You don’t have a fixed hob
If you cook in a saucepan or frying pan, a portable hob gives you the cooking function you’re missing. If you mainly reheat food, a microwave may be a better fit.
What do you need your kitchenette to do?
You have limited worktop space
A portable hob lets you cook in a frying pan or saucepan. A multicooker may suit you better if you usually prepare meals in a single cooking pot.
You already own a cooking appliance
If you have a microwave, a mini oven can add baking and browning functions. If you have a fixed hob, a kettle is only worth considering if you want a dedicated appliance for heating water.
How do the appliances compare?
Think about the meals you actually make, then check that the appliance you’re considering will fit your space and available installation.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating | Check the functions of the microwave you’re considering and follow the installation instructions in its manual. It won’t replace the oven functions you need for browning food. | I mainly reheat ready meals or leftovers, and don’t need to cook regularly in a frying pan. |
| Cooking in a frying pan | Check the rated power and cooking zone of a portable hob. For induction, Tefal says that cookware should, among other things, attract a magnet. | I don’t have a fixed hob and want to use my saucepans and frying pans for everyday meals. |
| Oven cooking | Compare the cooking modes and external dimensions, and check the clearances required in the mini oven’s manual. For example, Moulinex describes one of its Optimo models as having a 39 L capacity. | I make bakes or pastries and have a suitable space for a freestanding oven. |
| One-pot meals | Check the programmes and capacity of the specific multicooker. Moulinex’s Cookeo range includes functions such as steaming, slow cooking and pressure cooking; these features don’t apply to every multicooker. | My meals are suited to cooking in one pot, rather than in the oven or in several frying pans. |
| Hot water | Check the capacity and functions of the kettle you choose. It heats water, but won’t replace an appliance designed for cooking a meal. | For drinks and recipes that need hot water, I’d rather have a kettle for a specific purpose than another cooking appliance. |
| Space | Measure the available surface, check that the support is stable and follow the clearance and ventilation instructions in the manual. Also make sure the rated power is suitable for your electrical installation and other appliances in use. | I want to install and use the appliance without cluttering the space or blocking the clearance around it. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Adding an appliance without identifying the cooking function you’re missing
A kettle, microwave and mini oven all serve different purposes. Another appliance could take up worktop space without helping you prepare the meals you usually make.
Write down three meals you make often, then choose an appliance that helps you prepare them rather than buying a second appliance for the same purpose.
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Assuming all your saucepans will work on induction
Tefal says that cookware for induction should, among other things, attract a magnet. Compatibility is essential if you want to use a portable induction hob.
Test your cookware and check that the base and diameter are suitable for the cooking zone you’re considering.
If your cookware isn’t suitable, you’ll need compatible saucepans or frying pans to use the hob.
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Choosing the capacity before measuring the space
The internal capacity alone won’t tell you how much room an appliance needs around it, what sort of surface it needs to stand on or what electrical supply it requires.
Measure the space and check the manual for the exact model’s dimensions, clearance requirements, ventilation and rated power.
What can the brands tell you?
Tefal
Worth a look if you’re considering a portable induction hob or a kettle.
- Tefal lists a power range of 300 to 2 100 W for its Everyday Slim IH210801 hob. Check the specifications of the model you choose.
- Before buying an induction hob, check that your cookware is compatible.
Moulinex
The brand offers both freestanding ovens and multicookers, for different ways of preparing meals.
- Moulinex describes its 39 L Optimo oven as a freestanding model with fan-assisted heat. Its Cookeo range includes steaming, slow cooking and pressure cooking functions.
- Check the dimensions and capacity of the specific model against the space in your kitchenette and the portions you cook.
Electrolux
A useful reference when checking how to install a microwave mainly intended for reheating.
- Electrolux notes that, depending on the model, a microwave’s cooling fan may continue running after use.
- Follow the ventilation requirements in the manual for the microwave you choose.
Appliances for cooking in a small space
These Joybuy models offer two ways to prepare meals in a kitchenette: cooking on a portable induction hob or making meals in a cooking pot. Decide which approach suits you before comparing their sizes.
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IAGREEA DF200-14V10, 2 000 W induction hob
For cooking in a saucepan or frying pan when you don’t have a fixed hob. The model name indicates eight power settings, a temperature range of 60 to 270 °C, seven preset functions and compatibility with cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Also check induction compatibility, the hob’s full dimensions and the power supply at the intended location.
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WOOX MX0237 RapidTherm, 2 000 W induction hob
Another portable hob for meals prepared using induction-compatible cookware. The model name indicates eight settings, four programmes and a 1.5 m cord. Check its external dimensions, make sure the surface it will stand on is stable and confirm that the power supply is suitable.
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KitchenCook Model Kyoto White, 2 L multicooker
Worth considering if you cook in a pot rather than in a frying pan. Check that the capacity suits your recipes and, following this model’s instructions, allow at least 40 cm of clearance above it and 10 cm at the sides. Don’t block the steam outlet.
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Instant Pot Classic 5.7 L Daydream Blue
This 5.7 L multicooker is best compared with the portions you usually make and the space you have available. When pressure cooking, follow the filling limits and wait for the pressure to release as instructed in the manual before opening the appliance. Also check its dimensions and power supply.
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IAGREEA MS‑AFX004, 1 L electric cooker
This small cooking-pot appliance is worth considering for simple dishes such as soup, rice or pasta, rather than for pressure-cooking functions found on a multicooker. The model name indicates two settings, 300 W and 600 W. Check its voltage, frequency and dimensions before deciding where it will go in your kitchenette in France.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my saucepans on a portable induction hob?
Yes, as long as they’re induction-compatible. Tefal says, among other things, that cookware should attract a magnet. Also check the base and the diameter accepted by the hob you’re considering.
Can a mini oven replace my microwave?
Not for exactly the same purposes. Choose according to whether you mainly want to reheat food or bake and brown it in the oven. If you already have a microwave, check the available space and installation instructions before adding a mini oven.
What should I check about ventilation for an appliance in a kitchenette?
Follow the clearance and ventilation requirements in the manual for the model you choose, and don’t block the home’s existing ventilation. Electrolux notes that the cooling fan on some microwaves may continue running after use, so make sure the location meets the instructions for your appliance.