People who cook every day
Food storage and a way to cook should come before additional appliances. If you regularly buy frozen food or prepare meals in batches, compare the fridge and freezer capacities of the model you’re considering.
Who are these choices for?
People living in a studio flat or with a small kitchen
Measure the available space and check which appliances are already there before adding anything else. An appliance with several functions only saves space if its dimensions work in your kitchen.
People who mainly prepare quick meals
If you already have a hob or oven, reheating and defrosting may be the main reasons to choose a microwave. Other small appliances are for more specific kinds of preparation.
What should you look at first?
Start with what’s missing from your home: food storage and cooking serve different purposes. Then consider the space you have, your eating habits and whether an additional food-preparation appliance would be useful.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Storing food and cooking every day | Make a list of the appliances already there, then consider how much fresh and frozen food you need to store and how you usually cook. | I want to store my shopping and prepare meals without relying on an appliance that isn’t included in the home. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this everyday independence. |
| Saving space | Measure the space, check how far doors open and allow for the clearances specified in the manual. | In my small kitchen, a useful appliance mustn’t block the worktop or access to cupboards. Around 29% of consumers put saving space first. |
| Preparing quick meals | Distinguish between reheating and defrosting and cooking in an oven; compare the functions and capacity of the microwave you’re considering. | When I often rely on meals that need reheating, I mainly want an appliance suited to that purpose. Around 21% of consumers prioritise quick meals. |
| Making a particular dish regularly | Think about the recipes you make often, then check the accessories, cleaning requirements and storage space. | If I often make soups or sauces, a blender could suit a real habit rather than simply adding another appliance to my kitchen. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this kind of specific preparation. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying before checking the kitchen
There may already be a hob, oven, fridge or microwave that does the job you have in mind.
Make a note of what’s there, what’s missing and how often you’d use each new appliance.
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Choosing a fridge based on its energy rating alone
According to the European Commission, the label also shows annual energy consumption, storage capacity and noise levels. The letter alone doesn’t tell you whether a model suits your needs.
Compare these details across appliances with the fridge and freezer capacities that work for you, and don’t forget to check their dimensions.
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Confusing a basic microwave with a combination microwave
Whirlpool describes a combination microwave as an appliance that combines microwave cooking with convection. That doesn’t mean every model has the functions or capacity you need for your recipes.
Make a list of the dishes you want to cook, then check the model’s settings, capacity and dimensions.
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Assuming every small appliance is essential
A blender, food processor or multi-cooker is suited to different kinds of preparation, and also needs to be stored and cleaned.
Start with the recipes you make often. For the model you choose, check which accessories are included and whether repairs are possible. ADEME also recommends checking access to documentation and spare parts.
Brands to know
Bosch
A brand worth considering for freestanding or integrated fridge-freezers.
- Bosch offers fridge-freezers with both fridge and freezer compartments.
- Check the dimensions, capacities and noise level of the specific model rather than assuming they’re the same across a range.
Beko
A brand to explore for different fridge-freezer configurations.
- Depending on the model, Beko offers different compartment layouts and cooling functions.
- The functions listed by the brand don’t replace comparing the capacity, noise level and energy consumption of the model you choose.
Whirlpool
A brand to look at when comparing basic microwaves, freestanding combination models and built-in options.
- Whirlpool offers combination models that bring together microwave cooking and convection.
- Check the available settings, capacity and installation requirements. Extra functions are only useful if you’ll use them.
Moulinex
A brand to explore for additional food-preparation and cooking appliances.
- Its range includes blenders, food processors and multi-cookers.
- Choose based on the recipes you make first, then check which parts and accessories are available for the model.
Appliances to suit your needs
These products meet three different needs in a first home: storing fresh and frozen food, having a worktop cooking appliance or preparing certain recipes with a blender. Start by choosing the function you’re missing.
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Samsung RL38C602CSA, 390 L fridge-freezer, grey
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The title lists a capacity of 390 L and a C energy rating. Measure the space and check the capacity of each compartment, as well as the clearance needed for installation.
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Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L fridge-freezer, black
For storing fresh and frozen food when space needs to be carefully considered. This freestanding model is listed with a total capacity of 174 L, Low Frost and a reversible door. Compare the separate compartment capacities with your shopping needs, and check the energy label and dimensions before choosing.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer, silver
Another option for keeping fresh and frozen food in a kitchen where width matters. The title lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm and an E energy rating. Also check the height, clearance, annual energy consumption and noise level.
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KitchenCook CRISPX Panoramic, air fryer with glass bowls
Worth considering for dishes suited to a worktop air fryer, but don’t assume it replaces an oven or hob. Check the bowl capacity, available temperatures and the clearances required in the manual. Hot glass bowls need careful handling and should be left to cool before washing.
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ROUNY H1, 4-in-1 hand blender, up to 1,200 W
Worth considering if you regularly blend or chop ingredients. The title lists a 700 ml beaker, a 500 ml chopper and a whisk. The 1,200 W figure is the maximum power, not the rated power. Follow the limit of one minute’s continuous use followed by a one-minute rest, and allow space to store the accessories.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare two fridges beyond their energy ratings?
Compare their annual energy consumption, fridge and freezer capacities, and noise levels, as well as their dimensions. The European Commission says this information appears on fridge labels; the QR code may also give you access to additional details about the model.
Can a combination microwave replace an oven?
It can handle some oven-cooking tasks if the model has the right settings and enough capacity for your dishes, but it isn’t automatically a suitable replacement. Whirlpool describes combination models as combining microwave cooking and convection. Before deciding you don’t need an oven, check the exact functions, dimensions and installation requirements.
What should I check for appliance use and repair?
For a fridge, compare the annual energy consumption on the label across models that offer the same storage capacity. For repairs, ADEME recommends checking the documentation, how the appliance can be dismantled and whether spare parts are available for the model you’re considering.