If you cook regularly and have a suitable cabinet, a built-in oven and separate hob let you choose each appliance to suit the way you cook. A cooker combines an oven and hob in one appliance, while a compact model is better suited to limited space or occasional oven use. Before choosing, check each model’s dimensions and connection requirements against your kitchen, then consider the cooking functions and cleaning features you really need.
If you use your oven often, choose a capacity that suits the dishes you cook and consider the cooking modes and cleaning options. For a built-in model, Que Choisir also recommends checking the available space and the cabinet it will be fitted into.
When choosing a small oven, compare its dimensions with the dishes you use and the space it can occupy while meeting its installation requirements. A combination microwave and convection oven may not suit the same needs as a basic mini oven.
Before choosing an oven or hob, check the model’s connection requirements against the electrical installation in your home. Promotelec points out that some high-power domestic appliances need dedicated circuits. Your kitchen set-up should be assessed to determine what is suitable.
Consider this if: you want to choose your oven and hob separately to suit the meals you usually cook.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a suitable cabinet for the oven and should check the installation requirements for both appliances.
Consider this if: you’d prefer one appliance that combines an oven and hob.
Check: its dimensions, hob type and connection requirements. Combining the functions doesn’t mean you can skip these checks.
Consider this if: space is limited or you don’t use your oven very often.
Check: that it has enough capacity for your dishes and the functions you need. A mini oven and a combination oven may not suit the same uses.
Once you’ve chosen a set-up, compare each model against these four needs: installation, cooking functions, space and everyday use.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and connection | Measure the cabinet or available space, then check the model’s power requirements and connection instructions against your existing installation. | If my space or electricity supply comes with restrictions, I need to know whether the appliance can be installed there before comparing its functions. Around 33% of consumers would put this compatibility check first. |
| Capacity and cooking functions | Compare the oven’s capacity, cooking modes and usable shelf positions with the dishes you regularly prepare. | To make a variety of meals or cook several dishes, I need an oven with the right capacity and functions for what I cook. Versatility would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Compact size | Check the internal dimensions and what the model can do, including cooking, reheating or defrosting. | When space is limited in my kitchen, I’m looking for an appliance small enough to fit the space available without ruling out the dishes I cook most often. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise size. |
| Energy and cleaning | Check the energy information that applies to the oven, its cleaning method and, if available, the results of tests on the model. | When I cook often, I want to understand how much energy it uses and how easy it is to clean over time. Around 20% of consumers would put these considerations first. |
For new domestic ovens covered by the scheme, the French Ministry of the Economy describes the energy label as a useful comparison tool. It complements, but doesn’t replace, checking the dimensions and cooking functions. Que Choisir’s built-in oven tests measure factors including temperature, preheating and energy consumption. Check the results for the specific model you’re interested in.
The oven’s visible width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit in the recess. Que Choisir recommends checking the built-in space and ensuring the cabinet is suitable. The door opening and required clearances also matter when choosing a model.
Measure the space, then check the manufacturer’s installation diagram before choosing an oven.
You may need to adapt the cabinet or change the layout, making a replacement more complicated.
Bosch describes zones that can be combined on some of its FlexInduction hobs. That doesn’t mean every induction hob has this feature or comes with the same accessories.
Check the zones and features of the model you’re considering, as well as whether your cookware is compatible.
Depending on the feature you want, you may need compatible cookware or accessories.
A long list of features won’t, by itself, tell you how an oven performs with the dishes you prepare. Que Choisir’s tests look at factors including preheating, temperature, energy consumption and cleaning.
Identify the cooking modes you’ll use, then check the test results for the model if they’re available.
Instructions for first use, positioning and cleaning are still important for a small appliance. In its mini oven care advice, Que Choisir specifically recommends avoiding abrasive products and scourers.
Read the model’s instructions before using it for the first time, and follow the guidance for its coating and placement.
Worth looking at if the layout of the zones is an important factor when choosing an induction hob.
Worth considering when comparing built-in ovens by capacity, features and installation space.
A brand to consider when looking at built-in ovens, comparing the results for individual models rather than relying on the manufacturer’s name alone.
These products let you compare a built-in oven, two four-zone hobs and a portable single-zone hob. A portable hob is suited to more limited needs than a multi-zone hob. Choose a set-up to suit your available space and the meals you usually cook.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d like several cooking zones for preparing meals. Check the built-in dimensions and connection requirements for this model before choosing it.
Image unavailable
Worth looking at if you regularly cook dishes in the oven and have a suitable built-in space. The product title lists a 71 L capacity and a 3D hot air function. Confirm the oven’s configuration in the model documentation, then check the intended recess and connection.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a built-in hob with several cooking zones. The product title lists four zones, touch controls and a 60 cm format. Check the power requirements and zone layout in the model documentation before having the connection assessed.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for occasional cooking or if you only need one zone. This portable hob is no substitute for an oven or a multi-zone hob. The product title lists 2000 W and eight power levels; check the voltage and usage instructions for your installation.
Don’t assume you can: the connection depends on the appliance and the actual electrical installation in your home. Promotelec points out that some high-power domestic appliances need dedicated circuits. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and have your installation assessed for compatibility before buying.
Yes, if its capacity and functions are suitable for the dishes you prepare, but it won’t necessarily cover every type of cooking. The study referenced by ADEME looks separately at cooking, reheating and defrosting in combination microwave and convection ovens. Compare these uses and the model’s internal dimensions with your needs.
It helps you compare energy information for the new domestic ovens covered by the scheme. The French Ministry of the Economy says these appliances are among the products covered by the energy label. Check the label and product details for the model, but don’t use them to judge its capacity, cooking performance or suitability for your kitchen.
Not necessarily. Its benefits depend on how often you use and clean your oven. Que Choisir highlights the effectiveness of this cleaning method. Compare it with other cleaning options, but don’t let this feature alone determine which oven you choose.