For small portions, start by choosing an appliance based on the dishes you prepare and how much space it will take up once installed. An air fryer can cook small quantities using hot air, but its basket limits portion sizes. If you often bake dishes or reheat food, compare a mini oven and a microwave, focusing on the features you actually need. UFC-Que Choisir notes that an air fryer can take up worktop space and that its cooking area limits the amount you can prepare.
You want to avoid having another appliance permanently taking up space on your small food-preparation area. Compare its footprint when set up and the functions it offers before making room for it. An air fryer only frees up space if it replaces another appliance. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this point in its analysis of air fryers.
You want to cook your usual dishes and oven dishes in a freestanding appliance. Measure them and check the dimensions the model can accommodate: the stated capacity alone won’t confirm that they’ll fit.
You regularly reheat or defrost food, but would also like to brown or cook dishes in other ways from time to time. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a microwave with a grill, which can be used for browning, and the oven-cooking functions of a combination model.
Start with the dishes and portions you usually prepare, then check the appliance’s dimensions and the features that suit your everyday cooking.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space required when set up | Measure the space available, how far the door or drawer opens, and the clearance required according to the instruction manual. | I want to keep my food-preparation area clear and avoid adding an appliance that has to stay there permanently. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise available worktop space. |
| Dishes and quantity | Compare the size of your dishes with the cavity or basket, and check the recommended quantities for the food you cook. | I want to cook my usual dishes or prepare my portion in one go, without relying on the stated capacity alone. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise dish size and the quantity cooked at once. |
| Reheating and cooking | Check separately whether the appliance has microwave, grill and convection functions. | I often reheat or defrost food, and I also want to brown or cook certain dishes. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise reheating and related cooking modes. |
| Specialist cooking and cleaning | Check which foods the specific model can handle, its usable capacity and which parts need cleaning. | I often cook rice or pulses and want an appliance that’s easy to clean for this purpose. Around 13 % of consumers prioritise specialist cooking and cleaning. |
An extra appliance can reduce the food-preparation space available. How much space you save depends, in part, on whether it replaces another oven.
Measure the space it will occupy alongside your other appliances before choosing a model.
The amount you can actually prepare in an air fryer varies depending on the food and the model. The shape of the basket can also limit which dishes will fit.
Compare your portions and dishes with the dimensions and recommended quantities for the model you’re considering.
Grilling and convection are separate functions. A microwave with a grill doesn’t necessarily offer oven-style cooking.
Check the modes listed in the product details and instruction manual rather than relying on the term ‘multifunction’ alone.
The range includes basket-style air fryers, including the 1000 Series NA120/00, listed at 4.2 L for the French market.
The range includes freestanding mini ovens, including the Optimo OX444810, listed at 19 L.
According to Panasonic, the NN-CD88 multifunction microwave combines microwave, grill, convection and air-fryer modes.
The RK601800 mini rice cooker is a specialist option for rice, lentils and other meal staples.
This selection includes freestanding appliances for preparing small portions: a mini oven, air fryers and microwaves with a grill.
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For cooking small portions in a freestanding mini oven. First check that its dimensions fit the space you have in mind.
Stated capacity: 10 L. Listed dimensions: 36.5 × 26 × 22 cm.
Adjustable temperature from 100 to 230 °C and a 60-minute timer. Wire rack and baking tray included.
The description gives a 22 cm pizza or up to four slices of bread as examples of what will fit. The appliance must be placed on a stable surface.
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For portions listed as suitable for one to two people, provided they fit in the basket without overfilling it.
4.7 L basket and stated power of 2,000 W. Listed functions: Air Fry, Reheat and Dehydrate.
The basket is listed as dishwasher-safe. The description advises against using an extension lead.
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For frequent reheating or defrosting and browning food. Check that the grill suits the dishes you want to cook.
Stated capacity: 20 L; 700 W power and a 245 mm turntable. Microwave, grill and defrost functions.
Listed dimensions: 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm. The description requires at least 10 cm of clearance at the sides and rear, and says not to put metal objects inside.
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For hot-air cooking in a compact kitchen, after measuring the space and clearance required.
Stated capacity: 3.2 L; listed dimensions: 368 × 273 × 293 mm.
The drawer and basket are listed as removable and dishwasher-safe. Allow at least 100 mm of clearance on each side and use oven gloves when handling the hot basket.
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For preparing small portions, with a basket described as suitable for one or two people.
Stated capacity: 2 L; 1,150 W power. The description also mentions reheating leftovers.
The removable parts are listed as dishwasher-safe. The description calls for a stable, heat-resistant surface, an earthed 220–240 V socket, and unobstructed air inlets and outlets.
Not necessarily. A grill is useful for browning food, while oven-style cooking requires a suitable function such as convection. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between microwaves with a grill and combination models, so check the exact functions of the appliance you’re considering.
Check the model’s instruction manual for guidance on positioning, ventilation, opening the door or drawer, and connecting the appliance. Requirements vary by appliance: for example, the instructions for the Tefal mini cooker call for a stable surface and an earthed socket.
Compare the recommended quantity for the food you’re cooking with your usual portion size. Philips notes that the maximum load varies depending on the food and appliance size. Also check the chosen model’s manual for removable parts and cleaning instructions.
When a private individual buys from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory, including for second-hand or refurbished goods. The DGCCRF states that you have two years from delivery to make a claim. Any commercial warranty is in addition to the statutory guarantee and does not replace it.
According to information published by the French Ministry of the Economy in August 2026, air fryers, mini ovens, microwaves and rice cookers are not included in the list of categories for which a repairability index is compulsory. You can still ask about repair terms and the availability of parts for the model you’re interested in.