Start by thinking about what you cook most often: a hob is for frying pans and saucepans, an oven is for dishes you bake, and a microwave is mainly for reheating or defrosting. These appliances can complement one another. Before you buy, check that your cookware is compatible, confirm the installation requirements and dimensions, then compare energy consumption using equivalent uses and units.
If you often use several cooking zones, compare induction and ceramic hobs with your pans and electrical connection in mind. Electrolux France explains which cookware is suitable for induction, while Bosch Électroménager France product specifications distinguish ceramic hobs from induction models.
If you regularly prepare dishes in the oven, consider usable capacity, cooking modes and whether the appliance will fit the housing. Bosch Électroménager France publishes dimensions that vary by model, while the European Commission lists oven energy consumption per cycle and cooking mode.
If you often reheat or defrost food, decide whether you need a solo microwave, a model with a grill or a combination appliance, then check that your containers will fit. Samsung France describes the MS23K3614AK as a solo model; Anses recommends following the power and cooking-time instructions on food packaging.
| What matters | What to check before you buy | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking on several zones | Number and diameter of zones; whether your cookware is suitable for induction. | If I often cook with a frying pan or saucepan, I want to make sure my cookware fits the zones and is compatible with the chosen technology. Around 33% of consumers prioritise cooking on hob zones. |
| Oven cooking | Usable capacity for the dishes you usually cook; appliance and housing dimensions. | If I regularly bake or roast dishes in the oven, I want to check they will fit inside and that the oven will fit in its designated space. Around 27% of consumers put oven cooking first. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Solo, grill or combination functions; dimensions to suit the containers you use. | If I often reheat or defrost portions, I look for the functions I’ll actually use without taking up unnecessary space in my kitchen. Around 20% of consumers prioritise reheating. |
| Installation and energy consumption | The appliance’s connection requirements; housing measurements and how energy use is compared. | In a fitted kitchen, I want to check that the appliance can be installed and connected as intended, and understand its energy consumption figures. Around 20% of consumers put these constraints first. |
When comparing energy consumption, don’t confuse power in watts with kWh per cycle or the energy used for your own cooking. Compare appliances using the same mode and a like-for-like basis. A figure on its own won’t tell you what your actual energy use will be.
The Bosch PKF611BB8E is a ceramic hob, while induction requires compatible cookware. The surface type alone doesn’t tell you how the hob heats.
Check the technology listed for the exact model and make sure your cookware is suitable before you choose. Electrolux France notes, for example, that a magnet should stick to the base of cookware designed for induction.
If your pans aren’t suitable for induction, you may need to replace them.
An appliance’s external dimensions aren’t the same as the dimensions of its built-in housing. Bosch Électroménager France specifications clearly distinguish between appliance dimensions and the measurements required for installation.
Measure the space and check it against the housing dimensions, clearances and ventilation instructions in the manual for your chosen model.
If the space isn’t suitable, you may need to adapt the cabinetry or be unable to install your chosen model.
A solo model is designed for reheating and defrosting; grilling and oven cooking are separate functions. In its December 2024 study of 4 combination ovens and 10 convection ovens, ADEME and the Institut national de la consommation found no general advantage to combination models.
Make a list of the dishes you plan to prepare and check the functions and usable cavity dimensions before you buy.
If you need a grill or oven cooking, a solo microwave may not cover those needs.
Connection power in watts and energy consumption in kWh per cycle measure different things. Cooking time, mode and the food you’re preparing also affect energy use.
Compare figures calculated on the same basis, then consider your recipes and how often you’ll use the appliance. Don’t assume a fixed saving based on a single figure.
A useful reference for comparing selected induction hobs and microwaves with a grill, depending on the models covered.
The models covered include a ceramic hob, a built-in oven and a compact oven with a microwave function.
A useful reference if you’re looking for a solo microwave, mainly for reheating and defrosting.
These models suit a range of home cooking needs, including oven cooking, induction hob cooking, reheating and extra functions on combination appliances.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you regularly cook dishes in the oven and want a choice of cooking modes.
Quoted capacity: 78 l; 12 programmes, including convection and grill; pizza function.
Quoted housing dimensions: 56 × 59 × 56 cm. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if reheating alone isn’t enough and you’d also like additional cooking functions.
Quoted 29 l cavity; microwave, grill and steam functions; 31,5 cm turntable.
Freestanding appliance, with quoted dimensions of 52,3 × 44,9 × 30,0 cm.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for reheating leftovers or defrosting portions in a model described as compact.
Quoted capacity: 20 l; 700 W power; 11 power levels and a defrost function.
Quoted external dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you often cook on several zones and have cookware that’s compatible with induction.
Four zones, nine power levels and Booster function; timer up to 99 minutes, child lock and residual heat indicator.
Quoted cut-out dimensions: 565 × 495 mm. The product is listed without a plug, and installation is specified to be carried out by a qualified electrician.
The product description recommends checking that a magnet sticks to the base of your cookware.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a hob with an integrated extractor and the space and installation are suitable for this model.
Four zones, including two Flex zones; nine power levels; quoted total power of 7 000 W.
Quoted cut-out dimensions: 560 × 490 mm; 32 A connection specified. The product description calls for installation by a professional electrician and cookware compatible with induction.
CBEHKIT installation accessories are listed as sold separately.
Don’t assume the two appliances can share a connection. For new-build or fully renovated homes covered by NF C 15-100 from 23 August 2024, Legrand specifies a dedicated circuit for the hob, with 6 mm² conductors and protection rated at a maximum of 32 A, and a dedicated circuit for the oven, with 2,5 mm² conductors and protection rated at a maximum of 20 A. These guidelines don’t confirm that an existing installation is suitable. Check it against the manuals and get any uncertain connection checked.
Check the base of each saucepan: Electrolux France notes that a magnet should stick to it and recommends a flat, sufficiently thick base. Also check which cookware sizes are compatible with the zones on your chosen model.
Don’t compare their power ratings in watts directly, or figures based on different cooking tasks. The European Commission lists kWh per cycle and cooking mode for ovens, for example, and notes that hobs aren’t required to carry an energy label. Compare appliances and uses on a like-for-like basis, then factor in how often you cook.
Use suitable containers and follow the power and cooking-time instructions on food packaging. Anses recommends following these instructions because reheating can increase the migration of substances from some types of packaging.
The statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance explains that claims are made to the seller and that this guarantee is separate from a commercial extended warranty. Keep your proof of purchase.