Making a variety of meals
If you want to cover several everyday cooking needs, distinguish between reheating, grilling and convection cooking. Que Choisir, for example, describes microwaves with a grill as a separate category from solo models.
Who is this choice for?
Fitting out a kitchen with limited space
If you’re choosing between several appliances and a combination model, consider the installation dimensions and the clearance needed around it. Samsung notes that ventilation space requirements vary by model and should be checked in its manual.
Keeping electricity costs under control
If you’re comparing energy use, look at the functions and programmes involved rather than relying on a general promise of savings. ADEME provides guidance on household energy use, but this doesn’t mean one technology is best for every kitchen.
What should you look for before choosing?
If you regularly prepare meals at home, start with the functions you need, then check how the appliance will fit, its stated energy use and how easy it is to use.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Useful functions | Functions actually included; the difference between solo, grill and convection microwaves; usable capacity. | If I want to make the dishes I usually cook, I check the functions rather than relying on the word ‘combination’ alone. Around 31% of consumers prioritise cooking functions. |
| Space and installation | Appliance dimensions and, for a built-in model, the size of the housing; required clearances and connections. | When space is limited, I check the full dimensions and installation requirements before choosing an appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise available space and installation. |
| Energy use | The unit, programme and test method used for the stated figure; compare appliances when the preparation and intended result are comparable. | If I want to keep electricity use under control, I compare equivalent uses rather than different technologies without a common basis. Around 25% of consumers put electricity costs first. |
| Everyday ease of use | Controls for the functions you use, suitable containers and the model’s care instructions. | For an appliance I use often, I check whether its controls and upkeep suit my habits. Around 19% of consumers prioritise ease of use and maintenance. |
Mistakes to avoid when buying
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Choosing a built-in oven by its advertised width
The appliance’s external dimensions differ from those of the housing. Bosch’s French product sheet for the HBA553BA3F gives two incompatible housing heights; conflicting measurements shouldn’t be resolved by guesswork.
Check the installation diagram for the exact model and ask for any inconsistencies to be clarified before you buy.
Misreading a measurement could mean modifying the kitchen unit or paying for installation work.
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Taking the wattage as energy use per meal
The connection rating and the energy used per cycle describe different things. A figure in watts doesn’t tell you how much energy a cooking programme uses on its own.
Check the unit, programme and measurement basis, then compare like-for-like preparations and results.
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Choosing a combination model without needing its functions
Grilling, convection and microwave cooking are suited to different uses. An extra function is only useful if it matches the dishes you prepare.
Work out which functions you need before choosing a versatile appliance.
Functions you rarely use can make choosing more complicated without meeting a regular need.
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Adding a compact appliance without making room for it
A countertop appliance takes up space and needs the required ventilation clearances. ADEME lists having more equipment than you need as one factor that can increase your electricity bill.
Decide what use it would add or replace, and measure the space needed, including room for ventilation.
An extra appliance also needs space and regular cleaning.
Brands to help guide your choice — without generalising across their ranges
Bosch
Examples with published details include the PUE611BB5E induction hob and the HBA553BA3F built-in oven. These models alone don’t represent the whole range.
- Bosch says the timer on the PUE611BB5E can switch off the selected cooking zone. The brand also describes cooking and cleaning features specific to the HBA553BA3F.
- Bosch’s French product sheet for the HBA553BA3F gives two incompatible housing heights. Ask for the measurement to be clarified before choosing this model for a precise built-in installation.
Samsung
Samsung France describes the MS23K3515AK/EF as a 23 L solo microwave, rather than a model with a grill or convection cooking.
- This type of microwave suits reheating and defrosting when those are the only functions you need.
- For clearance requirements and suitable containers, Samsung recommends checking the manual for the exact model; general guidance doesn’t replace its instructions.
Moulinex
The range mentioned includes Easy Fry appliances, mini ovens and Cookeo multicookers. Consider each according to the function you need.
- Moulinex lists a 5 L capacity and 10 programmes for the Easy Fry Max. Check that the size suits the dishes you prepare.
- The energy savings claimed by the brand aren’t enough on their own to establish an advantage over every other appliance or programme.
Joybuy products by use
These options include a built-in oven, an induction hob, solo and combination microwaves, and a compact appliance. Choose according to the function you need and the constraints of your kitchen.
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Bosch HBA514BB3, 71 L built-in oven
Worth considering if you regularly cook oven dishes and are looking for a 71 L built-in model.
The product name mentions 3D hot air and a stainless steel finish. Check the housing and the exact model’s electrical requirements before installation; the associated information specifies a 220–240 V earthed supply and a 16 A fuse.
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Midea Air Fryer, 4 L
Worth considering if you have a specific use in mind for a compact appliance, rather than adding one without a clear purpose.
The product name lists a power rating of 1 500 W, 8 programmes, an adjustable temperature of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. Measure the space available and allow for the required clearance.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), 20 L microwave
Worth considering if reheating and defrosting are your main needs and a solo microwave is enough.
The product name lists 700 W, 6 pre-set menus and 11 power levels. It also mentions a memory function; check the model’s external dimensions and clearances in the manual.
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TOPWISH, 4-zone induction hob, 60 cm
Worth considering if you cook using several zones and have cookware compatible with induction.
The description specifies a connection without a plug and installation by a qualified electrician. Check the cut-out, connection requirements and pan compatibility before choosing this model.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you want microwave, grill and convection functions in a single countertop appliance.
The product name lists a capacity of 42 L. The description says not to block the ventilation openings, so allow for a stable surface and enough space around the appliance.
Frequently asked questions
Can a microwave with a grill replace a convection oven?
No. Grilling and convection are different functions. If you want both alongside microwave cooking, look specifically for a combination model with convection.
How much space should you leave around a countertop microwave?
Follow the clearance instructions in the manual for your chosen model. Samsung gives general guidance of 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, but notes that requirements vary by model.
Will all my saucepans work on an induction hob?
Not necessarily. The Bosch manual cited specifies a suitable ferromagnetic base that matches the size of the cooking zone. Check the cookware you use before choosing this technology.
Does a built-in hob connect like a small kitchen appliance?
Don’t assume a built-in hob connects in the same way as a countertop appliance. For single-phase hobs in the context covered, Legrand describes a dedicated 32 A circuit with 6 mm² conductors. Ask a qualified professional to check the installation and connection for your model; the Bosch manual cited says that connections without a plug must be carried out by qualified, authorised personnel.
Do hobs have the same energy label as ovens?
No. The European Commission distinguishes between the requirements for ovens and hobs. Under the scheme described, energy labelling is mandatory for ovens and cooker hoods, but not for hobs. An oven’s energy rating is therefore not a universal criterion for choosing a hob.
Does Eco mode guarantee cheaper cooking?
No — not simply because of the name. Samsung says the Eco mode on its microwaves switches off the display when the appliance isn’t in use; this doesn’t measure the energy needed to cook a meal.