Start by thinking about the dishes you make: a combination microwave is useful for reheating and, depending on the model, offers oven functions; a mini oven is suited to gratins and baking; a portable induction hob is ideal for cooking in a saucepan or frying pan; and an air fryer is handy for small batches of roast-style food. If you’re considering a multicooker to bring several uses together, check which functions it actually offers. Whatever you choose, measure the space and the clearances required by the instructions before relying on the advertised capacity.
If you make gratins, quiches or bakes, compare a mini oven with a combination microwave, taking into account the functions available, the size of your dishes and the space you have. Que Choisir Ensemble describes the oven functions available on combination models, while Moulinex, for example, offers a 19 L Optimo mini oven.
A portable induction hob could suit you for boiling, searing or simmering, as long as you use compatible cookware. Que Choisir Ensemble notes that this compatibility is essential.
If you often reheat leftovers or make small batches, compare a microwave, air fryer and multicooker based on the type of cooking you want. An air fryer basket or multicooker pot won’t necessarily replace your other ways of cooking.
When equipping a kitchenette, start with the type of cooking you’d miss most day to day. Then check whether the appliance will fit on your worktop with its door, basket or lid open.
Choose this if: you often reheat meals and would also like to use a grill or fan-assisted heat from time to time.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir Ensemble, these oven functions are available on combination models. Check the functions offered by the model you’re considering, as well as the size of its cavity.
Choose this if: gratins, quiches or bakes are regular features of your meals.
Bear in mind: it needs a stable spot with enough room to open the door and use your dishes.
Choose this if: you mainly make small batches in a basket or bowl using hot air.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir Ensemble notes that these appliances can be bulky and a little noisy. They don’t replace a hob.
Choose this if: your meals mainly involve pasta, soups, sauces or frying in a pan.
Bear in mind: you’ll need induction-compatible cookware, and a single cooking zone limits how many things you can cook at once.
Choose this if: you mainly make slow-cooked dishes, rice or steamed food using the functions available on the model.
Bear in mind: programmes and size vary by appliance. Remember to allow enough room to open the lid, too.
| Priority | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Oven cooking | Check whether the model has a grill and fan-assisted heat, then look at the internal dimensions and the space needed to open the door. | If I often make gratins or bakes and don’t have an oven, I want to be able to use my usual dishes. Around 29% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Saucepan and frying pan cooking | Check that your cookware is induction-compatible and that the appliance has enough cooking zones for your meals. | For pasta, sauces or stir-fried vegetables, I mainly need a cooking zone rather than an oven cavity. Cooking in a saucepan or frying pan would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Quick reheating | Know the difference between a standard and combination microwave. Check the cavity size and whether your containers are suitable. | When I reheat leftovers or defrost a portion, I want a quick option that doesn’t mean using lots of different containers. This would be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Cooking with minimal supervision | Compare the programmes you’ll use, the capacity of the pot or basket, and the space needed while the appliance is in use. | For slow-cooked meals or small batches, I prefer an appliance with functions that suit the dishes I make regularly. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this type of cooking. |
Que Choisir Ensemble describes air fryers as bulky and a little noisy. If you already have an oven, also compare the cooking functions you’ll actually use before adding another appliance.
Measure the space needed to store and use it, including the room required to remove the basket.
According to Que Choisir Ensemble, an induction hob needs compatible saucepans and frying pans. Your current cookware could therefore determine whether this is a practical choice from the outset.
Check that your main pieces of cookware are compatible and that the cooking zone is the right size before choosing a hob.
The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you by itself whether your dish will fit in a mini oven, whether your portions will fit in a basket or whether the appliance will fit in your kitchenette.
Compare the internal and external dimensions, then allow for the room needed to open the door, basket or lid.
A container that’s suitable for the grill won’t necessarily be suitable for microwave mode. Metal must not be used in this mode, and not all plastics are suitable.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each function and use containers specifically designed for the mode selected.
Worth considering for mini ovens and multicookers, depending on the type of cooking you’re looking for.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a portable induction hob for cooking in a saucepan or frying pan.
Air fryers to compare if you’re looking for an appliance that cooks food in a basket.
A brand to look at when comparing air fryer sizes, containers and functions.
These Joybuy appliances suit three different kitchenette needs: cooking on an induction zone, preparing portions with hot air, or making dishes in an electric pot or multicooker. First choose the option that suits the meals you make, then check the model’s dimensions and installation instructions.
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For meals cooked in a saucepan or frying pan, provided your cookware is induction-compatible.
The product name lists eight power levels, a 3 h timer and suitable cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm.
This hob won’t replace an oven. Check its footprint and the specified clearances before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering for portions cooked with hot air, rather than dishes that need a cooking zone.
Check how much room it needs while in use and the clearances specified in the instructions. An air fryer won’t replace a hob for cooking in a saucepan.
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For smaller portions, as long as the basket can hold the amount you usually cook.
The product name lists a dishwasher-safe non-stick basket and a 60 min timer.
Check the external dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions before choosing where to put it.
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For dishes cooked in a pot, such as soups or noodles, rather than for oven cooking.
The product name lists a non-stick coating and two heat settings.
Before buying, check the dimensions, required voltage and a suitable place to use it.
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Worth considering if your meals are suited to cooking in a pot, particularly pressure cooking, rather than oven cooking.
The stated capacity is 3,8 L. Check that it’s right for the quantities you prepare.
Allow enough space to open the lid, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on filling and releasing steam.
It may suit some of the same tasks as a mini oven if the model actually has a grill and fan-assisted heat, and your dishes fit inside the cavity. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes these functions from those of a standard microwave. If you often make gratins or bakes, compare the usable dimensions of both appliances, too.
Yes, if their bases are induction-compatible. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that this technology requires suitable saucepans and frying pans, so check your main pieces of cookware before choosing a hob.
Use containers specifically labelled as microwave-safe, and don’t use metal in this mode. Not all plastics are suitable. For the grill or fan-assisted heat on a combination appliance, follow the manufacturer’s instructions separately.
Think about which parts you’ll need to wash after making your usual dishes, then check which of them are dishwasher-safe on the model you’re considering. For mini ovens, Que Choisir Ensemble advises against abrasive sponges. Follow the instructions for cleaning the racks, trays and interior walls.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory warranty of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. It covers issues such as an appliance not matching its description. This is separate from a return request because you’ve changed your mind.