Everyday reheating and defrosting
You mostly prepare ready-cooked portions, frozen food or leftovers, and want simple controls for everyday meals.
What will you use it for?
Browning food now and then
You’d like to brown a portion or a pizza occasionally, without expecting the appliance to handle every type of cooking a conventional oven can.
Cooking without a conventional oven
You plan to use oven-style cooking more regularly. A combination model is worth considering, provided you have enough space for it and can meet its ventilation requirements.
Which features should you prioritise?
In a small home, start with the meals you plan to prepare, then measure the available space, allowing for the clearances specified in the instructions.
Solo microwave
Choose this if: you mainly reheat and defrost individual portions.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t have a grill for browning food or a fan-assisted cooking function.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you’d also like to brown or grill certain dishes.
Bear in mind: a grill isn’t the same as fan-assisted cooking; containers must be suitable for the mode you’re using.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you plan to use the grill and fan-assisted cooking regularly, as well as the microwave.
Bear in mind: check its overall dimensions carefully before deciding where to put it.
| Feature | What to check before buying | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost settings and the usable space for your plates and dishes. | For leftovers or frozen portions, I mainly want to prepare a simple meal without using lots of utensils. Around 50 % of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Browning and grilling | Check that it has a grill and that your containers are suitable for this mode. | If I make gratins or pizzas, I want to be able to brown them rather than just reheat them. This would be the priority for around 30 % of consumers. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check for a fan-assisted cooking function, then check the appliance dimensions and required clearances. | Without a conventional oven, I need to cook more than just food for reheating on a regular basis, and I need somewhere suitable to install the appliance. Around 20 % of consumers would put this need first. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Relying on the capacity in litres without measuring the space
The cavity capacity doesn’t tell you the appliance’s external dimensions. You also need to leave room for air to circulate around it.
Measure the width, height and depth, then allow for the clearances specified in the instructions for the model you choose. Don’t block its ventilation openings.
-
Choosing a combination model just to reheat food
The grill and fan-assisted cooking are designed for dishes beyond everyday reheating and defrosting. If you don’t usually cook this way, a solo model may be all you need.
Think about the food you actually prepare before deciding whether you’ll use the grill or fan-assisted cooking.
-
Using the same container with every mode
Plastic that’s suitable for microwave use isn’t necessarily suitable for grilling or convection cooking. UFC-Que Choisir covers these modes separately in its usage advice.
Check the instructions for both the container and the appliance for each cooking mode. Also follow the appliance guidance on metal and sealed containers.
-
Confusing the statutory guarantee with a commercial warranty
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies, among other things, to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. According to the Ministry of the Economy, a commercial warranty is an additional benefit and does not replace it.
Before accepting a commercial warranty, compare its duration, exclusions and benefits with your statutory rights.
Brands to consider
Whirlpool
Its range includes freestanding grill microwaves and combination models.
- Whirlpool lists the MWP203SB as a 20 L grill model and the MCP349WH as a 25 L combination model with fan-assisted cooking.
- Compare the dimensions of the specific model with your available space: these two features call for different types of appliance.
Samsung
Samsung’s French-language documentation distinguishes between solo models, grill models and appliances with convection cooking.
- This distinction helps you choose based on the meals you plan to make, rather than the number of functions alone.
- Samsung notes that the ventilation clearances required may vary by model, so check the instructions.
Sharp
The brand offers single-function models, as well as grill and combination models, depending on the model.
- Sharp’s product information describes the R-26ST as a 22 L single-function model with electromechanical controls.
- The R-26ST’s features don’t necessarily apply to other Sharp models.
Brandt
The GE2626W is a freestanding model worth considering if you’re looking for a microwave with a grill.
- Brandt lists a 26 L cavity and microwave and grill functions for this model.
- Check that its external dimensions and required clearances will fit your worktop space.
Microwaves for different needs
These Joybuy models include solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as grill models for browning food. Check the available space and the instructions before choosing.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating and defrosting portions with a solo microwave.
Six power levels, a 30-minute timer and a turntable.
Before installation, check the ventilation clearances and plug compatibility specified in the instructions.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
For reheating or defrosting meals using digital controls.
Rated power of 700 W, six pre-set programmes and eleven power levels.
Check the instructions for the required clearances and electrical compatibility before choosing a space for it.
Image unavailable
Samsung MS23K3513, 23 L solo microwave
For reheating and defrosting, without adding a grill function to your everyday cooking.
The model name indicates a Quick Defrost function and an LED display.
Measure the space available, allowing for the clearances specified in the instructions, and check the required socket.
Image unavailable
LG Electronics MH 6535 gih, 25 L grill microwave
For reheating portions, with the option of using the grill too.
The model name indicates a digital display.
For grilling, choose containers suitable for this mode. Also check the clearances and socket requirements in the instructions.
Image unavailable
Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L grill microwave
For reheating portions, with a grill for when you want to brown a dish.
The product name indicates a 20 L capacity and 700 W microwave power.
Check which accessories you’ll need for your recipes and all the clearances specified in the instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances specified in the instructions for the model you choose. Samsung France gives a general guide of at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary by model. Whirlpool also advises against blocking the ventilation openings.
Can you use a plastic container with the grill or fan-assisted cooking?
Not simply because it’s suitable for microwave use. UFC-Que Choisir notes that plastic suitable for this function isn’t automatically suitable for grilling or convection cooking. Check the container and appliance instructions before switching modes.
Does a commercial warranty replace the statutory guarantee?
No. In France, according to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer; a commercial warranty is an addition. Check what it covers before accepting it.
What should you do with an old microwave in France?
Take it to a collection point for electrical equipment rather than putting it in your household rubbish. The ministry responsible for ecological transition lists collection points, recycling centres, retailers and certain social and solidarity economy organisations.