Start by choosing according to what you do most often: a solo microwave is mainly suited to quick reheating and defrosting, while an electric oven is better for oven cooking and preparing larger quantities. An electric hob is designed for cooking in saucepans or frying pans. In a small kitchen, a combination microwave can bring several functions together, provided its dimensions, capacity and cooking modes genuinely meet your needs.
You often prepare roasts, gratins, family meals or batches of food. In that case, a range of cooking modes and sufficient capacity matter more than quick reheating alone. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the cooking modes you need depend above all on the dishes you want to prepare.
You reheat, defrost or quickly prepare individual portions more often than you undertake long oven-cooking sessions. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a microwave is particularly well suited to quick reheating.
You are short on space but would sometimes like to cook, grill and reheat with a single appliance. A freestanding combination microwave is worth considering once you have checked its dimensions, capacity and cooking modes.
Start with the meals you usually prepare, then check the available space, compatible cookware and the features you will genuinely use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Type of meal | Reheating and defrosting for a microwave; capacity and cooking modes for an oven; suitable cooking zones for saucepans and frying pans on a hob. | I want to choose according to the dishes I actually prepare: leftovers and portions, gratins and roasts, or cooking in a frying pan and saucepan. |
| Space saving | External dimensions, usable capacity, freestanding or built-in format; an explicitly stated grill and convection function if required. | My kitchen is compact and I would like to combine reheating, grilling and certain oven-cooking functions in one appliance, without giving up the size of the dishes I normally use. |
| Electricity consumption | Basis of comparison, frequency of use, preheating and functions used. Compare like-for-like usage rather than relying on a single annual figure. | I want to put the appliance’s consumption into the context of my habits. ADEME gives separate annual averages: 130 kWh for a 63 L electric oven over 187 cycles, 115 kWh for an induction hob over 409 cycles and 40 kWh for a microwave, with no number of cycles specified for the latter. |
| Suitability for use | Induction compatibility of saucepans and frying pans; microwave-safe containers; the model’s care and installation instructions. | I prefer to check my cookware before buying so that the appliance is ready to use for my very first meal. |
A solo microwave is mainly for reheating, defrosting and speeding up small cooking tasks. It does not automatically provide the grill, browning or fan-assisted heat needed for certain dishes.
Make a list of the meals you prepare each week. If gratins, roasts, baking or cooking on several levels are regular features, compare an electric oven with a combination model whose required functions are clearly stated.
Cookware compatibility is essential when using an induction hob. A hob will not heat properly if the cookware you have is unsuitable.
Identify your saucepans and frying pans before buying, then check whether you need to replace any of them.
Replacing incompatible cookware may add to the cost of preparing your kitchen.
ADEME’s averages are based on different usage profiles: 409 cycles for hobs and 187 cycles for a 63 L oven, while the number of cycles is not specified for microwaves.
Use these figures to understand the general scale, then consider your cooking frequency, portion sizes, preheating and the functions you actually use.
A compact appliance can reduce clutter, but its capacity, dimensions and cooking modes determine whether it will actually accommodate your portions and everyday dishes.
Before ordering, measure the width, height, depth, clearances specified in the instructions and the dimensions of your dishes. Check the capacity, grill and convection function separately.
In France, Bosch offers built-in ovens, including compact ovens and built-in combination microwave ovens.
In France, Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in combination microwaves designed to combine reheating, defrosting, grilling and cooking, depending on the configuration.
In France, Samsung offers freestanding microwaves, including combination models with convection.
Joybuy options covering the main everyday cooking solutions: a versatile compact appliance, a built-in oven, a microwave with grill and an induction hob.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to combine reheating, grilling and oven cooking in a single appliance.
42 L capacity, convection from 140 to 230 °C, 30 programmes, 11 power levels and accessories included.
Its dimensions of 553 × 326 × 505 mm and weight of 20 kg require a suitable worktop. Check the required ventilation and power supply before installation.
Image unavailable
Suitable for gratins, roasts, baking and batches of food regularly prepared in the oven.
71 L capacity, seven cooking modes, temperature from 50 to 275 °C, rapid preheating and five shelf positions.
This built-in model requires a niche measuring 58.5 to 59.5 × 56 to 56.8 × 55 cm. It is less convenient than a microwave for reheating a single portion.
Image unavailable
Suitable for leftovers, defrosting and everyday portions, with the option to brown certain dishes under the grill.
25 L capacity, quartz grill, touch controls, automatic programmes with weight control and child lock.
If you regularly want to cook as you would in an oven, check that a convection or fan-assisted function is explicitly stated. Also check the required clearances on your worktop.
Image unavailable
A freestanding option for reheating or defrosting everyday meals and finishing certain dishes under the grill.
Five power levels, 950 W grill, 29.2 cm turntable, touch controls, child lock and EasyClean coating.
The grill alone cannot replace fan-assisted cooking: check for this function if your recipes call for oven-style cooking. Do not use metal containers in microwave mode.
Image unavailable
Designed for preparing meals directly in saucepans, frying pans or large cookware.
Four induction zones, Bridge zone, Booster function, pan detection, automatic programmes, residual heat indicator and child lock.
Check that your cookware is induction-compatible, along with the niche dimensions, ventilation and electrical installation requirements. Food must be transferred to a suitable container for reheating.
Only if you mainly use it for reheating, defrosting and small, quick cooking tasks. For roasting, preparing gratins, baking or cooking several dishes in the oven, choose an electric oven or a combination model with clearly stated grill and fan-assisted cooking functions.
It can be used to cook and reheat food in a saucepan or frying pan, but it will not heat a plate or ready-meal tray directly. Also check that your saucepans and frying pans are induction-compatible before choosing this option.
Measure the available space and your usual dishes, then check the capacity, freestanding or built-in format and the advertised cooking modes. If you want to cook as you would in an oven, look specifically for a grill and convection or fan-assisted cooking.
Unplug the appliance before cleaning, use a slightly damp sponge with a non-abrasive product, then rinse and dry it. UFC-Que Choisir recommends leaving any technical work to a professional.
Do not put it in your household rubbish. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists options including a collection point or recycling centre, returning it to the retailer and donating it to a social and solidarity economy organisation. A “one-for-one” take-back scheme may apply when buying an appliance of the same type.