Households that cook several dishes at once
If saucepans, frying pans and oven dishes regularly feature in the same meal, check how many cooking zones you can use at once and how much room the oven offers.
Who are these options for?
Households with a compact kitchen
To keep the number of appliances down, compare a combination oven with a combination microwave, taking into account their dimensions, capacity and the cooking modes you actually use. ADEME notes that a combination oven can be versatile, although there may be some trade-offs in cooking results.
Households that often reheat meals
If you regularly defrost and reheat portions, a standard microwave may do the job. Consider a grill or combination mode if you’d also like to brown or cook food using these functions, as explained by UFC-Que Choisir.
What should you look for?
Start with the types of cooking you do regularly, then check the space available and whether you can use several appliances at the same time.
Electric or induction hob
Worth considering: if your meals regularly involve saucepans or frying pans, sometimes at the same time.
Keep in mind: a hob can’t cook an oven dish. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that induction requires compatible cookware.
Separate electric oven
Worth considering: if you often cook in the oven and want to keep the hob free while a dish is cooking.
Keep in mind: you’ll need to set aside space for it and choose a cavity that suits your dishes. Don’t assume all ovens have the same capacity.
Combination oven
Worth considering: if you want to combine oven cooking and microwave functions in one appliance that suits your kitchen.
Keep in mind: ADEME notes that cooking results may differ from those you’d expect from a traditional oven. Also check the model’s capacity and cooking modes.
Additional microwave
Worth considering: if reheating and defrosting matter more to you than regularly cooking large dishes in the oven.
Keep in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, grill and fan-assisted cooking functions depend on the type of microwave. Don’t assume they’re included on a standard model.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking several dishes at once | Number of cooking zones suited to your cookware; oven capacity for the dishes you usually make. | If you need to heat several saucepans or frying pans while a dish cooks in the oven, you’ll need to prepare everything at the same time. This would be the main requirement for around 27% of the consumers concerned. |
| Space available | Dimensions for positioning or built-in installation; cavity capacity and clearances specified in the manual. | In a compact kitchen, combining functions may matter more than having a large cavity. Around 33% of the consumers concerned would prioritise the appliance’s footprint. |
| Reheating and portions | Internal capacity and the functions actually included, particularly grill or convection if you plan to use them. | If you mainly reheat leftovers or defrost portions, these tasks may take priority over cooking large dishes in the oven. They would be the priority for around 20% of the consumers concerned. |
| Energy use and size | For an oven covered by energy labelling, check capacity and energy use per cycle. For other appliances, consider their specifications and how often you’ll use them. | If an appliance could be too large for your usual meals, its size and energy use become key factors. Around 20% of the consumers concerned would make this their main consideration. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing induction without checking your saucepans
An induction hob needs cookware with compatible bases. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, not all your existing cookware will necessarily work.
Check the markings on your saucepans and frying pans, or test their bases with a magnet, before choosing a hob.
If some of your cookware isn’t compatible, replacing it adds another cost to fitting out your kitchen.
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Assuming a combination appliance has as much room as a separate oven
The number of functions alone doesn’t tell you how large a dish will fit inside. Bosch and Whirlpool list capacities of 45 L and 52 L respectively for the CMG7241B1 and WCT7A9PHTSBF. These figures don’t apply to all combination appliances.
Measure the dishes you use regularly, then compare the capacity, dimensions and functions of the model you’re considering.
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Comparing appliances on the basis of power alone
Power ratings alone don’t tell you how much energy an appliance will use for your needs. ADEME’s published annual figures are based on set numbers of cycles and can’t predict how much energy an individual household will use.
For an oven covered by energy labelling, check the energy use per cycle alongside the capacity, then consider these figures in relation to how often you cook.
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Leaving your old appliance until delivery day
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says electrical appliances can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, or returned to a retailer.
Before replacing an appliance, find out what take-back options are available for your order, or choose a suitable drop-off point.
Brands to know
Bosch
Worth considering for its compact built-in ovens with microwave functions. Check each model rather than assuming the whole range offers the same features.
- Bosch lists a 45 L cavity and dimensions of 455 × 594 × 548 mm for the CMG7241B1.
- These dimensions and this capacity apply to this specific model. Check that it will fit in your chosen space and accommodate your dishes.
Whirlpool
A useful brand to compare when looking at the features of certain compact built-in combination ovens.
- Whirlpool lists a 52 L cavity, fan-assisted cooking, steam and three cooking levels for the WCT7A9PHTSBF.
- Its listed depth of 54,3 cm and weight of 42,5 kg mean you’ll need to check the space available and the installation requirements for this model.
Samsung
The MC28H5015AW is an example of the features to compare in a countertop combination microwave.
- Samsung lists a 28 L capacity and microwave, grill and convection modes for this model.
- Samsung’s French website says this model is no longer available. Use its specifications as points of comparison, not as an indication of availability.
Appliances for these needs on Joybuy
This selection includes an induction hob for cooking with saucepans or frying pans, plus countertop microwaves for reheating and other cooking modes, depending on the model. Start by choosing the type of appliance that suits the meals you prepare, then check its dimensions and functions.
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TOPWISH 60 cm built-in induction hob, four zones
Worth considering if you use several saucepans or frying pans while preparing a meal. The hob has four zones and nine listed power levels, as well as touch controls, a timer and a residual heat indicator. Before installation, check that your cookware is compatible, confirm the cut-out dimensions and check the electrical connection requirements.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB combination microwave, 42 L
If you want to combine reheating with several cooking modes in a countertop appliance, this model has a listed capacity of 42 L and microwave, grill, convection and steam functions. Check the space needed for ventilation and which accessories are included, particularly if you’re interested in the rotisserie.
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LG MJ3965ACS combination microwave, 39 L
Worth considering if you’d like a countertop appliance that does more than just reheat food. The product description lists a 39 L capacity, a 36 cm turntable and microwave, grill, convection and steam functions. Before comparing its power with that of other models, ask what the listed 1900 W refers to. Also check the ventilation clearances.
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Electrolux EMZ421MMTI freestanding microwave, 21 L
For reheating, defrosting and browning portions, this model has a listed capacity of 21 L, microwave power of 800 W and a 1000 W grill. Make sure your usual dishes fit inside and allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
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Beko MGC20100B1 microwave with grill, 20 L
If reheating and defrosting portions are your main priorities, with occasional browning, this freestanding model has a listed capacity of 20 L, 700 W of microwave power and an 800 W grill. Check that your dishes fit inside and allow for the ventilation clearance required where it will be placed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the energy label to compare all cooking appliances?
No. The European Commission says mandatory energy labelling applies to domestic ovens and cooker hoods, but not to every type of cooking appliance. When comparing two ovens covered by the scheme, check their capacity and energy use per cycle in the modes shown on the label.
Can I keep all my saucepans if I buy an induction hob?
Only if their bases are compatible with induction. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking your cookware: look for the relevant markings or test the base with a magnet before choosing your hob.
Can a combination microwave replace my oven?
It can handle some oven cooking if the model has the necessary modes and your dishes fit inside, but it won’t automatically be a suitable replacement. ADEME points out that combination appliances may involve some trade-offs in cooking results. Before giving up a separate oven, compare the capacity and dimensions and consider the types of cooking you do most often.
What should I do with my old cooking appliance?
In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition lists options including taking electrical appliances to a collection point or recycling centre, or returning them to a retailer. If you’re replacing an appliance, find out before delivery what take-back options are available for your order.