Tenants without a hob
If there’s no hob available, a portable hob can provide one without the need for a fitted installation. First, check your cookware, the surface it will sit on and the electrical instructions for the hob you’re considering.
Who might these appliances suit?
People who cook meals in a single pot
A multicooker can offer several cooking modes for dishes such as stews and steamed food. Its capacity and the space needed to use and store it matter just as much as the advertised modes.
People who reheat food or bake
If you already have your main cooking needs covered, work out what’s missing: reheating and defrosting, or baking and grilling. A microwave, combination microwave and mini oven don’t do exactly the same things, so compare their external dimensions too.
Which functions should you prioritise?
Make a list of the appliances you already have, then identify the function you need most for everyday meals. You can then narrow down your choice by considering the space available for use and storage, your cookware and the model’s instructions.
| Need | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking in a pan | Whether a hob is already available; cookware compatibility, the surface it will sit on and connection instructions for a portable hob. | If I don’t have a hob for preparing everyday meals, I’m looking for a portable solution that won’t require changes to the kitchen. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Cooking meals in a pot | Which modes are actually included, the pot’s capacity and the space needed to store the appliance. | For stews or steamed dishes, I’d rather use one pot than several appliances, while accepting its limitations for baking. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Baking | External dimensions, the clearances specified in the instructions and the cooking functions. | I want to bake or grill a dish without a built-in oven, but I need to be able to fit the appliance in my kitchenette. Baking is the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Solo or combination microwave; the modes you need, dimensions and placement instructions. | As I already have a way to cook, I’m mainly looking to reheat or defrost meals. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this use. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
-
Confusing a portable appliance with a fixed installation
A portable hob isn’t chosen in the same way as a hob that needs installing. Promotelec states that fixed hobs and cookers require a dedicated circuit; their connection requirements don’t automatically apply to small countertop appliances.
If you don’t want to modify the kitchen, look for a model designed to sit on a worktop and follow its instructions. For a fixed appliance, have the existing installation checked rather than improvising a connection.
-
Comparing ovens by capacity alone
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you how much space the appliance will take up. According to Severin, the Severin TO 2056 mini oven measures 34.5 × 45.3 × 40 cm. Its external dimensions could make all the difference on a small worktop.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, then allow for the clearances and door opening specified in the instructions for your chosen model.
-
Mistaking the CE mark for a performance label
The DGCCRF points out that the CE mark is not a certification mark. On its own, it can’t help you choose between two appliances based on their functions or the space they take up.
Compare the exact model, its instructions, dimensions and the functions you need for everyday meals. Don’t treat the mark as a product recommendation.
-
Confusing a commercial warranty with statutory guarantees
Any commercial warranty comes with its own terms. The DGCCRF distinguishes it from the statutory guarantee of conformity and the guarantee against hidden defects. Read the exclusions and terms carefully.
Check the terms of any commercial warranty on offer, including whether accessories are covered and how to make a claim. Don’t confuse it with your statutory guarantees.
Brands to consider for different uses
Tefal
The Everyday Slim IH2108E1 portable induction hob is one option for adding a cooking zone to your worktop.
- According to Tefal, this model has one cooking zone, seven heat settings and a height of 45 mm.
- One cooking zone can’t replace several zones used at the same time. Check that your pans are suitable for induction.
Moulinex
The Cookeo+ is aimed at people who want to prepare dishes such as stews and steamed food in a single pot.
- Moulinex lists a 6 L pot and six modes for this model, including pressure cooking, steaming and slow cooking.
- These specifications apply to the Cookeo+ mentioned here, not every Moulinex multicooker. The Extra Crisp accessory for air frying is sold separately.
Severin
The TO 2056 and MW 7775 models offer two different options for baking and reheating.
- According to Severin, the TO 2056 mini oven has a capacity of 30 L, while the MW 7775 microwave combines microwave, grill and fan oven functions.
- Functions and dimensions vary by model. Measure the available space before choosing either of these countertop appliances.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
These appliances cover different needs in a small rented kitchen: cooking on a portable hob, reheating, baking or preparing meals in a pot. Start by choosing the function you’re missing; these appliances aren’t direct substitutes for one another.
Image unavailable
IAGREEA DF200-14V10 induction hob, 2 000 W
Worth considering if you need to cook in a pan and one cooking zone is enough. The title lists eight power settings, a temperature range of 60 to 270 °C and claimed compatibility with cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Also check that the base is suitable for induction and follow the connection instructions.
Image unavailable
LG Electronics MH 6535 gih microwave with grill, 25 L, white
Consider this if reheating is your priority and you’d also like a grill. The title lists a capacity of 25 L and a figure of 1 000 W, but doesn’t specify which function it relates to. Check the instructions to distinguish cooking power from electrical input power, and to confirm the required clearances. This appliance doesn’t provide a cooking zone for a pan.
Image unavailable
Taurus Horizon23 mini oven, 23 L, black
Worth considering for baking dishes without a built-in oven, rather than as a replacement for a hob. Its stated capacity is 23 L. Measure the space and check the instructions for clearance and connection requirements before buying.
Image unavailable
IAGREEA MS‑AFX004 electric cooking pot, 1 L
Consider this for preparing small portions in a pot, if its 1 L capacity suits your meals. The title lists a stainless-steel inner pot and two settings, 300 W and 600 W. Before choosing it for your home, check the model’s voltage, frequency and connection instructions.
Image unavailable
Plodon electric cooking pot, 5 L, 1 200 W
Worth considering if you want to prepare meals in a pot and use a steam basket. The title lists a 5 L capacity, two heat settings and a steam basket. Check that you have enough room to use and store it. Also check the model’s voltage, frequency and connection instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fixed hob be used as a simple extra appliance in a rented property?
No. A fixed hob isn’t the same as a portable one. Promotelec states that fixed hobs and cookers require a dedicated circuit. If you’re considering this type of appliance, have a suitably qualified person check the existing installation rather than improvising a connection.
What should I check about the connection for a countertop appliance?
Compare the appliance’s electrical specifications and instructions with your existing socket and installation, then check that the position meets its placement requirements. Don’t assume that a portable appliance has the same requirements as a fixed hob: the exact type of appliance matters.
Is the CE mark enough to choose between two appliances?
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE mark is not a certification mark. To choose, compare the functions you need, the dimensions and the instructions for use of the models you’re considering.
How can I check whether my appliance has been recalled?
Search for its brand and model on RappelConso, then compare the identifiers in the recall notice with those on your appliance. A recall may apply to a specific batch rather than every product from a brand.
Are statutory guarantees and commercial warranties the same thing?
No. The DGCCRF distinguishes the statutory guarantee of conformity, the guarantee against hidden defects and any commercial warranty. For the latter, read the seller’s terms carefully, including exclusions, which accessories are covered and how to make a claim. It doesn’t replace your statutory guarantees.