If you mainly reheat individual portions
A freestanding solo microwave can reheat and defrost food, as long as its turntable and interior can accommodate your plates and food containers.
Which option is right for you?
If you want to cook without a suitable oven
If you regularly brown or crisp food, look at models with a grill. For extra cooking options, compare combination microwaves too, checking that you have enough worktop space and the right cookware.
If you have very little worktop space
Measure the available space, including room to open the door and keep the vents clear. The stated capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the meals you usually eat and the space available, then decide whether you’ll use features beyond reheating as part of your everyday routine.
Solo
Choose this if: you mainly reheat portions and defrost food.
Limitation: it won’t brown food, unlike a model with a grill, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
With grill
Choose this if: browning or crisping food is a regular part of your meals.
Bear in mind: cookware must be suitable for grill mode; UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this from microwave mode.
Combination
Choose this if: your studio flat doesn’t have a suitable oven and you’ll genuinely use its extra cooking modes.
Bear in mind: check its dimensions and weight carefully. For example, the Whirlpool MWF259SG measures 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm and weighs 19,6 kg, according to Whirlpool France.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Compare the width, depth and height with your measurements, and remember to allow for the door to open. Check the manual for clearance, support-surface and electrical supply requirements. | I need to be able to open the appliance and keep its vents clear, even beneath a shelf. |
| Room for your dishes | Measure your largest plates and tallest containers. Compare them with the turntable diameter and interior dimensions, not just the capacity in litres. | My meals need to fit inside without me having to change containers every time. |
| Reheating | Compare the microwave output power on a like-for-like basis. Check that it has the settings and defrost mode you need. | I reheat portions every day and want the appliance to be simple to set. |
| Grill and cooking | Distinguish between a grill, which is useful for browning food, and the extra modes on a combination microwave. Check which cookware is suitable for each mode. | Without a suitable oven, I also want to cook or brown food; otherwise, reheating is my priority. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
-
Relying on the capacity in litres alone
Two interiors with the same capacity won’t necessarily have room for the same large plate, tall container or rectangular dish.
Measure your containers, then check the turntable diameter and the interior dimensions of the model you’re considering.
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Comparing two different types of power rating
The electrical power consumed isn’t the same as the microwave power delivered to the food.
When comparing models, look for “microwave power”, “output power” or “power delivered”.
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Forgetting the space needed for installation
An appliance may fit on your worktop but still lack room for the door to open or for the ventilation instructions to be followed. Whirlpool France specifically says not to block the ventilation openings.
Measure the space and follow the model’s manual for clearance, support-surface and connection requirements.
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Choosing a grill for occasional use
Grill and combination modes are designed for more than simply reheating food. You’ll also need to check which cookware is suitable for the mode you choose.
Think about the meals you usually eat: if you rarely brown or cook food, start by looking at solo models that suit your dishes and your space.
Which models make useful comparisons?
These examples show different configurations; their features don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Samsung
The MS23K3614AW/EF is an example of a freestanding solo microwave to compare for space for your dishes.
- Samsung France states that this model has a capacity of 23 L and a 28,8 cm turntable.
- Check its dimensions and the clearance requirements in the manual before making space for it in your studio flat.
Electrolux
The EMZ421MMK is an example of a model with a grill for anyone who regularly browns food.
- Electrolux France states that this model has a capacity of 21 L, 800 W in microwave mode, a 1 000 W grill and a 27 cm turntable.
- Its stated external dimensions are 262 × 442 × 345 mm, in height × width × depth order. Compare them with your available space.
Whirlpool
The MWF421SL and MWF259SG provide two different examples for comparing a grill model and a combination microwave without a turntable.
- Whirlpool France describes the MWF421SL as a 25 L model with a grill and no turntable, measuring 49 × 32 × 42,6 cm.
- For the combination MWF259SG, Whirlpool France states dimensions of 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm and a weight of 19,6 kg. Check that it will fit in your studio flat.
Microwaves to consider on Joybuy
These freestanding models include solo microwaves for reheating and models with a grill for browning food. Choose based on how you’ll use the appliance, then check that it suits your dishes and the space available.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting meals in a studio flat. The product name lists six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function. Check the manual for the space needed around the appliance and to make sure its power supply is compatible with your setup.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W
Worth a look if you want to brown food regularly as well as reheat meals. Check that the interior has room for your plates, and consult the manual for installation clearances and cookware suitable for the grill.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W solo, 20 L, 700 W
A solo option for reheating meals, with mechanical controls. Joybuy’s product listing gives a turntable diameter of 245 mm and external dimensions of 452 × 362 × 262 mm, in width × depth × height order. If defrosting is essential, check that this function is listed in the manual.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, 700 W
According to its product name, this solo model has a defrost function, six pre-set programmes and eleven power levels. Before choosing it for a studio flat, check that your containers will fit inside and consult the manual for ventilation clearances.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih with grill, 25 L
Worth considering if you use the grill regularly and have enough space for a 25 L appliance. Check the microwave power, turntable size and installation instructions separately, and use cookware that’s suitable for the grill.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 20 L microwave big enough for a student studio flat?
It can suit individual portions if your dishes fit inside. Measure your largest plate and tallest containers, then compare them with the turntable and interior dimensions. Capacity in litres alone isn’t enough to confirm that they’ll fit.
Is 700 W suitable for everyday meals?
Yes, 700 W can be suitable for everyday reheating and defrosting, according to the Joybuy Insights guide. Make sure you’re comparing microwave output power, and adjust the time to the instructions for the food and appliance.
Can you put a freestanding microwave under a shelf?
Only if the space meets the installation instructions for the model. Measure the available height and allow for the door to open, then check the manual for the required clearances. Whirlpool France reminds users not to block the ventilation openings.
Is a grill worth it for student meals?
It’s useful if you regularly brown or crisp food. If you only need to reheat and defrost, a solo model is still worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir points out that cookware suitable for microwave mode may not be suitable for the grill, so check before each use.