You often cook in the oven
If you mainly make gratins, pizzas or baked goods, check that the cavity and listed settings are suitable for your dishes. Moulinex lists these functions for its Optimo OX485810 model, for example.
Which solution is right for you?
You want to reheat and oven-cook in the same appliance
A combination microwave can bring together microwave, grill and convection functions in one appliance. Check that your chosen model offers the settings you need. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these functions, and Severin lists them for the MW 7773.
You prepare meals using several appliances
If you switch between reheating food and cooking in a saucepan, compare appliances based on what you’ll use them for, the space available and the electrical connections required. Promotelec covers the electrical supply for kitchen equipment, while Tefal describes a portable induction hob for cooking in compatible pans.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the dishes you make most often, then check the functions, space requirements and electrical installation. These factors can help you choose between a mini oven, a combination microwave and complementary appliances.
Convection mini oven
Choose this if: you regularly cook oven-baked dishes and reheating food in a microwave isn’t your priority.
Keep in mind: it doesn’t have a microwave function, so you may need another appliance depending on how you cook and how much space you have.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you often reheat food and would also like to grill or cook using convection in the same appliance.
Keep in mind: check the usable capacity, which functions can be combined and the clearances specified in the manual for the exact model.
Microwave with grill
Choose this if: reheating is your priority, but you’d also like to brown food occasionally.
Keep in mind: having a grill doesn’t automatically mean the appliance has a convection function.
Complementary appliances
Choose this if: you mainly cook meals in saucepans, or prefer to use different appliances for different tasks.
Keep in mind: several appliances take up more space and need more electrical connections. An induction hob also requires compatible pans.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Oven cooking | Convection or conventional cooking settings; the dimensions of the cavity and your dishes. | If I often make gratins or baked goods, I check that my dishes will fit and that the settings suit my recipes. Around 26% of consumers would prioritise oven cooking. |
| Reheating and oven cooking | Whether microwave, grill and convection functions are listed separately; usable dimensions and clearances for the exact model. | If I want to reheat and oven-cook without setting aside space for two appliances, I check the functions and the space needed around the appliance. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise having both uses in one appliance. |
| Reheating | Reheating and defrosting functions; whether your plates will fit. | If I mainly reheat and defrost food, I check these functions before choosing an appliance with additional cooking settings. Around 21% of consumers would make reheating their priority. |
| Cooking in pans | The types of recipes you make; whether your pans are induction-compatible and the electrical supply needed for each appliance. | If I mainly cook meals in saucepans, I check which pans are suitable and what electrical connections my complementary appliances need. Around 16% of consumers would prioritise these uses. |
| Space and electrical connections | Available space in all three dimensions, including with the door open; clearances in the manual and the available electrical supply. | If my kitchen is very limited for space, I measure the area I can actually use and check the manual and installation requirements before choosing a model. Around 16% of consumers would put these constraints first. |
Clearance requirements vary between appliances. For the Severin MW 7773 only, the manual specifies 7.5 cm at the sides, 10 cm at the back and 30 cm above. Don’t apply these measurements to another model. Tests of combination and convection ovens published by the Institut national de la consommation and ADEME covered built-in appliances; they don’t tell you how much energy a countertop appliance will use for your recipes.
Buying mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a microwave with grill with a convection model
A grill doesn’t guarantee that the appliance has a fan-assisted cooking function, which may be important for the dishes you want to make.
Check the settings listed separately on the product page and in the manual for the exact model.
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Relying only on the dimensions or capacity in litres
An appliance may not fit in the space if you don’t allow for the door opening and the room needed for ventilation.
Measure the available space and follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose.
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Plugging in several appliances without checking the installation
Electrical requirements vary between appliances. Having a socket available doesn’t mean it’s suitable for every connection you’re planning to use.
Check the electrical specifications of the appliances and have the installation inspected if you’re unsure. Promotelec stresses the importance of suitable circuits for high-powered equipment.
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Applying test results for built-in ovens to other appliances
The technical study by the Institut national de la consommation and ADEME covered built-in ovens, not freestanding appliances.
Don’t use this test to estimate the energy consumption of a countertop appliance. This depends, among other things, on the appliance, recipe, quantity and settings used.
