Tenant who mainly reheats portions
If your meals mostly need reheating or defrosting, a solo microwave is worth considering. First, though, check what’s already available in your accommodation before adding another appliance.
Who is this choice for?
Resident with a cramped kitchenette
Worktop space matters just as much as the appliance’s stated capacity. Measure the space and check the instruction manual so you can allow for a stable surface and unobstructed ventilation.
Someone without an oven who’d also like to brown or bake food
A grill model could suit you if you only want to brown food occasionally. If you’re planning to cook more in the oven, look at the features of a combi and how much space it will take up.
What should you prioritise?
In student or temporary accommodation, first check which appliances are already available, then think about the meals you actually make. According to UFC-Que Choisir, solo, grill and combi microwaves suit different needs; size and installation requirements are the next things to compare.
| Priority | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Defrost setting and cavity dimensions suited to the containers you usually use. | For everyday portions and frozen food, I’d prioritise the basic functions over extra cooking modes. Around 36% of consumers would put reheating and defrosting at the top of their list. |
| Space and installation | External dimensions, door clearance and the gaps specified in the instruction manual; check what’s provided in your accommodation. | In a small kitchenette, I need to be able to open the door and install the appliance without blocking its ventilation. Space and installation would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Browning and grilling | Whether it has a grill, which settings are permitted and which accessories are included. | I’d like to brown some dishes, but I don’t plan to cook in the oven regularly. Around 21% of consumers would make grilling their main requirement. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | The combi’s cooking modes, accessories, dimensions and ventilation requirements. | Without an oven I can use, I want to prepare dishes that need more than reheating or grilling. Oven cooking would be the main requirement for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Buying before checking what’s provided in your accommodation
Étudiant.gouv describes university accommodation where a microwave or shared kitchen is already available. In temporary accommodation, the appliances you can access could therefore affect whether buying your own is worthwhile.
Ask for an inventory of the accommodation and confirm that you’ll be able to use the appliances listed.
You’ll also need to find space for an extra appliance and transport it when you move.
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Judging how bulky it is by its capacity in litres
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether the microwave will fit on your worktop, whether the door will open easily or whether its ventilation will be unobstructed. Whirlpool recommends keeping the ventilation openings on a freestanding model clear.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare them with the model’s dimensions and the instructions in its manual.
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Choosing a combi when you only reheat portions
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes the basic functions of a solo microwave from the grilling and oven-cooking options offered by a combi. These extra features won’t be much use if your meals don’t call for them.
Think about the meals you usually make: if you don’t grill or cook in the oven, start by comparing solo models.
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Ignoring the instructions on packaged meals
According to Anses, heating food at too high a power setting or for too long can increase the transfer of substances from some packaging into food.
Follow the meal manufacturer’s power and heating-time instructions, and only use packaging or containers explicitly marked as microwave-safe.
Brands to consider
Samsung
Samsung’s French range of freestanding microwaves includes Solo, Grill and Combi models, making it easy to compare the features you’re looking for within one brand.
- Samsung France’s range includes all three types of microwave.
- Check the dimensions, settings and installation instructions for each model.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers freestanding microwaves, including grill and combi models; some models don’t have a turntable.
- The MWF259SG is an example of a turntable-free model, with a stated capacity of 25 L and external dimensions of 49 × 32,5 × 46,8 cm, according to Whirlpool France.
- These specifications apply to the MWF259SG only: check the cavity and overall size of the model you’re considering.
Panasonic
Panasonic France offers grill and combi models, among others, so you can compare browning and additional cooking modes.
- Panasonic lists a grill function for the NN-GD35 and several cooking modes for the NN-CT57RM.
- Features vary from model to model, so check the specifications of the exact one you’re interested in.
Solo microwaves on Joybuy
These solo models are best suited to reheating meals and defrosting food in student or temporary accommodation. If your main requirement is grilling or oven cooking, check out the features of a grill or combi model before choosing.
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Samsung MS23K3513 Solo, 23 L
For reheating portions and using the quick defrost function listed for this model.
Stated capacity: 23 L. Stated power: 1 150 W. Check the size of your dishes, the clearance needed to open the door and the gaps specified in the instruction manual.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating or defrosting portions with a timer.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated power: 700 W. The product title lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the usable dimensions and installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, black
For simple meals if you’d like to use preset menus, quick cooking or the defrost function.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated power: 700 W. The product title lists six preset menus and eleven power levels. Check the cavity size and the clearances required in the instruction manual.
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Hkoenig VIO8, 20 L, black and stainless steel
For reheating and defrosting with a freestanding microwave.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated power: 700 W. Before choosing this model, check the product page or instruction manual for its settings, usable dimensions and installation requirements.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L
For reheating with a solo microwave. If defrosting is essential for the meals you make, check the controls available on this model.
Stated capacity: 20 L; stated power: 700 W. Also check how much space is needed in front of the door and follow the appliance’s ventilation clearance instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Should you buy a microwave if your accommodation is already equipped?
Not necessarily. First check which appliances you’ll actually be able to use. Étudiant.gouv describes university accommodation with a microwave or shared kitchen, for example; ask for an inventory and confirm how you can access the appliances before ordering your own.
Can you put a microwave anywhere in a kitchenette?
No. A freestanding model must be installed in line with the instructions in its manual. Whirlpool recommends a flat surface, a room temperature of between 5 and 35 °C, and unobstructed ventilation openings. Check the required clearances for your chosen model, as well as the space needed to open its door.
How should you heat a meal in its packaging?
Only microwave the packaging if it is explicitly designed for that purpose, then follow the meal manufacturer’s instructions for power and heating time. Anses warns that overheating can increase the transfer of substances from some packaging into food.