People who mainly reheat meals
If you mainly use your microwave to reheat and defrost food, a solo model may be all you need. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these uses from the grilling and cooking functions found on combination models.
Who are these options for?
People without access to a working oven
If your studio flat or second home has limited facilities, a combination microwave with convection is worth considering if you genuinely plan to cook dishes that need oven-style heat.
People working with limited space
If your choice is determined by the available cupboard or worktop space, compare the external dimensions, ventilation requirements and installation type before focusing on the internal capacity.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
When choosing an appliance for a studio flat or a second home with limited facilities, start with what you’ll use it for most, then check that it can be installed in your chosen spot.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the defrost functions and make sure there’s enough room inside for the dishes you usually use. | I already have other ways to cook, so I mainly want to reheat meals and defrost portions. Around 31% of consumers put this need first. |
| Oven-style cooking | Look specifically for convection or fan-assisted cooking, and compare the combination microwave’s external dimensions too. | I don’t have a working oven and want to do more than just reheat food in the same appliance. This cooking function is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space, allowing for the clearances specified in the instructions. Also check the total electrical power and the required power supply. | In a small kitchenette, the appliance must first fit, be installed correctly and have enough ventilation. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this constraint. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill and find out which dishes are suitable for this mode. | I want to brown or grill food from time to time, but don’t need the microwave to handle all the cooking I’d usually do in an oven. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this need. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Measuring only the available width
Depth, height and ventilation matter too. For example, Whirlpool lists the freestanding MCP349WH combination microwave as 494 mm deep.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, then allow for the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model. Keep its ventilation grilles unobstructed.
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Confusing microwave power with total power
These figures mean different things. Electrolux France’s product information for the EMZ725MMK lists 900 W for the microwave and a total power of 1,350 W.
To check your home’s power supply, look up the total power, voltage and amperage specified for the exact model.
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Choosing functions without thinking about what you’ll cook
A grill lets you brown or grill food, but having one doesn’t mean the appliance also has convection. Conversely, you won’t need these extra functions if you only plan to reheat and defrost food.
Make a note of what you’ll actually need the appliance to cook, then choose between a solo, grill or combination model with convection.
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Using the same dish in every mode
UFC-Que Choisir points out that a plastic dish suitable for microwave mode may not be suitable for grilling or convection.
Check the dish and the appliance instructions before switching between cooking modes.
Brands to compare for your needs
Whirlpool
The range includes freestanding, grill and combination models to consider depending on the functions you need.
- Whirlpool France says the freestanding MCP349WH combination microwave combines microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking in a 25 L cavity.
- Its listed dimensions of 520 × 494 × 301 mm mean you’ll need to check the available depth and ventilation space.
Electrolux
The freestanding EMZ725MMK is worth considering if you’re looking for a microwave with a grill.
- Electrolux France lists its dimensions as 469 × 348 × 280 mm, along with a power supply of 230 V and 10 A.
- The grill on this model should not be confused with a convection function.
Bosch
Bosch built-in models are mainly suited to homes that already have a cupboard designed for this type of installation.
- Bosch Electroménager France describes the CMA485GB2 as a 44 L built-in combination microwave, measuring 594 × 570 × 454 mm.
- Before choosing it, check the housing dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model. It isn’t designed to stand freely on a worktop.
LG
LG’s combination microwave range may suit people looking for microwave, grill and convection functions in one appliance.
- LG France lists all three modes in its range of combination microwaves.
- The dimensions listed for the MC-8280NB don’t apply to every LG model, so check the specifications for the one you’re considering.
Microwaves to explore on Joybuy
This selection includes appliances for reheating and defrosting, models with a grill, and a combination microwave for homes where some cooking needs to be done without a separate oven. Check that each one fits the space available.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Worth considering for everyday reheating and defrosting, with a grill function for occasional browning. The product name lists a capacity of 20 L and microwave power of 700 W. If you need convection, check the cooking modes before choosing this model.
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Hkoenig VIO7 freestanding, 23 L
Worth a look if you want to reheat and defrost food, with the option to brown it under the grill occasionally, as listed for this model. The product name gives a capacity of 23 L and microwave power of 900 W. Check the instructions for the required ventilation clearances and electrical specifications for your installation.
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Samsung MS32DG4504GTE1, 32 L
Designed mainly for reheating and defrosting, rather than grilling or convection cooking. The product name lists a capacity of 32 L and microwave power of 1,000 W. Check that its external dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions suit your space.
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Hkoenig VIO8 freestanding, 20 L
Worth considering if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, without prioritising a grill or convection function. The product name lists a capacity of 20 L and power of 700 W. Before placing it in a kitchenette, check the space against the dimensions and ventilation instructions in the manual.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB combination microwave, 42 L
Worth considering if your home doesn’t have a working oven and you plan to cook more than just reheating meals. The functions listed for this model include microwave, grill and convection. With a stated capacity of 42 L, it’s especially important to check the external dimensions, ventilation clearances and power supply requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to leave space around a freestanding microwave?
Yes. Follow the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model. Whirlpool France advises keeping the ventilation grilles clear and not placing anything on top of the appliance.
How can you check that the electrical supply is suitable?
Compare the total power, voltage and amperage specified for the exact model with your home’s electrical installation. For example, Electrolux France lists a total power of 1,350 W, 230 V and 10 A for the EMZ725MMK.
Can a microwave with a grill replace an oven?
A grill alone doesn’t provide convection cooking; it’s mainly for browning or grilling food. If you plan to cook dishes that need oven-style heat, check that the combination model you’re considering specifically has convection or fan-assisted cooking.
Can you use the same dish in microwave and grill modes?
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir says that plastic suitable for microwave mode isn’t suitable for grilling or convection. Check the dish and the instructions for each mode.