A compact kitchen with room for just one appliance
You want to cook, reheat and defrost without making space for several appliances. The combi oven’s functions and capacity should match the way you plan to use it.
Who is this choice for ?
Oven cooking comes first
You regularly prepare dishes where usable capacity, preheating, the grill or cooking on several levels matters more than having several functions in one appliance.
Replacing a built-in appliance
You need a model that fits your existing cabinet. Measure the housing and check it against the installation instructions, then have the electrical connection confirmed before installation.
What are the key differences between the two options ?
To cover cooking, reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen, start with the use that matters most to you, then check that the appliance you’re considering can be installed.
| Criteria | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Three uses in one appliance | Check that it has microwave, defrost and oven-cooking modes, as well as enough usable capacity. | When space is tight, I want to cook, reheat and defrost without adding another appliance. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise having these functions in one appliance. |
| Oven cooking | Compare usable capacity and cooking modes and, where available, look for test results on the models you’re considering. | If I often cook dishes in the oven, I want enough space for my dishes and results I’m happy with. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise oven cooking over versatility. |
| Existing installation | Check the installation instructions against the dimensions of the housing and the required ventilation clearances ; have the electrical connection checked. | When replacing a built-in appliance, I want to avoid choosing a model that won’t fit my cabinet or work with my installation. Around 23 % of consumers put compatibility first. |
| Functions you’ll actually use | Identify the modes you need and decide whether you’ll need a separate appliance for reheating or defrosting. | If I only use a few modes, I’d rather choose based on my habits than the number of programmes. Around 15 % of consumers prioritise avoiding functions they won’t use. |
What should you watch out for before buying ?
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Assuming a combi oven always cooks better
A comparison by ADEME and the National Consumer Institute found that results vary depending on the dishes and models tested, with no clear advantage for combi ovens over convection ovens.
Choose a combi oven for its combined functions if you need them ; to assess its cooking performance, look for results relating to the model you’re considering.
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Checking only the width of the front
A built-in oven also needs to fit the height and depth of the housing, with the clearances specified in its installation instructions.
Measure the cabinet and check the model’s installation diagram before placing your order.
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Assuming the existing electrical connection is suitable
The connection required depends on the appliance you choose and the existing kitchen installation.
Have their compatibility confirmed before installation ; don’t rely on an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor instead.
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Ignoring the instructions for a ready-meal tray
Anses says that not following reheating instructions can increase the migration of substances from the packaging into the food.
Check that the container is suitable for the mode you’ve chosen and follow the power, temperature and timing instructions on the packaging.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
A Joybuy option if oven cooking is your priority
This built-in oven suits you if oven cooking is your priority. If you also want to reheat and defrost in the same appliance, check its functions before choosing it for those uses.
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Bosch HBA514BB3, 71 L built-in oven
Worth considering if oven cooking is your priority and you have a suitable housing. The product name indicates a 71 L capacity and 3D Hotair. Before buying, confirm the oven’s exact configuration, the installation dimensions and the functions you need for other uses.
Frequently asked questions
Is a microwave combi oven always the best choice for a small kitchen ?
No. It can combine cooking, reheating and defrosting in one appliance, but saving space doesn’t guarantee better cooking results. In the appliances and dishes studied by ADEME and the National Consumer Institute, results and energy consumption varied depending on the dishes and models.
Is a convection oven still an option if space is limited ?
Yes, if oven cooking is your priority and the dimensions suit your kitchen. If you also need to reheat and defrost food in a microwave, make room for a separate appliance.
Can you use any ready-meal tray in a combi oven ?
No : check which heating modes are suitable for the tray and follow its reheating instructions. Anses warns that ignoring these instructions can increase the migration of substances from the packaging into the food.