For someone who often cooks in the oven
If gratins, quiches, roasted vegetables or baked goods regularly feature in your meals, look for oven-cooking functions in a countertop appliance, without needing to make any alterations to your home.
Who are these solutions for?
For someone who mainly uses a saucepan or frying pan
For pasta, soups, stir-fries and slow-cooked dishes, a portable hob or an electric cooking pot may be more useful than a grill function.
For someone short on worktop space
If every appliance also needs to be stored away, compare its footprint when in use, ventilation requirements and the dishes it can prepare before buying several.
What should guide your choice?
If your studio flat doesn’t have a built-in oven, start with the meals you prepare most often, then check the available space and power connection requirements for the appliance you’re considering.
Compact countertop oven
Choose this if: you want to bake tarts or cook gratins in dishes that fit inside the oven.
Bear in mind: it takes up a permanent space and needs the clearances specified in its manual.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you want to reheat and defrost food, as well as have the cooking functions confirmed for that model.
Bear in mind: a microwave-only or grill model may not offer these functions, and its vents must be kept clear.
Portable induction hob
Choose this if: you mainly boil, simmer or fry food in your own cookware.
Bear in mind: your pans must be induction-compatible; a single cooking zone limits how much you can cook at once.
Multicooker or electric cooking pot
Choose this if: you mainly cook meals in a pot, using boiling, slow-cooking or steaming functions, depending on the model.
Bear in mind: a cooking pot is no substitute for the versatility of a frying pan or oven cooking.
Air fryer
Choose this if: you’re mainly looking for an extra appliance for small roasted or crispy dishes.
Bear in mind: you’ll need another option for soups, sauces and dishes cooked in a saucepan.
| Need | What to check before buying | Which consumers? |
|---|---|---|
| Oven cooking | The actual cooking modes and whether the internal dimensions will fit your dishes. | If I regularly make gratins or tarts, reheating alone isn’t enough for me. Around 36% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Cooking on a hob | Whether your pans are compatible with induction and the hob’s rated power. | To boil pasta or use my frying pan every day, I need a hob first. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| One-pot meals | Usable capacity and the functions available on the model, particularly for steaming or slow cooking. | If I mainly eat soup, rice or slow-cooked dishes, I prefer to prepare everything in one pot. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Extra cooking option | The microwave’s exact functions or the air fryer’s usable capacity, depending on how you plan to use it. | If I mainly want to reheat, defrost or brown food, I’m happy to use another appliance for dishes cooked in a saucepan. This would be a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing microwave-only and combination models
A microwave-only model is mainly for reheating and defrosting; the cooking and browning functions you might want as a partial oven replacement depend on the model.
Check the exact model number, product details and manual to confirm it has the cooking modes you need.
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Forgetting to check pan compatibility
An induction hob doesn’t work with every type of cookware. UFC-Que Choisir points out that compatibility is an important factor when choosing one.
Check the markings on your cookware or test the base with a magnet before choosing an induction hob.
If your pans aren’t suitable, you’ll also need to allow for the cost of compatible cookware.
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Comparing capacities without measuring the space
Internal capacity doesn’t tell you how much worktop space an appliance will take up or how much clearance its vents need. Whirlpool specifically advises against blocking a microwave’s vents.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
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Expecting an air fryer to handle every meal
It can be useful for roasted or crispy dishes, but it won’t boil pasta or make soup.
If these dishes are part of your everyday meals, make sure you have another option for cooking in a saucepan or pot.
Brands to consider
Moulinex
Moulinex offers Optimo countertop ovens worth considering if you’re looking for cooking results similar to those of a built-in oven.
- According to Moulinex, the Optimo 33 L CT has six modes, including fan-assisted cooking, grill and defrost.
- Check the modes and dimensions for the exact model you’re considering: the features of one Optimo model won’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Tefal
Tefal offers, among other things, a portable induction hob and multicookers for meals prepared on a hob or in a cooking pot.
- The Everyday Slim hob is rated at 2 100 W; according to Tefal, the Fast & Delicious multicooker has settings for pressure cooking, steaming and browning.
- These two product types don’t cover the same meals: check which cookware the hob requires and the exact functions of the multicooker.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s guide distinguishes between microwave-only, grill and combination models, which is useful if you’re considering replacing some oven cooking.
- According to Whirlpool, a combination model can add cooking functions to the reheating functions of a microwave-only model.
- Confirm these functions for the model you choose and keep its ventilation openings clear.
Appliances for different needs
These Joybuy appliances suit several ways of cooking without a built-in oven: combination cooking, cooking on a hob, one-pot meals or using an air fryer as an extra appliance. Compare their functions with the meals you usually make, then check the installation requirements for the model you choose.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you’re looking for a combination appliance rather than a microwave designed only for reheating.
Stated capacity: 42 L; 3-in-1 model. Check the exact modes and required clearances in the manual. Make sure the capacity is also suitable for the space you have available.
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IAGREEA DF200-14V10, portable induction hob
For meals cooked in a saucepan or frying pan on a single cooking zone, provided you have induction-compatible cookware.
Stated power: 2 000 W; 8 power levels, a timer of up to 3 h and suitable cookware stated as 12 to 26 cm. Check the space required and the connection instructions.
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IAGREEA MS‑AFX004, 1 L electric cooking pot
An option for making simple meals in a cooking pot rather than dishes that need browning or oven cooking.
Stated capacity: 1 L; two power settings, 300 W and 600 W, and a stainless-steel inner pot. Check its dimensions and ventilation instructions before choosing a spot for it.
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Midea, 2 L air fryer
Consider it as an extra appliance for roasted dishes, but don’t rely on it for soups or meals cooked in a saucepan.
Stated capacity: 2 L; 1 150 W power and a 60-minute timer. Check the dimensions, clearances and connection requirements specified in the manual.
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Plodon, 5 L electric cooking pot with steamer basket
For one-pot and steamed meals, if you have enough space to store an appliance with a 5 L capacity.
Stated power: 1 200 W; two heat settings and a steamer basket. Consult the manual for connection instructions and precautions concerning hot surfaces and steam.
Frequently asked questions
Can a microwave replace an oven in a studio flat?
A combination microwave can handle some of the cooking you’d usually do in an oven, but a microwave-only model won’t be enough for this purpose. Whirlpool distinguishes between the reheating and defrosting functions of a microwave-only model and the additional functions of a combination model. Check the exact model before buying.
Which appliance should I choose for pasta, soups and stir-fries?
A portable hob is a good choice if you want to keep using your saucepans and frying pans; an electric cooking pot may suit you if you mainly prepare meals in a single pot. For induction hobs, UFC-Que Choisir points out that not all cookware is compatible.
What should I measure before putting an appliance on a small worktop?
Measure the space you actually have and compare it with the appliance’s external dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual. Place it on a stable surface; for a microwave, Whirlpool advises keeping the vents clear.
Can I use an extension lead with a microwave or air fryer?
Don’t assume an extension lead is suitable for these appliances. Electrical Safety First advises against this because of the risk of overloading or overheating. Follow the connection instructions for your chosen model and don’t use damaged electrical equipment.
Is the stated power enough to compare energy use?
No: it doesn’t tell you how much energy the appliance will use across your meals. ADEME notes that actual consumption depends on factors including the appliance’s size and how it is used. Compare the dishes you plan to make and how often you’ll make them, rather than estimating annual consumption from the rated power alone.