Students who mainly reheat meals
If you mostly eat leftovers, ready meals or food that needs defrosting, a solo microwave will do the job without adding a browning function you don’t need.
Which type of microwave is right for you?
Renters without a usable oven
If you also want to cook dishes using oven-style functions, compare combi models. UFC-Que Choisir says they can save space by doing away with a separate appliance; still, check the dimensions and installation requirements.
Anyone who sometimes wants a crispy topping
If you often reheat meals but occasionally want to brown a dish, a grill model is a middle ground between a solo microwave and a combi. A grill alone won’t replace all the functions of an oven.
What should you check in a studio flat?
Start with the meals you actually make, then check that the appliance and the clearances required in its manual will fit in your chosen spot.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday reheating | Check the defrost function, how easy the controls are to read, and whether the cavity has enough room for the plates you normally use. | I mainly reheat leftovers or ready meals and want to set the cooking time easily. |
| Cooking functions | A solo model handles reheating and defrosting; a grill adds browning. If you’re considering a combi, check the oven-style functions on the exact model. | I don’t have a usable oven and want to make more than just food to reheat. If I only want to brown food now and then, a grill may be enough. |
| Size and ventilation | Compare the external width, height and depth, door opening and clearances specified in the manual. Whirlpool France recommends keeping the vents unobstructed. | My worktop needs to fit the appliance while leaving room for the door to open and air to circulate as specified in the manual. |
| Cleaning | Check how easy it is to reach inside the cavity, which parts are removable and what the care instructions say. See whether the model you’re considering has a cleaning-assistance function. | I use my microwave often and want to be able to wipe away splashes easily. |
| Electrical supply | Distinguish between the microwave output power and the power it draws. Check the manual for the model’s electrical specifications and connection requirements. | I want to make sure it’s compatible with my socket, without mistaking the wattage shown for a measure of my annual energy use. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Choosing a combi for functions you’ll rarely use
If you already have access to an oven or hob and mainly reheat meals, its extra functions could take up space without being useful for your everyday needs.
Think about the meals you make over the course of a week: reheating and defrosting point to a solo model, occasional browning to a grill, and a genuine need for oven-style cooking to a combi.
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Comparing capacity in litres and nothing else
A cavity that fits your dishes doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit on your worktop with the door open and the vents unobstructed.
Measure the whole space and compare it with the external dimensions and clearances specified in the manual for the exact model.
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Blocking the vents to save space
Whirlpool France warns that blocked ventilation openings can cause an appliance to overheat quickly.
For a freestanding appliance, keep its vents clear and follow the installation requirements in the manual instead of squeezing it into a space that’s too small.
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Confusing the stated power with energy consumption
Microwave output power, the electrical power drawn and annual energy consumption are three different things.
Compare like-for-like specifications and check the model’s electrical details rather than choosing on the basis of a wattage figure alone.
A few brands to compare
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers a range of freestanding microwaves, including models with grills or combi functions.
- According to its product information, the MWF421SL combines a 25 L capacity with a grill; the MWF259SG listing mentions Crisp and steam functions.
- Whirlpool lists the MWF259SG as 46.8 cm deep: compare the dimensions and clearances for each model with the space you have available.
Samsung
Samsung France categorises its microwaves as Solo, Grill and Combi, making it easier to find the type of cooking you’re looking for.
- Samsung’s product information for the MS20A7013AB/EF lists a capacity of 20 L and a ceramic enamel cavity.
- For this model, check the type of appliance and its functions in the product information and manual before comparing it with a grill or combi.
Sharp
Sharp’s manual for the R-208-AA gives you specifications to consider if you’re mainly looking for microwave cooking.
- The manual lists a microwave output power of 800 W for the R-208-AA, measured in accordance with IEC 60705.
- This figure applies to the R-208-AA. Check the specifications and installation instructions separately for any other Sharp model you’re considering.
Microwaves to explore on Joybuy
These solo and grill models give you a selection of options to compare for reheating, defrosting or occasional browning in a small home. If you need oven-style cooking, look separately at the functions offered by a combi.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, black
Worth considering if you’d like to brown a dish now and then as well as reheat food. The product title lists a grill and 700 W power; check the manual for the clearances required in your chosen spot.
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Whirlpool MWP 101 W, 20 L
A simple option for meals you want to reheat rather than brown. The product title lists 700 W; before deciding where to put it, check the socket, door opening and installation instructions in the manual.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating or defrosting with manual controls, the product title lists six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a defrost function. Check the ventilation clearances in the manual before choosing a spot for it.
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COMFEE' CM-E202CC(WH), 20 L, white
Worth comparing if you prefer digital controls for quick meals. The product title lists 700 W, six pre-set programmes, eleven power levels and a defrost function; check the manual for the installation requirements.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih with grill, 25 L, white
Another option to consider if browning food matters to you. The product title lists 1000 W, but doesn’t specify what this power rating refers to here. Check the product information and manual to compare the electrical specifications and plan for ventilation.
Frequently asked questions
Which microwave should I choose if I mainly reheat leftovers?
A solo microwave is a good fit if you mainly use it for reheating and defrosting. Only choose a grill or combi if you’ll also use its browning or oven-style cooking functions.
Can a combi take the place of an oven in a studio flat?
A combi can handle some oven-style cooking when you don’t have an oven. Check the functions of the model you’re considering and think about the dishes you want to make: combis don’t all offer the same programmes or the same amount of interior space.
How can I check whether a microwave will fit in its space?
Measure the space in width, height and depth, and don’t forget to allow for the door opening. For a freestanding model, also check the clearances and electrical supply requirements in the manual; Whirlpool France recommends keeping the ventilation openings clear.
Can I use a metal container or any type of plastic?
No. Metal and plastics not designed for this purpose should not be assumed to be safe for microwave cooking. UFC-Que Choisir recommends using suitable containers and following the appliance instructions.
How can I make cleaning up after meals easier?
Choose a cavity that’s easy to reach and follow the manual’s instructions for wiping away splashes after use. Some models have a cleaning-assistance programme; Whirlpool describes AutoClean as a function on selected models, but you’ll still need to wipe the inside.