. A model mentioned here isn’t necessarily included in the Joybuy selection below.
Samsung France lists the MS23K3513AK/EF as a 23 L solo microwave and the MG23K3513AW/EF as a 23 L grill model.
LG France lists the MH6535GISS as a 25 L grill microwave with microwave and grill modes.
Whirlpool France distinguishes between the MWP253B, a 25 L grill microwave, and the 25 L MCP349WH, which also has forced-air cooking.
The EMZ421MMK is a grill model. Electrolux France also provides its electrical specifications.
Moulinex describes the Optimo OX485810 as a 39 L mini oven with fan-assisted, conventional and grill cooking.
This selection includes solo microwaves and grill models for reheating, defrosting or browning food in student accommodation. Compare their functions with those of the kitchen appliances already available.
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Worth considering if you want to brown food as well as reheat and defrost it. The product name lists 700 W; check the total electrical power and installation clearances in the manual.
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A grill option for meals you want to brown from time to time. The product name lists 900 W; check the space required and the model’s electrical specifications in the manual.
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Worth a look if a grill would complement your reheating and defrosting needs. The product title states 1000 W but doesn’t specify which function this refers to. Check the manual to compare the power ratings and confirm the installation requirements.
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For reheating and defrosting when another appliance already takes care of oven cooking. This solo model isn’t suitable if you need a grill; check the ventilation clearances before installation.
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Worth comparing for reheating and defrosting without a grill function. The product name lists 700 W, six preset menus and 11 power levels; check the model’s electrical and ventilation requirements.
If you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, start with a solo model. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a combi microwave adds oven-style cooking and costs more, so make sure you’ll use the extra function and have enough space for the appliance.
Use containers and accessories approved in the manual for the selected mode, and check the label on the container too. Samsung France points out that the metal rack supplied with its appliance is a specific accessory; it doesn’t mean that other metal objects are safe to use.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then allow for the door opening and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. The capacity in litres refers to the cavity, not the space the appliance needs on your worktop.
Yes. Check the model’s voltage, amperage and total electrical power in its product details or manual, then make sure they’re suitable for your accommodation’s electrical installation. For example, Electrolux France lists 230 V, 10 A and 1 270 W for the EMZ421MMK; these figures don’t apply to other appliances.
Take it to a collection point for electrical equipment. The Ministry for Ecological Transition lists collection points, civic amenity sites, retailers and social and solidarity economy organisations among the options. Check the arrangements at the location you choose.