If you want to reheat food in a microwave and cook it in an oven using a single appliance, choose a genuine combination microwave with the right cooking mode for your recipes, rather than a basic model with a grill. If you mainly cook pizzas, gratins and baked treats, a mini oven may suit you better, provided its internal dimensions can accommodate your dishes. In either case, check the overall dimensions including the handle, the door opening and the clearances specified for the model.
If you only have space for one appliance and switch between reheating, making gratins and oven cooking, check that it offers all the functions you actually use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes combination microwaves from models with a simple grill.
If you want to make pizzas, cakes or gratins without changing your baking tins or reducing your portions, internal dimensions and cooking modes matter more than the capacity in litres on its own. Moulinex lists the cooking modes for the Optimo OX444810, while Darty also provides its internal dimensions.
The overall depth, handle, door opening and ventilation can all determine whether an appliance will fit. Samsung says clearance requirements vary by model, so check the instructions for the exact model you’re considering.
Choose this if you regularly reheat food in a microwave and also want to cook in an oven using a single appliance. Check the specific oven mode, such as convection or top and bottom heat.
Bear in mind a single cavity means you can’t use one appliance for reheating while the other cooks something else; your dishes must also fit the cavity and be suitable for the modes you use.
Choose this if you mainly cook in an oven and are happy to reheat food without a microwave function. Choose the modes and dimensions to suit your usual recipes and cookware.
Bear in mind a mini oven such as the Moulinex Optimo OX444810 doesn’t have a microwave function; a larger capacity may also take up more space.
Choose this if you genuinely have space for two appliances and want to use the microwave while another dish cooks in the oven.
Bear in mind each appliance needs its own space and clearances; also check the electrical requirements for each model.
If you have just one space in your studio flat, first compare the functions you really need, then consider the available space and the size of your dishes.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Combining the cooking functions you need | Check that it has a microwave function and an oven mode suited to your recipes; a grill alone won’t meet every oven-cooking need. | If I only have space for one appliance, I want to reheat food and cook my dishes without adding more appliances. Around 31% of consumers prioritise versatility. |
| Fitting the appliance | Measure the width, height and depth, including the handle, then check the door opening and the clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model. | When every centimetre counts in my studio flat, I want to be able to install and use the appliance without blocking access. Around 31% of consumers prioritise how well it fits the available space. |
| Making room for your dishes | Measure your dishes, including handles and lids; compare them with the internal dimensions and check they’re suitable for each cooking mode. | If I want to keep using my usual baking tins, gratin dishes and portion sizes, I check the actual dimensions rather than relying on the stated capacity alone. Around 25% of consumers prioritise capacity for their recipes. |
| Understanding power and aftercare | Distinguish between output power and electricity consumption, then check the maintenance, repair and warranty terms. | To compare the specifications and know what to expect after buying, I check the figures and service terms. Around 13% of consumers prioritise managing usage and aftercare. |
For the Panasonic NN-DF38PBEPG, the stated depth increases from 412 mm to 456 mm with the handle, before allowing for the necessary clearances.
Measure the appliance including any protruding parts and check the instructions for the exact model, rather than relying on the depth of the casing or a photograph.
If it doesn’t fit, you may need to move it elsewhere or exchange it.
Internal capacity alone won’t tell you the available width, depth or height for a baking tin. For the Moulinex Optimo OX444810, the internal dimensions are listed separately from its 19 L capacity.
Measure your dishes, handles and lids, then compare them with the cavity dimensions and the usage instructions.
You may need to replace a baking tin or dish that doesn’t fit.
The Moulinex Optimo OX444810 has a defrost setting, but it’s an electric oven without a microwave function.
If microwave reheating is essential, check that the model’s product specifications explicitly list this function.
Moulinex offers a 15-year repairability commitment “at a fair price” for the Optimo OX444810; this doesn’t mean repairs are free or that the appliance is guaranteed to work for that long.
Distinguish between the commercial commitment, any commercial warranty and the legal guarantee of conformity. In France, Service-Public explains that the two-year period applies to conformity defects under the conditions set out by law.
Repairs outside the warranty period may still incur a charge.
The NN-DF38PBEPG is an example of a flatbed combination microwave with top and bottom heat, worth considering if you’re looking for several functions in a limited space.
The Optimo OX444810 is an example of a freestanding mini oven for those who mainly want to cook in an oven.
The MC28H5015CK/EF is an example of a combination microwave that brings together convection, a grill and microwave cooking.
This selection brings together countertop mini ovens and combination microwaves, so you can compare oven-only cooking with appliances that combine reheating and cooking functions.
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Worth considering if you mainly want to cook in an oven and are looking for a countertop appliance with a stated rotisserie function.
Stated capacity: 45 L. Adjustable thermostat from 100 to 230 °C and a 90-minute timer.
Place it on a stable surface and leave enough space around it for ventilation.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop mini oven with a stated rotisserie function and no listed microwave function.
Stated capacity: 30 L. Adjustable temperature from 100 to 230 °C and a 90-minute timer.
Place it on a stable surface and leave enough space for ventilation.
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Worth considering if you want microwave reheating, a grill and convection in one appliance.
Stated capacity: 42 L. Stated temperature range: 140 to 230 °C. Stated external dimensions: 553 × 326 × 505 mm.
Check the overall dimensions and don’t block the ventilation openings.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance that combines microwave, convection and grill functions, with a stated steam function.
Stated capacity: 39 L. Stated temperature range: 40 to 200 °C. Stated external dimensions: 54,4 × 52,5 × 32,7 cm.
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Worth considering for countertop oven cooking, with three stated heating modes.
Stated capacity: 23 L. Thermostat from 40 to 230 °C and a 90-minute timer. Stated dimensions: 46 × 27 × 39,4 cm.
Place it on a stable surface and leave enough space around it for ventilation.
No. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes models with a grill from combination microwaves that also have an oven-cooking function. Check that a specific oven mode is listed rather than relying on the word “grill” alone.
Not without checking the clearances and door opening. Samsung says ventilation requirements vary by model, so compare the space with the instructions for the exact model and don’t assume this means the appliance is suitable for built-in installation.
Check that it’s suitable for every mode you plan to use. The Samsung manual consulted requires cookware suitable for microwave mode; also check the instructions for oven or grill use.
No. Moulinex’s commitment for the Optimo OX444810, described as being “at a fair price”, is separate from the legal guarantee of conformity. In France, Service-Public states that the two-year period from delivery of the goods applies to the conformity defects covered by this guarantee; it doesn’t automatically cover all maintenance or misuse.
Not for the Samsung MC28H5015CK/EF: Samsung distinguishes between 900 W of microwave output power and 1,400 W of electricity consumption in this mode. To estimate the energy used, take account of the consumption and the actual time you use the appliance.