Choose based on what you do most often: reheat or defrost a portion, crisp up a dish, or cook several things at once. A combination oven brings several cooking modes together in one appliance, but the ADEME–INC test found no overall advantage over a fan oven. Check that it has the functions you need and delivers the results you want for the dishes you make.
You prepare meals for the week and regularly reheat individual portions. The right choice depends in part on how often you defrost food and which appliances you already own. UFC-Que Choisir describes the microwave as an everyday appliance for defrosting and reheating.
You prepare several dishes at once or want to crisp them up too. Capacity, cooking modes and installation space matter more than a reheating function alone. The National Consumer Institute and Familles Rurales describe batch cooking as preparing several meals in one session.
You want to fit several uses into a limited space. Measure the available space and check the functions of the model you are considering before choosing between a versatile appliance and separate appliances.
Start with the task you do most often, then check that the modes, dimensions and installation type suit your kitchen and the dishes you make.
Worth considering: if you want to reheat or defrost portions, as well as cook or crisp food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: check that it has both microwave and fan oven modes. Results vary by dish and model, according to ADEME and the National Consumer Institute.
Worth considering: if you regularly cook several dishes and already have a way to reheat portions.
Bear in mind: an oven without a microwave function cannot replace one for reheating a small portion directly. Make sure its capacity and dimensions suit your dishes and the space available.
Worth considering: if you mainly need to reheat or defrost and already have an oven for cooking or crisping food.
Bear in mind: it does not provide fan oven cooking on its own. Check the defrost programme and make sure there is enough room for your containers. UFC-Que Choisir describes these as common uses for a microwave.
Worth considering: if your dishes can be reheated on the hob and you do not want to add another appliance.
Bear in mind: you will need a suitable pan and must keep an eye on your food as it reheats.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting portions | Defrost programme, controls and usable dimensions for your plates or containers. | If I often need to bring a portion back up to temperature, I want an appliance that is easy to use for this. Around 29% of consumers prioritise frequent reheating or defrosting. |
| Getting the right result for each dish | Whether it has a fan setting and a grill; look for results with foods similar to yours. | When texture or browning matters, I check which modes suit my recipes. Around 23% of consumers put the results for each dish first. |
| Cooking several dishes | Capacity, the size of dishes it can accommodate, usable shelf levels and installation dimensions. | If I batch cook, I want the dishes and cooking capacity to suit what I make. This is a priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Keeping clutter to a minimum | Freestanding or built-in, the appliance dimensions and the space actually available. | In a kitchen where every bit of space counts, I check whether a versatile appliance can meet my needs without unnecessary functions. Around 18% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
| Reheating stored portions | Power and time instructions, container compatibility and storage conditions. | When I reheat a dish prepared in advance, I want to follow the storage and packaging instructions. Around 12% of consumers put portion storage first. |
The ADEME–INC test found that results vary by dish and model; it does not support the conclusion that combination ovens are generally more energy-efficient.
Compare measurements for similar dishes and the same cooking task, rather than assuming energy use based on the appliance category alone.
These modes serve different purposes. An appliance that reheats a portion will not necessarily offer the cooking or browning you expect.
Check the modes listed for the exact model before you choose.
Anses warns that reheating at high power may increase the migration of substances from certain types of packaging.
Follow the tray’s instructions and use a suitable container if it is not marked as microwave-safe.
The French models mentioned illustrate two different formats: a built-in combination oven and a solo microwave.
LG France describes the MJ3965BPH as a freestanding 39 L combination oven with microwave, grill, oven and defrost functions.
The French range mentioned includes the OWR551RR0B built-in oven, listed with a capacity of 71 L.
This selection brings together fan ovens, microwaves and options for cooking or reheating, so you can compare them based on the dishes you make.
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Worth considering for cooking several dishes if you have a suitable built-in housing unit.
71 L; 3D fan cooking; stainless steel finish.
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Worth considering if you want a freestanding appliance for defrosting portions, with a grill function too.
25 L; 1,000 W.
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Worth considering for cooking different foods in a countertop appliance and keeping dishes warm.
23 L; 15 programmes; two cooking zones.
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Worth considering if you want to switch between reheating, grilling and steam cooking in a freestanding appliance.
29 L; 1,000 W microwave; 1,000 W grill; stainless steel finish.
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Worth considering for reheating or defrosting portions on a worktop, with five listed power levels.
19 L; 700 W; 245 mm turntable.
No. The ADEME–INC test, summarised in February 2026, found no overall advantage: results vary by dish and model. To compare energy use, look for measurements covering the same cooking task.
Check whether it is freestanding or built-in, measure the appliance and consult the instruction manual for the required space. The ovens studied by the National Consumer Institute were built-in; freestanding combination ovens are also available.
Yes, but only if the product instructions allow it, particularly for the power setting and duration. Anses warns that reheating at high power may increase the migration of substances from certain types of packaging.
Anses recommends keeping your fridge between 0 and +4 °C at its coldest point and refrigerating prepared food within two hours. This storage advice applies whatever appliance you use afterwards.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that you have two years to claim under it. Any commercial warranty is in addition to this guarantee and does not replace it.