Someone living alone or a couple who cook in the oven
If you make gratins, roast vegetables or bakes, compare the space the appliance will take up permanently with the size of the dishes you use.
Who are these options suitable for?
Tenant without a practical hob
A portable hob can complement a mini oven or microwave for meals cooked in a saucepan or frying pan. If you choose induction, check that your cookware is compatible and that there’s a suitable socket nearby.
Someone who cooks several batches in a row
If you’re making several portions, cooking in deep dishes or preparing different recipes in one session, check the cavity dimensions and cooking levels rather than relying on the stated capacity alone.
What should you consider before choosing?
Start with the recipes you make, then check the space available, the size of your dishes and the connection requirements.
Countertop mini oven
Worth considering: if you need an oven and can keep the appliance on your worktop.
Bear in mind: a compact model may mean cooking several batches if your dishes don’t fit inside.
Existing built-in oven
Worth considering: if your studio has one and you often cook large dishes or several recipes at once.
Limitation: it doesn’t provide a hob for saucepans and frying pans.
Portable hob as an extra
Worth considering: if you want to add hob cooking to a compact setup.
Limitation: an induction hob requires compatible cookware and can’t bake a gratin or cake in the oven.
| Criterion | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and space | Measure the appliance, the depth needed when the door is open and the usable dimensions of the cavity. Compare the tray and available height with the dishes you usually use. | I want to cook my dish or tin without having to make several batches, while still keeping enough worktop space. |
| Cooking performance | Choose the settings to suit your recipes; check preheating and evenness in tests of the exact model, if available. Que Choisir assesses these factors in its tests of built-in ovens, but the presence of a fan alone doesn’t establish how well a mini oven will perform. | For cakes, gratins or roast dishes, oven functions matter more to me than programmes I won’t use. |
| Electrical connection | Check the instructions for power requirements and required clearances. Make sure the socket is in good condition and keep the cord away from water and hot surfaces. | If several appliances need to share my kitchenette, I want to know where each one can be placed and plugged in before I buy. |
| Cleaning | Check which accessories are included, which parts are removable and how to clean the interior walls. Que Choisir advises against using abrasive sponges to clean mini ovens. | I often cook dishes that splatter grease, so being able to remove and clean the accessories matters when I’m choosing. |
| Cookware | For an induction hob, check that your cookware has a ferromagnetic base and that its diameter is compatible with the model. Que Choisir points out that the hob won’t work with cookware that doesn’t have a suitable base. | I regularly use saucepans and frying pans, so I’m interested in an additional hob if my cookware is compatible. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Relying on the stated capacity in litres alone
The stated capacity won’t tell you whether a tin, pizza or deep dish will fit inside. If a dish is too large, you’ll have to use another one or cook in several batches.
Measure your dishes and the space available, then compare them with the cavity, tray and appliance dimensions, including the space needed when the door is open.
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Setting up several appliances without checking the sockets
In a kitchenette, water and hot areas are often close to electrical connections. Promotelec says that sockets must not be installed above a sink or cooking hobs.
Check where the sockets are and follow the instructions before positioning your appliances. Don’t use a damaged socket, and seek qualified advice if the installation appears worn or unsuitable.
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Buying an induction hob without checking your pans
According to Que Choisir, an induction hob won’t work with cookware that doesn’t have a ferromagnetic base.
Check your cookware and the hob’s compatible diameters before you buy.
Any saucepans or frying pans that aren’t compatible will need to be replaced if you want to use them on this hob.
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Assuming a multifunction oven is easy to clean
Greasy cooking can leave splashes on the interior walls and accessories, whatever functions the appliance offers.
Check which parts can be removed and follow the instructions for cleaning once the appliance has cooled. Que Choisir advises against using abrasive sponges.
Which brands offer useful points of comparison?
Moulinex
Moulinex’s Optimo range includes mini ovens with capacities of 19 L, 33 L, 39 L and 60 L.
- These sizes make it easier to compare a compact appliance with models offering greater capacity.
- Moulinex recommends less than 33 L for one person, a couple or a student, and suggests more than 42 L for larger quantities. These are the brand’s own guidelines, so they don’t replace measuring your dishes or checking the usable dimensions of the model.
Severin
Darty lists Severin mini ovens with capacities of 20 L, 30 L, 46 L and 60 L, including several models advertised with fan-assisted cooking.
- The range of stated capacities can help you compare the space an appliance might take up with the cooking capacity you need.
- Settings and accessories vary by model; an advertised function alone doesn’t tell you how evenly the oven cooks.
Mini ovens and portable hobs on Joybuy
These options include countertop mini ovens for oven recipes and portable induction hobs to complement saucepan and frying-pan cooking. For each appliance, compare its features with the space and cookware you have available.
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Taurus Horizon23, 23 L countertop mini oven, black
Worth considering if you want to cook in the oven and can set aside a permanent spot on your worktop. Measure your dishes and check the usable cavity dimensions, the space needed when the door is open and the ventilation clearances.
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Black+Decker BXOV4500E, 2000 W mini oven
If you plan to cook large dishes, first compare their dimensions with those of the cavity and tray. Also check how much space this countertop oven takes up and the clearances needed around it.
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Black+Decker BXOV3000E, 1500 W mini oven
For oven recipes in a small kitchen, check that your tins will fit inside the cavity before choosing this model. Also check its external dimensions and the required ventilation clearances.
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IAGREEA DF200-14V10, 2000 W induction hob
This hob complements an appliance used for oven cooking; it can’t replace one for gratins or cakes. Its product description lists eight power levels, a temperature range of 60 to 270 °C, a 3 h timer and cookware with a magnetic base measuring 12 to 26 cm. Check that you have a suitable socket and spot before use.
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ochama, 2000 W portable induction hob
If you want to add saucepan or frying-pan cooking, this model offers ten power settings and six functions. Check that your cookware has a ferromagnetic base and that its diameter is suitable for the hob. Also make sure you have a suitable socket and enough worktop space.
Frequently asked questions
Can a portable induction hob replace a mini oven?
Not for recipes that need an oven cavity, such as gratins or cakes. It’s better suited to cooking in a saucepan or frying pan; according to Que Choisir, induction requires cookware with a ferromagnetic base.
Where should you put a mini oven or hob in a kitchenette?
Choose a spot that allows for the clearances stated in the instructions and a suitable electrical connection, without exposing the cord to water or a hot area. Promotelec says sockets must not be installed above a sink or cooking hobs. If a socket appears damaged, seek qualified advice.
How can you make sure cleaning a mini oven doesn’t become a chore?
Before buying, check which accessories can be removed and how to clean the interior walls. After use, let the appliance cool, unplug it and follow the instructions. Que Choisir advises against using abrasive sponges.
Does the CE mark tell you anything about cooking performance?
No. The DGCCRF states that the CE mark indicates the manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets the applicable European requirements; it isn’t an independent certification. When choosing a mini oven, look separately at its dimensions, available settings and, if available, test results for the exact model.