Who is this option for?

A kitchen with just one built-in space

You want to cook and reheat without making room for a second built-in appliance. Start by checking the available functions, then measure the housing and the oven cavity.

A household that often reheats meals

You want to reheat leftovers or defrost food in the same appliance you use for cooking. The microwave function and the model’s programmes matter more than the word ‘combination’ alone.

Someone who cooks large dishes

You use large dishes or cook several portions at once. Compare the internal dimensions and compatible accessories before choosing between a compact model and a larger cavity.

What should you look for?

Combination convection microwave oven

Worth considering: when you need cooking, reheating and defrosting in your only built-in appliance.

The trade-off: capacity and cooking modes vary between models; ADEME has found no general energy-efficiency advantage that applies to all combination ovens.

Convection oven

Worth considering: when cooking large dishes is your priority and you can arrange quick reheating another way.

The trade-off: a convection oven does not replace a microwave; you’ll also need to check the capacity of each model.

Separate oven and microwave

Worth considering: if you genuinely have a separate space for the microwave as well as room for a built-in oven.

The trade-off: this setup won’t fit in a single built-in space, and you’ll need to check that you have room for both appliances and meet their installation requirements.

Consideration What to check Who it matters to
Built-in reheating Check for a microwave mode and the defrost programmes you want; look for a mode that combines convection and microwave if you plan to use it. I want to reheat meals in my only built-in appliance, without relying on a microwave elsewhere. This could be the top priority for around 50% of consumers.
Room for your dishes Check the housing dimensions, the cavity’s capacity and usable dimensions, and whether your usual dishes will fit. If I cook large gratins or several portions, they need to fit in the cavity I choose. This could be the priority for around 30% of consumers.
Energy use and installation Check the energy-use information for the model and its modes, as well as the connection and ventilation requirements in the instructions. I’d rather check my usual cooking modes and any installation requirements before replacing an appliance. Around 20% of consumers could put these checks first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming a combination oven always uses less energy

    In tests carried out by the National Consumer Institute with ADEME, covering four combination ovens and ten convection ovens, results varied depending on the dishes and appliances. They do not support a conclusion that applies to all combination ovens.

    Compare the figures for the model you’re considering and the modes that match how you cook, rather than relying on the technology’s name.

  • Assuming all combination ovens are compact

    Dimensions and capacities vary between models. For example, Siemens lists a 45 L cavity for the CM776G1B1, while Samsung lists 50 L for the NQ5B6753CAK. These figures do not represent the whole category.

    Measure your housing and dishes, then check the installation plan and usable dimensions for the model you’ve chosen.

  • Confusing a commercial guarantee with your statutory rights

    In France, the Ministry for the Economy distinguishes between the statutory guarantee of conformity, which applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer, and an optional commercial guarantee.

    Keep your proof of purchase and check the terms of any commercial guarantee separately; it does not replace your statutory rights.

Brands to consider for these types of oven

Samsung

The built-in NQ5B6753CAK combination oven was among the appliances tested by the National Consumer Institute. Samsung lists a 50 L cavity for this model.

  • A model to consider if you want cooking and a microwave function in a single cavity.
  • The model’s inclusion in a test does not mean its results apply to other Samsung models.

Siemens

The compact CM776G1B1 combination oven was included in the National Consumer Institute’s test. Siemens lists a 45 L cavity for this model.

  • This model gives you a practical way to check whether a compact format will suit your housing and the dishes you use.
  • Its capacity and test results do not represent all Siemens combination ovens.

De Dietrich

The DKC7340X built-in combination oven was among the models studied by the National Consumer Institute.

  • A specific model you can use to compare the advertised features with your cooking and reheating needs.
  • The results for one model do not amount to an assessment of the whole brand.

Sauter

The National Consumer Institute’s sample included a Sauter SKC6302LW combination oven and a Sauter SOP2434X convection oven.

  • These two models illustrate the types of appliance to consider for a built-in space.
  • Their inclusion in the sample does not amount to a comprehensive comparison of the Sauter range.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a built-in combination oven always use less energy than a convection oven?

No. A study by the National Consumer Institute and ADEME, covering four combination ovens and ten convection ovens, found that results varied depending on the dishes and models. Check the appliance’s energy information and the modes you’ll use.

Is a built-in combination oven always too small for large dishes?

No. Combination ovens come in different sizes, but the stated capacity alone won’t guarantee that your dishes will fit. Check their dimensions against the housing measurements in the model’s product details and installation plan.

What should I check before replacing a built-in oven?

Check the housing, clearances and ventilation specified by the manufacturer, as well as electrical connection compatibility. Have any changes to the installation assessed before fitting the appliance.

Does a commercial guarantee replace your statutory rights if a product is faulty?

No. For goods sold in France by a business to a consumer, the Ministry for the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory. Any commercial guarantee is separate and comes with its own terms.