If you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions, start by comparing solo microwaves with the space you have and the dishes you use. A model with a grill is handy for the occasional bit of browning, while a combi microwave with convection is worth considering if you don’t have access to a usable oven and genuinely plan to cook meals in it. Whichever type you choose, check the appliance dimensions and the clearance required in its instructions before buying.
The type of cooking you need matters more than the number of functions listed: UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo models, models with a grill and combi microwaves that can cook using convection.
If you mainly reheat and defrost food, and don’t often need oven-style cooking, start by looking at solo microwaves. Check that the turntable fits your plates, and leave enough space to install the appliance according to its instructions.
If you reheat most of your meals but would sometimes like to brown a dish, a microwave with a grill offers this specific function. A grill alone doesn’t provide the convection cooking you get with a combi microwave.
If you’re planning to cook oven-style meals as well as reheat food, consider combi microwaves with a convection function. Check that the appliance, its accessories and the space needed for installation will all fit in your accommodation.
First decide whether you need to reheat, brown or cook using convection. Then compare the dimensions and capacity of models that suit your needs.
Choose this: if you mainly want to reheat and defrost food, and have another way to cook when needed.
Keep in mind: it won’t replace an oven for browning or convection cooking, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Choose this: if reheating is still the main use, but you’d like to brown or grill food from time to time.
Keep in mind: a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a convection function.
Choose this: if you don’t have access to a usable oven and plan to cook meals using a convection function.
Plan ahead: compare the dimensions of the exact model and allow space to store its accessories.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the external width, depth and height. Allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model; its capacity in litres won’t tell you these measurements. | I need to be able to put the appliance on my worktop while meeting the installation requirements. |
| Cooking functions | Check whether the appliance offers defrosting, a grill or convection cooking. Look at the functions of the exact model rather than relying on the label ‘multifunction’. | Do my meals just need reheating, occasional browning, or oven-style cooking? |
| Capacity and turntable | Compare the cavity and turntable dimensions with your plates and dishes. For example, Panasonic France lists a 255 mm turntable for its 20 L NN-E20JW solo model. | I want to use my usual dishes without choosing a larger capacity than I need. |
| Cleaning | Check the cavity, heating elements and accessories that need cleaning. Read the care instructions for the exact model. | In a space where I cook often, I’d prefer a set-up I can clean regularly. |
Two appliances with the same capacity can have different external dimensions. Panasonic France lists dimensions of 443 × 330 × 258 mm for the 20 L NN-E20JW solo model, compared with 443 × 340 × 258 mm for the 20 L NN-K10JW with grill.
Measure the available space in all three dimensions, then check the ventilation clearances in the instructions before ordering.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill is for browning, while a combi microwave adds convection cooking. These differences are only useful when choosing an appliance if they match the meals you plan to prepare.
Make a note of a few meals you usually cook: reheating and defrosting, the occasional browned dish, or oven-style cooking. Then compare only the functions that suit those needs.
A heating element or extra accessories can affect how you clean the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir noted that one tested combi microwave with an exposed element was difficult to clean; this finding doesn’t necessarily apply to every model.
Look inside the appliance, check which accessories are included and read the care instructions for the model you’re considering.
In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when you buy an appliance of the same type.
If you’re replacing a microwave, ask the retailer how take-back arrangements apply to your purchase.
These brand examples show the functions and formats to look out for; always compare the specifications of the exact model.
Panasonic France features both a solo model, the NN-E20JW, and a model with a grill, the NN-K10JW.
Samsung France describes the MC28H5013AK as a combi microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions.
Whirlpool France offers microwaves with grills and combi models, including the MCP349WH with a 25 L cavity.
This selection of Joybuy models includes solo microwaves and models with a grill for reheating, defrosting and, depending on the model, occasional browning. If you need convection cooking because you don’t have access to a usable oven, make sure to check for this function when comparing combi microwaves.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat meals and use a grill occasionally. The product title lists a 20 L capacity and 700 W; before installation, check the instructions for the required clearances, particularly above the appliance.
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A straightforward option to consider if you mainly reheat and defrost meals. The product title lists 700 W, 11 power levels and 6 pre-set menus; check that the turntable suits your dishes and read the instructions for installation requirements.
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Compare it with models that have a grill if you’d like to brown food occasionally as well as reheat it. The product title lists a 25 L capacity; check the dimensions, ventilation clearances and electrical specifications of the exact model before installation.
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Consider this for reheating and defrosting if you don’t need a grill. The product title lists 700 W, six power levels and a 30-minute timer; check the instructions to see how much space is needed for ventilation.
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A solo model worth considering for reheating and defrosting everyday portions. The product title lists 700 W; compare the turntable size with your dishes and check the clearances specified in the instructions.
It could be suitable if you mainly reheat individual portions, but check that your plates and dishes will fit. As an example of a specific model, Panasonic France lists a 255 mm turntable and internal dimensions of 306 × 308 × 214 mm for the 20 L NN-E20JW.
Not for convection cooking: a grill is for browning or grilling food. If you plan to cook meals that need this type of cooking, look for a convection function on a combi microwave, then check that its dimensions suit your accommodation. UFC-Que Choisir explains the difference between these functions in its buying guide.
Check the cavity, heating elements and accessories that need cleaning, then read the care instructions for the exact model. Samsung says the ceramic enamel in the MC28H5013AK is easier to clean, but this is the manufacturer’s assessment.
If you’re buying an appliance of the same type, ask the retailer about take-back. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ in-store take-back scheme in this situation; check how it applies to your purchase.