For regular meals, start by choosing according to what you cook: a hob for pans and saucepans, an oven for dishes you want to bake or roast, and a microwave mainly as an extra for reheating. When choosing between a ceramic hob and an induction hob, your cookware’s compatibility can make all the difference. For each appliance, check its dimensions, installation requirements and any available energy consumption information against your kitchen.
If these are the cooking methods you use for most meals, start by looking at the number, size and layout of the cooking zones. ADEME points out that kitchen appliances can be used every day, or even several times a day, so controls and zones that suit your pans matter more than a feature you rarely use.
If you need to heat several pans at once, it’s worth paying attention to the layout of the cooking zones. For oven dishes, check the capacity and cooking modes separately. Electrolux describes a fan-assisted cooking function that, on applicable ovens, lets you bake or roast on several levels.
The space available may guide your choice between a freestanding and built-in appliance. A microwave can meet your reheating needs without automatically taking the place of a hob or oven. Check the dimensions and features of the model you’re considering before deciding where to put it.
Think about hob cooking, oven dishes and reheating separately: you may need more than one appliance for these tasks. Once you’ve worked out what you need, check the space, your cookware and the specifications of the exact model, rather than assuming it will be suitable based on its category alone.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Hob cooking | Number and layout of the cooking zones; if you choose induction, check that your pans have magnetic bases. | If I cook most meals in a saucepan or frying pan, I want to use my usual cookware and manage several pans at once; around 31% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Oven dishes | Capacity in litres and the cooking modes actually available; for a built-in model, check the dimensions of the housing unit. | When I make bakes, roasts or several portions, I need an oven with enough capacity for the dishes I plan to cook; this would be the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Small spaces and reheating | Dimensions, freestanding or built-in installation, and the features of the microwave or combination appliance. | In a compact kitchen, I’m mainly looking for a suitable spot to reheat food or prepare small portions; around 19% of consumers would prioritise this use. |
| Energy consumption and useful life | For an oven, capacity and energy consumption per cycle for comparable modes; for any appliance, check the repairability information available and the conditions specific to the model. | If I’ll be using the appliance regularly, I want to be able to check its energy consumption data and information relevant to its useful life before choosing; around 25% of consumers would put this concern first. |
When comparing ovens, the European Commission describes the energy label for applicable models as a guide that shows, among other things, their capacity and energy consumption per cycle. Hobs don’t carry the same label, so don’t compare an oven’s energy class with a hob as if they were measured in the same way. An appliance’s rated power alone won’t tell you how much energy it will use for your meals.
An induction hob needs cookware with magnetic bases. Pans that aren’t compatible won’t work for induction cooking.
Before you order, look for an induction-compatible symbol or test the base with a magnet, then check the pan sizes the hob can accommodate. UFC-Que Choisir and Whirlpool highlight this compatibility requirement.
If your pans aren’t suitable, you may need to replace them.
Two ovens with different capacities or cooking modes may not suit the same meals. According to the European Commission, the label for applicable ovens also shows their capacity and energy consumption per cycle.
Match the capacity to the dishes you usually cook and compare energy consumption for equivalent cooking modes, checking that each model offers those modes.
The advertised width of a hob or oven isn’t enough to tell you whether it will fit in your worktop or unit. Electrical requirements and built-in dimensions also vary by model.
Check the diagram and manual for the exact model, then compare them with your available space and installation. If electrical work may be needed, seek advice from a qualified professional.
An unsuitable unit or installation may mean you need to change your plans before you can use the appliance.
A microwave is useful for reheating, among other things, but its features won’t necessarily cover the dishes you want to brown, bake or roast. The extra features on a combination appliance vary by model.
Make a list of the dishes you actually prepare, then check the programmes on offer. A microwave may be useful as an extra, while an oven is designed for other types of cooking.
Bosch’s range in France includes induction hobs, ceramic hobs and different cooking-zone layouts.
Electrolux’s cooking range in France includes induction hobs, ovens, cookers and microwaves.
Whirlpool’s range in France includes ovens, microwaves, cookers and induction hobs.
These Joybuy models include induction hobs, a ceramic hob and a built-in oven. To choose between them, start with the cooking you do, then check your cookware, available space and the installation requirements of the model you’re considering.
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Worth considering if you need an induction hob for everyday meals. It’s listed as 60 cm wide. Check that your pans have magnetic bases, and compare the model’s manual with the space and power supply available in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you use several pans and want to explore a function that combines cooking zones. The title lists it as 60 cm wide, but another width appears in the model information. Check the exact dimensions on the installation diagram. Also check that your cookware and installation are compatible.
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Worth considering for oven dishes and portions that need the listed capacity of 71 L. Check the number of oven cavities before buying: the model title and description don’t agree on this point. Also check the built-in dimensions and compare energy consumption per cycle only for equivalent modes.
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Worth considering for frying-pan or saucepan cooking if this semi-flush-fit design suits your plans. It’s listed as 59 cm wide. Before choosing this hob, check that your pans have magnetic bases and consult the model’s manual for the installation type and power supply requirements.
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Compare it with an induction hob if you want to cook on a hob without relying on pans with magnetic bases. It’s listed as 60 cm wide. Before buying, check the built-in dimensions and electrical specifications against your kitchen.
Not if their bases are induction-compatible. Whirlpool recommends looking for the relevant symbol or testing the base with a magnet. Also check which pan sizes the hob you choose can accommodate.
In the European Union, the energy labelling requirements described by the European Commission apply to domestic ovens, but not to hobs. For a hob, check the model information; for an oven covered by the label, also look at its capacity and energy consumption per cycle.
Compare the energy efficiency class, capacity in litres and energy consumption per cycle for the relevant cooking modes. According to the European Commission, these details appear on the label of applicable domestic ovens. Match them to the modes and capacity you actually need.