Small fitted kitchens
A combi oven can bring several functions together in a single cavity. Before choosing a built-in model, compare the dimensions of the housing with those of the appliance, and check that your usual dishes will fit inside.
Who is each option best for?
Your choice mainly depends on the space you have and how often you use each cooking mode.
Households that often reheat and defrost
Microwave modes can save you from needing a separate appliance. Check the programmes on the model you’re considering, though: ADEME’s comparison shows that results vary depending on the dishes, models and brands.
People who mainly cook in the oven
For gratins, baking or large dishes, start by checking the internal dimensions, cooking modes and accessories. If you have the room, a convection oven alongside a separate microwave lets you choose each appliance to suit its intended use.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with where the appliance will go and what you plan to cook, then check the specific model’s features and connection requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | How you’ll use it |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Compare the appliance’s height, width and depth with the housing or worktop space. Check the manual for ventilation clearances and installation requirements. | I want to free up worktop space, but only if the combi oven can be fitted in the available cabinet. |
| Dishes and capacity | Compare the internal dimensions with your tins, dishes and trays. Check which accessories are included and any restrictions for each mode. | My larger dishes need to fit inside the cavity; a capacity given in litres isn’t enough to confirm that they will. |
| Cooking and reheating | Check which convection and microwave modes are available, as well as the defrost programmes on the exact model. If you often use an oven and microwave at the same time, bear in mind that a combi oven has just one cavity. | I regularly reheat and defrost food, but still want a mode that suits the way I cook in the oven. |
| Energy use | Compare measurements for similar programmes and uses. Check the label and product details for the model you’re considering; don’t infer a combi oven’s energy use from that of another category. | I want to understand how much energy my usual cooking uses, without assuming that one type of oven will always be more efficient. ADEME’s findings vary depending on the dishes and models. |
| Connection | Check the manual for the required electrical power and connection, then make sure your kitchen has a suitable circuit. Legrand advises against using multiway adaptors or extension leads with an oven. | Before replacing an appliance, I need to know whether it can be installed in my kitchen. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming a combi oven always uses less energy
In its comparison of four combi ovens and ten convection ovens, ADEME found no general efficiency advantage. Results depend, among other things, on the dish and the model.
To compare two appliances, look at the data for the modes you’ll actually use and make sure the measurements were taken under comparable conditions.
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Measuring only the front of the cabinet
A compatible width doesn’t guarantee enough depth or the ventilation clearances required by the manual. The connection must also be suitable for the appliance.
Measure all three dimensions of the housing, check there’s access for installation, and read the installation and connection instructions before choosing.
You may need to have the cabinet or connection adapted before the appliance can be installed.
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Relying only on the cavity’s capacity
The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you whether a rectangular dish, tin or tray will fit inside the oven, or which accessories can be used in microwave mode.
Measure the utensils you use most often and compare them with the internal dimensions and instructions for the exact model.
A few models from well-known brands
These models illustrate features and formats to consider; their specifications don’t predict the performance of other models from the same brand.
Bosch
The CMG7761B1 is a compact built-in microwave combi oven featured by Bosch France.
- Bosch lists a 45 L cavity and external dimensions of 455 × 594 × 548 mm, which can help you check whether the appliance will fit.
- These external dimensions don’t replace the housing measurements or ventilation instructions in the manual.
Whirlpool
The WCT11A9FHTSSMAF is a built-in combi oven whose Whirlpool France product details list microwave, fan cooking and steam injection.
- The product details list a capacity of 52 L and external dimensions of 55.9 × 45.5 × 54.3 cm.
- Check the manual for the accessories and conditions of use for each mode before planning what to cook.
Samsung
Samsung France describes the NQ50T9539BD-EF as a 50 L microwave combi oven.
- The listed capacity helps you assess whether this model’s cavity could suit the dishes you use.
- Check the installation dimensions and connection requirements in the technical details and manual for the NQ50T9539BD-EF.
Combi ovens available on Joybuy
These two microwave combi ovens are worth considering if you want one appliance for cooking and reheating. Before replacing your oven or microwave, check their modes, where they’ll go and whether your dishes will fit.
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LG MJ3965ACS Stainless Steel – Black, 39 L combi oven
This 39 L combi oven is worth considering if you want to bring several functions together in an appliance that sits in your kitchen. Check the manual for the required dimensions and clearances, cooking and defrost modes, and the accessories compatible with each mode.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L 3-in-1 combi oven
Its stated 42 L capacity is worth comparing with the dimensions of your dishes. If defrosting is an essential feature for you, confirm that the relevant programme is included in the manual. Also check the appliance dimensions, clearances and connection requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can a combi oven replace a conventional oven for every meal?
Not necessarily. Check that its cavity, modes and accessories suit the dishes you prepare. In its comparison of combi and convection ovens, ADEME found that results vary depending on the dishes, models and brands, with no general advantage for combi ovens.
Can you compare their energy labels directly?
First check the scope and measurements shown for each model. The European Commission explains energy labelling for domestic electric and gas ovens. For an appliance with a microwave mode, check its product details and compare only data for equivalent uses.
What should you check before connecting a built-in oven?
Check the connection requirements in the manual and the circuit available in your kitchen. Legrand says that an oven is generally connected to a dedicated circuit and advises against using multiway adaptors or extension leads. If you’re unsure about an existing installation, ask a qualified professional to inspect it.
How do you clean a combi oven without damaging the microwave mode?
Follow the model’s manual for cleaning products, accessories and each cleaning programme. Bosch, for example, lists cleaning functions for the CMG7761B1, but don’t assume another combi oven has the same functions or that they can be used in the same way.