Start by thinking about the types of cooking you’re missing: oven-baked dishes, saucepans and frying pans, combination cooking, or meals prepared in a cooking pot. None of these appliances will cover every use in every situation. Next, check the space available, the cookware you’ll need, the electrical supply and the installation instructions for the specific model.
If you already have a hob but no oven, compare a mini oven with a combination microwave, based on the dishes you cook. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes between the functions of a combination microwave and those of a solo model.
If you’re missing the option to cook in a frying pan or saucepan, a portable hob meets a different need from a cavity appliance. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that induction requires compatible cookware.
If you mainly prepare slow-cooked or steamed dishes, a multi-cooker could suit your recipes. Moulinex lists these cooking modes for the Cookeo CE952AF0, but they won’t cover every type of oven or hob cooking.
Start with the types of cooking you’re missing, then check the functions, cookware and electrical supply required by the appliance you’re considering.
Consider this if: you already have a hob and mainly prepare dishes that need baking in an oven.
Bear in mind: it won’t give you an extra hob ring for saucepans, and it needs a space with the clearances specified by the manufacturer.
Consider this if: you need one space to serve for reheating and for grilling or convection cooking.
Bear in mind: you can’t tell its functions or size from the name ‘microwave’ alone; check the exact model number.
Consider this if: you’re missing the option to cook in a frying pan or saucepan, especially if you don’t have a hob.
Bear in mind: an induction hob requires compatible cookware and won’t replace an oven.
Consider this if: you often make slow-cooked or steamed meals, or cook under pressure in a pot.
Bear in mind: check which recipes it can handle and what accessories you’ll need. A cooking pot won’t replace every type of hob or oven cooking.
| What you need | What to check | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking dishes in an oven | Check for grill or convection settings, and make sure the usable cavity dimensions suit your dishes. | If I already have a hob and make tarts or bakes, I want my dishes to fit in the appliance. Around 33% of consumers prioritise oven cooking. |
| Getting a hob ring back | Check that your cookware is compatible with induction and that the electrical supply is suitable. | When I’m missing a hob, I want to be able to cook in a frying pan or saucepan using my usual cookware. Around 27% of consumers primarily need a hob ring. |
| Reheating and using different cooking methods | Check separately for a grill and convection, as well as the dimensions of the turntable and cavity. | I want to reheat food and have other cooking options too, without needing lots of appliances. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this versatile reheating option. |
| Preparing meals in a cooking pot | Compare the cooking modes, usable capacity, parts to clean and accessories included or sold separately. | If I mainly make slow-cooked or steamed recipes, I’m looking for an appliance suited to these dishes. Around 20% of consumers prioritise meals prepared in a cooking pot. |
Available modes vary from model to model. A solo microwave won’t necessarily meet your needs for grilling or convection cooking.
Check that the exact model has grill and convection functions, rather than relying on the word ‘microwave’ alone.
If you plan to grill or cook using convection, you may need a second appliance if your model doesn’t offer these functions.
The free space needed around an appliance and the room required to use it depend on the instructions for that model. The dimensions alone aren’t enough to work out whether it will fit.
Measure the space, then check it against the installation and clearance instructions in the manual.
For the Panasonic NN-CD58RS, the 1 000 W listed for microwave mode doesn’t, on its own, tell you how much electrical power the appliance draws.
Check the model’s manual and make sure the electrical supply is suitable, especially if several appliances will be used at the same time. Promotelec warns that using an extension lead beyond its rated capacity can cause it to overheat and create a fire risk.
What’s in the box can affect which recipes you can make without buying anything else. Moulinex states that the Extra Crisp accessory for the Cookeo CE952AF0 is sold separately.
Compare the accessories actually supplied with those you’ll need for the dishes you plan to make.
An accessory sold separately may be needed for some recipes designed for the appliance.
The range includes countertop mini ovens. The TO 2068 is one example, with a capacity of 20 L.
The Everyday Slim IH2108E1 portable induction hob gives you a single cooking zone to add to your kitchen or use as a replacement.
The NN-CD58RS combination microwave combines microwave, grill and convection functions.
The Optimo and Cookeo ranges show two different ways to add to your kitchen: a countertop oven or cooking in a pot.
These appliances offer different ways to add to a kitchen without a built-in oven: cooking in drawers, a countertop oven, induction, a combination microwave or food preparation in a cooking pot. Choose based on the recipes you’re missing and the limitations of each model.
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Worth considering if you want to cook different dishes with separate settings in two drawers.
Listed capacity of 9,5 L, split between two 4,75 L drawers. Air Fry, Roast, Bake and Reheat functions are listed; the drawers and crisper plates are dishwasher-safe according to the product details.
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Consider this if you’re looking for a countertop oven and hob rings in one appliance, bearing in mind that you can’t use them all at once.
The product details list a capacity of 46 L, a power rating of 2 850 W, convection and an adjustable temperature of 90 to 230 °C. The oven and hotplates can’t be used at the same time.
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Worth considering if you’re missing a hob and your cookware is suitable for induction.
The product details list an adjustable power range of 100 to 2 000 W and compatibility with cookware with a magnetic base measuring 12 to 26 cm.
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Consider this if you want to combine reheating, grilling and convection in one appliance.
The product details list a capacity of 42 L, a temperature range of 140 to 230 °C and 30 automatic programmes. A turntable, racks and baking tray are also listed.
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Worth considering if your recipes are suited to cooking in a pot, especially under pressure, by steaming or by slow cooking.
The product details list a capacity of 8 L, 12 pre-set programmes and a non-stick cooking pot. A steam basket is also included. When pressure cooking, don’t force the lid open and follow the stated fill limits.
Yes. If you already have a hob, compare appliances that cook oven dishes. If you don’t have one, first look at a solution with a cooking zone. If you’re missing both, a single appliance may not cover both needs.
A combination microwave with a grill and convection also offers oven-style cooking modes, unlike a solo model, which won’t necessarily have these functions. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes between these categories, so check the functions and dimensions of the model you choose.
Check the model’s manual for its electrical input power and installation instructions, then check the socket, work surface and available ventilation space. Don’t plug several high-powered appliances into one extension lead without checking its rated capacity. An induction hob also requires compatible cookware.
Check which parts can be cleaned and which accessories are supplied with the appliance. For the Cookeo CE952AF0, Moulinex states that the Extra Crisp is sold separately. Compare what’s in the box with the recipes you plan to make.
It depends on the type of tenancy. For a furnished rental, Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015 includes a hob and an oven or microwave in the list of minimum furnishings. For a property to meet decent housing standards, Article 3 of Decree No. 2002-120 requires a kitchen or kitchenette fitted to accommodate a cooking appliance; this rule doesn’t, on its own, require a built-in oven. Check the type of tenancy agreement and the equipment provided before buying a missing appliance.