Students with limited worktop space
Measure the appliance and the space needed around its vents before you focus on its capacity in litres. Also check that the turntable will fit the dishes you normally use.
Who are these options for?
Students who mainly reheat and defrost food
A solo model is suited to these tasks without adding a grill or oven-cooking mode. Compare the controls, defrost function and available space.
Students without a usable oven
If you want to cook or grill food as you would in an oven, look at the modes available on a combination model. Then check its dimensions and the instructions for using it in your studio flat.
What should you prioritise in a studio flat?
When choosing appliances for a student studio flat, start with the factor that matters most to you: the space available, the food you need to reheat or the cooking functions you’ll actually use.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and ventilation | Compare the external dimensions with the space you have, then check the instructions for ventilation clearances. | When worktop space is very limited, I want the appliance to fit without blocking its vents. Around 39% of consumers put this space constraint first. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check for a defrost function and make sure the turntable diameter suits your everyday dishes. | If I mainly need to reheat or defrost meals, I prioritise ease of use. This is the main requirement for around 38% of consumers. |
| Grill | Check that it has a grill mode and compare the dimensions of the specific model. | I sometimes want to brown or crisp a dish, but don’t need the other modes offered by a combination model. This function comes first for around 15% of consumers. |
| Oven-style cooking | Check the advertised cooking modes and the cavity size for the dishes you plan to make. | Without a usable oven in my studio flat, I want to prepare some oven-cooked dishes in the same appliance. Around 8% of consumers prioritise this need. |
What should you avoid before buying?
-
Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
Capacity doesn’t tell you whether your dish will fit on the turntable or whether the appliance will fit on your furniture. According to Whirlpool France, its 20 L MWP201SB has a 24.5 cm turntable and measures 45.2 × 26.2 × 35 cm, in width, height and depth order.
Measure the space you have and the largest dish you use regularly, then compare them with the dimensions and turntable size of the model you’re considering.
-
Placing the appliance right against its vents
A freestanding microwave needs the clearance specified for ventilation. Samsung France explains that its general guidance may vary by model; Whirlpool France also advises not to block the vents.
Check the instructions for your model before deciding where to put it, particularly if it will sit alongside other appliances.
-
Choosing a grill or combination model without a specific cooking need
A solo microwave is designed for reheating and defrosting, while a grill model browns food and a combination model can add oven-style cooking. Each option suits a different need.
Make a note of the dishes you plan to prepare regularly. If you’ll do more than just reheat food, compare the modes you need with the space the appliance will take up.
-
Confusing an extended warranty with your statutory rights
In France, according to economie.gouv.fr, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a consumer. A commercial warranty is separate.
Keep your proof of purchase and check the terms of any extended warranty separately from your statutory rights.
Brands to compare
Candy
Candy France offers 20 L freestanding microwaves in solo and grill versions, giving you two configurations to compare if worktop space is limited.
- The solo and grill versions make it easy to choose between everyday reheating and a need to brown or crisp food.
- Check the dimensions and turntable size for the exact model: a 20 L capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much space it will take up.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France’s freestanding range includes solo, grill and combination models.
- The solo MWP201SB is an example of a 20 L model with a 24.5 cm turntable.
- The 20 L MWP203SB grill model is also listed as discontinued, so don’t treat it as a model that’s currently available.
Samsung
Samsung France distinguishes between standard microwaves, grill models and convection combination microwaves.
- Its support documents provide ventilation guidance and refer you to the instructions for each model.
- Its 32 L combination model example should be assessed based on its actual dimensions, rather than treated as a compact 20 L appliance.
20 L microwaves on Joybuy
These 20 L models are suited to reheating food in a studio flat. Before choosing, check the functions you need, the dimensions and the installation instructions for each one.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's, 20 L solo microwave, 700 W
This solo model has a defrost function, making it a handy choice for reheating and defrosting simple meals in a studio flat.
20 L capacity, six power levels and a 30 min timer. Check the instructions for ventilation clearances and make sure the power supply is compatible with your home.
Image unavailable
Cecotec, 20 L countertop microwave, 700 W
With six power levels, this countertop model is a practical option for reheating meals in a studio flat.
Advertised capacity of 20 L and power of 700 W. Before buying, compare its external dimensions and turntable size with the space you have and the dishes you use. Also check the power supply and ventilation instructions.
Image unavailable
Galanz P4, 20 L square microwave
This 20 L model could be a good option for reheating meals in a small home, as long as you check how much space it will actually take up.
Compare its dimensions and cavity size with your dishes. If defrosting is essential, confirm that the model has this function. Also check the plug type and power supply specified for this model.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances specified in the instructions for your model. Samsung France gives general guidance of at least 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above the appliance, but notes that requirements may vary. Whirlpool France advises keeping the vents clear and placing the appliance on a flat surface.
Is a solo microwave enough for a student studio flat?
Yes, if you mainly need to reheat and defrost food, provided the appliance can fit your dishes and be installed according to its instructions. If you want to brown or crisp food, consider a grill model. If you need to cook food as you would in an oven but don’t have one you can use, compare the modes and dimensions of a combination model.
What containers should you use to reheat a meal?
Choose a container designed for this purpose and follow its instructions for use. The DGCCRF recommends using utensils and containers suitable for food contact. For packaged foods intended for microwave heating, Anses advises following the stated power and heating time, as excessive heating may increase the migration of substances from certain packaging.
What statutory guarantee applies to a microwave bought in France?
According to economie.gouv.fr, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies in France to a new, second-hand or refurbished microwave sold by a trader to a consumer. It covers lack of conformity; any commercial warranty is separate and does not replace it.