You mainly reheat meals
In a small kitchen, your main needs are likely to be reheating and defrosting without adding more appliances. UFC-Que Choisir lists student accommodation and second homes among the situations where a microwave can be useful.
Which type is right for you?
In a studio flat or a home you only use occasionally, start with the meals you actually make rather than the number of functions listed.
You’d also like to brown dishes from time to time
If reheating is still your main use, but you’d sometimes like to brown a dish, it’s worth comparing a model with a grill against a solo microwave. A grill alone, however, doesn’t provide convection cooking.
You don’t have a practical oven
If you plan to cook using convection as well as reheat and grill, a combination microwave can bring these functions together in one appliance. First, check that you have a suitable spot for it and that it can be installed safely in your kitchen.
What sets the models apart?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly plan to reheat and defrost in a studio flat or during short stays.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t have a grill for browning or convection cooking.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: you’d like to brown dishes occasionally as well as reheat food.
Bear in mind: a grill alone doesn’t offer the functions of a convection oven.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you’ll actually use convection cooking and don’t have a practical oven.
Bear in mind: with more functions, it’s especially important to check the appliance’s size and installation requirements.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and ventilation | Measure the space and compare the appliance’s external dimensions, the room needed to open the door and the clearances specified in the manual. Capacity in litres isn’t enough on its own. | If my worktop is small, the appliance needs to fit without blocking its vents; around 50% of consumers are said to prioritise this space constraint. |
| Cooking functions | Know the difference between reheating and defrosting, a grill for browning and convection for oven-style cooking. Check the modes available on the model you’re considering. | Without a practical oven, I want to prepare more meals with one appliance; versatility would be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ease of use | Compare the controls and defrost settings, and check whether the turntable and cavity can accommodate your plates. | For short stays or simple everyday meals, I prefer easy-to-use controls; around 20% of consumers would put this need first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by capacity in litres alone
The internal capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or whether its vents will remain unobstructed.
Measure the space, then check the external dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model. Whirlpool advises that the ventilation openings on a freestanding appliance must not be blocked.
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Choosing a combination model just to reheat food
Extra cooking modes are only useful if you plan to use them; they won’t solve a lack-of-space problem.
Make a note of how you plan to use the appliance before choosing: a solo model for reheating and defrosting, a grill if you want to brown dishes, or a combination model if you genuinely need convection cooking.
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Confusing microwave output with electrical requirements
The power rating for microwave cooking doesn’t necessarily tell you the total electrical power of an appliance with a grill.
Check the voltage, current and total power on the rating plate or in the manual, then compare them with your home’s electrical supply.
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Confusing a commercial guarantee with your statutory rights
A commercial guarantee is separate from the statutory guarantee of conformity and doesn’t replace it.
If you buy from a professional seller in France, compare the terms of any commercial guarantee with your statutory rights. The DGCCRF states that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies for two years to both new and second-hand goods.
Brands to consider
These examples highlight features to compare on specific models, rather than characteristics shared by every appliance from a particular brand.
Panasonic
A useful reference when looking at a solo microwave for reheating and defrosting.
- Panasonic France lists the NN-E20JW as a 20 L, 800 W model measuring 443 × 330 × 258 mm, with a defrost function.
- These dimensions and functions apply to the NN-E20JW; check the product details and manual for any other model.
Electrolux
An example of a freestanding model with a grill for uses beyond simply reheating food.
- Electrolux France lists microwave, grill and microwave-with-grill modes for the EMZ725MMK.
- Check the dimensions and features of the model you choose: the EMZ725MMK is not the EMZ725MMTI featured below.
Samsung
A starting point for comparing standard, grill and combination microwaves.
- Samsung France’s guide suggests comparing factors such as capacity, power, turntable and dimensions to suit your available space and needs.
- This brand guide can help you decide what to look for, but it doesn’t demonstrate the performance of any particular model.
Whirlpool
A useful reference for thinking about how to install a freestanding appliance, rather than assuming it can be built in.
- Whirlpool France recommends placing a freestanding model on a flat surface and keeping its vents clear.
- Always follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the appliance you buy, even if it’s from another brand.
Microwaves for these needs on Joybuy
These solo and grill models are suited to reheating and defrosting and, for models with a grill, occasional browning. If you want to cook using convection, check that the combination model you’re considering has this function: a grill alone won’t provide it.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), black solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen, first compare the space you have with the room this model will take up.
20 L; 700 W microwave power; 11 power levels, six pre-set menus and a defrost function listed in the product title.
Check the manual for ventilation clearances and make sure your electrical supply meets the requirements.
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Beko MGC20100B1, black microwave with grill
Worth considering if you’d like to brown dishes occasionally as well as reheat meals.
20 L capacity and 700 W microwave power are listed for this model with grill.
Before deciding where to put it, check the clearances in the manual and the total electrical power it requires.
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Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave
For a home you only use temporarily, this model covers reheating and defrosting without adding a grill.
700 W microwave power, six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function are listed in the product title.
Check the manual for the space needed for ventilation and to open the door, as well as the electrical requirements.
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Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
Consider this if you want to reheat and defrost with a solo appliance and don’t need a grill function.
23 L capacity and a Quick Defrost function are listed in the product title.
This model is described as freestanding: check the manual for placement, ventilation and connection requirements, and don’t assume it can be built in.
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Electrolux EMZ725MMTI, Titanium microwave with grill
Worth comparing if you want to reheat food and use a grill in a freestanding appliance.
25 L capacity and 900 W microwave power are listed in the product title.
Measure the available space carefully and check the manual for the clearances and electrical requirements of this specific model.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solo microwave enough for a studio flat?
Yes, if you mainly plan to reheat and defrost, with perhaps a few simple dishes as well. If you want to brown food, consider a model with a grill; choose a combination model only if you’ll actually use convection cooking.
Can you install a freestanding microwave in an alcove?
Don’t assume an alcove is suitable for a freestanding model, even if it seems big enough. Check the manual for the required clearances and installation conditions. Whirlpool France specifically advises keeping the vents on a freestanding appliance unobstructed.
Which power rating should you check before buying?
Check the connection requirements for the exact model, including its voltage, current and total electrical power, rather than looking only at its microwave cooking power. For the Electrolux EMZ725MMK, for example, Electrolux France lists 900 W of microwave power and a total power rating of 1 350 W; these figures don’t apply to the EMZ725MMTI.
Are all microwave-safe containers suitable for use with the grill?
No: a container that’s suitable for microwave cooking isn’t automatically suitable for the grill or convection cooking. UFC-Que Choisir notes that whether you can use plastic depends on the function selected. Check the container’s instructions and the appliance manual before switching cooking modes.
What statutory guarantee applies to a microwave bought in France?
If you buy a microwave from a professional seller in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity is separate from any commercial guarantee. The DGCCRF states that it applies for two years to both new and second-hand goods. Check the terms of any commercial guarantee separately.