Which set-up is right for you?

Those who want one appliance

You want to reheat, defrost and cook without filling your worktop with multiple appliances. A combination oven could suit you if its dimensions, ventilation requirements and accessories are compatible with your kitchen.

Those who mainly use an oven

Gratins, baking and browning dishes come before microwave functions. A mini convection oven may make more sense if you don’t need a microwave or already have one.

Those who want separate appliances

You’d rather choose and maintain your oven and microwave independently. Separate appliances also let you replace one without changing the other, as long as you have enough space for both.

What sets the appliances apart?

Microwave and convection combination oven

Consider it: when you want microwave and oven functions in a single appliance.

Bear in mind: cooking modes, accessories and usable capacity vary by model. Combining functions doesn’t guarantee better results for every dish.

Mini convection oven

Consider it: if oven cooking is your priority and you don’t need microwave functions in the appliance.

Bear in mind: a mini oven alone won’t replace a microwave for tasks that rely on one.

Separate microwave and cooking appliance

Consider it: if you want to choose or replace your reheating and cooking appliances separately.

Bear in mind: you’ll need room in your kitchen for both appliances and their accessories, as well as space to install them.

In a small kitchen, your priority might be combining functions, cooking in the dishes you already own, keeping your worktop clear or making cleaning easier.

Criterion What to check Who is it for?
Combined functions Check that it has both microwave and convection functions, then find out which accessories are approved for each mode. I want to reheat, defrost and cook without installing several appliances; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this all-in-one set-up.
Cooking and dishes Compare the sizes of dishes that will fit and the cooking functions, rather than looking only at the capacity in litres. My gratins or bakes need to fit, and oven cooking comes first; this would be the priority for around 27% of consumers.
Available space Measure the space with the door open and check the ventilation clearances required in the model’s manual. My worktop space is limited, and the appliance needs to fit there in line with its manual; around 20% of consumers would make available space their top priority.
Maintenance and energy use Check how to clean the accessories, whether repairs are possible and the energy-use data for the models you’re comparing. I want to maintain my appliances and choose separately what to replace later; this would be the main consideration for around 20% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid before buying

  • Assuming a combination oven always uses less energy

    A study published by ADEME and the National Consumer Institute found that results varied by dish, model and brand, with no general energy-saving advantage demonstrated for combination ovens. The tests covered built-in appliances, not compact freestanding models.

    Start by choosing the functions that suit the way you cook, then compare energy-use data for the specific models and tasks that matter to you.

  • Comparing capacity in litres alone

    The stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that a dish will fit inside or that the appliance will fit in your chosen space. For example, Moulinex says its 18 L OV185101 mini oven can accommodate round dishes up to 28 cm and oval dishes up to 33 cm.

    Measure the dishes you use regularly and compare them with the approved sizes and the external dimensions of your chosen model.

  • Assuming accessories are interchangeable

    You may need a particular rack, basket or dish for certain tasks, but it might not be suitable for every cooking mode.

    Check the list of included accessories and the instructions for each mode in the manual for the exact model.

    Also make sure you have somewhere to store the accessories when they’re not in use.

  • Confusing a commercial warranty with your legal rights

    If you buy from a professional seller in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity and an optional commercial warranty are two separate protections, as explained by the French Ministry of the Economy.

    Before accepting a commercial warranty, read what it offers in addition to your legal rights, along with its exclusions and claims process.

Brands to consider for your needs

Panasonic

Its range of freestanding combination ovens is worth a look if you want to bring microwave and convection cooking together.

  • According to Panasonic France, the NN-CD58RS combines a 1,000 W microwave, convection from 30 to 220 °C, a 1,300 W grill and a 27 L cavity.
  • Check the manual for this model for clearance requirements, full dimensions and which accessories can be used in each mode.

Whirlpool

Some of the brand’s freestanding microwaves offer dedicated grill, crisping or steam functions. Check the modes available on each model if convection is essential for you.

  • Whirlpool France lists a 33 L cavity, a 36 cm turntable and Crisp and steam functions for the MWSC9133SB.
  • With a stated depth of 54 cm and a weight of 27,45 kg, this model needs a careful check to make sure it will fit in your chosen space.

Moulinex

The brand’s freestanding mini ovens are worth considering when oven cooking matters more to you than microwave functions.

  • Moulinex France lists fan-assisted cooking, six cooking modes and a thermostat reaching up to 240 °C for the Optimo 19 L.
  • A mini oven in this range won’t replace microwave functions on its own. Also check which dish sizes the model you choose can accommodate.

Combination oven available on Joybuy

This freestanding model combines microwave, grill and convection functions. If defrosting is important to you, check which settings are available for this task before choosing.

Sharp YC-MC422AE-SB combination microwave oven

Sharp YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave oven

Worth considering if you want to combine microwave reheating and convection cooking; the product details also list a grill. Check the manual for ventilation clearances, installation requirements and the accessories needed for your purposes. Confirm the defrost setting if you plan to use it regularly.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does a combination oven necessarily use less energy than a convection oven?

No. A study by ADEME and the National Consumer Institute, covering four combination ovens and ten built-in convection ovens, found no general advantage. Results depend in particular on the dishes and models tested; the study did not directly measure small freestanding appliances.

What should you measure before buying a freestanding oven?

Measure the space available, the room needed to open the door and the dishes you use regularly. Then compare these measurements with the appliance’s dimensions, the dish sizes it can accommodate and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual for that exact model.

Does the statutory guarantee of conformity cover an oven bought from a professional seller in France?

Yes. The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods bought from a professional seller in France. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, consumers can claim it for two years on new or second-hand goods; an optional commercial warranty is separate.

Is a promise that an appliance can be repaired the same as a statutory guarantee?

No. Check the brand’s terms for any repairability claim; it doesn’t replace the statutory guarantee of conformity. Check which model it applies to, how to access spare parts and what repair options are available.