A combi oven is worth considering if space is tight and you often reheat or defrost food, provided its capacity, cooking modes and installation suit your needs. A fan oven is better suited to large dishes or cooking on several levels. If you have room, keeping a separate oven and microwave lets you use them at the same time. In their comparative study, ADEME and INC found that results varied depending on the dish and model, with no overall advantage for combi ovens.
You want to combine everyday tasks in fewer appliances. However, check the modes available on the combi oven you’re considering and whether it can deliver the results you expect for the dishes you make. The ADEME and INC study found that results vary.
Oven capacity and the ability to cook on several levels matter more to you than combining functions. The EDF4P46X2 built-in oven featured by Electrolux France is an example of this set-up, with a stated capacity of 72 L.
If your oven meets your usual cooking needs, a separate microwave can take care of reheating and defrosting without replacing the existing large oven. You’ll need space for both appliances and room to use them.
Consider it if: you need one space for reheating, defrosting and cooking dishes that suit its capacity.
Bear in mind: combining functions doesn’t guarantee the same results for every dish. ADEME and INC found that results varied between models and depending on how they were used.
Consider it if: large dishes and cooking on several levels are your main priorities.
Bear in mind: you’ll also need an appliance with a microwave function if you want to reheat food using microwaves.
Consider it if: you’re happy with your current oven and want to be able to reheat food while it’s cooking a dish.
Bear in mind: this set-up needs space for two appliances, and you’ll have two appliances to maintain.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to you |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the microwave and defrost settings on the specific model, as well as whether there’s room for the dishes you use. | If I often reheat and defrost food, I want to avoid switching between appliances. Around 33% of consumers would put these tasks first. |
| Cooking capacity | Compare the capacity, internal dimensions and ability to cook on several levels. | For my large dishes or batches, suitable oven capacity matters more than combining functions. Capacity would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | Measure the housing or worktop space, and check the manual for ventilation and connection requirements. | In my small kitchen, the appliance needs to fit in the space available and work properly there. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this requirement. |
| Energy use | Check the energy label where applicable and compare the model’s information against your usual needs. | I want to consider energy use without assuming that one type of oven will use less energy for every dish I make. This would be the main criterion for around 20% of consumers. |
In their comparison of four combi ovens and ten fan ovens, ADEME and INC found that results varied depending on the dishes, models and brands.
Start with the dishes you cook most often, then check the settings and any published results for the model you’re interested in.
Bosch Électroménager France lists a 45 L capacity for the CMG7241B1 combi oven, while Electrolux France lists 72 L for the EDF4P46X2 fan oven. These examples don’t indicate the capacity of every model.
Measure your dishes, baking trays and tins, then compare them with the internal dimensions provided by the manufacturer.
The French Ministry for the Economy says that new ovens are among the appliances covered by energy labelling. The label won’t tell you whether your dishes will fit in the oven or whether its functions meet your needs.
Consider the label alongside the capacity, available settings and how you actually plan to use the appliance.
Appliance dimensions and built-in dimensions aren’t interchangeable. IZI by EDF’s guide recommends checking the manual and the circuit intended for the oven before connecting it.
Measure the space, check the ventilation instructions and ask a professional to confirm the connection if you have any doubts about your installation.
You may also have to wait longer to use the appliance if a unit needs adapting or installation work is required.
An example of a compact built-in oven with a microwave function, for kitchens with a suitably sized housing.
An example of a built-in fan oven for households that prioritise cooking batches.
A range that includes appliances combining microwave and cooking functions, with specifications to check model by model.
These Joybuy appliances suit two ways of organising a small kitchen: combine several uses in a combi microwave, or add a separate microwave to an oven that already meets your needs. Before deciding whether a model can replace an existing appliance, check its settings and installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you want to bring everyday tasks together in one appliance. Its stated capacity is 39 L. Check that your dishes will fit, and review the settings you need, along with the ventilation and connection requirements.
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Consider this if you want to combine reheating and cooking in a 42 L combi appliance. If defrosting is important to you, check that it has the setting you need. Also check the space available, ventilation and connection requirements.
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Worth considering for reheating and defrosting alongside a separate oven that already meets your cooking needs. This microwave with grill isn’t a substitute for a fan oven on its own. Make room for both appliances and check the ventilation instructions.
It can bring together the functions you need if its settings and capacity suit your dishes, but it won’t automatically replace both appliances. ADEME and INC found that results varied depending on the dishes and models. In particular, check how it handles the types of cooking you do in your current oven.
Measure the height, width and depth of the housing, then compare them with the built-in dimensions listed for the specific model. The appliance’s external dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it will fit in your unit.
Check the model’s manual and make sure the required connection is suitable for your installation. IZI by EDF’s guide says that an oven needs a dedicated circuit. If you’re unsure about the circuit or type of connection, ask a qualified professional for advice.
No. It provides information about the energy use of the new ovens covered by energy labelling in France, but it won’t tell you what size dishes you can cook or which functions will help with reheating and defrosting. Consider it alongside the model’s specifications and your needs.