For students who mainly reheat food
If you mainly need to reheat and defrost meals, a solo model covers the basics without adding cooking modes you’re unlikely to use.
Which type suits each use?
For students who want to brown dishes without another appliance
A model with a grill offers the convenience of a microwave, with the option to brown a dish now and then. However, a grill shouldn’t be confused with the full range of functions offered by an oven.
For students who want to replace some oven functions
If you plan to do more cooking than simply reheating food, a combination microwave can bring several modes together in one appliance. First, check that you have enough room and look at the functions of the specific model.
What should you look for?
Start with the meals you actually make. A grill is useful for browning food occasionally, while a combination microwave is only worthwhile if you’ll use its extra cooking modes. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses and notes that combination microwaves can perform some of the functions of a conventional oven, but cost more than solo models.
Solo microwave
Consider it: if reheating and defrosting make up most of your needs.
Bear in mind: it won’t brown food like a grill or cook with a fan like an oven.
Microwave with grill
Consider it: if you’d like to brown or grill dishes occasionally, as well as reheat food.
Bear in mind: having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan oven function.
Combination microwave
Consider it: if you’ll regularly use its cooking modes to replace some oven functions.
Bear in mind: weigh the extra versatility against the space the model will take up.
| Priority | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the available modes, then the external dimensions and the appliances already provided in your accommodation. | I mainly want to reheat meals and defrost food, without giving up space for functions I’ll rarely use. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Browning food now and then | Check that the specific model has a grill and which accessories are approved in its instruction manual. | I’d like to brown some dishes, but don’t need to cook regularly as I would in an oven. This would be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Replacing some oven functions | Compare the cooking modes, depth, door opening and required ventilation clearances. | Without a practical oven, I want one appliance for reheating and simple cooking. Around 30% of consumers would prioritise this use. |
Mistakes to avoid in a studio
-
Confusing capacity with the space it takes up
The cavity volume doesn’t tell you the appliance’s dimensions. The product specifications from Whirlpool France and Electrolux France list depths of 46,8 cm for the MWF259SG and 34,8 cm for the EMZ725MMK respectively. That difference matters if you have a shallow worktop.
Measure the space, allow room to open the door and check the support’s weight limit before comparing models.
-
Buying without checking which appliances are provided
In France, for a furnished rental covered by Decree No. 2015-981, the minimum list of equipment includes a hob and an oven or microwave. This doesn’t guarantee that a microwave will be provided if there’s an oven.
Check your tenancy agreement, inventory and check-in report. If an appliance that should be provided isn’t working, report it before buying a replacement.
-
Blocking the ventilation to save space
Whirlpool France warns that blocked ventilation openings can cause overheating. The required clearances vary by appliance.
Choose a suitable surface and follow the installation instructions in the manual for your chosen model, even if it physically fits in the nook you have in mind.
-
Choosing a combination microwave just for its programmes
A combination microwave offers more cooking options, but these add little if you only plan to reheat and defrost food. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that these models cost more than solo microwaves.
Make a list of the dishes you plan to cook, then choose between basic functions, occasional browning and oven-style cooking.
Brands to consider
These brands offer models for different needs. The specifications mentioned apply to the models named, not their entire ranges.
Whirlpool
Freestanding models with a grill or several cooking modes, worth considering if versatility matters when space is limited.
- According to Whirlpool France, the MWF259SG has a 25 L cavity without a turntable, along with several cooking functions.
- This model is 46,8 cm deep and weighs 19,6 kg, so check your worktop and its support.
Electrolux
Worth considering if a freestanding model with a grill is all you need for occasional browning.
- The Electrolux France product details for the EMZ725MMK list microwave and grill functions, plus dimensions of 469 × 280 × 348 mm.
- A grill doesn’t remove the need to check that the cooking modes suit your meals and that you have enough installation space.
LG
The NeoChef range includes models with a grill, as well as combination microwaves in different capacities.
- LG France lists a 23 L cavity and dimensions of 476 × 272 × 388 mm for the MH6336GIB grill model.
- The MJ3965ACS combination model has a stated 39 L cavity, so check separately that you have enough space for it.
Samsung
Solo, grill and combination models to compare according to the functions you plan to use.
- Samsung France describes the MC32DG7646CKE1 as a combination model with several cooking modes.
- Samsung says its connected features require Wi-Fi and a Samsung account, so check whether they’ll be useful for you.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
This selection includes models for reheating, one model specifically equipped with a grill and a combination microwave for cooking more dishes. Check that each appliance suits the available space, equipment and electrical installation in your studio. For some models, the name alone isn’t enough to confirm all their cooking modes.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Reheat and defrost food, with the option to brown a dish occasionally.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated microwave power: 700 W. Check the ventilation clearances and that the socket is suitable for your studio.
Image unavailable
Hisense H25MOBS7H solo microwave, 25 L
Worth considering for reheating if these functions suit your usual meals. Check the exact model if you’d also like a grill.
Stated microwave power: 900 W. Check the installation clearances and make sure the socket and circuit are suitable for the stated input power.
Image unavailable
LG MH6535GIS, 25 L
Compare this reheating model with the others in the selection. If browning food is one of the reasons you’re buying, confirm the functions of the version on sale.
Power stated in the product title: 1000 W. Check the manual for ventilation clearances and electrical requirements before deciding where to put it.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L
For reheating and defrosting, without paying for extra cooking modes.
Stated power: 700 W; six power levels and a 30 min timer. Also measure the space needed to open the door, and check the manual for ventilation and electrical requirements.
Image unavailable
LG MJ3965ACS combination microwave, 39 L
Worth considering if you’ll genuinely use its combination cooking modes to replace some oven functions.
Stated capacity: 39 L. Before buying, measure your worktop, check its weight limit and consult the manual for door clearance, ventilation and electrical requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Should a furnished student studio already have a microwave?
Not necessarily. For a furnished rental covered by French Decree No. 2015-981, the minimum list of equipment includes a hob and an oven or microwave. An oven may therefore be provided instead of a microwave. Check your tenancy agreement, inventory and check-in report.
Can you put a freestanding microwave in a tight nook?
Only if the space meets the model’s installation requirements, particularly for ventilation and opening the door. Whirlpool France warns against blocking the ventilation openings. Check the manual for the required clearances.
Do you need a combination microwave if your studio doesn’t have a practical oven?
No. A combination microwave is mainly worthwhile if you plan to use its extra cooking modes. If you mostly reheat and defrost food, a solo model may be enough. If you plan to cook more regularly, compare the combination model’s functions with the space you have available.
Are all containers suitable for microwave use?
No. When using the microwave mode, follow the appliance manual when choosing containers, as not all plastics are suitable. UFC-Que Choisir specifically warns against metal containers. Also check the markings on each container.