Start with the appliance you genuinely use most in your everyday meals: a microwave is ideal for reheating and defrosting, a multi-cooker for rice and slow-cooked dishes, while an air fryer is best suited to frequent small batches of crispy food. In a compact space, avoid duplicating a function already covered by your oven or hob, and check the appliance’s full dimensions, usable capacity, warranty and after-sales support before choosing a model.
Choose an appliance that handles a repeated task — reheating, cooking a dish or preparing ingredients — rather than several appliances with overlapping functions. UFC-Que Choisir specifically highlights the possible overlap between air fryers and ovens, as well as the space taken up by food processor accessories.
A microwave, multi-cooker and mini oven do not meet the same needs. Your choice depends on the meals you usually prepare: quick reheating, programmed cooking for complete dishes or oven cooking.
Check the after-sales service, warranty and availability of parts for the exact reference. Rules on spare parts do not automatically cover every category of small domestic appliance.
Start by identifying the function you will use most often. Then measure the space the appliance occupies both in use and when stored before comparing additional features.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid duplicate functions | Compare the tasks already covered by your oven, hob or an existing appliance. A microwave is suitable for reheating and defrosting, while a multi-cooker is particularly useful for slow cooking and rice. | I’m looking for an appliance that handles a task I do often, not a second way to cook the same dishes. |
| Allow for the appliance’s actual footprint | Measure the main body of the appliance, as well as the bowl, basket, jug, trays, cable and accessories. Check where each item will be stored after use. | My worktop space is limited; I want to be able to take the appliance out and put it away without having to rearrange the whole kitchen. |
| Choose the right capacity | Compare the bowl or cooking pot capacity with your usual portions. For a multi-cooker, allow for the safety margin stated in the instructions rather than relying solely on the nominal capacity. | I mainly prepare one or two portions and do not want a large appliance to take over my storage space. |
| Plan for support after purchase | Identify the professional seller, keep the model details and check the manufacturer’s information on parts, support and repairs. | I want to know who to contact if the appliance develops a fault or a part needs replacing. |
An air fryer can cook, roast and grill for a wide range of uses. In a small kitchen, this duplication means another appliance to clean and store, and one that may end up permanently occupying your worktop.
Make a list of the last five meals you cooked in the oven. If you mainly want small, crispy portions, compare an air fryer; otherwise, your oven may already meet your needs.
The cooking pot needs room to prevent spills: the stated volume does not always correspond to the amount you can actually prepare for every recipe.
Before choosing a larger pot, compare the advertised portions, the usable capacity given in the instructions and the quantities you usually cook.
For much of the small domestic appliance market, availability depends on the manufacturer’s commitment and the model concerned.
Before buying, check the terms that apply to the exact reference, the parts ordering process and whether support or a repair service is available.
A food processor can replace several tools, but discs, blades and bowls become cumbersome when they are only used occasionally.
Focus on the functions you genuinely use, such as chopping, grating or blending, and choose a storage box if the accessories are essential.
A brand known for multifunction food processors, multi-cookers and other food preparation and cooking appliances.
A relevant brand particularly for air fryers and certain kitchen appliances, with a French support portal searchable by model number.
A brand offering microwaves, ovens and appliances for preparing hot drinks.
These Joybuy options cover several common needs in a small kitchen: reheating, programmed cooking, small batches of crispy food, blending and oven cooking.
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For regular reheating or defrosting without creating extra washing-up.
20 L capacity, 11 power levels, six pre-set menus and weight- or time-based defrosting. Stated dimensions: 440 × 319 × 259 mm; check the ventilation clearances before installation.
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Worth considering for everyday rice, soups, porridge or steaming.
2 L cooking pot, dedicated programmes, keep-warm function and delayed start. Stated dimensions: 220 × 245 × 215 mm; allow at least 40 cm above and 10 cm at the sides.
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For small batches of crispy food when this function is not already covered by your oven.
Air Fry, Roast, Keep Warm and Recrisp functions, with 1.4 L and 3.8 L containers advertised as dishwasher-safe. Check the ventilation space and where both containers will be stored.
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An option for blending soups, purées, compotes and sauces without adding another cooking appliance.
20 speeds, turbo function, chopper and whisk. The body measures 6 × 6 × 38.5 cm; do not blend liquids above 60 °C and observe the maximum continuous operating time of 60 seconds.
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Worth considering if you often cook in the oven and do not have a main oven that meets this need.
23 L capacity, thermostat from 40 to 230 °C, 90-minute timer and three heating modes. A rack, baking tray and crumb tray are advertised; check the ventilation clearances and storage space.
Sometimes, but not always. An air fryer can cook, roast or grill and covers some oven functions; choose one primarily for small batches of crispy food. UFC-Que Choisir recommends avoiding over-equipping your kitchen: compare the exact model’s capacity, dimensions, noise levels and cleaning requirements with your existing equipment.
A multi-cooker is a good choice if you prepare these dishes regularly. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it can cook, brown, simmer and sear, among other functions; check the cooking pot’s usable capacity, your usual portions and the space required around the appliance.
Yes, for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, under the conditions set out by the legal guarantee of conformity. In its information sheet dated 9 September 2026, the French Ministry of the Economy specifies that claims must be made to the professional seller, who is responsible for supplying goods that conform to the contract.
No. The DGCCRF states that the obligation to make parts available applies only to certain categories; it does not automatically cover all small kitchen appliances. For a microwave, food processor, kettle or air fryer, check the commitment stated for the model and the period communicated to consumers.
You may be able to have it repaired by an approved repairer. ADEME states that certain small appliances, including kettles, microwaves and food processors, may qualify for the Repair Bonus, with amounts ranging from 15 € to 40 € depending on the type of repair and the size of the item. Check that both the appliance and repairer are eligible before travelling.