First, check which appliances are already there, how much space you have and what the installation requirements are. A freestanding appliance avoids the need for built-in fitting, while a built-in model requires a compatible kitchen. If fitting it would involve altering the rented property, you’ll also need the landlord’s written consent. Then choose according to the meals you make: a hob for cooking in pans, an oven for roasting or grilling, or a microwave mainly for reheating and defrosting.
If you have limited worktop space or want to avoid altering the kitchen, measure the available space before choosing a freestanding appliance. According to Insee, renters lived in smaller homes on average than homeowners at the start of 2024. However, this doesn’t tell you how much space you have in your own kitchen.
If you want to bake, roast or grill regularly, compare the cooking functions and check that your dishes will fit inside the oven. The stated capacity in litres alone won’t answer that question.
Before buying an extra appliance, check the inventory and the check-in report, then see which appliances are already there. In France, the decree of 31 July 2015, published on Légifrance, lists a hob and an oven or microwave among the items of equipment required in a furnished rental.
In a rented kitchen, start by checking what’s already installed and what the available space can accommodate. Then compare the features that suit the meals you actually make.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility with the property | Check the inventory and measure the available space. If installation would alter the rented premises or equipment, get the landlord’s written consent before any work is carried out. | I want to avoid buying an appliance that won’t fit in the kitchen or would require alterations to the property. Around 33% of consumers might put this compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Cooking complete meals | Compare the oven’s cooking functions and usable cavity dimensions with the size of the dishes you usually use. | I regularly cook dishes that need roasting or grilling, so I need an oven that can fit them. This could be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Everyday reheating | Check whether the microwave is a standard or combination model, then make sure you have room for the containers you use. | I mainly need to reheat or defrost meals and don’t need an oven’s cooking functions. Around 20% of consumers might prioritise this need. |
| Energy use and appliance lifespan | Check the energy information available for the model and the maintenance or repair options listed for its exact model number. | I expect to use the appliance often and want to keep track of its energy use and maintenance. This could be the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
You could end up choosing an appliance that’s already included in the property. The French decree of 31 July 2015, published on Légifrance, lists a hob and an oven or microwave among the items required in a furnished rental.
Compare the tenancy agreement and inventory with the check-in report, then make sure the existing appliances work before choosing an extra one.
An existing cabinet space doesn’t guarantee that a model will fit or that you’re allowed to alter the rented kitchen. In France, Article 7 of the law of 6 July 1989, in the version in force since 15 June 2025 and published on Légifrance, requires the landlord’s written consent to alter the rented premises or equipment.
Check the instructions and the cabinet space. If installation would involve alterations, get consent before any work is carried out.
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether your dishes will fit inside the appliance. Similarly, a microwave’s power rating doesn’t give it the cooking functions of an oven.
Compare the dimensions of your dishes with the cavity or turntable, then choose the functions you need for the food you make.
The energy-use data published by ADEME relates to reference appliances and usage patterns. It doesn’t predict the results for a model used in every household.
When choosing, compare the model’s energy information with its capacity and how often you expect to use it.
Its freestanding ovens are worth considering if you want to cook in an oven without planning for a built-in installation.
Its freestanding microwaves are worth considering if you mainly want to reheat food rather than cook in an oven.
Its built-in ovens are worth considering if the kitchen already has a suitable space and the planned installation is permitted.
These appliances offer two ways to cook without a built-in installation: oven cooking on a worktop and cooking on a portable induction hob. For each one, compare the available space and the instructions with your kitchen’s requirements.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to cook in an oven without building an appliance into your kitchen units. The product name gives its power rating as 2000 W. Check the power supply requirements, dimensions and clearances in the instructions.
Image unavailable
This freestanding model could suit you if you need an oven but don’t want to alter your kitchen units. Its stated capacity is 23 L. Check that your dishes fit inside the cavity and that the space you choose meets the requirements in the instructions.
Image unavailable
Compare this model if you’re looking for a freestanding oven to prepare meals without a built-in installation. The product name gives its power rating as 2000 W. Check the dimensions, clearances and electrical requirements before deciding where to put it.
Image unavailable
This countertop oven is an option for cooking without altering your rented kitchen. The product name gives its power rating as 1500 W. Measure the space and check the instructions for clearance and power supply requirements.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to cook on a hob with compatible cookware, rather than expect a hob to perform like an oven. The product name lists 8 power levels and suitable cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Check your pans, available space and power supply before buying.
First, check what equipment is included and its condition. In France, the decree of 31 July 2015, published on Légifrance, lists a hob and an oven or microwave among the items required in a furnished rental. Compare this list with the inventory and the appliances already in the property.
You can consider a built-in model if the space and installation meet the requirements in its instructions. However, you’ll need the landlord’s written consent before making any alterations to the rented premises or equipment. This requirement is set out in Article 7 of the law of 6 July 1989, in the version in force since 15 June 2025 and published on Légifrance.
Compare your measurements and existing installation with the dimensions, power supply and clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model. If you need to alter the kitchen units or fixed installation, ask the landlord and a suitably qualified professional for advice rather than attempting the work yourself.
Not if you need oven cooking functions that the microwave doesn’t offer. Whirlpool France describes the Whirlpool MWP201W as a 20 L freestanding microwave. If you want to roast, grill or bake, check the functions of an oven or mini oven rather than relying on capacity alone.
Compare the information for each specific model and consider how often and for how long you’ll use it. Category averages published by ADEME provide context, but they can’t predict how much energy the appliance you install in your kitchen will use.