In a studio flat, a solo microwave is mainly suited to reheating and defrosting; choose a grill model if you’d also like to brown food. A combi microwave with convection can handle some of the extra cooking you’d normally use an oven for, provided its capacity, functions and accessories are suitable for the dishes you have in mind. Before choosing one to save space, check its actual dimensions and the installation requirements in the manual.
How often you cook and how much space you have are more important considerations than the stated capacity alone.
If you reheat leftovers and defrost individual portions, a solo microwave could cover these needs without adding cooking functions you don’t need. Still, check that your plates will fit inside and that the appliance will fit in its designated spot.
If you’d also like to make gratins or the occasional cake, distinguish between a grill, which is mainly for browning, and a combi microwave with convection. UFC-Que Choisir notes that combi microwaves bring together some of the functions of a conventional oven; what they can do in practice depends on the model you choose.
For occasional stays, start by thinking about the dishes you’ll actually make. The extra functions of a grill or combi model should be worth the space the appliance will take up between visits.
First decide whether you need to cook as well as reheat, then check that the appliance you’re considering will suit your available space and the dishes you plan to use it for.
Consider it: if you mainly reheat and defrost, and don’t need to brown food.
The trade-off: without a grill or convection, it won’t handle cooking that requires browning or roasting.
Consider it: if you’d like to brown a gratin or toast as well as use your microwave for everyday tasks.
The trade-off: a grill alone doesn’t provide the convection cooking needed for some cakes and roasts.
Consider it: if you don’t have access to an oven and plan to do some extra cooking that requires convection.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir notes that combi microwaves cost more. Also check that their dimensions and weight are suitable for your home.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, including the space needed to open the door. Check the manual for the required clearances and ventilation. | When worktop space is limited, I want to be able to open the door and install the appliance without blocking its vents; around 42% of consumers say size and installation are their top priorities. |
| Cooking as well as reheating | If you want to cook with convection, check that the function is included, what settings it offers and which accessories are supplied. A grill alone is designed for a different purpose. | Without access to an oven, I need to prepare extra dishes as well as reheat them; versatile cooking is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Space for dishes and everyday use | Compare the size of the turntable or cavity with your dishes, then consider the controls and defrost programmes you’ll use. | For everyday meals, I want my plates to fit and defrosting to be easy to start; around 25% of consumers prioritise usable capacity and ease of use. |
A model that combines microwave, grill and convection functions won’t necessarily be useful if all you do is reheat food. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that combi microwaves cost more.
Make a note of the dishes you plan to cook. If you want oven-style cooking, look specifically for convection and check test results for the exact model.
The cavity capacity doesn’t tell you how much worktop space the appliance will take up. Ventilation and door clearance also affect where you can position it.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then check the manual for clearance requirements, door swing and installation instructions. Whirlpool France advises against blocking the ventilation grilles.
A container that’s suitable for microwave use isn’t necessarily safe to use with the grill or convection function.
UFC-Que Choisir advises using plastic only with the microwave function, unless the container’s manufacturer says otherwise. For other modes, check that the container can withstand the temperatures involved.
These figures describe two different things. For its MC28H5015CK, Samsung France lists a microwave output power of 900 W and a power consumption of 1 400 W.
Before comparing two product specifications, check what each power figure refers to and compare like with like.
These product ranges give you examples of configurations to compare, but the functions available will vary between models from the same brand.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding combi microwave with microwave, grill and convection functions.
Offers grill and combi models, including some with a flatbed cavity and no turntable.
Offers combi models with grill and convection for anyone looking to do more than simply reheat food.
Worth considering if you mainly need to reheat and defrost rather than cook dishes in an oven-style way.
These models are suited to reheating and defrosting in a small home; the grill models also give you the option to brown food. If you need convection, check that this function is available on the model you’re considering.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to reheat and defrost, with the added option of a grill. The product name indicates 900 W of power and a stainless steel finish. Check the manual for the required clearances, particularly above the appliance. If you need convection cooking, confirm that the function is included before you buy.
Image unavailable
For reheating and defrosting, with the option to brown food. The product name lists 700 W of power and a capacity of 20 L. Check the manual for the space required around the appliance. If you plan to cook with convection, check separately that this mode is available.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for reheating and defrosting, with a grill function too. The product name lists a capacity of 25 L, a digital display and a white finish. To compare its microwave power with another model, check the figure and what it refers to in the documentation for this model. Also consult the manual for installation instructions.
Image unavailable
For reheating and defrosting without the need for a grill function. The product name lists 700 W of power, six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Before installing it, check the documentation for this model for the supply voltage and required ventilation clearances.
Image unavailable
For reheating and defrosting, with a grill in the same appliance. The product name lists a capacity of 25 L, 900 W of power and a Titanium finish. Measure the space where you plan to put it. If you want to cook with convection, check which modes are available in the manual for this model.
It can handle some extra cooking if the model has convection and a grill, with accessories suited to the dishes you want to make. For pizza, cake or a small roast, check the usable dimensions and test results for the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir assesses different cooking modes separately, including combination cooking.
Don’t choose this spot without checking the manual for your model. Whirlpool France advises that the ventilation grilles must not be blocked; the required clearances depend on the appliance. A built-in model, meanwhile, needs an alcove that meets its specific installation instructions.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir advises using plastic only with the microwave function, unless the container’s manufacturer says it’s suitable for other modes. Check that the container is compatible before using the grill or convection function.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, used and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. If the appliance you receive doesn’t match its description, remember that this legal protection is separate from any commercial guarantee offered by the seller or manufacturer.