Start by replacing the appliance you use for your main type of cooking: the hob for meals prepared in pans, the oven for dishes that need an oven cavity, or the microwave if you mainly reheat and defrost food. Before choosing a model, check its dimensions and power supply against your kitchen; if you’re considering induction, check your cookware too. ADEME’s energy consumption figures can help inform your choice, but the reference usage differs from one appliance to another.
If you use saucepans and frying pans for most of your meals, choosing a hob is the first priority. Whether you opt for induction or ceramic, check that your existing cookware is suitable, then make sure the electrical circuit and space are right for the new model.
For gratins, baking or meals prepared in several portions, capacity and cooking modes matter just as much as whether the oven will fit in your unit. Measure the housing and check the power supply, door clearance and ventilation requirements in the manual.
If you often reheat or defrost small portions, a microwave can be a useful addition. A combination model offers other cooking modes, depending on the model, but its capacity and features should suit the meals you actually make.
First, think about what you’ll cook most often with your new appliance, then check that it will fit and can be connected in your kitchen. The needs below show which criterion each group of consumers would put first; you should still check the other criteria before buying.
| Criterion | What to check | Which consumers? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and built-in fitting | Compare the model’s connection requirements, power and voltage with your existing installation; measure the cut-out or housing and check the ventilation instructions. | When my existing unit or electrical circuit limits my options, I want to avoid choosing an appliance that can’t be installed there. Around 31% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Hob cooking | For induction, check that your cookware has a magnetic base; also compare the number and size of the cooking zones with your pans. | If I mainly prepare meals in saucepans or frying pans, I want a hob that suits the cookware I use. Hob cooking would be the top criterion for around 25% of consumers. |
| Oven cooking | Consider the oven capacity, the cooking modes you need and the dimensions of the housing; check the energy consumption information for the model. | If I regularly cook oven dishes or several portions, I need an oven cavity that fits the meals I usually make. Around 19% of consumers would prioritise this cooking capacity. |
| Combining functions | For a combination appliance, check which modes it actually offers, its usable capacity, the accessories included and the space needed for installation. | With limited space, I want to combine several uses in one appliance without compromising on the capacity I need for my meals. Around 13% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the capacity, the space available for containers and the defrosting functions of the microwave you’re considering. | If I mainly reheat leftovers or defrost small portions, I prioritise an appliance that can handle these tasks. Around 12% of consumers would make this their main requirement. |
ADEME gives different reference figures for annual energy consumption for hobs, ovens and microwaves. These figures don’t compare the same recipe cooked in three different appliances. Use them to understand how each appliance might fit into your household’s usage, rather than to decide which one is best for every meal. For hobs, its table gives figures of 200 kWh/year for an average ceramic hob and 115 kWh/year for a new, highly efficient induction hob, based on the usage conditions specified.
The visible dimensions don’t tell you the cut-out size or the electrical requirements. For example, Electrolux’s product information for the CRR6432CK ceramic hob gives a maximum power rating of 6 500 W and a cut-out width of 560 mm. These figures apply to this model only.
Measure the existing opening and compare the product information and manual with your available connection. Ask a qualified professional to assess any electrical changes.
If the cut-out or connection isn’t suitable, you may need to make adjustments before installation.
Bosch says that cookware used on an induction hob must contain magnetic metal. So not all the frying pans and saucepans you own will necessarily be suitable.
Check which items you plan to keep before choosing an induction hob.
You may need to replace some of your saucepans or frying pans.
ADEME’s figures are based on different appliances and usage patterns. A lower annual figure for a microwave doesn’t mean it can do the same jobs as an oven or hob.
First choose an appliance to suit the way you usually cook, then consider its energy consumption figures in the context of how it will be used.
Whirlpool’s WCT11A9FHTSSMAF combination oven brings together microwave, fan-assisted and steam cooking in a stated 52 L cavity. That doesn’t guarantee its capacity and accessories will suit every dish your household prepares.
Compare the size of your dishes, usable capacity, accessories and available modes with the meals you make most often. Also check the housing and clearance requirements in the manual.
Bosch’s information about its induction hobs can help you check whether your cookware is compatible.
The product information for an Electrolux built-in ceramic hob shows which measurements to compare with your existing kitchen.
Whirlpool’s information about a combination oven and built-in oven installation can help you assess its features, capacity and available space.
These appliances suit different approaches to updating your everyday cooking: adding a microwave, choosing a built-in oven, or cooking on a portable or built-in induction hob. They aren’t designed for the same needs, so check the installation requirements for each model before you choose.
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Worth considering if you want several functions in a worktop appliance rather than a microwave designed solely for reheating.
The product name indicates a 3-in-1 combination model with a capacity of 42 L. Check the exact modes, power supply and ventilation clearances in the manual. This capacity alone doesn’t mean it will replace your oven for every meal.
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Worth considering if you regularly need an oven cavity for your meals and have a suitable housing available.
The product name indicates a capacity of 78 L. Before installing it, check the model’s electrical power requirements, housing dimensions, connection and ventilation clearances in the documentation.
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A portable model is worth considering if you need an extra cooking zone or a hob that doesn’t require a cut-out in your worktop.
The product name mentions eight power levels and cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Check that your pans have a magnetic base and confirm that your installation meets the power supply requirements.
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Worth considering if cooking on several zones is part of your everyday routine and you’re looking for a built-in hob.
The product name indicates nine power levels. Before choosing this model, check the cut-out and the connection and ventilation requirements in the manual, as well as the magnetic compatibility of your cookware. Ask a qualified professional to check the electrical circuit.
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Worth considering as an extra appliance if your main needs are reheating and defrosting, rather than cooking in an oven or on a hob.
The product name indicates a capacity of 20 L and microwave power of 700 W. Before setting aside space for it, check its exact external dimensions, ventilation clearances and input power.
No. As Bosch explains in its induction guidance, their bases need to contain magnetic metal. Check each saucepan and frying pan you want to keep before replacing your hob.
Yes, because the appliance’s dimensions alone won’t confirm that it can be installed. For a hob, compare the cut-out, power supply and connection requirements with the manual. For a built-in oven, also check the housing, door clearance and ventilation clearances.
Promotelec describes a dedicated circuit for a hob, including a 32 A cable outlet for the single-phase setup shown. Don’t assume this means your installation is suitable for a particular model: ask a qualified professional to confirm your setup and the connection required.
Not on the basis of annual energy consumption alone. ADEME’s figures are based on different usage patterns. Choose a microwave for the tasks you actually need it to perform, and check that it offers the cooking modes you need before deciding to do without an oven.