Cooking on a single hob
If you often cook in a saucepan or frying pan in a studio flat, a portable hob could suit your needs. If you choose induction, check that your cookware is compatible, as UFC-Que Choisir advises.
Who is each option for?
Reheating and defrosting portions
If these are the functions you use most, a solo microwave lets you focus on what you need without paying for oven functions you may never use. UFC-Que Choisir’s guides distinguish this option from combination models.
Baking in a limited space
If you also want to bake or brown food under the grill, compare a combination microwave with a mini oven, based on the dishes you want to prepare and the space available. Check the functions listed for each specific model.
What should you check before equipping a kitchenette?
For consumers fitting out a kitchenette in France, each row highlights the priority that takes precedence when choosing an appliance.
| Criteria | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking on a hob | Heating method, number of cooking zones, cookware diameter and the power rating listed for the model. | In my studio flat, I often cook in a saucepan or frying pan and want a hob to suit my cookware; around 26% of consumers prioritise cooking on a hob. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Defrost function, dish dimensions, turntable diameter and external dimensions. | If I mainly reheat portions and defrost food, I prefer an appliance that suits these tasks; around 21% of consumers put reheating and defrosting first. |
| Size and installation | Width, depth, height, door clearance, clearances specified in the instructions and power consumption. Whirlpool France advises keeping a microwave’s ventilation openings unobstructed. | When worktop space is limited, I need to be able to install and use the appliance in its intended position; around 21% of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
| Oven cooking | Whether convection is explicitly listed, the usable space for dishes and which accessories are approved for each cooking mode. | If I also want to bake or brown food without adding more appliances, I check the model’s functions rather than relying on its name alone; around 16% of consumers put oven cooking first. |
| Cookware compatibility | For induction, check which base types and diameters are suitable; for other heating methods, check the guidance on containers and accessories. | If I want to keep using my saucepans, their compatibility may guide my choice of hob; around 16% of consumers prioritise compatibility with their cookware. |
Mistakes to avoid when choosing
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Assuming a glass-ceramic surface means the hob uses radiant heat
An induction hob can also have a glass-ceramic surface. It will not work with cookware that has no ferromagnetic base, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Check the exact heating method in the product details and make sure your saucepans are compatible, as specified in the instructions.
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Choosing an appliance by its capacity in litres without measuring the space
Internal capacity does not tell you the appliance’s external dimensions, how much room the door needs to open or the ventilation clearances required.
Measure the space available and compare it with the model’s dimensions and the instructions.
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Confusing a grill with convection
Grilling and convection are different functions. A grill alone does not mean a model can cook using fan-assisted heat.
If you want to bake, check that convection is explicitly listed for the model you’re considering.
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Treating average annual energy use as a guaranteed saving
ADEME’s figures are based on average usage and cannot predict the energy consumption of your appliances, the portions you cook or how often you use them.
Compare the functions you need and the models’ specifications under conditions that reflect how you’ll use them.
Brands to look out for by appliance type
Tefal
The Everyday Slim IH2108E1 portable induction hob has a single cooking zone for cooking in a saucepan or frying pan.
- Tefal lists a power rating of 2 100 W and a height of 45 mm for this model.
- Induction requires compatible cookware; these specifications do not apply to every Tefal hob.
Rommelsbacher
The CT 2203/TC is a freestanding HiLight radiant hob, which you can compare with an induction hob.
- The manufacturer lists a 140/210 mm cooking zone, a residual heat indicator and a power rating of 2 200 W at 230 V.
- A radiant hob heats its surface, so let it cool before moving or putting it away. The fact that this model exists does not guarantee it is available from a French retailer.
Whirlpool
The MWP201W is a solo microwave for reheating and defrosting.
- Whirlpool France’s product information lists a capacity of 20 L and a microwave power rating of 700 W.
- This model does not offer conventional oven cooking. Whirlpool recommends placing it on a flat surface and keeping the ventilation openings clear; check the instructions for the clearances required for this model.
Panasonic
The NN-CD88 range combines microwave, grill and convection functions on the models featured by Panasonic.
- The manufacturer lists accessories supplied with the range.
- For the NN-CD88QSEPG version, check the dimensions and instructions, as well as which accessories are approved for each mode.
Severin
The freestanding TO 2068 mini oven is an option for oven cooking without a microwave function.
- Severin lists a capacity of 20 L, a power rating of 1 500 W and dimensions of 29,5 × 44 × 39 cm, with the height given first.
- Check that your dish will fit and allow for the clearances specified in the instructions; capacity alone does not confirm that the oven will fit your space.
H.Koenig
The VIO8 solo microwave is designed for reheating and defrosting.
- H.Koenig lists a capacity of 20 L, a power rating of 700 W and a 24,5 cm turntable for the VIO8.
- These specifications apply to this model; check that your dishes fit inside the cavity and on the turntable.
Microwaves available on Joybuy
The products below are freestanding microwaves, ranging from solo models to versions with a grill. They’re mainly suited to reheating and defrosting, with some also offering a grill function.
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Heinrich’s, 20 L solo microwave
Worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance to reheat and defrost portions in a kitchenette.
20 L capacity, 700 W power, six power levels and a 360° turntable.
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LG MH6535GIS, microwave with grill
Worth a look if you want to reheat and defrost food, with a grill function in the same appliance.
25 L capacity, as stated in the product name; 950 W grill and a 29,2 cm turntable, according to the model description. Listed freestanding dimensions: 47 × 26 × 37 cm.
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Galanz, 20 L compact microwave
Worth considering for reheating meals in a small space. First, check how much worktop space it will take up.
20 L capacity, as stated in the product description.
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Beko MGC20100B1, 20 L microwave with grill
Worth a look if you want to reheat or defrost food and have a grill for certain dishes too.
20 L capacity and a 245 mm turntable; the description lists an 800 W grill.
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COMFEE CMO‑MP012OC(BK), 19 L microwave
Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop microwave for reheating and defrosting in a kitchenette.
700 W power, five power levels, a 245 mm turntable and listed external dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Does a glass-ceramic surface mean my saucepans will work?
Not necessarily. An induction hob can have a glass-ceramic surface, but it needs cookware with a ferromagnetic base, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. Look for the words “induction” or “radiant/HiLight”, and check the instructions to make sure your cookware is compatible.
How should I install a freestanding microwave in a kitchenette?
Place it on a flat surface and keep its ventilation openings clear, following Whirlpool France’s advice. Also check that the door can open fully and follow the clearances specified in the model’s instructions rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all distance.
Can you microwave a food tray?
Only if the tray’s instructions say it is suitable for the intended use. Anses says that heating food for longer increases the risk of substances migrating from the packaging into the food, so don’t assume a container is suitable unless it is labelled accordingly.
What statutory guarantee applies if an appliance bought from a professional seller is faulty or not as described?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that you have two years to claim under it. This statutory guarantee is separate from any commercial guarantee that may be offered.
Do all these appliances need to display an energy label?
No. The requirement depends on the product category. The DGCCRF explains that energy labelling rules do not apply in the same way to every appliance, so check the rules for the specific product category.