In a small kitchen, start by choosing an appliance to suit the meals you make most often. A combination microwave brings together reheating and several cooking modes, while a multicooker is best suited to one-pot dishes and a mini oven is ideal for baking and browning. A specialist countertop appliance is only worthwhile if it replaces something you use regularly rather than duplicating it. Before buying, check the external dimensions, the recommended clearances and the space needed to open the appliance.
You regularly reheat meals, but would also like to grill or cook using convection without having to make room for a second appliance. Depending on the model, a combination microwave can bring these functions together.
You often make rice, soups, stews or steamed dishes. A multicooker with the right programmes can bring these preparations together in one pot, but it won’t replace an oven.
You regularly make quiches, tarts, pizzas or toast and want an oven function. Check that your usual dishes fit inside with the door closed.
Start with the recipes you make most often, then measure the available space. An extra function only saves space if it genuinely means you don’t need another appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and cooking without doubling up | Compare the functions actually available on the model you’re considering, along with any accessories needed for your dishes. | If I often reheat meals, I also want to be able to cook some dishes without adding a second appliance. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this dual use. |
| Making one-pot dishes | Check that the programmes suit your recipes and that the pot’s capacity is right for the portions you prepare. | For regular soups, rice or stews, I’d rather have everything cooked in one pot than have an oven function. Around 25% of consumers share this priority. |
| Baking and browning | Check the oven and grill functions, as well as the usable internal dimensions for your dishes. | When I make quiches or bakes, an oven that suits the portions I cook comes first. Around 25% of consumers put this need at the top of their list. |
| Keeping space and cleaning to a minimum | Measure the appliance and its recommended clearances. Also consider which parts need washing and where you’ll store the accessories. | If my worktop is already full, I’d rather avoid an appliance I’ll rarely use that adds to the storage and cleaning. For around 17% of consumers, this concern outweighs cooking functions. |
A few compact appliances can end up taking up more worktop and storage space together than you expected.
Note down the three things you do most often, and only choose a specialist appliance if it replaces a step or an appliance you already use.
A capacity that suits your portions doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit in its space, or that its door or basket will open easily.
Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the opening space, then follow the clearances given in the model’s instructions.
The DGCCRF clarifies that the CE marking is not a certification mark. It doesn’t tell you how easy the appliance is to clean or whether it’s suitable for your recipes.
Check for this marking when it’s required for the product in question, then assess the functions, dimensions and instructions separately.
ADEME points out that size and unnecessary features can affect energy use. The word “compact” alone isn’t enough to compare two appliances.
Look at the programmes and cooking times that match the meals you actually make, rather than judging energy use by the appliance’s capacity alone.
Multicookers designed for dishes such as stews, rice and soups, as well as steaming, depending on the model.
Mini ovens and countertop cooking appliances for households that prioritise toast, small batches and browning.
Combination microwaves that pair reheating with other cooking modes, which vary by model.
This microwave with grill is for households that regularly reheat and defrost meals and would also like to brown some dishes. If you need convection oven cooking, check the model’s functions before choosing.
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For reheating or defrosting meals and browning some dishes without a separate grill.
Yes, if the model has a hot-air cooking function that suits the way you cook. Panasonic says the NN-CT55RW combines microwave, grill, convection and air frying. However, compare its capacity and accessories with your usual portions before getting rid of another appliance.
No. Size alone doesn’t tell you how much energy your meals will use. ADEME notes that size and unnecessary features can affect energy use, so compare the programmes, how long they take and how often you’ll use them.
First, make sure the space lets you follow the model’s instructions, especially the clearance and ventilation guidance. Use a flat, heat-resistant surface if the instructions require one, and leave enough room to open the door or remove accessories easily.
No. The DGCCRF clarifies that the CE marking indicates the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable requirements, but it isn’t a certification of quality or performance. Choose the functions and dimensions to suit your recipes and available space.