If your rented kitchen has limited equipment, choose appliances to suit the way you cook: a portable hob for cooking in pans, a standard microwave for reheating, a mini oven for oven-style cooking and a freestanding fridge for storing food. Measure the available space, and check the instructions and electrical supply before you buy. In France, the National Consumer Institute states that written permission from the landlord is required for alterations to rented premises or equipment.
If you cook in pans or want to prepare oven-style dishes without fixed equipment, compare a portable hob and a mini oven to find the right fit for your meals. Tefal France and Moulinex France, for example, provide details about these types of appliances.
If your priority is keeping food fresh in the space available, look separately at fridge capacity, whether there is a freezer compartment and the installation instructions. Bosch France and ADEME offer guidance on these considerations.
If you mainly want to reheat meals, check the appliance size and the clearance needed around its ventilation openings. Whirlpool France provides installation instructions for microwaves.
In a rented kitchen with limited equipment, your choice mainly depends on what you’ll use the appliance for, how much space you have and the available connections and installation conditions.
| Your priority | What to check before buying | Who is most likely to prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking meals | Number of cooking zones and pan compatibility for induction; cooking modes and usable dimensions for a mini oven. | If you mainly cook in pans, you’ll want a suitable cooking surface without a built-in hob. Consumers who prioritise cooking are estimated to account for around 33% of those equipping a rented kitchen with limited facilities. |
| Keeping food fresh | Fridge and freezer capacities separately; the model’s dimensions and installation instructions. | If you need to keep fresh food, also consider whether you need a freezer for your regular shopping. Consumers who prioritise food storage are estimated to account for around 25% of those equipping a rented kitchen with limited facilities. |
| Reheating in a small space | External dimensions, capacity, available functions and the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions. | If you mainly reheat or defrost food, a standard microwave may suit your needs without adding functions you won’t use. Consumers who prioritise reheating are estimated to account for around 25% of those equipping a rented kitchen with limited facilities. |
| Installing without making alterations | The difference between placing an appliance and altering the property; the model’s instructions, available sockets and electrical supply. | If finding a suitable spot or connection is your main concern, check your kitchen’s set-up before choosing an appliance. Consumers who prioritise a reversible installation are estimated to account for around 17% of those equipping a rented kitchen with limited facilities. |
Whether something counts as an improvement or an alteration depends on the work involved. According to the National Consumer Institute, written permission from the landlord is required for alterations to rented premises or equipment.
Set out any planned changes before you buy. If your project involves altering the property, get written permission from your landlord before starting work.
Depending on the work and the agreement, you may be asked to restore the property to its original condition at the end of your tenancy.
According to Promotelec, the combined power draw of appliances can exceed an extension lead’s capacity, causing it to overheat.
Check the power ratings and instructions for each appliance. Never plug one extension lead into another.
Induction hobs require compatible pans; not all cookware will work with them.
Check your pans and frying pans before choosing an induction hob.
These appliances don’t offer the same cooking modes. A standard microwave won’t replace a mini oven for oven-style cooking.
Make a list of the dishes you prepare, then check the exact functions and space requirements of the model you’re considering.
Portable induction hobs to consider for cooking in pans when space is limited.
Freestanding mini ovens to consider if you’re looking for oven-style cooking.
Freestanding microwaves available as standard, grill or combination models, depending on the range.
Freestanding fridges, including under-counter formats to consider when space is limited.
This selection brings together freestanding appliances for keeping food fresh, cooking in pans or reheating meals in a kitchen with limited equipment.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge to keep fresh food in a compact space.
Stated capacity: 82 L. The product description says there is no freezer compartment.
Check the available space and installation instructions before buying.
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Worth considering if you want to cook in pans without installing a built-in hob.
The title lists eight temperature settings and eight power settings. The description mentions a 180-minute timer and automatic shut-off after one hour.
The surface and control panel get hot during use, so don’t touch them directly.
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Worth considering if you cook in pans and have cookware that’s compatible with induction.
The title lists eight power settings and a temperature range of 60 to 270 °C. The description specifies that cookware must have a flat, magnetic base measuring 12 to 26 cm.
Check your cookware and the space available before choosing this portable model.
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Worth considering if you mainly reheat or defrost food and want a freestanding microwave.
Stated capacity: 20 L; power: 700 W. The description lists 11 power settings and external dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
Use microwave-safe containers. The product instructions advise against heating sealed containers or whole eggs in their shells.
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Worth considering if you need a freestanding appliance for keeping both fresh and frozen food.
The description lists a total capacity of 227 L: 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer. It also gives a width of 54 cm and a reversible door.
Allow for a stable surface and sufficient ventilation around the appliance.
The term ‘freestanding’ doesn’t settle every question about installation. In France, if an installation alters the rented premises or equipment, you need written permission from your landlord. The National Consumer Institute explains that whether something counts as an improvement or an alteration depends on the specific circumstances. Consider any planned changes before buying.
Only if the space meets the requirements in the instructions for that model. Whirlpool recommends keeping the ventilation openings clear, and you should also check the clearances required for the appliance you choose.
The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses) states that the ideal temperature at the coldest point is between 0 and +4 °C. Check it regularly, and clean the appliance whenever it gets dirty and at regular intervals.
When a private individual buys goods from a professional seller, they can make a claim under the legal guarantee of conformity through the seller. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that you have two years to exercise this right. The DGCCRF also notes that, when a new product is sold, the seller must offer free ‘one-for-one’ take-back of an equivalent used appliance. Check the practical arrangements for your chosen delivery option.