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Which built-in microwave should you choose?

Luuk12 NOVEMBER 2025
A stainless steel microwave is built into light-colored cabinets with dark hardware in a kitchen setting.

If you’re going to buy a built-in microwave, it’s important to determine whether you want a solo microwave or a combi microwave, and whether you’re replacing an existing microwave or need new appliances for a new kitchen.

Combi microwave

Two black ovens are set in gray cabinets. Above are wood cabinets; a bowl of cherries sits on a white counter in front.

If you’re buying a built-in microwave, there’s a good chance you’ll choose a combi microwave. Most people who have a microwave built in opt for this. If you’re a cooking enthusiast, a combi microwave is certainly the best choice. A combi microwave is a microwave, grill and oven in one. A major advantage is that you save space in your kitchen because you don’t need to place multiple separate appliances. With a combi microwave you can not only heat food, but also grill, bake, roast and cook through. A built-in combi microwave is often installed above a built-in fridge of 102 cm or 122 cm high.

Pros and cons of a combi microwave:

+ Microwave, grill and oven function in one.
+ Space-saving: no extra separate appliances needed.
- Often more expensive than a freestanding microwave.

View built-in combi microwaves

Oven with microwave

Are you a keen home cook and do you bake regularly? Then it’s best to buy a baking oven with a microwave function. These appliances are also called combi microwaves, but baking ovens have various oven functions for specific dishes. For example, you won’t find a top-and-bottom heat oven in a standard combi microwave. This is an oven with a microwave function, whereas a combi microwave is a microwave with an oven function. The price of ovens with microwave is often slightly higher due to the extensive oven functions.

Pros and cons of an oven with microwave:

+ Different functions for specific dishes.
+ Top and bottom heat.
- Often more expensive than a combi microwave.

Built in microwave ovens

Solo microwave

If you mainly want to heat food, you can choose a solo microwave. With a solo microwave, you can easily warm up a ready meal or a glass of milk or defrost food. It’s possible to prepare complete meals with a solo microwave, but not all foods and materials are suitable for microwave heating. In your microwave’s manual you can read which power settings are suitable for food and packaging materials.

Pros and cons of a solo microwave:

+ Cheaper than a combi microwave.
+ Takes up less space.
- Microwave function only; more limited options.

How to install your microwave

Installing a microwave

A built-in microwave must fit properly in the new or existing kitchen. These tips will help:

  • Carefully measure the niche dimensions. The most common niche sizes for built-in solo microwaves are: 36.2–38.2 cm high, 56–56.8 cm wide and 30–32 cm deep. The most common niche sizes for built-in combi microwaves are 45 cm high, 56 cm wide and 55 cm deep. There are also built-in solo microwaves with dimensions commonly used for built-in combi microwaves. Many microwaves have a front frame so there’s tolerance and it can be installed flush.
  • When choosing a microwave, pay attention to the door opening direction. Choose a drop-down door when the oven is placed under the worktop. A left- or right-hinged door works better when the oven is at eye level. That way you don’t have to lift the baking tray over the door.
  • Watch the handy videos and learn how to install a combi microwave with and without a frame yourself.

Installing a microwave

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MediaMarkt built-in service

Want more convenience? Then use our built-in service. We’ll install the new appliance for you, you’ll keep all the warranty, and we’ll take the old appliance back.

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