Start by choosing your appliance based on the meals you prepare most often: a portable hob is ideal for saucepans and frying pans, while a mini oven is better suited to oven-cooked dishes. A microwave is mainly for reheating and defrosting, a multi-cooker for one-pot meals and an air fryer for small roasted or crispy portions. You should also check the available space, ventilation, power requirements and socket.
With limited worktop space and no built-in oven, start by choosing the appliance that covers your main meal rather than a simple reheating appliance. Measure the available space, check the ventilation and confirm which socket is available.
For cooking starchy foods, vegetables, sauces or oven dishes, a portable hob, mini oven or multi-cooker each serves a different purpose. Whirlpool specifically distinguishes microwave reheating from the cooking functions of a combination appliance.
A microwave is the straightforward choice for leftovers, ready meals and food that needs defrosting. An air fryer can complement some meals with a roasted or crispy texture, but it cannot replace every cooking method.
Start with the recipes you usually make, then check the installation requirements and space constraints before comparing additional functions.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recipes covered | Compare the modes actually advertised, the size of the dishes or cooking pot and the number of hobs. Also check which accessories are included. | I want to be able to prepare my usual meals, not just reheat them. A hob is suitable for saucepans and frying pans, while a mini oven, microwave or multi-cooker covers other types of preparation. |
| Size and ventilation | Measure the width, height and depth, including the space needed to open the doors. Place the appliance on a flat surface and follow the ventilation instructions in its manual. | My worktop space is limited: the capacity in litres alone does not show whether the appliance will fit in the available space. |
| Power and connection | Check the rated power, connection instructions and number of hobs. The portable hobs listed by Electro Dépôt range from 1 200 W to 3 900 W, depending on the model. | I want to use the appliance without assuming that my socket or an extension lead is suitable for several cooking appliances running at the same time. |
| Regular use | Assess which functions you will genuinely use and find out about repair options for your chosen model. ADEME points out that consumption depends in particular on how long the appliance is used. | I would rather have one appliance that I use often than several redundant items taking up my worktop. |
A standard microwave is mainly intended for reheating and defrosting, while an air fryer is still suited to specific uses. You may need to add another appliance for the recipes it cannot cover.
Make a list of five to ten meals you prepare each week and match each recipe to the cooking method it requires before choosing your main appliance.
A large cavity can mean a deep and heavy appliance. For example, the Whirlpool MWSC933SB is 54 cm deep and weighs 27,45 kg, according to Whirlpool France.
Measure the width, depth, height, access to the socket and ventilation space before opting for a larger capacity.
The portable hobs reviewed cover a wide power range. Requirements applying to fixed equipment do not mean you can assume the same installation is suitable for a portable appliance.
Check the rated power and the instructions in the manual. If you are unsure about the installation, ask the landlord or a qualified professional for advice.
A multi-cooker’s programmes are designed for recipes prepared in the cooking pot, but they do not automatically give it the same uses as a hob, oven or microwave.
Choose this format if one-pot, steamed or slow-cooked meals regularly feature in your routine.
Countertop mini ovens for oven-cooked recipes, including the Optimo range with fan-assisted heat.
Freestanding microwaves, including combination models that add certain cooking functions.
Multi-cookers designed for one-pot meals, steaming and slow cooking.
Air fryers in a range of capacities for roasted or crispy portions.
Compact and larger mini ovens, helping you balance size against cooking capacity.
Joybuy options covering the main countertop solutions for preparing or reheating meals in a kitchenette.
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For everyday meals in a saucepan or frying pan when you do not have a fixed cooking area.
Advertised with a setting range of 100 to 2 000 W, a temperature range of 60 to 270 °C, a timer of up to 3 hours and seven preset functions. Use flat-bottomed magnetic cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm and check the manual for installation details.
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An option for gratins, roasted vegetables, pastries and other recipes that require oven cooking.
Advertised with three heat settings, a thermostat from 40 to 230 °C, a 90-minute timer, a rack and a baking tray. Dimensions: 46 × 27 × 39,4 cm; it does not replace a hob for boiling or frying.
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Suitable for one-pot meals, rice, soups, porridge and steamed vegetables.
Advertised with a 2 L cooking pot, a delay-start function of up to 24 hours, keep-warm function and dedicated programmes. Dimensions: 220 × 245 × 215 mm; allow 40 cm above and 10 cm at the sides.
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For reheating and defrosting leftovers, ready meals and frozen portions, with an additional grill function.
Advertised with 900 W microwave power, a 1 000 W grill, nine programmes and a 27 cm turntable. Dimensions: 48,2 × 28 × 32,1 cm; place it on a stable surface with plenty of clearance.
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For small roasted or crispy portions and occasional reheating in a studio or for one or two people.
Advertised with a 2 L basket, 1 150 W power, a 60-minute timer and removable dishwasher-safe parts. Check the clearances and ventilation requirements specified in the manual.
Not always. A standard microwave is mainly used for reheating and defrosting; a combination model may also cook or brown food, depending on its functions. For regular gratins, pastries, roasted dishes or large pizzas, consider a mini oven instead, or check the cooking modes, capacity and accessories of a combination microwave carefully.
A portable hob is the first option to consider if you need to boil, simmer or fry food. Check the number of hobs, total power, compatible cookware — particularly for induction — and the model’s connection instructions.
Do not install it this way without following the model’s manual. Whirlpool France states that a freestanding microwave should be placed on a flat surface and that its ventilation openings must not be blocked; also check the specified clearances.
No, not automatically. The requirements cited by Promotelec for fixed hobs and cookers concern permanent installations. For a portable appliance, follow the manufacturer’s power specifications, product information and instructions, without treating these rules as an assessment of your home’s electrical installation.
Electrical appliances can be taken back by retailers. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the “1 for 1” take-back service applies when buying equipment of the same type; the “1 for 0” service applies to shops with at least 400 m² dedicated to electronic equipment, electrical appliances and lamps.