For meals that regularly involve cooking in a frying pan or saucepan, a hob remains essential, complemented by a conventional oven if you often make bakes, roasts or pastries. A microwave on its own is mainly suitable for reheating and defrosting, while a combination oven can bring several functions together in a compact kitchen, provided you check the housing, capacity, features and electrical supply.
If you regularly use saucepans, frying pans and an oven, make sure you have a hob for direct cooking, then choose an oven based on how much space your oven dishes require. The microwave can then serve as a handy extra.
An integrated combination microwave oven can bring several functions together when space is limited. However, check the housing, depth, ventilation requirements specified by the manufacturer and the capacity suited to the quantities you usually prepare.
If you rarely prepare oven dishes and are mainly looking for speed, a standard microwave may meet your everyday needs without taking up the space or offering the functions of a more complex appliance.
Start by listing the dishes you actually prepare, then compare the appliance you are considering with the space available and the installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking method | Identify the cooking you do in frying pans and saucepans, the dishes that require an oven cavity, and your reheating or defrosting needs. For a combination appliance, check the modes actually listed: microwave, grill, convection or other functions. | I want the appliance to suit the dishes I usually prepare, rather than offer versatility I will rarely use. |
| Housing and capacity | Compare the installation dimensions, depth, installation type and usable capacity in litres. Also check the installation and ventilation clearances specified in the manual. | My kitchen must be able to accommodate the appliance, and the cavity must fit the dishes and quantities I prepare. |
| Electrical supply | For an electric hob or cooker, Promotelec specifies a dedicated 32 A circuit. Promotelec guidance also provides for a dedicated circuit for the oven; check the connection required for the model. | I want to confirm that the consumer unit and existing supply are suitable before arranging installation. |
| Energy use and usage period | For the ovens concerned, compare the capacity and consumption per cycle for each cooking mode on the energy label. The European Commission states that appliances offering microwave heating are not covered by this oven label. | I am looking for comparable data for the use that matters to me, without treating a combination appliance like a conventional oven based on the label alone. |
A combination appliance can bring together microwave, grill and convection functions, but its cavity and installation dimensions vary from one model to another. A compact capacity or single cavity may limit your ability to prepare several recipes at the same time.
Measure the housing and check the usable capacity, included accessories and the cooking functions you will use before replacing a conventional oven.
The European Commission states that appliances with a microwave heating function fall outside the scope of the oven energy label. This information alone therefore does not allow for a complete comparison.
For a combination appliance, also examine the capacity, available modes, installation type and technical documents for the specific model.
Hobs and ovens are among the appliances for which Promotelec guidance specifies a dedicated supply. Adapting the installation may affect how the project is organised.
Before placing your order, have the existing supply, consumer unit and connection method stated in the manual checked.
Anses advises switching on the extractor hood while cooking. General ventilation in the home must be maintained, and a powered hood must not be connected to a shared extraction system without checking that the configuration is permitted.
Follow the guidance for your home and appliance, and use the hood when it is suitable for the installation.
In France, Bosch offers compact integrated combination microwave ovens, presented by the brand as an option for smaller spaces.
The French range includes integrated combination microwave ovens with multiple functions, including fan-assisted heat, steam and Crisp functions, depending on the model.
Electrolux offers compact integrated ovens combining microwave and oven functions, with installation documents available for the relevant models.
Joybuy options covering hobs, integrated ovens and microwaves for everyday meals, depending on the space available and the type of cooking you are looking for.
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An option for households that regularly prepare roasts, bakes or pastries in the oven.
Listed specifications include a 71 L capacity, 7 heating modes, 5 shelf positions and 3D hot-air function.
Check the 58.5–59.5 × 56–56.8 × 55 cm housing, the prescribed clearances and the home's electrical supply.
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This hob is designed for everyday saucepan and frying-pan cooking, with several items to prepare at the same time.
Listed specifications include four zones, nine power levels, a total power rating of 6,000 W and a 560 × 490 mm cut-out.
It requires magnetic cookware; also check the cut-out, specified ventilation and the suitable circuit.
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Suitable for everyday reheating and defrosting in a small kitchen.
Listed specifications include a 20 L capacity, 700 W power rating, 11 power levels, weight- or time-based defrosting and dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
This microwave does not replace an oven for cooking that requires roasting or a large cavity; consult the manual for installation and ventilation requirements.
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A compact solution for reheating or defrosting small portions on a worktop where space is limited.
Listed specifications include a 19 L capacity, 700 W power rating, five power levels, a 30-minute timer and a 245 mm turntable.
It is not suitable for dishes requiring a large cavity or oven cooking modes; check the clearances specified in the manual.
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An additional hob for active cooking in a small kitchen or when there is little room for a permanently installed appliance.
Listed specifications include adjustable power from 100 to 2,000 W, temperatures from 60 to 270 °C, a timer and a stated thickness of 44.5 mm.
It has a single zone and requires flat-bottomed magnetic cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm; keep the ventilation openings clear.
No. For an installation covered by the provisions described by Promotelec, an electric hob or cooker requires a dedicated circuit. Promotelec specifies a 32 A circuit; have the existing installation checked before buying or replacing one.
Yes. The oven is listed among the appliances supplied by a dedicated circuit in Promotelec guidance. The rating, wiring and compatibility with the home's installation must match the model you choose.
Not completely. The European Commission states that appliances offering a microwave heating function fall outside the scope of the oven energy label; also compare the capacity, functions, installation type and technical documents for the model.
Yes. The French order relating to ventilation in homes provides for general and continuous ventilation under the conditions it defines. Anses advises switching on the hood while cooking; do not connect a powered hood to a shared extraction system without checking that the configuration is permitted.
At a minimum, compare the efficiency class, capacity in litres and consumption per cycle in conventional heat and fan-assisted heat modes. These figures allow you to compare standardised modes, but do not replace checking the dimensions and cooking functions.