Choose based on the type of cooking you do most often: reheating, oven cooking, preparing meals in a cooking pot or mainly cooking rice. Then compare the appliance’s dimensions, the space needed for its door to open and for ventilation, the size of your dishes, its power consumption and the parts you’ll need to clean. More features don’t necessarily mean less clutter or that you can do away with all your other cooking methods.
If you often reheat leftovers but would also like to grill or bake a dish, check the model’s exact functions. Whirlpool describes the MCP349WH as a combination microwave with grill and fan-assisted heating; Electrolux also lists microwave and grill modes for the EMZ421MMK.
A removable cooking pot could suit you if you regularly make slow-cooked, steamed or pressure-cooked dishes rather than meals that need an oven cavity. Moulinex lists these uses for the Cookeo Mini CE880410.
If you mainly cook gratins, tarts or smaller oven-baked dishes, compare the usable cavity size and the accessories you’ll need to store. Tefal lists several modes for the Optimo OX444810, while Severin describes the TO 9579 as an oven with a frying basket.
In a small kitchen, start with the meals you make most often, then check that the appliance and its accessories will fit and be easy to use in the space available.
Choose this if: you regularly make gratins, tarts or dishes that need an oven cavity.
Bear in mind: a countertop oven won’t replace a microwave for reheating. Check the dimensions of your dishes and the clearances specified in the instruction manual.
Choose this if: you’d like to switch between oven cooking and hot-air cooking.
Bear in mind: the accessories may need extra storage space and add to the cleaning.
Choose this if: you often make slow-cooked, steamed or pressure-cooked meals, particularly for a smaller household.
Bear in mind: a cooking pot won’t replace a hob or oven dish for meals that need an oven cavity.
Choose this if: rice, lentils or porridge are regular features on your menu.
Bear in mind: it won’t replace an oven or microwave.
Choose this if: you often reheat leftovers and would like other cooking modes in one appliance too.
Bear in mind: check the functions of the exact model. A grill doesn’t necessarily mean it has an oven-cooking mode.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and combination functions | Check the microwave, grill and fan-assisted modes separately, as well as the model’s external dimensions. | If I often reheat leftovers but also want to cook or grill dishes, I check that the modes really suit the meals I make. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise versatile reheating. |
| Meals made in a cooking pot | Compare the cooking modes, pot capacity, your usual number of diners and the removable parts. | If I mainly make slow-cooked, steamed or pressure-cooked dishes, a cooking pot may suit my habits better than an oven cavity. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise meals made in a cooking pot. |
| Oven cooking | Measure your dishes and compare the usable cavity size, included accessories and available space. | If I mainly cook tarts or gratins, I want to check that my dishes will actually fit inside. Around 20 % of consumers put oven cooking first. |
| Space and power supply | Check the external dimensions, door opening direction, required clearances and the model’s stated power consumption. | When my worktop is already cluttered, I also check the door opening and ventilation, not just the advertised capacity in litres. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise space and electrical supply. |
| Cleaning after use | Check which parts are removable and which the manufacturer says are dishwasher-safe. | If I want to cut down on cleaning after every meal, I check which parts can be removed and how to care for them. Around 13 % of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
The advertised capacity doesn’t guarantee that your dish will fit inside or that the appliance and its required clearances will fit on your worktop.
Measure your dishes, the space where you’ll place the appliance and the door opening, then check the usable dimensions and the model’s instruction manual.
Functions vary from one model to another: a grill alone doesn’t prove that it has an oven-cooking mode. Whirlpool lists fan-assisted heating for the MCP349WH.
If you want to cook tarts or gratins, check the modes of the exact model you’re considering.
An oven with a basket, rack, rotisserie or trays may need more storage space than an appliance with just a removable cooking pot.
Think about which accessories you’ll actually use and where you can store them.
Accessories take up space and add more parts to clean after use.
The electrical input power and the stated cooking power aren’t necessarily equivalent. The LG MJEN2863G specification lists different values for different modes; Enedis notes that a microwave’s power varies by model.
Compare the input power for the exact model and its modes, then check the connection requirements in its instruction manual.
The models mentioned cover different needs: meals made in a cooking pot with the Cookeo Mini and countertop oven cooking with the Optimo.
The models mentioned let you compare a countertop mini oven with an oven that comes with hot-air cooking accessories.
The models mentioned meet two different needs: oven cooking with the Optimo and cooking rice or similar dishes with a dedicated cooker.
The model mentioned is a countertop combination microwave for anyone who wants to reheat food and have other cooking modes available too.
The model mentioned is a combination microwave worth comparing if you’re looking for several functions in one countertop appliance.
This selection brings together countertop appliances for reheating, oven cooking, meals made in a cooking pot and preparing rice.
Image unavailable
For everyday reheating or defrosting, with a grill too, according to the functions listed for this model.
Stated capacity: 20 L. Power listed in the product name: 700 W.
Image unavailable
For preparing rice or other dishes listed for this model, if a dedicated cooker better suits the meals you usually make.
The product name lists a 4 L capacity, a serving size of 3 to 4 people, a delayed start and a keep-warm function.
Image unavailable
For reheating and combining several cooking functions in one countertop appliance, if its dimensions suit your worktop.
Capacity listed in the product name: 39 L.
Image unavailable
For cooking on a rack or tray if you’re looking for a countertop oven cavity.
Capacity listed in the product name: 23 L.
Image unavailable
For a variety of meals made in the cooking pot, including slow-cooked, steamed, pressure-cooked or rice-based dishes, according to the functions listed for this model.
The product name lists an 8 L capacity, 1 200 W of power and 12 pre-set menus.
Measure the appliance, the space needed to open its door and the clearances specified in its instruction manual. For a countertop microwave, Whirlpool recommends placing it on a flat surface and not blocking the ventilation openings. Check the instructions for each model.
Compare the stated electrical input power for the model and its modes with your available power supply, rather than looking only at the stated cooking power. Enedis notes that a microwave’s power varies by model; the LG MJEN2863G specification also lists different values for different modes.
No. Check the instruction manual for the model you choose. Moulinex says the cooking pot and steam basket of the Cookeo Mini CE880410 are dishwasher-safe; the fact that parts are removable on the Tefal RK601800 mini rice cooker doesn’t confirm that they are dishwasher-safe.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a consumer. According to the DGCCRF, claims under this guarantee are subject to a two-year limitation period from the date the goods are delivered; an optional commercial warranty doesn’t replace it.
Find out about the take-back options available with your order. The DGCCRF outlines the take-back obligations for electrical and electronic equipment; practical arrangements depend on the scheme offered by the retailer.