For reheating or defrosting portions, a solo microwave meets a different need from a countertop appliance designed for small batches of browning; a conventional oven is better suited to larger dishes or cooking on multiple shelves. If you want to combine microwave and oven cooking, compare the settings, capacity and space required for a combi oven. The INC and ADEME study covers specific built-in ovens and doesn’t support a universal claim about energy savings.
If you mainly reheat or defrost portions, a solo microwave means you don’t have to pay for oven-cooking features you won’t use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the uses of solo microwaves, grill functions and convection cooking.
If you often cook or brown small portions, compare countertop appliances while considering the space available and the shape of your dishes. Que Choisir’s tests assess air fryers across different recipes and models.
If you switch between reheating and oven cooking, compare a combi oven’s settings and usable capacity with those of a conventional oven. The INC and ADEME studied built-in ovens, while the Bosch and Electrolux examples refer to specific models.
Choose this if you mainly reheat or defrost portions.
Bear in mind a solo model doesn’t necessarily include a grill or convection cooking.
Choose this if you mainly cook small portions that you want to brown.
Bear in mind the basket or cavity may limit the size of your dishes, so you might need to cook in batches.
Choose this if you need to cook large dishes or use multiple shelves.
Bear in mind check the installation dimensions and features of the model you’re considering.
Choose this if you want one appliance for both microwave reheating and oven cooking.
Bear in mind the available settings, capacity and installation requirements vary by model.
To choose between these types, think about the dishes you prepare and the space you actually have available. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between solo, grill and convection functions; the INC and ADEME study compares built-in ovens, not every appliance type for cooking the same meal.
| What you need | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Internal dimensions, space for your dishes, reheating and defrosting controls. | If I mainly reheat portions, I want simple controls and a cavity that fits my containers. Around 33% of consumers prioritise reheating or defrosting. |
| Browning small portions | Basket or cavity dimensions, ventilation space and parts to clean. | When I prepare small portions, I check they’ll fit in the basket and that it’ll be easy enough to clean. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this type of cooking. |
| Large dishes or multiple shelves | Usable dimensions, shelves you can use and the sizes of your dishes. | If I cook large dishes or several things at once, I check the usable space rather than relying on the stated capacity alone. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
| Multiple settings, limited space | Usable settings, dimensions, specified clearances and stated total electrical power. | When I want one appliance for several uses without exceeding the space available, I check the features and installation requirements of the specific model. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this versatility. |
Results can vary depending on the recipe and appliance. The INC and ADEME test covers specific built-in ovens; Que Choisir’s air fryer tests look at particular recipes.
Compare measurements for a dish and quantity similar to what you cook. Don’t turn a result from one test into a promise that applies to every meal.
Actual energy use can vary with the recipe, model and number of batches.
The capacity in litres doesn’t tell you whether a dish will fit or whether you can use multiple shelves.
Measure your dishes and compare them with the usable dimensions and accessories of the model you’re considering.
If a dish is too large, you may have to cook in batches.
A solo microwave and an appliance that combines microwave and oven cooking don’t offer the same features. These vary by model.
Make a note of the dishes you reheat, grill or cook, then check the model’s documentation to see whether it includes the settings you want.
You could end up paying for features you don’t need, or find that your preferred cooking setting isn’t available.
Some appliances need clear space around the casing. For its NN-DF385M model, Panasonic specifies clearances for that particular model; these aren’t universal requirements.
Before choosing a location, check the manual for the required clearances and the model’s total electrical power.
A tight-fitting space may not meet the clearances specified by the manufacturer.
A built-in conventional oven may be worth considering if your priority is cooking larger dishes or using multiple shelves. The HBA534BS3 is one example.
The KVLBE08X is an example of a compact built-in oven that combines convection and microwave cooking.
The NN-SD27HS and NN-DF385M are examples of a solo microwave and a multifunction countertop model respectively.
The Easy Fry Essential EZ130810 is an example of a basket-style air fryer for cooking small portions.
The HD9252/90 is an example of an air fryer that Philips promotes for cooking portions with hot air.
This selection covers reheating and defrosting, built-in oven cooking, microwaves with a grill, and small batches of hot-air cooking on the worktop.
Image unavailable
For reheating or defrosting portions, this solo model includes a defrost function.
Stated capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W; six power levels; 30 min timer; stated dimensions: 44,6 × 36,3 × 24,3 cm.
Use microwave-safe containers and leave enough space for ventilation.
Image unavailable
For oven cooking, this model is described as a built-in fan oven.
Stated capacity: 71 L; seven cooking settings and five shelf positions listed.
Check that the dimensions of the housing unit match those required for installation.
Image unavailable
For reheating or defrosting, as well as using the grill, this model combines several cooking functions.
Stated capacity: 25 L; power stated in the title: 1,000 W; digital display; white finish.
Image unavailable
For cooking or reheating small portions with hot air, this model is described as offering several cooking functions and a keep-warm setting.
Two glass containers included: 1,4 L and 3,8 L; the containers are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
The containers and trays may be hot after use, so use suitable protection when handling them.
Image unavailable
For reheating or defrosting, as well as using the grill, this freestanding model combines several functions.
Stated capacity: 20 L; power stated in the title: 700 W; nine power levels; 245 mm turntable.
The description specifies a clearance of at least 10 cm at the sides and rear. Use microwave-safe containers.
Follow the instructions for the model you’ve chosen, as clearance requirements vary. For its NN-DF385M combi model, Panasonic specifies 15 cm above, 10 cm behind, 5 cm on one side and an opening of more than 40 cm on the other. Leave this space in addition to the room taken up by the appliance itself.
No. Distinguish between the power of an individual function and the model’s total electrical power. Electrolux lists total power of 3,000 W for the KVLBE08X. Before buying, check the rating plate and instructions for the exact model, as well as the specifications of the space where you plan to install it.
Check which parts are removable and whether they’re dishwasher-safe. Moulinex states that the EZ130810 basket is dishwasher-safe; follow the instructions for the other parts, and remember that ease of cleaning is separate from cooking performance.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies under the conditions set out by law. According to the DGCCRF, the claim must be made within two years of delivery, whether the goods are new or second-hand. A commercial guarantee is optional and supplements statutory guarantees: check who the seller is and how their after-sales service works.
No. According to the DGCCRF, CE marking shows that the manufacturer undertakes to meet the applicable European requirements; it isn’t a certification of cooking quality. Energy labelling applies, among other things, to domestic ovens covered by the relevant regulations, but it can’t on its own predict the time or energy needed to cook a particular meal.