If you mainly reheat and defrost portions, start by looking at microwaves. If you regularly cook large oven dishes, prioritise the capacity and cooking modes of a conventional oven. A combination microwave can bring these uses together in one appliance, provided its modes and cavity suit your recipes; two separate appliances are also an option if you have the space. For any built-in model, check the housing, ventilation and electrical connection in its own manual.
Your choice depends first on what you cook most often and how much space you have for the appliance.
If you cook oven dishes but also reheat leftovers, consider a combination microwave with microwave, grill and fan oven modes. Measure your dishes: combining these functions does not guarantee a cavity as large as the oven you are replacing.
For portions, soups or leftovers, a microwave covers the main jobs. A grill can be useful for some dishes, but check separately for a fan oven function if you also want to cook as you would in an oven.
If dish size and cooking on several shelves matter more, compare conventional ovens by their cavity size and cooking modes. A separate microwave can complement the oven if quick reheating is still important and you have the space.
Start with the dishes the appliance needs to handle, then check your shortlisted models against your cookware, available space and installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes | Check the exact model for microwave, defrost, grill and fan oven modes individually. A grill alone does not confirm that the appliance has a fan oven function. | I mainly reheat portions, or I also want to roast and brown food in the same appliance. |
| Cavity and dishes | Compare the usable capacity and internal dimensions with your largest dishes. For example, Electrolux France lists a 44 L capacity for the compact KVLAE2XH and 72 L for the conventional FR65G oven; these capacities do not represent every model in their respective categories. | My usual dishes need to fit in the cavity, with enough room for the type of cooking planned. |
| Space required | For a built-in appliance, measure the housing’s height, width and depth and check the model diagram. For a freestanding appliance, check its external dimensions and the clearance specified. | I have space in a housing or on the worktop, but not necessarily both. |
| Two appliances | If you pair a conventional oven with a microwave, check the space and installation requirements for each. This setup keeps the two functions separate without assuming that a combination model will have the capacity you need. | I want to keep a large cavity for cooking and a separate appliance for reheating, if my kitchen can accommodate both. |
| Installation | Check the manual for the electrical connection and ventilation requirements. For an oven in a kitchen in France, Promotelec specifies a dedicated circuit with live, neutral and earth conductors, protected by a 16 A circuit breaker. | Before replacing a built-in appliance, I want to know whether the unit and electrical installation are suitable for the model I have chosen. |
Electrolux France’s product details give the compact combination KVLAE2XH a capacity of 44 L and the conventional FR65G oven a capacity of 72 L. A different capacity can affect which dishes and accessories you can use.
Measure your largest dish and compare its dimensions with the cavity; also check the housing and the accessories listed for the model you are considering.
In France, Promotelec recommends a dedicated circuit for an oven, with live, neutral and earth conductors and protection by a 16 A circuit breaker. So the presence of a socket in your kitchen does not, by itself, mean the installation is suitable.
Have the circuit checked before replacing the appliance, especially if the kitchen has been altered.
If the existing circuit is not suitable, work on the electrical installation may be needed before the appliance can be fitted.
A grill adds a cooking mode, but that alone does not mean the appliance has the fan oven function your recipes require.
Check the modes listed for the exact model, including microwave and fan oven combinations if you plan to use them.
The study by the Institut national de la consommation and ADEME covers four combination ovens and ten conventional ovens, tested with three recipes. Its scope does not allow it to identify one technology as more energy-efficient for every dish and every model.
Choose the functions and capacity you need first. To compare energy use, look for measurements based on similar tasks and conditions.
These models illustrate different formats. Compare their specifications model by model rather than assuming they apply to an entire brand.
Electrolux France features the compact combination KVLAE2XH and the conventional FR65G oven, designed for two different cooking needs.
Whirlpool France presents the WCT7A9PHTSBF as a compact combination oven with microwave and steam functions.
The HBA171BB3 is a built-in conventional oven to consider if oven cooking matters more to you than having a microwave integrated into the appliance.
This selection includes combination microwaves and freestanding microwaves, some with a grill. Compare their functions with your recipes; for a built-in oven, check the housing and installation requirements separately.
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Worth considering if you want one freestanding appliance for both reheating and cooking. Its stated capacity is 42 L; check the detailed modes, available space and clearances specified in the manual.
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This freestanding combination model is worth comparing if you reheat meals and want additional cooking modes. Its cavity is listed at 39 L: check it against your dishes and consult the manual for the clearance required around the appliance.
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If you want to reheat and defrost, with a grill for occasional use, compare its 25 L cavity with the size of your dishes. The grill does not confirm a fan oven function: check the modes if you are looking to replace an oven.
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This freestanding model combines microwave and grill functions, which are different from fan oven cooking. Its cavity is listed at 20 L; the product details specify 10 cm clearance at the sides and rear. Check the manual for any other installation instructions.
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Worth comparing if reheating and defrosting are your main uses. The model title lists a 20 L capacity, 11 power levels and six pre-set menus. If you also need a grill or fan oven function, check the available modes before choosing it.
It may be enough if you mainly reheat and defrost food, but a standard microwave will not necessarily cover your oven cooking needs. To roast or cook using a fan oven function, check the modes on a combination model; for large dishes, compare the capacity of a conventional oven too.
The measurements depend on the model. Electrolux France lists housing dimensions of 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the compact combination KVLAE2XH, compared with 590 × 560 × 550 mm for the conventional FR65G oven. Measure your kitchen unit and follow the installation diagram for the model you choose.
Do not use an extension lead instead of a suitable circuit. For an oven in a kitchen in France, Promotelec specifies a dedicated circuit with live, neutral and earth conductors, protected by a 16 A circuit breaker. If you are unsure, have the installation checked.
Check the diagram and manual for the exact model to find out what clearance is required. The dimensions of the front panel or the presence of a ventilated door do not replace these instructions, whether the appliance is built-in or freestanding.
Choose containers marked as suitable for microwave use and follow the appliance manual. Do not assume that a metal container or any plastic box is suitable; some accessories and modes may have specific instructions.