A built-in combination oven can replace an oven and a microwave if you rarely need to use them at the same time and its cavity is large enough for your dishes. Two separate appliances are better suited to cooking different things simultaneously, while a convection oven on its own is enough if you don’t need a microwave. A technical study by France’s National Consumer Institute, conducted with ADEME, found no general energy-saving advantage for combination ovens.
If you use your oven and microwave at different times and want to reduce the number of appliances, compare the available modes and cavity size with the dishes you prepare. Bosch’s French product information includes built-in combination oven models.
If you sometimes need to cook one dish while reheating something else, two separate appliances let you split these tasks between two cavities. Bosch Home Appliances France lists a built-in oven and a separate built-in microwave.
If you already have a cabinet space, check the required dimensions, power supply and installation instructions for the exact model before choosing. Manufacturers don’t all provide the same information about cabinet dimensions and cleaning.
Your choice mainly depends on whether you need to cook different things at the same time, the size of dishes that need to fit in the cavity and the requirements of your built-in space.
Consider this if: you want both functions in one built-in appliance and rarely use them at the same time.
The drawback: a single cavity can’t cook and reheat separate dishes at the same time; energy performance varies depending on the dishes and models.
Consider this if: you prioritise oven cooking and don’t need to replace a microwave.
The drawback: on its own, this option won’t replace microwave reheating or defrosting functions.
Consider this if: you sometimes need to use both appliances at the same time, or would rather choose where to position them separately.
The drawback: you’ll need suitable space and installation for each appliance.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Combining functions | Check that the exact model specifies both convection or fan-assisted cooking and microwave functions. The word “combination” alone doesn’t confirm which modes are available. | If I want to replace my oven and microwave with a single appliance, I’m looking for both functions in the same cavity; around 36% of consumers considering this option prioritise this set-up. |
| Cooking at the same time | Think about meals where the oven is in use while something else needs reheating, and check whether you have space for two appliances. | If I need to cook one dish while reheating something else, I prefer two separate appliances; around 29% of consumers considering this option rank this use as their top priority. |
| Dishes and cooking modes | Compare the usable cavity dimensions and the exact model’s modes with the dishes and recipes you usually make. | If my dishes or accessories need to fit in the cavity, or I’m relying on particular modes, I check these details before choosing; around 21% of consumers considering this option prioritise this factor. |
| Installation and cleaning | Check the installation instructions for cabinet dimensions, power supply and ventilation; distinguish between pyrolytic cleaning and hydrolysis cleaning assistance. | If I’m replacing a built-in appliance, I want to confirm it will fit the space and understand how it can be cleaned; around 14% of consumers considering this option put these points first. |
The appliance’s external dimensions and the built-in space dimensions are not interchangeable. A front panel that looks like it will fit doesn’t confirm that the appliance is suitable for the space.
Measure the cabinet space and check the installation instructions for the exact model, particularly for clearances, ventilation and power supply.
With a single cavity, you may need to stagger some cooking or keep a second appliance.
The models reviewed include a built-in combination oven, a convection oven and a separate built-in microwave.
The CM776G1B1 is an example of a compact built-in oven with a microwave function.
The KVLAE2XH is an example of a specific compact model that combines different cooking modes.
Whirlpool France presents the WCT11A9FHTSSMAF as a built-in combination oven with fan-assisted cooking, microwave and steam functions.
The NQ50T9539BD/EF is an example of a 50 l combination oven listed on the brand’s French website.
The products featured are convection or multifunction built-in ovens for anyone looking to keep a standalone oven; they are not presented here as oven-microwave combinations.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a convection built-in oven with a stated cavity capacity of 78 L.
The product information lists 12 programmes, a grill, convection and hydrolysis cleaning.
The product name also mentions Air Fry, Wi-Fi, A++ energy rating and a stainless steel finish; check the modes and installation requirements for the exact model.
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This model is worth a look if you’re after a multifunction built-in oven and want to compare its cavity size with the dishes you usually cook.
The product name lists 72 L, a stainless steel finish, an A energy rating and AirFry. Check the exact modes and required dimensions before choosing.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a multifunction built-in oven and want to check its cleaning options.
The product information lists a 71 L capacity, 16 modes and pyrolytic cleaning. The product name mentions a stainless steel finish and an A+ energy rating.
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This model is worth a look if you’re after a multifunction built-in oven and want to compare its capacity with the dishes you plan to cook.
The product information lists 76 L, 20 programmes, convection, catalytic and steam cleaning, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity. The product name mentions an A+ energy rating; check the dimensions and modes that suit the way you cook.
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Worth considering if you prefer a built-in fan oven and want to compare the available cooking modes.
The product information lists seven heating modes, including hot air, a 71 L capacity and hydrolytic cleaning. It also mentions five shelf positions and a temperature range of 50 to 275 °C.
Check that the exact model lists both a convection oven mode and a microwave mode, then compare the cavity size with your dishes. A product described only as a “microwave with grill” doesn’t confirm that it has convection.
No. The appliance dimensions and the built-in space dimensions are different measurements; Electrolux France’s product information for the KVLAE2XH lists the cabinet space dimensions separately. Check the installation instructions for your chosen model to confirm clearances and ventilation too.
No. A study by France’s National Consumer Institute, conducted with ADEME, compared four combination ovens with ten built-in convection ovens. It found results varied according to the dishes and models, with no general advantage demonstrated for combination ovens. It didn’t measure the energy use of your own set-up with a separate oven and microwave.
According to France’s Ministry of the Economy and Finance, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual, whether new, second-hand or refurbished. It is separate from any commercial guarantee offered by a brand.