Students without a separate oven
If one appliance needs to reheat and defrost food, as well as cook dishes usually made in an oven, look at combination models with a genuine convection function. Also check that the cavity can fit your dishes.
Which option suits each need?
Renters with limited worktop space
Measure the space, then check the appliance’s external dimensions, door clearance and the ventilation requirements in the instructions. The capacity in litres alone won’t tell you whether it can be installed on your worktop.
Anyone who mainly wants to brown food
If you already reheat and defrost most of your meals but also want to brown some dishes, a microwave with a grill can do the job. Don’t assume it also has a convection function.
What should you check before choosing?
The key difference is the cooking function you actually need: a grill browns food, while convection allows for oven-style cooking. Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses in its microwave guide.
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly need to reheat and defrost food and cook simple dishes.
Limitation: it has neither a grill for browning food nor convection for oven-style cooking.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown gratins or toast, but don’t expect to use convection regularly.
Limitation: a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a convection function.
Combination microwave with convection
Choose this if: you don’t have a separate oven and plan to cook dishes that need convection.
Things to consider: check the appliance’s size and weight, which dishes it can accommodate and the installation requirements for the specific model.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Check the microwave, grill and convection settings separately. For convection, check the temperature range and settings listed in the instructions. | I want to know whether I’ll only reheat and defrost, brown food occasionally or cook without a separate oven. |
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height, depth and clearance needed to open the door. Check the appliance’s weight, the stability of the surface and the ventilation clearances specified for the model. Whirlpool advises keeping the air vents unobstructed. | My worktop is small, so the appliance needs to fit and be used in accordance with its instructions—not just squeeze into the space. |
| Dishes and cavity | Compare the usable dimensions, turntable (if included) and the shape of dishes the appliance can accommodate. Don’t judge this by the stated capacity in litres alone. | I want to use my usual dishes without choosing a cavity that’s the wrong size for them. |
| Power supply and containers | Check the voltage, frequency and plug type specified for the model. Distinguish the microwave power from the grill power, and check the instructions to see which containers are suitable for each setting. | Before buying, I want to check the power supply in my home and make sure I use suitable containers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a grill with convection
A grill browns or gratinates food. On its own, it won’t provide the convection cooking needed for some oven-style dishes.
If you plan to cook quiches or roast vegetables, look specifically for a convection function and check its settings on the model you’re considering.
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Choosing based on capacity alone
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you how much space the appliance will take up or what size dishes will fit inside. For example, Panasonic says its NN-C69KSM combination microwave measures 520 × 327 × 520 mm and weighs 22.2 kg.
Measure your worktop and check the door clearance, then compare the turntable or cavity dimensions with your dishes.
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Blocking the vents to save space
Whirlpool says the ventilation grilles must be kept clear, so a space that’s too tight may not be suitable for installation.
Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for the exact model, and don’t treat a freestanding appliance as if it were designed to be built in.
Brands worth knowing
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s range includes freestanding microwaves, grill models and combination models. Compare the features of each product rather than assuming they apply across the whole brand.
- Whirlpool describes the MWF255B as a 25 L model without a turntable.
- The brand’s claims about crispy cooking or usable surface area may not apply to other models.
Panasonic
Panasonic offers combination models that may be worth considering if you want convection cooking in a single appliance.
- Panasonic says the NN-C69KSM combines microwave, grill and fan-assisted convection cooking.
- Its stated dimensions of 520 × 327 × 520 mm and weight of 22.2 kg mean you’ll need to check that your chosen surface is suitable.
Samsung
Samsung distinguishes between solo, grill and combination appliances in its buying guide, and recommends considering both the space available and your cooking habits.
- Samsung’s product details for the MC28H5015AW describe a 28 L combination model with microwave, grill and convection functions.
- A product listing doesn’t guarantee the model is available from the retailer you’re considering, so check the exact reference before choosing.
Microwave options on Joybuy
These models suit different needs in a student studio: reheating and defrosting, adding a grill or considering a combination model. Before deciding, check the precise cooking functions and installation requirements for each product.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
Worth considering if you’d like a grill as well as microwave reheating. The model name indicates a 20 L capacity and 700 W power. If you plan to cook oven-style dishes, check separately whether it has a convection function. Also check the instructions for the space needed to open the door and allow ventilation.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave
If you’re considering this appliance for cooking without a separate oven, check its instructions for the cooking settings and temperature range. Its stated capacity of 42 L doesn’t remove the need to measure the space, door clearance and required ventilation clearances.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI Inverter, 25 L microwave with grill
Consider this model if a grill is what you need for browning food. The model name indicates a 25 L capacity and 900 W power, but doesn’t tell you all the cooking functions. Check for convection if you need it for your meals, and check the instructions for the space required for installation.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
This model is suited to reheating and defrosting. Its name indicates 700 W power, six preset menus and 11 power levels. If you want to brown food or cook using convection, check explicitly that it has those functions before choosing.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
An option for reheating and defrosting when oven-style cooking isn’t a priority. The name mentions quick defrost and a 23 L capacity. Check that your dishes will fit, that ventilation requirements can be met and that it has any extra features you need.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a studio?
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model has a convection function suited to the dishes you plan to make. Whirlpool describes this function on its combination models, but capacities, accessories and settings vary. Check the cavity, the dishes it can accommodate and the temperature range for the specific model you’re considering.
Can you install a freestanding microwave in a recess?
Don’t assume so: the space must meet the requirements for the specific model. Whirlpool, for example, says the ventilation openings must be kept clear. Check the instructions for the required clearances before choosing a recess or cabinet.
Which containers can you use in microwave mode?
Choose containers labelled as suitable for microwave use, and don’t put metal utensils in the cavity when using microwave mode. Que Choisir points out that not all plastics are suitable. For other settings on a combination model, follow the instructions.
What should you check about a combination microwave’s power supply?
Check the voltage, frequency, plug type and electrical specifications in the product details and instructions. The power rating shown for microwave mode alone doesn’t tell you the full power requirements or the grill’s power rating.