Households that cook a variety of meals
If you regularly make gratins, roasts and bakes, or cook several dishes at once, consider the oven’s capacity and settings. Don’t forget the hob for cooking in saucepans and frying pans.
Who are these options for?
Kitchens where space is limited
In a kitchenette or a fitted unit with set dimensions, compare the appliance and cabinet dimensions, the internal capacity and the ventilation requirements before focusing on its functions.
Households mindful of electricity use
If you cook several times a week, compare ADEME’s energy-use benchmarks with the meals you usually prepare. The type of hob, oven capacity and frequency of use all matter when choosing an appliance.
What sets these appliances apart?
Start with the meals you prepare, then check the available space and power supply before comparing energy-use benchmarks.
Electric hobs
Best for: meals cooked regularly in a frying pan, saucepan or wok.
Keep in mind: they don’t replace an oven for roasting or making gratins. Check the circuit for the hob before buying.
Standard oven
Best for: gratins, roasts, bakes and dishes that need a larger oven cavity.
Keep in mind: it needs a suitable space for installation. Check the cabinet dimensions for the model you’re considering.
Compact oven
Best for: oven cooking where the cabinet space is less tall, with some models also offering a microwave function.
Keep in mind: check that the cavity is large enough for your dishes and that the advertised functions suit your recipes.
Microwave
Best for: reheating and defrosting. A combination model may also offer some oven-cooking functions.
Keep in mind: a basic model won’t replace every type of oven cooking. Check the settings and capacity of a combination model.
| Criterion | What to check | Which consumers? |
|---|---|---|
| Meals and oven cooking | Compare the cavity capacity, the size of your dishes and the cooking functions actually available. | I often prepare full meals and want to cook dishes in the oven as well as on the hob. Around 40% of consumers prioritise this versatility. |
| Space and installation | Measure the cabinet space in three dimensions and check the manual for connection and ventilation requirements. | My kitchen unit is already in place, so I need to choose an appliance that will fit without overlooking the manufacturer’s instructions. Around 30% of consumers prioritise a good fit. |
| Electricity use | Compare the hob technology, appliance capacity and your usual usage with ADEME’s benchmarks. | As I cook regularly, I want to look at the kWh associated with the cooking I do repeatedly, rather than relying on the stated power alone. Around 30% of consumers put energy use first. |
ADEME publishes separate annual benchmarks for hobs, ovens and microwaves. They provide a guide to typical usage, but they can’t be used to work out the consumption of a specific model or every meal cooked in a household.
What should you avoid before buying?
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Looking only at the front width
A stated width of « 60 cm » tells you neither the height and depth of the cabinet space nor the clearance required. Bosch and Electrolux product information shows that their compact and standard models have different dimensions.
Measure the kitchen unit, then compare its dimensions and ventilation with the installation diagram for the exact model.
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Planning to power a hob from an extension lead
A standard socket or extension lead is no substitute for a suitable circuit. Promotelec specifies a dedicated circuit for the hob or cooker in installations covered by NF C 15-100.
Identify the existing circuit and check that the power supply is compatible with the model’s instructions. If the installation needs to be added or altered, have its suitability confirmed.
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Comparing kWh without comparing how you cook
ADEME’s reference annual consumption figures are based on appliances and usage frequencies that have been defined. They don’t tell you whether a microwave can prepare the recipes for which you use an oven.
Make a note of what you cook in a typical week, then compare appliances that can handle those dishes, along with their capacity and how often you’ll use them.
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Confusing a commercial warranty with your legal rights
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. A commercial warranty is separate.
Before accepting a commercial warranty, read what it covers, its exclusions and how to make a claim. Make sure you understand how these terms differ from your legal rights.
Brands to consider by appliance type
Bosch
Worth considering for built-in compact ovens, particularly if you want to combine an oven and microwave in one cabinet space.
- According to the manufacturer’s product information, the Bosch CMG7241B1 measures 455 × 594 × 548 mm and has a 45 L cavity.
- These dimensions and this capacity apply to this model. Check the cabinet space, capacity and manual for any other Bosch model.
Electrolux
Worth considering for a standard built-in oven when the available space and the dishes you cook call for a larger cavity.
- Electrolux’s product information for the EOC6P67WX lists a 72 L cavity and cabinet dimensions of 590 × 560 × 550 mm.
- Capacity, functions and dimensions vary by model, so the installation plan is essential.
Whirlpool
Worth considering for built-in microwaves and combination compact appliances designed for a suitable cabinet space.
- Whirlpool lists a 52 L cavity and several cooking modes for its WCT7A9PHTSBF combination model.
- Ventilation requirements vary by model. The front ventilation listed for the AMW424IX shouldn’t be assumed to apply to another model.
Induction hobs for everyday cooking
These Joybuy models are designed for hob cooking, whether you’re preparing meals in a saucepan or frying pan. Choosing a hob won’t, by itself, cover your oven-cooking needs. Start with your recipes, then check the cut-out and connection requirements for the hob you choose.
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Hisense HI6432BSCWF Hi6, 60 cm induction hob
Worth considering if your everyday meals mainly involve hob cooking. The product name gives a width of 60 cm; measure the worktop cut-out and check the connection requirements for this model before ordering.
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AEG IKS64453IB, 60 cm induction hob, 4 zones with Bridge
The four zones may suit a household that cooks several parts of a meal at once. The « 60 cm » product name and the 67.8 cm width listed in the model information mean you should check both the appliance dimensions and the cut-out. Also make sure the connection is suitable.
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AEG IBS64200CB, 59 cm semi-flush induction hob, two-phase Perilex
Worth considering if you’re looking for a semi-flush induction hob for everyday meals. Check that the cut-out, installation type and Perilex connection for this variant suit your kitchen. Don’t assume it can be installed flush with the worktop.
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Samsung NZ63M3707AK, 3-zone induction hob, 7200 W
Consider this model if three zones are enough for the dishes you cook at the same time. The 7200 W figure is part of the model name and doesn’t tell you how many kWh it will use for your meals. Also check that your cookware is compatible, and confirm the cut-out and connection requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check about the circuit for a hob or oven?
Check the power supply available and the connection requirements for the model. Promotelec specifies a dedicated circuit for a hob or cooker in installations covered by NF C 15-100, including new installations and full renovations. If you’re replacing an appliance in an existing home and aren’t sure the circuit is suitable, ask someone to check it.
Is a compact oven always suitable for a small kitchen?
No. Its height alone doesn’t tell you whether it will fit the cabinet or hold your dishes. According to Bosch, the Bosch CMG7241B1 measures 455 × 594 × 548 mm and has a 45 L cavity. Compare all the dimensions, capacity and clearances of the model you’re considering with your cabinet space.
Does a microwave always use less electricity than an oven?
ADEME’s annual benchmarks don’t mean the answer is « always » for every household: they’re based on defined usage patterns. The agency gives a figure of 40 kWh per year for a microwave and 130 kWh per year for a 63 L electric oven used 187 times. Compare the dishes each appliance needs to cook and how often you’ll use it at home.
How do I allow for ventilation when choosing a built-in appliance?
Follow the installation plan for the model you’ve chosen rather than assuming the same clearance applies to every appliance. Whirlpool specifies front ventilation for its AMW424IX built-in microwave, but this design doesn’t apply to all microwaves or ovens.
Does the legal guarantee cover a refurbished appliance that isn’t as described?
Yes. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity also covers refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. If the appliance doesn’t match its description, keep the product listing and proof of purchase so you can raise the issue with the seller. A separate commercial warranty doesn’t remove this right.