Which option is right for you?

UFC-Que Choisir groups microwaves into basic models, grill models and combination models, depending on the cooking you need. The right choice comes down to what you prepare, not how many functions are listed.

For mainly reheating portions

If you have a small kitchen and often eat leftovers, reheat ready meals or defrost food, start by looking at basic models. They won’t, however, brown or crisp food or offer fan-assisted cooking.

For occasional browning

If you reheat meals but would sometimes like to brown or crisp a dish, a grill gives you that option. On its own, though, it doesn’t provide oven-style cooking.

For cooking without an oven

If you plan to cook dishes regularly using fan-assisted heat, look for combination models that explicitly list this function. Check that it fits on your worktop, including the required ventilation clearances.

What should you check before buying?

Start with the cooking you’ll actually do, then compare the appliance’s dimensions with the space available and the size of your dishes.

Feature What to check Ask yourself
Cooking modes Check which modes are available: microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill lets you brown or crisp food, while a combination microwave with fan-assisted cooking adds oven-style cooking. Will I mainly reheat portions, or do I also need to brown food and cook dishes without an oven?
Space Compare the appliance’s external width, height and depth with the space available, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual. Samsung gives guideline distances for its appliances, while noting that these vary by model. Will my worktop have enough space for the appliance and its ventilation?
Dish size Check the capacity, but also the internal dimensions or turntable diameter. The capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether your dish will fit. Will my plates and the dishes I usually use fit inside?
Containers Check the manual to see which materials and accessories are approved for each mode. The Schneider Consumer manual, for example, warns against heating food in a sealed container. Can I use my containers without assuming that an accessory suitable for the grill is also suitable for microwave mode?

Mistakes to avoid

  • Looking only at capacity in litres

    Two appliances with different capacities can take up very different amounts of worktop space. Capacity in litres also doesn’t tell you how much room the appliance needs for ventilation.

    Measure the space, check the appliance’s external dimensions and the clearances in the manual, then make sure your dishes will fit inside.

  • Confusing a grill with fan-assisted cooking

    UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the browning provided by a grill and the fan-assisted cooking offered by a combination microwave. If you don’t have an oven, this difference could determine which dishes you can prepare.

    If you need this type of cooking, look for an explicit mention of ‘convection’ or ‘fan-assisted cooking’ on the model you’re considering.

  • Using the same containers in every mode

    An accessory designed for the grill isn’t automatically approved for microwave mode. The Schneider Consumer manual highlights risks associated with sealed containers and unsuitable utensils.

    Follow the manual’s instructions for each mode, including for any racks and accessories supplied, and don’t heat food in a sealed container.

A guide to microwave ranges

These examples show the kinds of functions and dimensions worth comparing. The features mentioned apply to the specific models named, not to every appliance from each brand.

LG

The range includes both basic and combination models. LG describes the MJ3965ACW as a 39 L combination microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions.

  • The MJ3965ACW is worth considering if you need fan-assisted cooking and don’t have an oven.
  • LG lists its dimensions as 54,4 × 32,7 × 52,5 cm. Remember to check the clearances required in its manual too.

Electrolux

According to Electrolux, the EMZ421MMK is a freestanding model with microwave, grill and combined microwave-and-grill modes.

  • Its grill is useful for occasional browning as well as reheating.
  • The product details don’t list a fan-assisted cooking function for this model. Check this if you’re looking to replace some oven cooking.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool’s range includes the MWP203SB, a 20 L freestanding grill microwave with an automatic defrost function.

  • This model combines reheating, defrosting and grilling for different cooking needs.
  • Don’t assume it has fan-assisted cooking just because it has a grill function.

Samsung

Samsung’s guidance distinguishes between basic microwaves, grill models and convection models.

  • This makes it easier to match the functions to the meals you usually prepare.
  • Samsung notes that ventilation clearances vary by model, so follow the manual for the appliance you choose.

Basic microwaves on Joybuy

This option is suited to reheating portions in student accommodation when you don’t need a grill or fan-assisted cooking.

Whirlpool MWP 101 W microwave, 20 L, 700 W

Whirlpool MWP 101 W — 20 L, 700 W microwave

For reheating portions in a small kitchen. Before use, check the space available, the ventilation clearances specified for this model and which containers are approved.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a studio flat?

It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model explicitly has a convection or fan-assisted cooking function. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this from the grill, which is used for browning or crisping food. Also check that the appliance fits in your kitchen with the required clearances.

What should I measure before buying a freestanding microwave?

Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare them with the appliance’s external dimensions, allowing for the clearances specified in its manual. Also check that the cavity or turntable is large enough for the dishes you usually use.

Can I use the same container for the grill and microwave modes?

Not without checking the manual: approved materials and accessories depend on the mode you choose. The Schneider Consumer manual advises against using utensils that aren’t suitable for microwave cooking and warns against heating food in a sealed container.

How can I check parts availability before buying?

Look for the information given for the exact model and check when the period starts. For example, for the MJ3965ACW, LG says that parts essential to its use are available for 7 years from the date of purchase by the end customer.