If you mainly cook oven-baked dishes, start by comparing conventional built-in ovens. If you often reheat or defrost food, a microwave combination model is worth considering. In either case, the fitting space, usable capacity and cooking modes you’ll actually use matter more than a long list of programmes. A comparison by France’s National Consumer Institute and ADEME, based on a limited number of ovens, doesn’t mean that a combination oven will use less energy for every dish.
How often you cook and how much space you have should guide your choice before you consider extra features.
If you regularly make gratins, roasts or bakes and don’t reheat many portions, start by looking at conventional ovens. Check that the cavity, shelf positions and fitting space suit the dishes you use and your kitchen unit.
A combination oven can bring oven cooking and microwave functions together in one built-in appliance. Models come in compact sizes and 60 cm formats, with different capacities and features. Compare them with the portions and dishes you use.
A 45 cm fitting space limits your options. If you also want a grill, steam cooking or specialist programmes, focus on the features you expect to use regularly and check that there’s still enough room for your dishes.
For a built-in appliance for cooking and reheating, first decide what will make the difference to your purchase. Then check that your chosen model fits the existing space. Other features are only useful if they suit the recipes you make.
Worth considering: if gratins, roasts and baking matter more to you than quick reheating.
Bear in mind: this appliance doesn’t also provide microwave reheating and defrosting.
Worth considering: if you want a full-size built-in model and use the microwave frequently.
Bear in mind: having a combination mode alone doesn’t guarantee faster cooking or lower energy use for every recipe.
Worth considering: if you have a compact fitting space and the available modes suit your habits.
Bear in mind: check that the cavity is big enough for your dishes. The compact Siemens and Electrolux examples have different capacities from the 60 cm Siemens combination oven mentioned here.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking capacity | Compare the cavity capacity with the size of your dishes and the usable shelf positions on the specific model. | When I cook several dishes in the oven, I need a suitable cavity and don’t want defrosting to be my priority. Around 36% of consumers put this cooking need first. |
| Built-in reheating | Check whether it has microwave-only and combination modes, and which containers are suitable according to the manual. | If I regularly reheat portions or defrost food, I want to be able to do so in my built-in appliance. This comes ahead of other needs for around 29% of consumers. |
| Compact fitting space | Measure the height, width and depth of the space. Compare them with the installation diagram, including ventilation and connection requirements. | With an existing 45 cm fitting space, I need to find an appliance that fits before choosing its programmes. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this constraint. |
| Specialist modes | Match steam, grill, Crisp or cleaning functions to specific uses. Check the accessories and care instructions for the model. | If I regularly make certain recipes, I can prioritise the features that suit them rather than choosing a long list of programmes. These modes are the main requirement for around 14% of consumers. |
France’s National Consumer Institute and ADEME compared four combination ovens with ten convection ovens across three recipes. The comparison doesn’t prove that one option is more energy-efficient for every model and every dish.
Check the energy-use data per cycle for the model you’re considering, along with the modes you’ll actually use.
Electrolux specifies a 450 × 560 × 550 mm fitting space and a 42 L cavity for the EVM6E46X; Siemens lists a 67 L cavity for the 60 cm HM778GMB1 combination oven. The apparent width alone doesn’t tell you the built-in height or how much room there is for your dishes.
Measure your kitchen unit and check the installation diagram for the exact model, including ventilation and connection requirements.
Steam, Crisp, grill and cleaning modes vary between models. Their presence doesn’t replace the need for a suitable cavity or checks on the accessories and care steps required.
Before letting a feature influence your choice, link it to a recipe or task you regularly do.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual. An optional commercial guarantee is separate.
Compare what the commercial guarantee actually adds, including its services, duration and exclusions, without confusing it with your statutory rights.
These examples highlight specific sizes and features. They don’t mean that every model from a brand has the same specifications.
The range includes conventional built-in ovens in a 60 × 60 cm format.
The range includes conventional 60 cm ovens and microwave combination ovens in compact and 60 cm formats.
The brand offers compact built-in appliances designed for microwave and grill use.
Some of the brand’s compact appliances combine microwave and fan-assisted cooking with additional modes.
This built-in oven is aimed at people who prioritise oven cooking. If microwave reheating and defrosting are important to you, check that your chosen model has these functions rather than assuming they’re included based on its capacity.
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Worth considering if you regularly cook oven-baked dishes and are looking for a built-in model with 3D hotair.
The product name specifies a 71 L capacity. Before buying, ask whether it has one or two compartments and check the installation instructions against your fitting space.
No. The appliance category alone can’t predict the energy used for every recipe. The study by France’s National Consumer Institute and ADEME covered four combination ovens, ten convection ovens and three recipes. Compare the per-cycle data for the models you’re interested in, taking the cooking mode into account.
No. They don’t replace the fitting-space measurements and installation instructions for the exact model. Measure your kitchen unit, then check the installation diagram for ventilation gaps and connection requirements before choosing an oven.
No. In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. A commercial guarantee is separate. Read its services and exclusions to see what extra cover it offers.
Ask about taking it back when you buy your new oven. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when buying equipment of the same type. Ask the retailer what arrangements apply to your order.