In a small kitchen, a combination microwave and convection oven could be a good option if you want one appliance for cooking, defrosting and reheating, with functions and dimensions that suit the way you use it. If you mainly use your oven for cooking and already have another appliance for microwave tasks, a convection oven is also worth considering. The ADEME-INC summary, which focused on built-in ovens, describes efficiency as varying by dish, model and brand. It does not support assuming that combination ovens are generally better, nor do its findings apply to freestanding appliances.
If you want to cook, defrost and reheat without adding several appliances, a combination oven is worth considering. Be sure to measure the available housing first: the INC and ADEME test covered built-in ovens only, not every type of small-kitchen layout.
Check the functions available on the model you’re considering and how well they fit into your routine. Having a combination mode does not, by itself, guarantee better cooking results.
Start with the dishes you regularly make, rather than the number of modes listed. The ADEME summary says that combination oven efficiency varies by dish, model and brand.
First, consider how you use your appliances for oven cooking, defrosting and reheating. Then check what each setup requires in terms of installation.
| Priority | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Combined functions | For a specific combination oven, check its microwave and convection modes, along with any defrosting and reheating programmes you need for your meals. A convection oven on its own does not include these microwave functions. | I want to cook, defrost and reheat without needing a separate appliance for each task. |
| Everyday cooking | Look at the programmes suited to the dishes you make. If you’re comparing test results, check the test conditions and which models were included. The ADEME-INC summary describes efficiency as varying by dish, model and brand. | Oven cooking is my main priority. I want to know whether I’ll actually use the combination oven’s extra functions. |
| Installation | Compare the dimensions, installation type and required clearances for each appliance. The INC and ADEME test covered built-in models; its findings do not describe freestanding appliances. | In my kitchen, having fewer appliances is only useful if the installation still leaves enough usable space. |
| Using appliances at the same time | If you’re considering a separate oven and microwave, check where each one will go and whether you plan to use them at the same time. Compare these needs with the modes available on the combination oven you’re considering. | I’d like to cook one dish while using the microwave for another. Two separate appliances could suit the way I organise my cooking, provided I have room for them. |
A combination oven brings several functions together, but whether it fits depends on its dimensions, the space available and the installation requirements for that model.
Measure the usable space and check the clearances specified by the manufacturer before choosing a built-in appliance, a freestanding model or two separate appliances.
According to the ADEME-INC summary, efficiency varies by dish, model and brand. The technology’s name alone won’t tell you how it will perform with your recipes.
Check which programmes suit your dishes and, where available, look for test results that apply to the specific model you’re considering.
A manufacturer’s product information tells you which modes and features are claimed for an appliance. On its own, it doesn’t prove how well the appliance will cook in your home.
Use it to check functions, accessories and dimensions, but don’t assume that results for other models will apply to the one you’re considering.
Samsung France describes the NQ5B6753CAK as a combination microwave oven with microwave and convection functions.
Sauter lists the SKC6302LW in its range of built-in combination microwave ovens.
Siemens France describes the CM776G1B1 as a compact built-in oven with a microwave function.
These two freestanding models are combination microwaves. When choosing between a combination oven, a convection oven and two separate appliances, also consider how their functions and installation requirements suit the way you use your kitchen.
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If you want one appliance for microwave and oven cooking, check that this model’s programmes suit the dishes you make, particularly when reheating. Make sure you have a suitable place for it, with the clearances required for freestanding installation.
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If you want microwave, grill and convection functions in one appliance, check that this model’s programmes suit your defrosting and reheating needs. Also measure the space available and allow for the clearances needed for freestanding installation.
Don’t assume so. The ADEME-INC summary describes efficiency as varying by dish, model and brand. Compare results for the recipes and models you’re interested in, rather than drawing conclusions based on the type of oven alone.
Not directly: according to the INC, the four combination ovens and ten convection ovens in the test were all built-in models. For a freestanding appliance, check its own specifications, where it will go and the clearances needed for installation.