Choose based on the dishes you make most often: a mini oven for cooking in an oven dish, a combination microwave if reheating matters too, a multicooker for cooking in a pot, or an air fryer for small portions. Before you buy, measure the available space with the door or drawer open, then check the plug, the clearance specified in the manual and the parts that need cleaning.
If you have limited worktop space, start by thinking about the portions and dishes you prepare. For example, Tefal offers a 1.6 L air fryer for up to two people, while Moulinex offers a 3 L Cookeo Touch Mini multicooker for cooking in a pot.
A countertop appliance lets you prepare everyday meals without having to install a built-in oven. However, a mini oven and a combination microwave do different jobs, so choose according to the space available and the features you’ll use.
If you make dishes that need browning or cooking in a tin, look at the functions offered by a mini oven or combination microwave. For soups, steamed dishes and slow-cooked meals, a multicooker’s settings meet a different need.
First decide which cooking functions you need, then check portion sizes, where the appliance will go, how it connects to the power supply and how easy it is to clean.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking functions | Check the oven, grill and microwave functions separately: a grill alone doesn’t mean the appliance has a fan oven. For a multicooker, look at the cooking modes available in the pot; for an air fryer, check the portion and basket sizes. | I mainly make gratins and cakes, so I need an appliance that fits my dishes and offers the cooking function I want. If I mostly make soups or slow-cooked meals, I’ll look at a multicooker’s features. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the appliance’s external dimensions with your worktop, then measure the space needed to open the door or remove the basket. Check the size of the dishes it can accommodate and the clearances specified in the manual, not just its capacity in litres. | In my kitchenette, the appliance needs to remain easy to use once it’s in place, without blocking a cupboard door or leaving too little space in front of it. |
| Power connection | Check the appliance’s power rating, the available socket and the cable length. Use the manual to check the planned location. Promotelec notes that the NF C 15-100 series covers electrical installations in kitchens in France. | I want to be able to position and plug in the appliance in my kitchen without assuming that an extension lead or a spot near water will be suitable. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are removable, which are stated to be dishwasher-safe and what the manual says about washing them. Check these details for the exact model, as they vary from one appliance to another. | If I cook every day, I’d rather know in advance how to clean the pot, basket or accessories after each meal. |
A small basket may suit roasted or crispy portions, but it may not have room for your larger dishes or several items at once. Tefal states that its 1.6 L Easy Fry Compact is suitable for up to two people.
Make a list of the dishes you actually cook. If you mainly use baking tins, gratin dishes or large pizzas, also compare the usable dimensions of a mini oven or a combination microwave with the functions you need.
The number of litres won’t tell you whether the door will open or the drawer can be removed on your worktop. Nor does it replace the model’s specific ventilation instructions.
Measure the available width, depth and height, as well as the space in front of the appliance. Then check the manual for the clearances you need to leave.
The appliance’s stated power rating and your kitchen’s layout matter just as much as its dimensions. The presence of a socket alone doesn’t confirm that the planned connection or location is suitable.
Check the power rating, cable and manufacturer’s instructions before deciding where to put the appliance. If you’re unsure about the electrical installation, ask a qualified professional to check it.
A pot, basket and accessories may all need to be cleaned differently. In a small kitchen, the time it takes to wash them can affect how convenient the appliance is to use every day.
Check which parts are removable and how they should be washed, then read the care instructions and find out what repair options are available for the model you choose.
Its French product pages let you compare options such as a mini oven, a combination microwave and a countertop air fryer.
The Cookeo range is an example of a multicooker for preparing meals in a pot.
The NN-DF38PBEPG is an example of a multifunction microwave worth considering if you want to combine reheating, grilling and oven cooking.
The Easy Fry Compact is an example of an air fryer with a small basket for limited portions.
These options cover four ways to cook without a conventional oven: a mini oven, a multicooker, a microwave with grill and an air fryer. Compare their features with the dishes you usually make before choosing a model.
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A countertop oven to consider if you want to cook in an oven dish without a built-in oven. Its stated capacity is 23 L. Also measure the space needed to open the door and check the manual for the required clearances.
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Worth considering for cooking in a pot rather than browning a dish. The stated 2 L capacity for this model refers to uncooked rice, so check the right quantity for your other dishes and the space needed around the appliance.
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A countertop oven to compare if you want to bake or roast without a built-in oven. Its stated power rating is 1,500 W. Check its dimensions, door clearance and the required space around it before deciding where to put it.
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Worth a look if you want to reheat food and have a grill too. This model is listed with a 25 L capacity and 900 W microwave power. If your dishes need fan-assisted cooking, check explicitly that this feature is included.
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Compare its 2 L basket with the portions you usually prepare; don’t assume it will fit your large oven dishes. The product name states that it has a non-stick basket, dishwasher-safe parts and a 60-minute timer. Also check the space needed to remove the basket.
Not for every type of cooking. If you want to brown food or cook it as you would in an oven, look for those functions specifically. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes combination microwaves, which may offer a grill and fan-assisted cooking, from appliances designed mainly for microwave cooking. Also check the size of the dishes they can accommodate.
Choose based on the meals you make, not just the number of people. A small air fryer may suit portions cooked in a basket, while a multicooker is designed for meals prepared in a pot. If you regularly make gratins or cakes in a tin, compare a mini oven or a combination model with the functions you need.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check how much space you’ll need to open the door or pull the basket all the way out. Compare these measurements with the appliance’s dimensions and check the manual for ventilation clearances. Capacity in litres alone won’t confirm that it will fit in your kitchen.
Don’t choose a location without checking the manual and your kitchen’s electrical layout. Promotelec notes that the NF C 15-100 series covers electrical installations in kitchens in France. Keep the appliance away from water splashes and follow its positioning and ventilation instructions.
Check which parts can be removed and how each one should be washed. If using a dishwasher matters to you, look for this information for the pot, basket or accessories of the specific model, then follow the care instructions in its manual.