Households cooking several dishes in the oven
If you prepare several gratins, roasted vegetables or quiches in one session, consider both the available cavity space and the shelf levels you can use with your chosen cooking mode.
Who is this choice for?
Kitchens without space for a built-in oven
If your kitchen units cannot accommodate a standard oven, you could consider a freestanding cooker or a countertop mini oven. The space available and the connections required will help you decide between the two.
Anyone looking for a compact, versatile appliance
If you want to combine oven and microwave functions in a compact space, check that the combination oven’s cavity can also accommodate the dishes and portions you prepare in your cooking sessions.
What should you look for before buying?
If you’re preparing meals for the week, start with the factor that matters most to you: how much you need to cook, available kitchen space, cleaning or organising cooking cycles.
Standard built-in oven
Consider it if: you have a suitable housing unit and regularly plan to cook several dishes in the oven.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the dimensions, ventilation and electrical installation requirements for the model before fitting it.
Freestanding cooker
Consider it if: you want to replace your hob and oven together, and have enough space for the appliance.
Bear in mind: a dual-fuel cooker such as the Whirlpool W6G8LCSWA has a gas hob, so you’ll need to check the gas connection separately.
Countertop mini oven
Consider it if: you don’t have space for a built-in oven and usually cook smaller batches.
Bear in mind: check that your dishes fit inside the compact cavity. Moulinex states that the Optimo OX485810 has a capacity of 39 L.
Compact microwave combination oven
Consider it if: you want to combine oven cooking and microwave functions in a compact space.
Bear in mind: check the capacity if you plan to cook larger batches: Electrolux states that the KVLAE2ST has a usable cavity capacity of 44 L.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and cooking several dishes at once | Compare the usable capacity with the dimensions of your dishes, then check how many shelf levels are available with your chosen cooking mode. Dishes cooked together also need to be compatible in terms of temperature. | When I’m preparing several portions at once, I want to know which dishes will really fit in the oven, without needing to cook multiple batches; around 36% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Fitting into your kitchen | Measure the housing unit or available space, and check the instructions for the required dimensions, ventilation and connections. Check the gas requirements separately for a dual-fuel cooker. | If I already have a space or housing unit in mind, I need to avoid choosing an appliance that won’t fit; around 29% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Cleaning | Find out which cleaning system the model has, and which surfaces or accessories will still need to be cleaned by hand. | After repeated cooking sessions that leave the oven dirty, I want to know what cleaning will involve; around 21% of consumers say this is their main concern. |
| Energy use and cooking cycles | For ovens covered by the same energy labelling rules, compare the capacity and kWh per cycle shown for the relevant modes. Plan separate cooking sessions for recipes that need different temperatures. | If I’m cooking several dishes together, I want to plan the cycles and compare energy consumption in a way that’s relevant to how I use the oven; around 14% of consumers make this their priority. |
What should you watch out for?
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Choosing based on capacity in litres alone
Capacity alone doesn’t tell you how many of your dishes can cook at the same time. The cavity dimensions, racks and usable shelf levels matter too.
Measure the dishes you use regularly and check the instructions for what you can cook using the fan setting. Don’t assume that several dishes can cook at once just because the oven has several shelf levels.
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Comparing all energy labels as if they were the same
France’s Ministry of the Economy says that an energy label is required for the ovens covered by the rules in France, including those sold online. The European Commission excludes small ovens and appliances with a microwave heating function from the domestic oven energy labelling rules it describes.
Compare energy consumption per cycle only between appliances covered by the same labelling rules. For a mini oven or combination oven, check its own product information and conditions of use instead.
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Treating a dual-fuel cooker like a countertop mini oven
The Whirlpool W6G8LCSWA has a gas hob, so setting it up involves more than simply finding a space for the appliance.
Check the model’s requirements and have your home’s connections checked before planning the installation.
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Assuming cleaning systems mean no hands-on maintenance
Pyrolytic, catalytic and hydrolytic cleaning are different systems. Whichever one you choose, check whether the door, racks or accessories still need cleaning by hand.
Read the cleaning steps and precautions in the oven’s instructions, taking into account the types of cooking you do regularly.