Brands to consider for different needs
Moulinex
The Optimo OX485810 is an example of a freestanding mini oven with fan-assisted cooking.
- Moulinex lists a capacity of 39 L and seven settings, including convection and conventional cooking.
- This model doesn’t have a microwave setting, and its specifications don’t describe every oven in the range.
Severin
The MW 7773 and MW 7752 are examples of freestanding microwaves that combine several cooking functions.
- Severin lists microwave, grill and hot-air functions for the MW 7773, which can be used separately or together.
- The MW 7773 is listed as measuring 26.3 × 45.7 × 40 cm, in height × width × depth order; its manual specifies particular clearances. Check the requirements for the model you’re considering.
Taurus
The Horizon 23 is an example of a freestanding mini oven with heating elements, rather than a fan-assisted convection model.
- Taurus lists a capacity of 23 L, a power rating of 1,500 W and an adjustable temperature range of 40 to 230 °C.
- The Joybuy product page describes top and bottom heating settings; this information doesn’t support describing it as a fan-assisted mini oven.
Philips
The Airfryer HD9285/90 is an example of a complementary appliance that circulates hot air to cook food suited to its basket.
- Philips lists a capacity of 7.2 L and 16 cooking settings for this model.
- These specifications don’t show that it can replace an oven for every use or reduce energy consumption for your recipes.
Tefal
The Everyday Slim IH210801 portable hob is an example of a way to cook in pans when this is a major part of your meals.
- Tefal lists six programmes and a maximum power rating of 2,100 W for this model.
- The hob requires induction-compatible pans and, on its own, doesn’t provide the functions of an oven or microwave.
Joybuy products for cooking without a built-in oven
This selection includes combination microwaves and freestanding ovens for reheating or oven-cooking without a built-in appliance. Compare the listed functions, the dimensions of your dishes and the space needed for installation.
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Candy Essenza CMCA29EDLB/ST, 29 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you want to combine reheating with several cooking options in one appliance.
Listed capacity: 29 L; the product name mentions a grill and steam function.
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HOMCOM 46 L convection mini oven, with two hotplates and rotisserie
Consider this if you’re looking for a mini oven with a convection function for the dishes you usually make.
Listed capacity: 46 L; listed power: 2,850 W; adjustable temperature from 90 to 230 °C.
The description states that the oven and the top hotplates cannot be used at the same time.
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HAUSWIRT C40, 35 L convection oven with thermometer
An option to compare if oven cooking is your priority and you’re looking for a freestanding model.
Listed capacity: 35 L; the name mentions a thermometer and a four-level rack.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 3-in-1 combination microwave, 42 L
Compare this if you’re looking for a combination appliance and want to check whether its capacity suits your dishes.
Listed capacity: 42 L; the product name specifies a 3-in-1 configuration.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you want to compare a combination microwave with a mini oven or several specialist appliances.
Listed capacity: 39 L.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around a freestanding appliance?
Follow the manual for your chosen model, as clearance requirements vary between appliances. For the Severin MW 7773 only, it specifies 7.5 cm at the sides, 10 cm at the back and 30 cm above, and says that the appliance must not be installed in a cupboard.
Can a microwave with grill replace an oven for baking?
Having a grill doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan-assisted cooking function. If you want to bake, check specifically for this setting, along with the dimensions of the cavity and your dishes. The list of functions alone doesn’t guarantee how a recipe will turn out.
Can you plug several cooking appliances into an extension lead?
Don’t assume an extension lead is suitable for several cooking appliances. Promotelec stresses the importance of suitable circuits for high-powered equipment. Compare the appliances’ specifications and have the installation checked if you’re unsure about the available circuit.
Does the INC and ADEME study prove that a freestanding combination microwave uses less energy?
No: all four combination ovens and all ten convection ovens in the study were built-in models. The results don’t allow you to draw conclusions about the energy consumption of a countertop appliance for your recipes, quantities and cooking settings.
What warranty applies in France when you buy from a professional seller?
The professional seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee of conformity. According to the DGCCRF, claims can be made for two years from the date the goods are delivered, whether new or second-hand. Any optional commercial warranty is in addition to, and does not replace, this guarantee. Check the terms of any commercial warranty separately.