For a furnished rental that is the tenant’s main home and falls under Article 25-4 of the French law of 6 July 1989, Decree No. 2015-981 lists an oven or microwave oven as part of the minimum furnishings. Choose between them based on the space available and the meals the property should allow tenants to prepare. A microwave meets basic reheating needs, while an oven or a combination model with the right functions can handle other types of cooking. In either case, check the installation requirements for the model. If the rental falls under a different regime, check the applicable rules before relying on this alternative.
In a small kitchen, check that there’s space for the appliance, either on a worktop or built in, and that the connection requirements can be met. The size and format you choose matter just as much as the advertised functions.
If tenants should be able to make gratins, bakes or other oven-cooked dishes, compare the stated functions of an oven and a combination microwave rather than choosing an appliance designed mainly for reheating.
First, measure the existing space and check the manual for the model you’re considering. Electrolux advises that a new built-in appliance must fit the space available.
First decide which meals the appliance should allow tenants to prepare, then check that it can be installed in the kitchen. If you’re relying on the minimum equipment requirements for a furnished rental, confirm that the property falls under the relevant regime.
Consider this: if you want to offer oven cooking without needing a built-in appliance.
Bear in mind: the position, supporting surface and clearances must meet the requirements in the model’s manual.
Consider this: if the kitchen already has a suitable space and should support regular oven cooking.
Bear in mind: check the appliance dimensions, housing and connection requirements before you buy.
Consider this: if the main needs are reheating and defrosting.
Bear in mind: a microwave doesn’t necessarily offer the cooking modes you need for other dishes.
Consider this: if you want one cavity for reheating and several types of cooking.
Bear in mind: the available modes, capacity and installation type vary by model.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum equipment | Check the rental regime and whether the appliance is classed as an oven or microwave oven. For properties covered by Article 25-4, Decree No. 2015-981 provides for this alternative. | You want to start by meeting the applicable requirement without confusing it with the cooking options you want to offer. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this minimum equipment requirement. |
| Installation | Measure the available space and check it against the dimensions, clearances and connection details in the model’s manual. | If you’re replacing an appliance in an existing kitchen, you want to avoid finding that it won’t fit in the intended space, either freestanding or built in. Around 29% of consumers put compatibility first. |
| Cooking options | Compare the stated cooking modes and cavity capacity with the dishes tenants should be able to prepare. | You want to offer more than reheating, but need to choose between an oven and the functions of a specific combination microwave. Around 24% of consumers prioritise cooking options. |
| Cleaning and replacement | Check the cleaning instructions, warranty terms and the dimensions you’ll need to match if the appliance has to be replaced. | You want an appliance that’s easy to maintain, and to make sure any future replacement will fit the existing kitchen. Around 18% of consumers prioritise these considerations. |
For properties covered by Article 25-4, Decree No. 2015-981 allows an oven or a microwave oven. This doesn’t mean that a basic microwave will offer the functions tenants need if they cook regularly.
Decide which meals you want tenants to be able to prepare before comparing appliances.
The external dimensions alone don’t tell you the size of the housing required. If the appliance doesn’t fit, you may not be able to install it in the existing unit.
Measure the housing and check the installation and connection instructions for the exact model.
If the space isn’t suitable, you may need to adapt the unit or have electrical work carried out.
Whirlpool says that its combination microwaves may offer a grill and fan-assisted cooking, depending on the model. So the word “combination” alone doesn’t tell you which modes or capacity will suit your dishes.
Compare the stated functions, capacity and installation format of each model.
Reliability is worth considering for a built-in oven: the 2025 survey by 60 Millions de Consommateurs, carried out with 5,000 consumers, included this category. However, a brand’s reputation alone can’t replace checking the specific model you’re considering.
Check its warranty terms, access to spare parts and care instructions.
Worth considering for a built-in oven or compact combination appliance. Compare the dimensions and manual for each model.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a combination microwave, either built in or freestanding, depending on the model.
Worth considering when replacing a built-in appliance in an existing kitchen.
These models include combination microwaves and microwaves with a grill, so you can compare reheating with additional cooking functions. If you’re considering a freestanding or built-in oven instead, factor in its specific installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you want several cooking options in one cavity. The title lists a 42 L capacity and a 3-in-1 appliance. Check the exact modes, clearances and electrical requirements in the manual before choosing where to put it.
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Worth comparing if you want a combination appliance rather than a microwave designed solely for reheating. Its stated capacity is 39 L. Check the functions, installation type and usable dimensions for this model before buying.
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Worth considering if you have space for a freestanding appliance and would like a grill as well as a microwave. The title lists a 25 L capacity and 900 W. Follow the manual’s clearance guidance and check that the socket and electrical installation are suitable.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a microwave with a grill. The title lists a 25 L capacity. Check the ventilation clearances, electrical requirements and detailed functions in the model’s manual.
Yes, for a furnished property covered by Article 25-4 of the French law of 6 July 1989: Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015 includes “oven or microwave oven” in its list of minimum furnishings. Check the applicable rules separately if the rental falls under a different regime, particularly for a holiday let.
No. Measure the housing and compare it with the manual for the oven you’re considering rather than relying on its nominal width. For example, Bosch lists appliance dimensions of 595 × 594 × 548 mm for the HBG578ES7, while Electrolux advises that a built-in appliance must fit the existing space.
Yes, if the model has the cooking modes needed for the dishes you have in mind. Whirlpool, for example, lists fan-assisted cooking on its W9MD260BSS. Check the functions and capacity of the model you choose, as these vary between combination microwaves.
Check the cleaning instructions, warranty terms and availability of spare parts for the specific model. If the appliance is built in, keep its dimensions and manual too, so you can check whether a future replacement will fit the existing space.