Choose a combination microwave and convection oven if you want to reheat, defrost and cook with one appliance, provided its dimensions and settings suit the dishes you use. A dedicated convection oven makes sense if oven cooking is your priority and you already have a way to reheat and defrost food. Tests by the Institut national de la consommation and ADEME cover built-in models: they do not support a blanket claim that combination models are more energy-efficient, nor can their findings be applied to freestanding models.
If you often reheat and defrost food, but also want to grill dishes or cook everyday meals, a combination model can save you from having several appliances. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this benefit in smaller spaces. A freestanding model means you do not need a built-in housing unit, but it still takes up worktop or floor space that you will need to measure.
If you regularly make gratins, tarts, cakes or roasts, first check that the cavity and cooking settings suit the dishes you prepare. Tests by the Institut national de la consommation and ADEME highlight the trade-offs between combination models and convection ovens, but cover built-in appliances only.
If you are replacing a built-in appliance or fitting out a tall cabinet, compare the housing unit’s dimensions and the chosen model’s connection requirements before looking at its features. Bosch and Electrolux product specifications show that these details vary from one appliance to another.
In a small kitchen, start by deciding whether combining several functions matters more to you than having a dedicated oven. Then check how the appliance will fit and whether there is enough room for the dishes you use.
Choose this if : having one appliance for reheating, defrosting and cooking means you do not need to make room for two.
Bear in mind : the cavity must suit your dishes; a built-in model also needs compatible housing and a suitable power supply.
Choose this if : oven cooking is your priority and you already have another way to reheat or defrost food.
Bear in mind : an oven on its own does not automatically combine these quick tasks in one appliance.
Choose this if : you have room for both appliances and can still access each one easily.
Bear in mind : you will need two spaces, as well as room for each door to open and suitable installation arrangements.
| What matters to you | What to check before you buy | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Combining several functions | Check the microwave, defrost, grill and convection functions individually: the presence of a grill does not mean the appliance has convection. | If I reheat leftovers, defrost food and also want to cook without adding another appliance, versatility comes first; around 33% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance and the depth it takes up with the door open. For a built-in model, also check the housing unit and the installation instructions for that model. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to open the door and move around easily; the layout is the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Dishes and capacity | Compare the cavity and cooking settings with the dimensions of your usual tins and dishes. | If I often make gratins or cakes, I first want to know whether my dishes will fit and whether the cooking setting suits me; around 20% of consumers put these types of cooking first. |
| Energy use | Compare figures for similar models and dishes, rather than assuming energy use based on the appliance category alone. | If I cook regularly, I want to compare the energy used for the dishes I usually make; around 20% of consumers put this criterion first. |
A capacity given in litres does not tell you whether the appliance will fit in the space you have, or whether its door will open fully in a narrow kitchen.
Measure the outside dimensions and the depth with the door open. For a built-in model, also check the housing unit and clearances against the instructions for the exact model.
In tests of built-in appliances by the Institut national de la consommation and ADEME, two of the four combination models used a similar amount of energy to some convection ovens. The result depends on the model and the food being cooked.
To compare two appliances, look for measurements taken under similar conditions and think about the dishes you make most often.
Dimensions and connection requirements vary by model. The specifications for the Bosch CMG7241B1 and Electrolux KVLBE08X give details specific to each appliance, not rules that apply to all combination models.
Compare the installation instructions with your cabinetry and existing power supply. Have any necessary electrical work checked before you go ahead.
These ranges offer points of comparison for freestanding and built-in models. The features mentioned apply to the models listed, not every appliance from each brand.
The range includes freestanding and built-in combination microwaves.
The range includes compact combination microwave ovens designed to fit into a compatible housing unit.
The range includes compact built-in ovens combining microwave and convection cooking.
The brand offers combination microwaves with microwave, grill and convection functions.
These two combination models are for anyone looking to bring reheating and cooking together in one appliance. Before choosing, compare their capacity with your dishes and check the instructions for available settings, the space required and connection requirements.
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Worth considering if you want to combine reheating and cooking in one appliance. It has a stated capacity of 42 L; check its dimensions, clearances and electrical requirements before deciding where to put it.
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Worth a look if you want a combination model for reheating and cooking without installing two appliances. It has a stated capacity of 39 L; check the installation type, clearances and electrical requirements in the instructions before choosing a spot for it.
Yes, for the tasks covered by the functions on the model you choose. Check the microwave, defrost, grill and convection settings individually. Before giving up a dedicated oven for your usual cooking, also compare the cavity and the dishes it can accommodate.
Measure the space and check that the door can open fully, then consult the clearance requirements in the instructions. For a built-in model, also compare the dimensions of the housing unit with those required by the appliance: Electrolux specifies 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the KVLBE08X.
No. The connection must meet the model’s requirements and be compatible with your existing installation. The Bosch CMG7241B1 specifications state 3.6 kW and 16 A, for example. Check the instructions and have the installation assessed if any changes appear necessary.
If you buy from a professional retailer in France, Article L. 217-3 of the French Consumer Code states that the retailer is liable for any lack of conformity that becomes apparent within two years of the goods being delivered. Keep your proof of purchase and check which retailer to contact with your claim.