Choose according to the dishes you make most often: a compact oven for recipes that need an oven cavity, a combination microwave if you also need a microwave, an air fryer for batches that fit its basket, or a multicooker for meals cooked in a pot. Before buying, check that the usable capacity suits your cookware, measure the space available and make sure the appliance doesn’t duplicate a function already covered in your kitchen.
If quiches, gratins or baked treats are regular features on your menu, the size of the cavity and your dishes matters more than the list of programmes. Moulinex, for example, says its 39 L Optimo fan oven can accommodate two dishes at once; this feature is specific to that model.
If worktop space is limited, or you already have a microwave, hob or oven, look for a function you genuinely need. A combination appliance only frees up space if it usefully replaces several appliances or functions you already have.
For steaming, slow cooking or pressure cooking, a multicooker meets a different need from a spacious oven cavity. Moulinex lists these modes for the Cookeo+; check which functions are available on the model you’re considering.
If you’re cooking without a built-in oven, start with the recipes you want to make, then check the space available and the appliances you already own.
Consider it: if you regularly make quiches, gratins or baked treats that need a cavity big enough for your dishes.
Bear in mind: it takes up worktop space, even when you’re not using it.
Consider it: if reheating and defrosting are just as important as oven cooking, particularly if you don’t have a separate microwave.
Bear in mind: according to a study by ADEME and the French National Consumer Institute, results and energy efficiency vary depending on the dishes and models.
Consider it: if the portions you want to roast or grill fit in its basket.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir has found differences between models, particularly in cooking performance, noise and cleaning.
Consider it: if your meals mainly involve steaming, slow cooking or pressure cooking.
Bear in mind: a cooking pot won’t necessarily replace the surface area you need for a pizza or quiche.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Dishes and usable capacity | Compare the dimensions of the cavity, basket or pot with your cookware and the number of portions you usually make. | If I often make a quiche or gratin for several people, my dish needs to fit and the appliance needs to cook enough in one batch. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this cooking capacity. |
| Space and functions you already have | Measure the space, check the clearances specified in the instructions and compare the functions with those of your current appliances. | With limited worktop space, I don’t want another appliance that does the same jobs as my microwave or oven. Avoiding this kind of duplication would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Small batches and reheating | Check that the appliance has the modes you need for your recipes and how many batches you’ll need to cook. Compare energy use for the same dish and quantity. | For smaller quantities, I want to be able to reheat or cook without needing lots of batches. Around 20% of consumers would put this flexibility first. |
| Pot cooking and cleaning | Check the steaming, slow-cooking or pressure-cooking modes, then read the cleaning instructions for the pot and accessories. | If I mainly cook slow-cooked or steamed dishes, pot-cooking modes matter more to me than an oven tray. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this type of cooking. |
A basket, a cooking pot and an oven cavity aren’t suited to the same dishes. UFC-Que Choisir has also found that cooking results vary between the air fryers it tested.
List the recipes you make regularly and check the dish size and cooking method you’ll need for each one.
An air fryer may duplicate some of the functions of an oven, while a combination appliance may bring together a microwave, grill and convection cooking. Having several appliances with overlapping functions can also clutter your worktop.
Take stock of the appliances you already own before choosing the function you’re missing.
The number of litres doesn’t tell you whether your tin will fit in the cavity, whether a tray can rotate freely or whether the pot will hold your usual recipe.
Compare the usable dimensions with those of your cookware, and don’t forget to allow space to open the door or drawer.
Results depend on the recipe and the appliance. In their study, ADEME and the French National Consumer Institute found no general energy advantage for combination ovens over fan ovens.
When comparing two models, look at the same dish and quantity, taking preheating and multiple batches into account.
The Optimo and Cookeo ranges let you compare freestanding oven cooking with meals made in a cooking pot.
The brand’s combination appliances are worth considering if you want one appliance that brings together microwave and convection cooking.
The brand is one of the air fryer manufacturers to compare if you’re making dishes suited to this type of appliance.
These Joybuy appliances cover small or large batches in an air fryer, microwave and convection cooking in one appliance, and meals made in a multicooker. Start by choosing the cooking method that suits your dishes: the fact that these appliances are listed here doesn’t mean they’re interchangeable with a compact oven.
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Worth considering if you want to cook two batches in a drawer-style appliance. The title lists six functions, including roasting and air baking. Check that your dishes fit in the drawers and follow the clearance instructions in the manual.
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Worth considering if you want to bring several cooking modes together in one worktop appliance. Compare the interior dimensions with your dishes and check the manual for clearance and electrical requirements. Capacity alone won’t tell you how well it cooks.
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Worth considering for meals cooked in a pot rather than on an oven tray. The title includes slow cooking and steaming. Measure the space you have and follow the model’s instructions for filling and releasing steam.
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Worth comparing if you want to cook batches in a 7,6 L air fryer. Capacity alone doesn’t mean your tin will fit: check the usable dimensions, external dimensions and required clearances.
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Worth considering for batches that fit in a 4 L basket. The title lists a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Check the basket size and cleaning instructions before choosing.
Yes, for some recipes, as long as the portions and dishes fit in its basket. But it may not suit you if you regularly need a large tray or several shelves. UFC-Que Choisir says air fryers can bake, roast or grill, but found that results vary between models.
No, you can’t assume it will always use less energy. In a study of four combination ovens and ten fan ovens, ADEME and the French National Consumer Institute found that results varied depending on the dishes and appliances. Compare the recipes you actually make.
Measure the space available, the height beneath your cupboards and the room needed to open the door or drawer. Then compare your dishes with the usable dimensions and check the model’s manual for clearance, connection and safe-use instructions.
No. It depends on which accessory is compatible, whether it’s included in the box and how much you want to cook. Check which dishes it can handle and where you’ll store it before relying on this function instead of a separate appliance.