Studio flat dwellers without a practical oven
If you reheat and defrost food and prepare a few dishes, the key question is whether you only want to brown food or also cook using convection. Measure the space before choosing a capacity.
Which option is right for you?
In a small kitchen, start with the dishes you plan to make, then check how much space the appliance will actually need, including room for ventilation.
People using a holiday home
A combination microwave can bring several cooking modes together in one appliance, according to UFC-Que Choisir. However, check its size and weight if worktop space is limited or you need to move it.
Occasional cooks who want to brown dishes
If reheating is still your main use and you sometimes want to brown a dish, a grill model is worth comparing. A grill does not replace convection for recipes that need it.
What should you check before choosing?
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly plan to reheat, defrost and cook simple dishes.
The trade-off: this option has neither a grill for browning nor convection for oven-style cooking, according to the functions distinguished by UFC-Que Choisir.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you sometimes want to brown dishes but will mainly use the microwave.
The trade-off: the grill can brown food, but it does not replace fan-assisted cooking for recipes that need convection.
Combination microwave with convection
Choose this if: you also expect the appliance to handle oven-style cooking, particularly baking or roasting.
Bear in mind: advertised functions do not guarantee the same results from one model to another. UFC-Que Choisir assesses preheating, temperature and cooking evenness separately.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Check the microwave, defrost, grill and convection functions separately. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between browning with a grill and the oven-style cooking offered by combination models. | Do I mainly reheat meals, or do I also want to brown dishes and cook recipes that need convection? |
| Available space | Measure the external width, depth and height, then check the door clearance, weight and gaps specified in the manual. The capacity in litres does not tell you how much space the appliance needs around it. | My worktop still needs to have enough room to open the door and use the kitchen comfortably. |
| Oven-style cooking | For a combination model, look for test results on its convection mode, covering preheating, temperature, browning and cooking evenness. These are assessed separately in the UFC-Que Choisir testing protocol. | If I plan to bake cakes or roast dishes regularly, the word “combination” on its own is not enough. |
| Electrical installation | Check the manual or rating plate for the input or connection power of the model you have in mind. The advertised microwave output and the electrical input power are not the same measurement. | I want to check the required power supply, especially if other appliances will be running in this small kitchen. |
What should you look out for?
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
You cannot tell how much worktop space an appliance will take up simply by comparing the capacities of two models. Bosch lists dimensions of 260 × 442 × 345 mm for its 20 L FFL020MS2, while Panasonic’s NN-C69KSM specification gives dimensions of 327 × 520 × 520 mm.
Compare the external dimensions, space in front of the door, weight and ventilation gaps specified for each model.
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Confusing a grill with convection
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a grill microwave is useful for browning food, while a combination model adds convection cooking. So buying a grill-only model will not meet a confirmed need for fan-assisted cooking.
Make a list of the dishes you want to prepare. If baking or roasting matters to you, check that the model has a convection mode and look for test results covering it.
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Choosing a spot without reading the manual
A freestanding appliance needs the clearance specified for that particular model. For example, the Samsung MC28H5015 series manual requires at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above; these measurements do not apply to every model.
Check the manual for the exact variant you are considering before choosing a shelf or alcove.
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Assuming cooking watts are the same as the power needed for the electrical connection
The labels refer to different measurements: Samsung lists an input power of 1 400 W in microwave mode for the MC28H5013AS, while Panasonic’s NN-C69KSM specification lists a microwave output of 1 000 W.
For the model you are considering, check the input or connection power in its own documentation rather than relying on the microwave-mode wattage alone.
Which brands should you compare?
These manufacturer specifications help you compare specific formats and functions; they do not cover every range from each brand.
Bosch
Bosch’s specifications for the solo FFL020MS2 and the grill-equipped FEL023MS2 let you compare two freestanding models listed in the same format: 260 × 442 × 345 mm, with a 20 L cavity in each.
- Both specifications list a maximum microwave output of 800 W.
- The grill on the FEL023MS2 is not the same as a convection mode.
Panasonic
The NN-C69KSM is an example of a combination model with microwave, quartz grill and convection functions, according to its Panasonic France specification.
- The specification lists a 1 000 W grill and convection settings at 40 °C, then from 100 to 220 °C.
- Its listed dimensions of 327 × 520 × 520 mm and weight of 22,2 kg mean you should check that your support and chosen spot can take it.
Samsung
Samsung France’s specification for the MC28H5013AS describes a 28 L combination model and distinguishes the input power in microwave mode from its cooking functions.
- Samsung lists an input power of 1 400 W in microwave mode for this model.
- For ventilation clearances, check the manual for the variant you choose. The guidance in the MC28H5015 series manual should not automatically be applied to a different model.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s MWP338W is an example of a combination model with forced-air cooking and a listed cavity capacity of 33 L.
- Whirlpool lists a 36 cm turntable and dimensions of 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm for this model.
- The specification says it is no longer in the catalogue. Its features are useful for considering the balance between capacity and size, but should not be taken as an indication that it is available.
Which Joybuy models should you consider?
These options cover the three uses discussed: a solo microwave for reheating and defrosting, grill models for browning, and a combination model with convection for oven-style cooking. Compare their dimensions with your available space before choosing.
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Beko MGC20100B1 — 20 L grill microwave, black
Worth considering if you mainly reheat and defrost food, but would also like to brown some dishes. The model specification lists 700 W microwave output, an 800 W grill, a 245 mm turntable and external dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. If you plan to cook using convection, check that another appliance can handle this; also check the full clearance requirements and input power in the manual.
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Heinrich's — 20 L solo microwave, 700 W
For a studio flat where reheating and defrosting are the main priorities, this solo model offers six power levels. Its specification lists dimensions of 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm and a 30-minute timer. If you plan to brown food or cook using convection, choose a model based on those functions rather than capacity alone; check the clearances and input power before installation.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih — 25 L grill microwave, white
This model combines microwave and defrost functions with a quartz grill for an occasional golden finish. The product information lists a 950 W grill and dimensions of 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm. The title also mentions 1 000 W without specifying which mode it refers to, so check this detail, along with the clearances and input power, in the documentation for the variant on offer.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI — 21 L grill microwave, titanium
Worth comparing if you want to defrost and reheat food, then brown dishes from time to time. The specification lists 800 W microwave output, a 1 000 W grill, a 24,5 cm turntable and dimensions of 55 × 42 × 34 cm. It also specifies clearances of 10 cm at the sides and 20 cm above. Check the other installation requirements and input power for the exact model.
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LG MJ3965ACS — 39 L combination microwave, black
If you need convection as well as microwave and grill functions, this combination model’s specification lists all these modes, along with a steam function. It gives a temperature range of 40 to 200 °C, a 36 cm turntable and dimensions of 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm. In a studio flat, measure the space and check the clearances and input power in the manual. To assess how well it cooks using convection, look for test results for that mode on the model in question.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combination microwave replace an oven in a studio flat?
It can handle some oven-style cooking if the model genuinely has both a grill and convection. However, this does not guarantee results identical to those from a traditional oven: the UFC-Que Choisir testing protocol looks at preheating, temperature, browning and evenness in convection mode, among other things.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances given in the manual for the exact model. For example, the Samsung MC28H5015 series manual specifies at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above. Do not apply these measurements to another appliance.
Can you use the metal accessories supplied with a combination microwave?
Only use them in the modes expressly permitted by your model’s manual. Do not assume that an accessory approved for the grill or convection mode is also suitable for microwave mode.