Start by thinking about the meals you make: a portable hob is for cooking in a saucepan or frying pan, a mini oven is for baking or browning dishes, and a multicooker is for preparing meals in one pot. A combination microwave offers more than reheating, but it doesn’t automatically replace a hob. Before buying, check each appliance against the space available, its instructions and the planned electrical use.
If these are the main ways you cook, a portable hob meets your essential needs without requiring a built-in installation. If you choose induction, check your cookware, make sure the surface you’ll place it on is stable, and follow the appliance instructions.
If you often make bakes, roast vegetables, pizzas or cakes, compare the cooking modes offered by a mini oven and, depending on your recipes, a combination microwave. Measure the available space before choosing an oven capacity.
If you mainly cook rice, soups, steamed vegetables or slow-cooked dishes, an electric cooker or multicooker could suit your routine. Check the model’s capacity and programmes: these appliances don’t automatically replace a frying pan or oven.
To equip a rented kitchen without making alterations, start with the meals you usually cook, then check the space you’ll need, the placement instructions and the planned electrical use. Two complementary appliances only make sense if you’ll use each one regularly and can place and store them properly.
| What to consider | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking in a frying pan or saucepan | Identify the essential cooking modes for your meals and, if you’re buying an induction hob, check that your cookware is compatible. | If I often cook pasta, eggs or vegetables in a frying pan, reheating alone won’t do; around 33% of shoppers would make this type of cooking their priority. |
| Oven cooking | Compare the heating functions, external dimensions and required clearances; also allow room to open the door. | To make bakes or roast dishes, I need a suitable cooking mode and somewhere to place the appliance; around 27% of shoppers would put this need first. |
| One-pot meals | Check the capacity, useful programmes and, where relevant, the instructions for steam or pressure cooking. | When I mainly make soups, rice or slow-cooked dishes, I prefer to prepare them in one pot; around 20% of shoppers would prioritise this type of meal. |
| Space and a removable set-up | Measure the surface where you’ll place the appliance and the space available for storage. Check the instructions, then review your tenancy agreement and inventory to see what’s provided. | In a kitchen where the worktop needs to stay usable, I’m looking for an appliance I can set up and put away without making permanent changes; around 20% of shoppers would make this a priority. |
Reheating, grilling and combination functions don’t necessarily let you cook in a frying pan or saucepan.
Make a note of the modes you use for your regular meals and check the model’s exact functions. If cooking on a hob is still essential, consider a portable hob or a carefully chosen combination of appliances.
The oven’s capacity doesn’t tell you how much space the appliance takes up, how much room you’ll need to open the door or what clearances are required.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the chosen model’s instructions for clearance and ventilation requirements.
A portable induction hob won’t necessarily work with the saucepans and frying pans you already own. UFC-Que Choisir points out that induction requires compatible cookware.
Check your cookware before buying and compare its dimensions with the sizes accepted by the hob you’re considering.
If your cookware isn’t compatible, you’ll also need to budget for replacements and find somewhere to store them.
The stated power ratings apply to each model: Tefal lists 2 100 W for its Everyday Slim hob, while Severin lists 1 500 W for the TO 2067 mini oven. These figures alone aren’t enough to assess a home’s electrical installation.
Check the specifications of the appliances you plan to use together. If you’re unsure whether your electrical installation is suitable, get it checked, and follow the connection instructions for each appliance.
Models worth considering for portable hob cooking or one-pot meals.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a multicooker for preparing meals in one pot.
Mini ovens to compare when your recipes need oven cooking rather than simple reheating.
Freestanding microwaves to consider if reheating is your priority and you’d find a grill or combination functions useful.
These Joybuy appliances suit different ways of cooking in a rental with limited equipment: oven cooking, reheating with a grill, cooking on a portable hob or making one-pot meals. Choose according to the functions you genuinely need, then check the dimensions and instructions for the model you’re considering.
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Worth considering if your meals need baking or browning in the oven, rather than simple reheating.
Stated capacity: 23 L. Measure the space available and check the instructions for placement clearances and ventilation.
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Consider this if you mainly want to reheat or defrost, with the option to brown some dishes; its functions don’t replace a hob.
The product title lists a power rating of 1 000 W. Check the listing to see the power rating for each mode, then consult the instructions for the required clearances.
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For cooking in a saucepan or frying pan without a built-in hob, provided you have a suitable surface to place it on.
The title lists eight power settings and cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Check that your cookware is suitable for induction, and check the model’s power supply and placement instructions.
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Worth considering for simple one-pot meals, especially if a 1 L capacity suits the portions you make.
The title lists a stainless steel inner pot and two power settings, 300 W and 600 W. Check the external dimensions and power supply before buying.
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Worth comparing if you prepare one-pot meals and want an 8 L capacity; check that it suits your portions and the space available.
The title lists a power rating of 1 200 W and 12 preset programmes. For pressure cooking, follow the instructions on filling, releasing pressure and clearances.
No. According to ANIL, there’s no general requirement to provide a fully equipped kitchen. Before buying an appliance, check your tenancy agreement and inventory to confirm exactly which equipment is included in your home.
Yes. A portable hob can be used without fitting a built-in one, as long as the space and power supply are suitable. Follow the instructions on the surface it should stand on and the required clearances. If you choose induction, check your saucepans and frying pans too.
Don’t assume every category has an energy label that can be compared directly. ADEME lists ovens among the appliances for which an energy label is available. For the appliances you’re considering, also compare their functions, capacity and stated power, as well as how you plan to use them.
Look into take-back or collection options for electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in your household rubbish. If you’re keeping it for a move, keep the instructions and accessories so you can use it again as directed.