Brands to consider by format
The features below relate to specific models. They can help you compare formats, but they don’t describe every model in each brand’s range.
Bosch
The HBA171BB3 is an example of a standard built-in oven for cooking several dishes, provided you have a suitable housing unit.
- Bosch states that this model has Hotair 3D fan cooking across three shelf levels, as well as pyrolytic cleaning and hydrolytic cleaning assistance.
- These features and its 60 × 60 cm format don’t apply to every Bosch oven. Check the housing unit and the instructions for your chosen model.
Whirlpool
The W6G8LCSWA is a freestanding cooker to consider if you want to choose your oven and hob together.
- Whirlpool lists a 72 L fan-assisted oven, five shelf levels and catalytic cleaning for this model.
- Its four gas burners mean you’ll need to check the connection options in your home. Having five shelf levels doesn’t mean every recipe can be cooked at the same time.
Moulinex
The Optimo OX485810 is a countertop mini oven for kitchens without space for a built-in oven and for smaller batches.
- Moulinex states that this model has a 39 L fan-assisted cavity and can cook two dishes at once.
- Check the dimensions of the dishes you plan to use: two dishes that fit this mini oven won’t necessarily be two large family-sized dishes.
Electrolux
The KVLAE2ST combines oven and microwave functions in a compact built-in appliance.
- Electrolux states that this model has a usable cavity capacity of 44 L and requires a housing unit measuring 450 × 560 × 550 mm.
- Before choosing this format, check that the cavity and housing unit will accommodate the dishes you plan to use when cooking several meals at once.
Built-in ovens to consider on Joybuy
These two 71 L built-in ovens are designed for kitchens with a suitable housing unit. If you’re preparing several meals, check that the cavity can accommodate your dishes and consult the instructions to find out what you can cook on multiple shelf levels. This selection doesn’t include countertop or combination models.
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Bosch HBA514BB3, 71 L built-in oven
Worth considering if you have a suitable housing unit and want to prepare several dishes in a 71 L cavity.
The product name mentions 3D fan cooking and a stainless steel finish. Check the HBA514BB3 documentation to find out how many dishes can be cooked at the same time. The ‘Double oven’ designation and the description of a single compartment also need clarifying before you buy.
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Hotpoint FI4485PIX, 71 L built-in oven
Worth considering for batch cooking if a 71 L cavity and pyrolytic cleaning meet your needs.
This model is described as an A+ rated multifunction built-in oven in stainless steel. Before you buy, check the housing unit dimensions, installation requirements and whether you can cook several dishes at once using your preferred setting.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook several dishes at once using the fan setting?
Yes, provided the oven is designed for this and the dishes need compatible temperatures. Electrolux says that the corresponding function on its ovens can be used on up to three shelf levels at once. Check how many levels are suitable for your model and leave space around the dishes for air to circulate.
Does a mini oven have the same energy label as a built-in oven?
Don’t assume that it does: the European Commission excludes small ovens from the domestic oven energy labelling rules it describes. For ovens covered by the rules in France, the Ministry of the Economy says an energy label is compulsory, including for online sales. Compare energy consumption per cycle only on a like-for-like basis for the appliances you’re considering.
What should you measure before ordering a compact built-in oven?
Measure the housing unit and compare its dimensions with the model’s fitting requirements, not just the visible dimensions of the oven front. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing unit measuring 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the KVLAE2ST. Also check the ventilation and connection requirements in the instructions for your chosen oven.
Are pyrolytic, catalytic and hydrolytic cleaning equally effective?
No. These are different systems, and how you use them and what you still need to clean by hand varies by model. The Bosch HBA171BB3 combines pyrolytic cleaning with hydrolytic cleaning assistance, while the Whirlpool W6G8LCSWA uses catalytic cleaning. Check the instructions to find out how to clean the door and accessories.
Can a mini oven be used to prepare several meals in one session?
Yes, as long as your dishes and portions fit in its cavity. Moulinex says that the 39 L Optimo OX485810 can accommodate two dishes at once. Measure your dishes and plan separate cooking sessions if your recipes need different temperatures.