To enjoy oven-style cooking in a rented home, start by comparing a countertop mini oven with a combination microwave that has the cooking functions you need. If you tend to cook one-pot meals, small portions of roast food or dishes on the hob, a multi-cooker, air fryer or portable hob may suit your routine better. In every case, check the space available, ventilation requirements and the connection specified in the instructions.
If you make gratins, quiches or roasted vegetables in a dish, focus on comparing the usable capacity and cooking modes of a mini oven and a combination microwave. Also check that your dishes will fit inside and that the appliance has a suitable spot on your worktop.
For rice, soups and slow-cooked dishes that need little attention, a multi-cooker’s functions are worth considering more closely than a large oven cavity. UFC-Que Choisir lists cooking and simmering among the uses for this type of appliance.
An air fryer can be a good choice for roasting or crisping small portions, while a microwave is primarily for reheating. If you cook in a pan, consider a portable hob too. For air fryers, UFC-Que Choisir advises taking their size and noise levels into account.
Start with the meals you prepare most often, then check the appliance’s size, how much worktop space it needs and its power supply. The needs below are organised by each consumer’s main priority.
| Priority | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Oven-style cooking | Compare the size of dishes the appliance can accommodate and check for the cooking modes you want, especially fan-assisted cooking and a grill. | If I regularly make gratins or quiches, I need a suitable cavity rather than an appliance designed just for reheating. Around 24% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Reheating and cooking in one | Know the difference between a standard microwave, a model with a grill and a combination model; check the exact functions and ventilation clearances. | If I often reheat leftovers but also want to brown or cook certain dishes, I’m looking for one appliance that can do both. This would be the priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| One-pot meals | Check the programmes available and how much you can actually cook in the pot, especially if you’re making several portions. | For soups, rice or slow-cooked dishes, I prefer to start a cooking programme that needs little attention. Around 18% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Small portions to roast | Measure the basket and the space needed to use and store the appliance; consider noise and cleaning too. | When I’m cooking a small portion, I mainly want to roast or crisp it without needing a large dish. Around 18% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Cooking in a pan | Check the number of cooking zones, the power, the connection and, for induction, whether your pans are compatible. | I mainly boil or fry my food: I need a hob I can use with my pans, not an oven cavity. Around 17% of consumers would prioritise this way of cooking. |
Its basket shape and usable capacity may limit the dishes that fit, even though it can roast or grill small portions. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the size and noise levels of this type of appliance.
Compare the dimensions of the cooking area with your usual dishes, then measure the space available to use and store the appliance.
A microwave designed mainly for reheating and defrosting won’t meet the same needs as a model with a grill or fan-assisted cooking. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a combination model’s extra functions expand your cooking options.
Decide whether you mainly want to reheat, brown food or cook dishes in an oven-style way, then check the functions of the specific model.
For a freestanding microwave, Whirlpool requires a flat surface and unobstructed ventilation openings. A temporary location must also meet the model’s installation requirements.
Check the instructions for the required clearances and don’t stack appliances unless the instructions explicitly say that this is allowed.
Promotelec warns that an overloaded extension lead can cause cables to overheat and create a fire risk.
Check the appliances’ power ratings and connection requirements, avoid daisy-chaining extension leads, and have an installation checked if it seems inadequate or damaged.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop mini oven with its own cooking cavity.
Worth considering for a freestanding or combination microwave if reheating is an important part of your cooking routine.
Worth considering if you want an air fryer for roasting or crisping portions.
These appliances show a few ways to equip a kitchen without a built-in oven: cooking in a pan, small one-pot meals, roasting portions and reheating with a grill. Start by choosing the type of cooking that suits your meals; none of these models can replace every use of an oven on its own.
Image unavailable
For cooking in a saucepan or frying pan rather than preparing oven-baked dishes.
Listed power of 2 000 W, eight power levels, temperature adjustment from 60 to 270 °C and a three-hour timer. The product name specifies compatible pans measuring 12 to 26 cm; also check that your pans are induction-compatible and follow the connection instructions.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you cook portions by roasting or grilling and are happy with the limitations of a basket instead of cooking in a large dish.
Listed capacity of 7,6 L. Check the basket’s usable dimensions, the appliance’s overall size and the clearance needed where you plan to place it.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you want to cook food in separate baskets, provided this layout suits the portions you prepare.
The product name lists a capacity of 10 L. Before buying, check the basket layout and how much food you can actually cook for your meals, as well as the worktop space required.
Image unavailable
For reheating or defrosting, with a grill function for browning some dishes too.
Listed capacity of 25 L and power of 1 000 W, as stated in the product name. If you want to cook as you would in a convection oven, check whether it has fan-assisted cooking; also allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions.
Image unavailable
For small one-pot meals such as rice, pasta or soup, rather than dishes that need to be browned under a grill.
Listed pot capacity of 1,0 L and two power settings, 300 W and 600 W. Check the usable capacity for your portions, the external dimensions and the power supply specified in the instructions.
Not for every type of oven cooking: a standard microwave is mainly for reheating and defrosting. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a model with a grill can brown food, while a combination model may add oven-style cooking functions. Check the features of the specific model.
No: the location must meet the appliance’s placement requirements. For its freestanding microwaves, Whirlpool recommends a flat surface with the vents unobstructed. Check the instructions for your model before placing it under a shelf or next to another appliance.
An available socket doesn’t necessarily mean the connection is suitable. Promotelec warns against overloading extension leads: check the appliances’ power ratings and the capacity of the connection, avoid daisy-chaining, and ask a qualified professional for advice if the installation seems inadequate or damaged.
Check the repair terms and availability of parts for the exact model you’re interested in. Tefal states that its Dual Easy Fry Flex is repairable for 15 years. This applies to that model and should be understood in line with its terms; it doesn’t apply to other appliances.