Cooking in a frying pan or saucepan
If you often cook dishes on a hob, compare the heating technology, the zones that suit your cookware and the connection required.
Who are these appliances for ?
Regularly making oven-baked dishes
Capacity, cooking modes and the space available in the housing all matter if your meals often include dishes that need baking or cooking on several shelves.
Reheating or defrosting portions
If you mainly use a microwave to reheat or defrost food, distinguish a basic model from one with a grill or a true combination model before relying on it for other types of cooking.
What should you compare before buying ?
Start with the cooking method you use most often, then compare the appliances against your available space, installation requirements and energy-use habits.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking on a hob | Actual heating technology, number and size of cooking zones; whether your cookware is suitable for induction. | I mainly cook in a frying pan or saucepan and want to choose zones that suit my cookware; around 40 % of consumers prioritise cooking on a hob. |
| Oven-baked dishes | Usable capacity and modes suited to your recipes; dimensions of the housing and aperture. | When my meals often include oven-baked dishes, I check the capacity, functions and space for installation; around 30 % of consumers put this type of cooking first. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Whether the advertised functions are basic, grill or combination; the size of your dishes and guidance on suitable containers. | I mainly want to reheat or defrost portions and distinguish a basic model from a grill or combination model; around 10 % of consumers prioritise this use. |
| Space and installation | Cut-out or housing dimensions given in the manual; check whether the appliance’s connection needs to be assessed. | If space or the existing installation limits my options, I check the dimensions and connection first; around 10 % of consumers put these constraints first. |
| Energy use | Compare figures based on a consistent approach that reflects how you use the appliance; check the applicable energy label, particularly for ovens covered by the scheme. | I want to compare energy use against the meals I actually make, rather than relying on an average in isolation; around 10 % of consumers prioritise energy use. |
ADEME’s annual benchmarks are based on appliances and usage frequencies defined for the comparison; they do not predict an individual household’s bill. For an oven covered by the labelling scheme in France, check the model’s label rather than applying its information to another appliance category.
Mistakes to avoid before choosing
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Confusing a ceramic surface with the heating technology
An induction hob can have a ceramic-glass surface: this description does not mean it uses radiant cooking zones. Bosch describes the surface of the PUE611BB5E as ceramic glass, while UFC-Que Choisir notes that induction requires compatible cookware.
Check the line specifying the hob type or its technology, then make sure your frying pans and saucepans are suitable.
If your cookware is not suitable for induction, you will need to budget for compatible items.
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Choosing a built-in appliance based only on its advertised width
The stated width alone is not enough to confirm that an appliance will fit the cut-out or housing. Dimensions and connections vary by model; Promotelec describes dedicated circuits for certain kitchen appliances, but this does not confirm that a particular installation is suitable.
Check the dimensions in the manual and, if necessary, have the connection checked before buying or installing the appliance.
Adapting the cabinet or installation may require a separate, planned visit from a professional.
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Assuming a microwave with a grill can replace a conventional oven
A grill and fan-assisted cooking are different functions. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a microwave grill, which can brown food, and a combination microwave that also offers cooking functions similar to a conventional oven.
Make a list of the dishes you plan to cook and check the model’s advertised functions carefully.
If your recipes need a function the appliance does not have, you may need to use or buy a separate oven.
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Taking an annual reference figure as a guaranteed saving
ADEME’s figures are based on appliances and usage frequencies defined for the comparison; a household’s meals and number of cooking sessions may differ.
Compare figures on a consistent basis and take your own usage into account. An annual average cannot tell you what your personal bill will be.
Brands to consider by appliance type
These examples relate to specific models; their features do not represent every product range from each brand.
Bosch
The PUE611BB5E is an example of an induction hob, while the HBA553BA0 is a built-in oven: two different uses and installations to consider separately.
- Bosch’s product details list pan detection and a switch-off timer for the hob, as well as several cooking modes for the oven.
- Check that your cookware is compatible and confirm the hob connection requirements, then check the specific housing dimensions for your chosen oven.
Electrolux
The CRR6432CK is an example of a ceramic hob with radiant cooking zones. Compare it with an induction hob based on your cookware and cooking habits.
- Electrolux’s product details set out the cooking zones and built-in dimensions for this model.
- Check that the cooking zones suit your pans, and confirm the cut-out dimensions in the model’s product details.
Whirlpool
The MWP 253 B is an example of a freestanding microwave with a grill, designed for a different use from a basic microwave or a combination model with fan-assisted cooking.
- Whirlpool’s product details list a 25 L capacity, a 27 cm turntable and a grill function for this model.
- A grill alone does not mean the model has the functions of a conventional oven; also check the ventilation clearances in the manual.
Cooking appliances on Joybuy
This selection includes an induction hob, a ceramic hob, a built-in oven and two microwaves, one of which is a combination model.
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Candy CA6 NP5B3HTX, 78 L built-in oven
For oven-baked dishes, this built-in oven has a stated capacity of 78 L. Its name also mentions Air Fry, Wi-Fi and hydrolytic cleaning.
The compatible housing dimensions are listed as 56 × 59 × 56 cm; check your cabinet measurements and the manual before installation.
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Hisense HI6432BSCWF Hi6, 60 cm induction hob
If you cook in a frying pan or saucepan, consider this 60 cm built-in induction hob if your cookware is compatible.
The stated connection power is 7,36 kW; check that your installation is suitable and confirm the housing dimensions in the model’s documentation.
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Whirlpool AKT 801-NE, 4-zone ceramic hob
This four-zone built-in ceramic hob is an option for cooking on a hob without choosing induction technology.
The stated cut-out dimensions are 560 × 490 mm and the connection is hardwired by a qualified electrician; check these requirements before buying.
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COMFEE' CM-E202CC(WH), 20 L microwave, 700 W
For reheating or defrosting portions, this microwave has a stated capacity of 20 L and power of 700 W.
Its name lists six cooking programmes, eleven power levels, defrosting and an express cooking function.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave, 3-in-1
If you want an appliance for reheating and are considering other types of cooking too, this combination microwave has a stated capacity of 42 L and a 3-in-1 configuration.
Check that it has the functions your recipes need, particularly if you’re looking for an oven-style cooking mode, rather than relying on the term ‘3-in-1’ alone.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether a hob or built-in oven will fit my kitchen ?
Compare the cut-out or housing dimensions with the model’s manual, and, if necessary, have the power supply and connection checked before installation. Promotelec describes dedicated circuits for hobs and certain other appliances; the right connection depends on your home and the product.
Can you install a freestanding microwave inside a cabinet ?
Don’t assume a freestanding model will fit in a recess: check its manual and make sure its ventilation grilles are not blocked. Whirlpool also advises against placing anything on top of its microwaves in its installation guidance.
Can a microwave with a grill replace a fan oven ?
Not simply because it has a grill. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a microwave grill, which can brown food, and a combination model that also offers cooking functions similar to a conventional oven. Check the advertised functions of the model you’re considering.
Which energy label should you look for on an oven in France ?
For ovens covered by the labelling scheme, check the model’s label. In information published on 6 June 2025, the Ministry of the Economy states that the ovens concerned are among the products subject to this requirement, including when sold online. Do not apply this rule to another appliance category.
What precautions should you take when reheating packaged food in a microwave ?
Check that the packaging is suitable for microwave use and follow the preparation, power and timing instructions. Anses advises consumers to follow the instructions provided for food designed to be prepared in a microwave.