To equip a temporary kitchen, start by buying the appliance that covers the meals you need to make straight away: a portable induction hob for cooking in a pan, a microwave for reheating or defrosting, a multicooker for selected programmed dishes, or a countertop oven if oven cooking is your priority. Then check the space available, the cookware you’ll need, and the connection and placement instructions for your chosen model : none of these appliances can replace all the functions of the others.
If you need to boil, sear or simmer food as soon as you move in, a portable hob can do the job, provided you have cookware that’s compatible with induction. Also check the power rating and placement instructions for your chosen model.
If you mainly plan to reheat or defrost simple portions, compare the overall footprint of the microwaves, how the door opens and how much space is needed for ventilation—not just their capacity in litres.
For rice, soups, steaming or slow-cooked dishes, look at the programmes you’ll actually use, the bowl capacity and how easy it is to clean. Functions vary from one multicooker to another.
In a kitchen that’s still short on equipment, start with the meal you can’t prepare any other way. Then measure the available space and check the instructions for the appliance you’re considering.
| Need | What to check | Who is it for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking in a pan | For a portable induction hob, check that your cookware is compatible, along with the power rating and placement instructions. | I want to be able to boil or sear a meal as soon as I arrive, using my own pans. Around 31 % of consumers would prioritise this kind of hands-on cooking. |
| Reheating in a small space | For a freestanding microwave, measure the width and depth, check how the door opens and allow space for ventilation. | When worktop space is limited, I mainly want to reheat and defrost without setting up other appliances. This would be the priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Programmed meals | For a multicooker, compare the usable capacity, the programmes you need and how easy the bowl is to clean. | I prioritise soups, rice or slow-cooked dishes that I can prepare with little supervision. Around 25 % of consumers would put this need first. |
| Oven cooking | For a countertop electric oven, check the usable capacity, dimensions, connection and clearance required in the instructions. | If I want to cook gratins or bake before the permanent kitchen is ready, I need an oven cavity. This would be the top priority for around 19 % of consumers. |
Microwaves with different capacities don’t necessarily take up the same amount of space. The dimensions published by Whirlpool for its MAX49MB and MWF421SL models show, for example, that they have different widths and depths.
Measure the space and check how the door opens, as well as the clearances required in the instructions. Make sure you don’t block the vents.
A standard model is mainly for reheating and defrosting ; its ability to brown or cook food in other ways depends on the functions available.
If you want to brown or bake food, check that the model specifically has grill or combination modes, and read the instructions for using them.
Cooking on a portable induction hob depends on your cookware being compatible. Tefal’s Everyday Slim IH210801 hob features automatic pan detection, but that doesn’t remove the need to check compatibility.
Check your cookware for the induction symbol and confirm the accepted pan diameter in the instructions for the hob you’re considering.
You may need to replace cookware that isn’t compatible.
Models worth considering if you’re choosing between a portable induction hob and a multicooker.
Freestanding microwaves in different sizes, so you can check how much space you’ll need before buying.
A brand worth considering for rice, steamed dishes and slow-cooked meals.
These appliances cover two needs in a temporary kitchen : cooking on a portable induction hob or preparing meals in an electric cooker. If you mainly want to reheat food in a microwave or cook in an oven, use the criteria in the previous sections as your starting point.
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For cooking in a pan as soon as you move in, provided your cookware is induction-compatible.
The product name lists eight power levels, seven preset functions and cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Check the full dimensions and placement instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Another option for cooking in a frying pan or saucepan on a temporary worktop, using induction-compatible cookware.
The product name lists ten power settings and six functions. Check the space required, whether your cookware is compatible and the electrical requirements in the instructions.
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Worth considering if rice, steaming and slow-cooked dishes matter more to you than oven or hob cooking.
The product name lists a capacity of 5 L, as well as steam and slow-cook functions. Before using it, check the instructions for the electrical specifications required for your setup.
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Worth considering if you mainly prepare slow-cooked meals or hot pot-style dishes without an installed hob.
The product name lists a capacity of 5 L. Check the dimensions, electrical specifications and care instructions for the model before choosing where to put it.
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Worth considering for making soups, slow-cooked dishes or steamed food in a temporary kitchen.
The product name lists two heat settings and a steamer basket. Check the space it takes up, the electrical connection and the cleaning instructions before buying.
Yes : measure the available width, depth and height, then check how the door opens and what clearances the instructions require. Whirlpool recommends placing its freestanding microwaves on a flat surface and keeping the vents clear.
A standard microwave is best for reheating and defrosting, not for every kind of oven cooking. If you need to brown or grill food, check the model’s grill or combination functions and whether you need any accessories.
Start with the portions and recipes you usually prepare, then check the usable capacity stated for the model. Tefal describes its 6 L CY505E10 as suitable for four to six people ; this product-specific guide doesn’t automatically apply to other cookers.
No : for the new ovens covered by the rules in France, the energy label referred to by the DGCCRF can help you compare energy information, but it doesn’t tell you on its own whether the oven will work with your setup. Check the dimensions, plug and required clearances in the model’s instructions separately.