Mostly reheating meals
You mainly want to reheat portions and defrost food, without giving up space for an oven-cooking function you’re unlikely to use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo microwaves and models with a grill or oven functions.
Who is each option for ?
Occasional gratins
You often reheat food but would sometimes like to brown a dish. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a grill and fan-assisted heat, as the two functions suit different needs.
Cooking without an oven
You’d also like to prepare oven-cooked dishes. Choosing between a combi microwave and a mini oven depends on how important microwave reheating is to you and how much space you have.
Which features should you compare in a small kitchen ?
Solo microwave
Choose this if : you mainly reheat and defrost food. UFC-Que Choisir presents the solo microwave as a distinct option from models with a grill or combi functions.
Limitation : it doesn’t have a grill or fan-assisted heat for dishes that need these functions.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if : you want to keep microwave reheating and occasionally brown or grill a dish. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this function from fan-assisted heat.
Limitation : having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance also has a fan-assisted heat function.
Combi microwave
Choose this if : you want to reheat food and use an oven-cooking mode, all in one space. Whirlpool says its MWSC 833 W model offers fan-assisted cooking.
Limitation : Whirlpool lists its dimensions as 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm; check the available space and the clearances specified in the manual.
Electric mini oven
Choose this if : oven cooking is your priority and you have another way to reheat food. Moulinex lists fan-assisted heat, conventional heat and a grill among the functions of the Optimo OX444810.
Limitation : the defrost mode listed for this mini oven is not a microwave function.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and combi functions. For the Optimo OX444810 mini oven, Moulinex describes the cooking modes available on this specific model.
| What matters | What to check before you buy | Who it’s mainly for |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | The available modes, exterior dimensions and turntable size for the exact model. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food, I’d rather not make space for a grill I won’t use much. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Grilling food occasionally | Look for an explicit mention of a grill and, if your recipes call for it, a separate fan-assisted heat function. | If I want to grill food occasionally while keeping microwave reheating, a grill meets this specific need. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise occasional grilling. |
| Reheating and oven cooking | The listed modes, the space the appliance takes up, room for your dishes and the clearances specified in the manual. | In a home without an oven, I’d look to combine reheating and oven cooking in one space. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise this combination. |
| Oven cooking is the priority | The cooking modes, the usable dimensions for your dishes and the model’s installation instructions. | If my recipes mainly call for oven cooking and I’m happy to use another way to reheat food, I’d prioritise the relevant cooking modes. Around 20 % of consumers make oven cooking their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Assuming “grill” means “fan-assisted heat”
A grill is used to brown food, but its presence doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan-assisted heat function. Available modes vary by model.
Make a list of the recipes you plan to cook and check every mode in the specifications for the exact model.
If a recipe needs a mode the appliance doesn’t have, you may need another way to cook it.
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Choosing based only on the capacity in litres
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you what size dishes will fit inside the appliance or how much space you need to leave for ventilation. Whirlpool recommends checking the manual and keeping the air vents clear.
Compare the exterior dimensions and the turntable or cavity size with your dishes, then follow the clearances specified in the model’s manual.
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Assuming a mini oven’s defrost setting is a microwave function
Moulinex describes the Optimo OX444810 as a freestanding electric oven with a defrost mode; this doesn’t mean it has a microwave function.
If you often reheat portions, make sure the type of appliance you choose is suited to that need.
Brands and models to compare
Severin
The MW 7885 and MW 7918 are examples of a solo microwave and a model listed with a grill and fan-assisted heat respectively, according to Severin France.
- The MW 7885 has a 24,5 cm turntable and measures 24 × 44,5 × 36 cm.
- The MW 7885 is listed without a grill or fan-assisted heat; check the capacity in the specifications for the exact model.
Samsung
The MS23K3513AK/EF and MG23K3513AK/EF models let you compare a solo microwave with a model that has a grill, according to Samsung France.
- The MG23K3513AK/EF is listed with a grill function.
- A grill and fan-assisted heat are different functions; check the modes available on the model you’re considering.
Whirlpool
The MWSC 833 W is an example of a combi microwave listed with fan-assisted cooking, according to Whirlpool France.
- Whirlpool lists exterior dimensions of 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm, excluding packaging.
- Check that the appliance and the clearances specified in its manual will fit in your kitchen.
Moulinex
The Optimo OX444810 is an example of a freestanding electric mini oven, according to Moulinex France.
- Moulinex lists six modes, including fan-assisted heat, conventional heat, grill and defrost.
- The stated capacity of 19 litres isn’t enough to tell you whether a particular dish will fit in the oven.
Panasonic
The NN-GD39 is an example of a microwave with a grill. Panasonic France lists its dimensions and some combination settings.
- Panasonic lists a grill, a 288 mm turntable and exterior dimensions of 495 × 378 × 292 mm.
- The combination settings described use the grill and microwave together; they don’t establish that the appliance has fan-assisted heat.
Products for these needs
These models illustrate solo microwaves for reheating, models with a grill for browning food, and mini ovens for prioritising oven cooking.
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Heinrich’s solo microwave, 20 L
The solo design suits everyday reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen.
20 L, 700 W, six power levels, 9.6-inch turntable and 30 min timer. Stated dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
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LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, grill, 25 L, white
This model with a grill is ideal if you want to brown food occasionally while keeping the usual microwave functions.
The description lists a defrost function and dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm. Check the modes and installation clearances specified for the exact model.
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LG MH6535GIS, black, 25 L
The grill and defrost function mentioned in the description suit anyone who wants to reheat food and brown it occasionally.
The title lists 25 L and 1 000 W. The description lists touch controls and dimensions of 47,6 × 38,8 × 27,2 cm.
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Beko MGC20100B1, grill, 20 L, black
This microwave with grill combines reheating and defrosting with the option to brown food occasionally.
The title lists 700 W; the description lists an 800 W grill, a 245 mm turntable and dimensions of 45,2 × 35,3 × 26,2 cm. It also says to leave at least 10 cm of space at the sides and back for ventilation.
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Dual-zone air fryer mini oven, 23 L
This option is for anyone who prioritises oven cooking and has another way to reheat food in a microwave.
The description lists a 23 L capacity, two independent cooking zones, 15 programmes and a removable divider that lets you combine the two compartments.
Frequently asked questions
Will a microwave with a grill replace an oven for my recipes ?
Not simply because it has a grill: a grill browns food, while a combi model may also offer fan-assisted heat. Check the exact modes on the model and make sure your dishes will fit.
Can I install a freestanding microwave in a narrow recess ?
Don’t assume it will fit based on the exterior dimensions alone. Whirlpool recommends keeping the vents clear and checking the manual; follow the clearances specified for the model you buy.
How should I care for the appliance and choose containers ?
Follow the model’s manual for cleaning and keep the air vents clear. When choosing containers for heating, the DGCCRF recommends using them as intended.
Does a paid extended warranty replace the statutory guarantee in France ?
No. For an individual buying from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies subject to its conditions. The DGCCRF states that it lasts for two years from delivery of the goods; a commercial warranty is optional and is in addition to it.