A microwave and convection combi oven could suit you if you often reheat and defrost food, provided its capacity and installation also meet your cooking needs. If you mainly cook in the oven, prioritise the cooking functions and capacity you’ll actually use. A separate microwave is another option if you have room for two appliances. In their comparative test, ADEME and the National Consumer Institute found no clear advantage for combi ovens over fan ovens: results varied depending on the dishes and models tested.
If you want your main cooking appliance to handle these tasks, consider a microwave and convection combi oven. Check that it also has enough room for the dishes you prepare and that it can be installed in your kitchen.
If oven cooking is your priority and you rarely use a microwave, start by comparing capacity and cooking modes. The ADEME and National Consumer Institute test found no clear advantage for combi ovens over fan ovens.
Your choice may depend on whether you have a compact housing unit, space for a 60 cm oven or room for two appliances. Bosch, Siemens and Electrolux product specifications show how combi oven sizes can vary. Measure the housing unit and check the instructions for the model you’re considering.
First decide whether you want the microwave built into your oven, in a separate appliance or not to be a deciding factor. Then check the capacity and installation requirements of the model you choose.
Consider this if: oven cooking is your main use and a microwave isn’t essential.
The trade-off: it doesn’t combine microwave reheating and defrosting functions in the same appliance.
Consider this if: you expect to use both modes regularly and want them in one appliance.
The trade-off: sizes and capacities vary between models. A compact combi oven may not offer the cooking space you’re looking for.
Consider this if: you want to keep oven cooking and microwave functions in separate appliances.
The trade-off: you’ll need space for both appliances, although you can replace each one separately later on.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the microwave and defrost modes for the model, then look at its usable capacity. | When I often need to reheat portions or defrost food, I want these tasks to fit easily into my cooking set-up. Around 42% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Oven cooking | Compare the cavity capacity and the cooking modes you’ll use. | If I mainly prepare oven-cooked dishes, cavity space and cooking functions matter more to me. This is the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Fitting and flexibility | Measure the housing unit and check the instructions for clearances, ventilation and electrical connection requirements. | If I have a fixed-size housing unit, or want to be able to replace my appliances separately, their positioning guides my choice. Around 25% of consumers put this need first. |
Don’t judge electricity use by oven type alone. ADEME explains that actual consumption depends on factors including appliance size and how it’s used. Its test with the National Consumer Institute found that results varied depending on the dishes and models tested.
The ADEME and National Consumer Institute test found no clear advantage for combi ovens over fan ovens. Results varied depending on the dishes, brands and models tested.
Start with how you cook, reheat and defrost, then compare the specifications of models that can actually meet those needs.
The Bosch CMG7761B1 and Siemens HM778GMB1 specifications list appliance heights of 455 mm and 595 mm respectively. These dimensions don’t tell you the required housing unit size or how much room there is for your dishes.
Measure the height, width and depth of the housing unit, then follow the installation diagram and the instructions for ventilation and electrical connection.
If the housing unit isn’t suitable, you may need to modify the cabinet or installation before fitting the appliance.
The DGCCRF advises using a container that’s suitable for oven use. For packaged food reheated in a microwave, Anses recommends following the power and cooking time instructions.
Before reheating, check the container and packaging instructions for the mode you plan to use.
ADEME’s guidance for electric ovens and microwaves relates to separate appliances and uses. It doesn’t tell you how much energy the combi model you’re considering will use.
Check the information available for the exact model and factor in the modes you plan to use and how often you’ll use them at home.
These ranges give you different configurations to compare. The features mentioned apply to the specific models listed, not every appliance from each brand.
According to Bosch’s specifications, the compact built-in CMG7761B1 combi oven has a 45 L cavity and a stated maximum microwave power of 900 W.
Siemens lists a 67 L cavity and a maximum microwave power of 800 W for its built-in HM778GMB1 combi oven.
Smeg’s Linéa range includes 60 cm fan ovens and compact 45 cm microwave combi ovens.
Whirlpool combi ovens offer different functions depending on the model. The WCT9A9PHTSBF specifications list a 52 L capacity, 950 W microwave power, fan-assisted cooking and steam.
According to Electrolux’s specifications, the EVL9E2XT compact combi oven combines oven and microwave functions in a 44 L cavity.
These appliances show two ways to meet your needs: combine several functions in a microwave combi oven, or choose a built-in fan oven. Before choosing, check the instructions for the modes you need and the installation requirements for each model.
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Worth considering if you want one 42 L appliance for several cooking and reheating tasks. It’s described as a 3-in-1 model. Install it in accordance with the instructions; don’t assume it’s suitable for fitting into a housing unit.
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Consider this if you’re looking for a 39 L microwave combi oven. Check the instructions to confirm it has the modes you need, which accessories are suitable, how it should be installed and what ventilation clearances are required.
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Worth considering if your priority is cooking in a 71 L built-in oven with 3D Hotair. Check the configuration before buying: the title suggests a double oven, but the detailed information describes a single cavity. Also check the planned housing unit and electrical connection.
No. In a test of four combi ovens and ten fan ovens, ADEME and the National Consumer Institute found that efficiency varied depending on the dishes, brands and models, with no clear advantage for combi ovens. When choosing, check the exact model and the modes you’ll use.
Measure the height, width and depth of the housing unit, then compare them with the installation diagram for the new model. Also check the instructions for ventilation clearances and electrical connection requirements: a similar-looking front doesn’t guarantee a compatible fit.
No. Check that the container is suitable for the mode you’re using and follow its instructions, as the DGCCRF advises. For packaged food intended for microwave use, Anses recommends following the power and cooking time guidance on the packaging.
No. In France, according to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. Any commercial warranty is separate: check what it covers and excludes, and don’t confuse it with this legal protection.