If you mainly cook in a saucepan or frying pan, a portable hob is better suited to your needs than a mini oven designed for gratins, pizzas or cakes. A multicooker is a better choice for slow-cooked, steamed or pressure-cooked dishes. If you want one appliance for reheating and oven-style cooking, check that the microwave has a convection function. A solo microwave is mainly for reheating, while an air fryer is best for portions that fit in its basket. Before you buy, check what equipment is already provided, your accommodation’s rules, the ventilation space required and the power supply you’ll need.
If you need to boil, sear or simmer food, first check what’s provided and allowed in your accommodation before buying a portable hob. The French decree on furnished accommodation lists hobs among the minimum required facilities.
If you want to make gratins, pizzas or cakes without a built-in oven, compare the cooking modes, usable capacity and clearance space needed around the appliance. For example, the Severin TO 2067 mini oven has a stated capacity of 20 L and top and bottom heating, but no fan-assisted cooking.
The space available and the rules for your accommodation may rule out an appliance that would otherwise suit your recipes. The Crous network’s guide restricts the use of hobs and cooking appliances in the residences it covers, with an exception for microwaves. This rule does not apply to all accommodation.
Start with the dishes you make most often, then check whether the appliance can be installed and used in your accommodation.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking everyday meals | Compare the stated cooking modes and number of hobs with the dishes you actually make. | If you mainly cook in a saucepan, frying pan or cooking pot, the cooking method matters more than a simple reheating mode. Around 29% of consumers prioritise everyday cooking. |
| Making sure the appliance fits your accommodation | Measure the space and clearances specified in the manual; check the power supply and accommodation rules. | If worktop space is limited or the rules restrict appliances, you need to be able to install and use your chosen appliance in your accommodation. Around 23% of consumers put space or accommodation rules first. |
| Cooking oven-style dishes | Check for a convection function if needed, as well as enough usable capacity for your dishes. | If you make gratins, pizzas or baked goods, you’ll need a genuine oven-style cooking function rather than reheating alone. Around 18% of consumers prioritise this use. |
| Reheating as well as cooking | Check the specific model’s product details to distinguish between microwave, grill and convection modes. | If you want one appliance for both reheating and cooking, make sure its modes suit your recipes. Around 18% of consumers are looking for this combination. |
| Cooking crispy portions | Check the usable capacity, dimensions and modes of the model. | If you mainly cook portions that need roasting or crisping, make sure the capacity suits the quantities you prepare. Around 12% of consumers prioritise this use. |
Grill and convection are different functions. The Bosch FFL020MS2 offers microwave mode, while the Samsung MC28H5015CK/EF also offers convection.
If you need convection cooking, make sure this mode is explicitly listed in the details for the model you choose.
Without the function you need, you may have to use a second appliance for some dishes.
An appliance may fit on your worktop without having enough space around it for ventilation.
Measure the space and follow the instructions for your model, rather than applying a general clearance to every appliance.
In the residences it covers, the Crous network’s guide restricts the use of hobs and cooking appliances other than microwaves, except for equipment provided by the residence.
If you live in a Crous residence, check the applicable rules before buying a cooking appliance. Don’t assume this restriction applies to other accommodation.
The ADEME–INC study of combination ovens and convection ovens reports varying results depending on the dishes and models. Moulinex’s speed comparisons for the Easy Fry EZ505810 relate to a specific test involving chips.
Compare appliances based on the portions and recipes you prepare, and distinguish between comparative research and manufacturer claims.
The brand’s portable induction hobs may suit meals prepared in a saucepan.
The brand offers two types of appliance here: Cookeo multicookers and Easy Fry air fryers.
Consider the brand’s countertop mini ovens if you’re mainly looking for oven-style cooking.
The range includes freestanding microwaves, including combination models with convection.
The FFL020MS2 is an example of a freestanding microwave designed, among other things, for reheating.
This selection includes appliances for several ways of cooking without an oven: a combination microwave, mini oven, multicooker, portable hob and air fryer.
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Worth considering if you want one countertop appliance for reheating and a range of cooking functions.
Its listed modes include microwave, grill, convection and steam, along with a crisping tray and a pizza programme.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for oven-style cooking for dishes that fit inside the cavity.
Its listed modes include top heat, bottom heat and a combination of both. Use a stable, heat-resistant surface and leave the required ventilation clearances. The interior and door may become hot during use.
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Worth considering for slow-cooked, steamed or pressure-cooked dishes prepared in a cooking pot.
The product name lists 1 200 W and 12 pre-set programmes. Its stated functions include pressure cooking, steaming, slow cooking and sautéing. Never force the lid open while under pressure, follow the fill markings and keep children away while pressure is released.
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Worth considering for boiling, simmering or searing in cookware that’s compatible with induction.
The product details list a maximum power of 2 000 W, 10 settings and dimensions of 37 × 29 × 4,5 cm. Its single cooking zone limits the number of dishes you can cook at once. Use only cookware that’s compatible with induction.
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Worth considering for portions that fit in the basket, especially if you’re looking for hot-air cooking functions.
The product details list six functions, a maximum temperature of 240 °C and dimensions of 28 × 36 × 30,5 cm. Leave space for air to circulate around the appliance, don’t block its vents and take care around hot surfaces and accessories.
No. French decree no. 2015-981 lists hobs and an “oven or microwave oven” among the minimum facilities required for the furnished accommodation it covers. Check your type of tenancy agreement and what equipment is actually provided: this rule doesn’t describe all accommodation.
The Crous network’s guide says that, unless appliances are provided, residents agree not to use hobs or cooking appliances in their accommodation or communal areas; microwaves are allowed. Check the rules for your residence before buying, and don’t assume this restriction applies to other accommodation.
Measure the appliance and the clearance around it, then follow the instructions for your chosen model. Samsung gives general guidance of 10 cm at the back and sides, and 20 cm above, while noting that requirements vary by model.
Compare the functions you need and how each appliance cooks similar dishes and portions, rather than judging by the stated wattage alone. The ADEME–INC study published in December 2024, which compared four combination ovens with ten convection ovens, found no clear advantage for combination ovens. Results varied by dish, model and brand.
You can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity from the professional seller. According to the DGCCRF, claims can be brought for two years from delivery of the goods, whether new or second-hand. A commercial guarantee is optional and does not replace your statutory rights.