People who mainly reheat meals
If you reheat leftovers, drinks or ready meals, and defrost portions, basic microwave functions will cover your main needs. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these uses in its buying guide.
Who are these appliances for?
People with a small kitchen and no regularly used oven
If you also make pizzas, gratins or cakes, compare a convection microwave with a mini oven, based on the cooking modes you really need and the space available.
People with limited space
If you have a narrow worktop or a built-in housing unit, measure the space before choosing the functions. Whirlpool France advises keeping the vents on a freestanding microwave clear. For a built-in model, follow the dimensions and instructions for the exact model.
What should guide your choice?
Start with the meals you prepare most often, then check that the appliance and your dishes will fit in the space available.
| Need | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Overall dimensions and whether your plates will fit inside the cavity. | In a studio flat, I mainly want to reheat portions and defrost food, without paying for modes I’m unlikely to use. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Occasional browning | Whether it has a grill, and which containers are suitable for the mode you’re using. | For the occasional gratin, I want to brown the top without using the appliance mainly for oven cooking. Around 20% of consumers put this need first. |
| Microwave and oven cooking in one appliance | Whether convection is explicitly listed, and the dimensions of dishes that will fit. | Without a regularly used oven, I also want to cook pizzas or cakes while keeping microwave reheating functions. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this combination of features. |
| Making oven cooking the priority | The mini oven’s cooking modes and the dimensions of the tins or dishes it can accommodate. | I mainly make quiches, cakes or dishes that need browning, and don’t need microwave functions. Oven-style cooking is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid in a small kitchen
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
The advertised capacity doesn’t guarantee that your plate, gratin dish or cake tin will fit inside the cavity. For the Whirlpool MCP341WH, the brand lists both the capacity and the turntable diameter: these measurements answer different questions.
Measure the largest dish you usually use and compare it with the turntable and the internal dimensions of the model you’re considering.
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Squeezing a freestanding appliance between cupboards
Whirlpool France advises against blocking a microwave’s ventilation openings. A space that doesn’t allow for the clearances specified in the manual isn’t suitable, even if the appliance fits.
Measure the space according to the installation instructions for the exact model, and keep its vents clear.
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Confusing a grill with convection
A grill can brown food, but having one doesn’t mean the appliance can cook cakes or roast dishes using convection.
If these dishes are part of your regular meals, look for an explicit reference to convection or fan cooking, rather than just the word ‘grill’.
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Using the same dish in every mode
Whirlpool France advises against using aluminium, metal or gold-trimmed dishes in microwave mode. An appliance with a grill doesn’t automatically make every dish suitable for every mode.
Check the manual for the mode you’re using, and choose a dish that’s specified as compatible.
Brands to compare
Whirlpool
The range includes freestanding, built-in and combination microwaves.
- The MCP341WH shows which measurements are useful to compare: Whirlpool France lists a 25 L cavity, 800 W microwave power and a 280 mm turntable for this model.
- This specific model is no longer in the range, and its specifications don’t apply to other models from the brand.
Panasonic
Some models combine microwave, grill and convection functions for people who also cook oven-style dishes.
- Panasonic France lists these modes, as well as an air fryer function, for the 34 L NN-CD88.
- If you only reheat portions, check that its dimensions and extra modes suit your needs.
Electrolux
Built-in models are worth considering if your kitchen already has a suitable housing unit.
- Electrolux’s product information for the LMF4263TET gives its built-in dimensions and lists microwave and grill modes.
- This model shouldn’t be confused with a convection microwave. Compare your housing unit with the measurements and instructions in the manual.
Moulinex
Mini ovens are another option if oven-style cooking matters more to you than microwave reheating.
- Moulinex France lists convection and a grill among the features of the Optimo 19 L.
- A mini oven doesn’t offer microwave reheating functions. Check that your tins will fit inside the cavity too.
Joybuy models for different needs
This selection includes solo microwaves, grill models and a combination model for different needs in a small kitchen. If a mini oven is your priority, compare that option separately.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L, 700 W, black
Worth considering if you reheat portions and would also like to brown food from time to time. Before placing it in a small kitchen, check that there’s enough room for your dishes and follow the installation instructions. A grill shouldn’t be mistaken for convection.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L, 700 W
For reheating and defrosting in a small home, without needing oven cooking. The product name lists six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check that your plates fit inside the cavity and that the chosen space meets the instructions in the manual.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L, 700 W, black
Another option for reheating and defrosting if you prefer digital controls. The product name lists six pre-set menus and eleven power levels. Check the usable dimensions for your dishes and the model’s ventilation instructions.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI freestanding, 21 L, 800 W, titanium
Worth comparing if you want to reheat and brown food in a freestanding appliance. Before choosing it, check how much worktop space it needs, whether your dishes will fit and what the manual says about ventilation. Don’t assume a grill mode includes convection.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB combination microwave, 42 L
Worth considering if you want to combine microwave reheating with a wider range of cooking options in one appliance. Its stated 42 L capacity means you’ll need to measure the space and dishes carefully. Check the manual for ventilation clearances too.
Frequently asked questions
When is a solo microwave enough for a studio flat?
It’s enough if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food. If you regularly brown dishes or cook oven-style meals, compare the modes on a grill model, combination microwave or mini oven before choosing.
What should I measure before ordering?
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then measure the dishes you use most often. Check the model’s cavity and turntable. For a built-in appliance, compare the dimensions of the housing unit; for a freestanding model, follow the ventilation clearances in its manual.
Can I use my usual dishes in the microwave?
Only if they’re suitable for the mode you’re using and fit inside the cavity. Whirlpool France advises against using aluminium, metal or gold-trimmed dishes in microwave mode. Check the manual for dishes and accessories used with the grill or convection function.
How can I compare the cooking performance of two combination microwaves?
Compare their modes and the dimensions of dishes they can accommodate, then look for tests of the specific models rather than counting their programmes. UFC-Que Choisir says that, under its testing protocol, it assesses the performance, usability and cleaning of the microwaves it tests.
What should I do with a microwave at the end of its life?
If it’s still usable, consider donating it. Otherwise, look into repair options or find a suitable collection point for small electrical appliances. ADEME includes microwaves in its advice on small household appliances.