Households replacing a hob
If you mainly cook in pots and pans, compare the new hob with the cut-out in your worktop, your cookware and the electrical specifications given for the model.
Who is this guide for?
People who regularly cook in an oven
For dishes cooked inside an oven cavity, choose the capacity and functions to suit the food you prepare, then check the oven’s installation dimensions against your kitchen.
Households that prioritise reheating or a compact appliance
If you mainly reheat, defrost or prepare simple dishes, decide between a freestanding and built-in microwave, then check the capacity and whether a grill or combination mode would be useful.
What should you look for?
First, decide whether you need a hob, an oven or mainly a microwave. If you’re replacing an appliance in an existing kitchen, rule out any models whose installation type, dimensions or electrical specifications aren’t suitable.
| Criteria | What to check | Relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability for your kitchen | Measure the housing or cut-out and compare it with the model’s diagram; also check its electrical specifications. | If I’m keeping my kitchen as it is, I want to know whether the new appliance will fit and can be connected as intended. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Hob cooking | For induction, check that your cookware is magnetic; for any hob, look at the number and size of the cooking zones. | If I mainly cook meals in a pan or pot, the hob type needs to suit my cookware and the way I cook. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Oven cooking | Match the usable capacity and cooking modes to the dishes you usually make; when comparing similar ovens, check the energy label information. | If I regularly cook dishes in an oven cavity, I need a suitable capacity rather than an appliance designed mainly for reheating. Around 21% of consumers put oven cooking first. |
| Reheating and available space | Choose between freestanding and built-in, then check the capacity and whether you need standard, grill or combination functions. | If I mostly reheat or defrost, I’m looking for an appliance that fits the available space. Reheating and size are priorities for around 14% of consumers. |
To compare energy use, consider similar capacities and the same type of usage. The annual energy consumption figures published by ADEME are based on different usage patterns for different appliances, so they don’t rank the four options for preparing the same dish. The European Commission’s guide explains that the energy label for ovens doesn’t cover hobs.
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing induction without checking your pans
An induction hob requires magnetic cookware, as Bosch points out. This means some cookware you already own may not be suitable.
Check the markings on your pots and pans, or test the base with a magnet before choosing an induction hob.
Keeping this type of hob may mean replacing any incompatible cookware.
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Relying on the width of the front alone
Two appliances that look similar don’t necessarily need the same housing or electrical specifications. The dimensions published by Electrolux for its built-in EOF4P46BK and CMS4253EMX models are different.
Measure the existing space, then compare it with the installation diagram and electrical details for the exact model. If necessary, ask a qualified person to check the connection.
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Comparing appliances by their annual energy consumption
ADEME’s annual figures are based on different usage patterns and numbers of cycles, so they don’t compare how each appliance cooks the same dish.
When comparing ovens, look at their capacity, cooking modes and standardised energy label information, rather than comparing category averages alone.
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Looking for the same energy label on every appliance
The European energy labelling framework for ovens doesn’t cover hobs. It also excludes ovens with a microwave heating function.
For a hob or microwave, refer to the model’s specifications and documentation; don’t assign it the energy rating of a conventional oven.
Brands to consider in these categories
Bosch
Bosch’s induction and ceramic hobs offer different configurations to compare when fitting out an existing kitchen.
- According to Bosch’s product specifications, the PVS631HC1M induction hob measures 592 × 522 mm and has four cooking zones, while the PKM631B17E ceramic hob measures 592 × 522 mm and has three.
- These dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that a hob will fit an existing cut-out. Induction also requires magnetic cookware, so check the installation instructions for the model you choose.
Electrolux
Electrolux’s product specifications for built-in ovens and microwaves give you useful points of comparison when checking installation requirements.
- Electrolux lists the EOF4P46BK oven with a capacity of 65 L, a housing size of 590 × 560 × 550 mm and a current rating of 16 A.
- According to Electrolux, its 25 L CMS4253EMX microwave needs a housing size of 380 × 560 × 550 mm and has a current rating of 10 A. Don’t apply the specifications of one appliance to another model or reference.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding microwaves, as well as models with grill or combination functions.
- A freestanding model doesn’t need a built-in housing, so it may be suitable if you have a suitable space on your worktop.
- Available functions vary by model. Check its dimensions, instructions and the cooking modes you actually need.
Hobs and microwaves on Joybuy
These models include induction and ceramic hobs for cooking on the worktop, as well as a freestanding microwave for reheating and other preparations supported by its functions. Choose the type of appliance first, then check the installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
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Hisense HI6432BSCWF Hi6, 60 cm induction hob
Worth considering if you’re replacing a hob for everyday cooking and your cookware is suitable for induction. Before choosing, compare the model’s dimensions and connection requirements with your kitchen.
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TOPWISH, four-zone built-in induction hob, 60 cm
This hob may suit you if you need several cooking zones and your cookware is induction-compatible. The product title lists four zones, a timer and a child lock; check the cut-out and connection requirements in the model’s documentation.
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TOPWISH, four-zone built-in ceramic hob, 60 cm
This option lets you replace a hob without the magnetic cookware requirement that comes with induction. The product title lists four zones and a residual heat indicator; check the cut-out and confirm the electrical specifications before ordering.
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HK654850XB Series 3000, 60 cm ceramic hob
Worth a look if you want to continue cooking on a ceramic hob. Before replacing a built-in hob, compare this model’s installation dimensions and electrical specifications with those of your kitchen.
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Hkoenig VIO9, 25 L freestanding microwave
Consider this if you mainly need to reheat or defrost food, rather than replace all the cooking functions of an oven. It has a stated capacity of 25 L; place it on a stable surface and follow the clearance requirements in the instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can you compare the annual energy consumption of a hob, oven and microwave?
Not as if they all cook in the same way. ADEME’s annual figures are based on usage patterns specific to each category. When choosing between appliances, start with the food you prepare, then compare models and usage conditions that are sufficiently similar.
Do all cooking appliances have the same energy label?
No. The European energy labelling framework applies to domestic electric ovens, among other appliances, but excludes those with a microwave heating function. The European Commission’s guide explains that hobs aren’t covered by the oven energy label. Check which documents apply to the category of the model you choose.
How can I check whether a built-in appliance will replace my old one?
Measure the housing or cut-out and compare it with the installation diagram for the exact model, then check the electrical details provided by the manufacturer. A similar front width doesn’t guarantee the same fit or connection. If needed, ask a qualified person for advice.
Can I keep my pans if I switch to induction?
Yes, if the base of your cookware is suitable for induction. Bosch says this technology requires magnetic cookware, so check the markings or test the base with a magnet before deciding.
What should I do if my appliance doesn’t work or doesn’t match its description?
In France, you can invoke the legal guarantee of conformity if goods don’t conform to their description. The Ministry of the Economy states that the period is two years for both new and second-hand goods. Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller, explaining the problem and giving the relevant model reference.