Choose based on the meals you cook most often: a mini oven for oven cooking, a combi microwave if you want to combine reheating with other cooking methods, or a portable hob if you mainly cook in a saucepan or frying pan. In a small kitchen, also check how much room the appliance needs when in use and for ventilation, follow the connection instructions in the manual and, for a built-in appliance, make sure it’s compatible with your cabinet.
If gratins, tarts and roasts are regulars on your menu, a freestanding mini oven lets you enjoy oven cooking without needing a built-in cabinet. Check that your dishes fit inside the cavity and leave the clearance specified in the manual.
A portable hob or freestanding appliance can be moved without cutting into a cabinet. If you’re considering a fixed installation in a rented home, ANIL advises that written permission from the landlord is needed before making changes to the property or its fittings.
A combi microwave can bring together reheating and certain cooking methods in a single appliance. Check the functions available on your chosen model: a grill, fan-assisted cooking and steam are not interchangeable, and may not all be included.
Start with the cooking methods you need, then check that the appliance can be positioned or fitted and used in the space available.
Consider it if: you mainly cook dishes that need oven cooking, such as gratins or tarts.
Bear in mind: it takes up worktop space when in use and can’t be used as a hob for a saucepan.
Consider it if: reheating and defrosting matter as much as having extra cooking methods in one appliance.
Bear in mind: functions vary between models, and the cavity needs to fit the dishes you use.
Consider it if: you mainly cook in a saucepan or frying pan and want to be able to put the appliance away.
Bear in mind: one cooking zone limits how many things you can cook at once; with induction, your cookware must be compatible.
| Criterion | What to check | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking options | The cooking methods actually available and the size of the cavity or turntable compared with your dishes. | If you regularly make gratins or want to vary your meals, reheating alone won’t be enough. Around 36% of consumers would put this variety of cooking options first. |
| Space and portability | External dimensions, door clearance, storage options and the clearances specified in the manual. | In a studio flat or temporary accommodation, being able to set up and move the appliance without altering the kitchen is especially important. Around 29% of consumers would put this flexibility first. |
| Installation | Whether it’s freestanding or fixed, the specified connection and compatibility with the existing installation. | Before fitting out a rented kitchen or considering a fixed appliance, avoiding unsuitable alterations is the priority. This would be the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Everyday use | Settings useful for your recipes, accessories you’ll need and the recommended cleaning method. | When you’re preparing meals throughout the week, spending less time on settings and maintenance may matter more than the number of cooking modes. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Two appliances described as combi models may offer different cooking methods. The size of the cavity and turntable, as well as the accessories, can also limit the recipes you can make.
Compare the cooking methods you need for your dishes, then check the dimensions and required accessories on the product page and in the manual for your chosen model.
Promotelec describes a dedicated circuit for fixed hobs. This requirement should not automatically be applied to a portable hob, as its connection depends on the instructions in its manual and the available installation.
Identify the exact type of appliance before planning how to connect it. Have any proposed electrical changes assessed rather than adapting a circuit yourself.
A freestanding appliance may take up more worktop space than you expect because of its depth. You’ll also need room to open the door and to meet the ventilation clearances specified for that model.
Measure the space with the appliance in use, then compare it with the dimensions and clearances given in the manual.
In France, ANIL advises that tenants must not alter rented premises or fittings without the landlord’s written permission.
If your plans involve cutting into a cabinet, permanent fixing or changing the installation, get permission before starting work. Otherwise, consider a freestanding appliance that fits the space.
The range includes freestanding mini ovens, giving you oven cooking options in a smaller kitchen.
Its combi microwaves include freestanding and built-in models, so choose the format before looking at the functions.
Its portable induction hobs are designed for meals cooked mainly in a saucepan or frying pan.
Its built-in and compact built-in ovens are suited to kitchens with a compatible cabinet.
This selection includes a portable hob, two freestanding microwaves, a small supplementary cooking appliance and a countertop oven. First, choose the cooking method your meals need, then check the space and connection requirements for the model you’re considering.
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For meals cooked on a portable hob rather than in the oven. The model name indicates eight power levels, seven preset functions and compatibility with cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm; check that your pans are suitable for induction. Before choosing a spot for it, check the connection and ventilation instructions in the manual.
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Worth considering if you want to reheat food in an appliance that sits on the worktop. The product name indicates a 25 L capacity; check that your dishes fit inside the cavity and that it offers the cooking modes you need. Also leave the clearances specified in the manual.
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A handy extra for small dishes cooked in a dedicated pot, rather than a replacement for an oven or standard hob. The model name indicates a stainless steel pot and two settings, 300 W and 600 W. Check its external dimensions and connection instructions before choosing where to put it.
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For microwave-focused cooking in a kitchen where the appliance will stay on the worktop. The model name indicates a 23 L cavity; check that your dishes fit and that it offers the functions you need for your recipes. Measure the available space, allowing for the door and specified clearances.
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Enjoy oven cooking without fitting the appliance into a cabinet. Its stated capacity is 23 L: compare it with the dimensions of your dishes, and consider another option if your meals also need to be cooked in a saucepan. Check the external dimensions and clearances in the manual.
It can handle some oven cooking if the model has the functions your recipes need and a cavity that fits your dishes. For example, Whirlpool lists fan-assisted cooking for the MCP349WH; this function isn’t guaranteed just because an appliance is described as ‘combi’. Check the grill, accessories and dimensions too before deciding you don’t need an oven.
No. The connection must follow the hob’s instructions and be suitable for the existing installation. A portable hob is not the same as a fixed hob, for which Promotelec describes a dedicated circuit. If you’re unsure about the socket or circuit, have the installation checked before use.
If fitting it would alter a cabinet, circuit or rented fitting, get the landlord’s written permission first. ANIL recommends this precaution when making changes to a rented home; a freestanding appliance may help you avoid permanent alterations.
Measure the available surface, the depth the appliance will take up and the space needed to open the door. Allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the manual for the exact model, then check that the socket you plan to use is suitable.