Start by choosing an appliance that suits the dishes you make most often, then check its usable capacity and how much space it needs while in use. A long list of functions doesn’t guarantee it’ll work for your recipes: also check which cookware it accepts, how to clean it, and the electrical, heat and ventilation requirements in the exact model’s instructions.
If you need to reclaim space after meals, a portable appliance or a smaller selection of appliances could be a good fit. IKEA presents its single-zone TILLREDA hob as a solution for small kitchens that can be put away between uses. You’ll also need to allow it to cool down and follow its ventilation requirements.
This format suits people who mainly cook one-pot, steamed or pressure-cooked meals and want a compact cooking pot. Moulinex presents the Cookeo Mini CE880410 as suitable for two people, with a 3 L pot. However, the right quantity depends on the recipe and its maximum fill level.
If you want to roast, grill or bake without a built-in oven, start with the dimensions of your dishes or the quantities you usually prepare. Moulinex lists six cooking modes for the Optimo OX444810; Philips says the NA120/00 can hold up to 500 g of chips or vegetables. These details apply to the specific models mentioned.
Start with the dishes you make most often. These appliances are designed for different kinds of cooking, so one won’t automatically replace another.
Worth considering: if you often reheat food and would also like to grill or use convection, depending on the model’s functions.
Bear in mind: a combination model can take up a lot of space. The Panasonic NN-CD87KSUPG measures 560 × 450 × 343 mm, excluding the required clearances.
Worth considering: if you often cook meals in the oven, compare the available modes and check whether your dishes will fit.
Bear in mind: the stated 19 L capacity of the Optimo OX444810 doesn’t guarantee that your favourite dish will fit. Also check the clearances specified in the instructions.
Worth considering: if you mainly prepare portions that fit in a basket and want to cook them using hot air.
Bear in mind: basket capacities in litres aren’t directly comparable with those of a cooking pot or oven, and results depend on what you’re cooking.
Worth considering: if you regularly cook one-pot meals and the available modes suit your recipes.
Bear in mind: with a compact cooking pot, you’ll need to check portion sizes and maximum fill levels. The browning mode won’t replace all the functions of an oven or air fryer.
Worth considering: if you cook with saucepans and frying pans and want to be able to put the hob away after use.
Bear in mind: a single-zone hob heats one pan at a time. The TILLREDA model documented here requires induction-compatible cookware and must cool down before it’s put away.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the appliance while it’s in use, including the space needed to open its door or lid and the clearances specified in its instructions. | If space is tight between meals, I want to be able to use the appliance without blocking the worktop, then put it away once it’s cooled down. Around 25% of consumers prioritise size and storage. |
| Useful functions | Check which modes are actually included and what cookware or accessories your recipes require. | If I cook a variety of dishes, I want the functions I genuinely need, rather than choosing based on a long list of programmes. Around 25% of consumers put suitability for their recipes first. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated quantity for a similar food, the size of your dish and how many batches you’ll need to cook. | When I’m preparing a meal, I want to know whether the dish or portion will fit in the appliance without having to cook in several batches. Around 15% of consumers prioritise the amount they can prepare per meal. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and which cleaning methods are permitted. | After meals, I want to be able to clean the parts I use regularly without adding a complicated task. Around 15% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
| Power and safety | Check the power rating and voltage of the version on sale, as well as the connection and ventilation requirements in its instructions. | Before choosing, I want to make sure the appliance and its location are suitable for my home and understand any costs involved. Around 20% of consumers prioritise compatibility, safety and associated costs. |
The appliance’s overall dimensions aren’t enough to confirm it can be used in your chosen spot. For the TILLREDA model documented here, IKEA specifically says to keep the ventilation openings clear.
Measure the appliance in its intended position and check the clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model.
An appliance that’s difficult to use or put away can take up valuable space for good.
A 3 L cooking pot and a 4.2 L basket don’t have directly comparable capacities. The shape of the container and the quantities needed for each recipe also matter.
Start with your ingredients and the dish you want to use, and check the appliance’s stated fill limits.
If the capacity isn’t right for you, you may have to cook in batches or give up on certain dishes.
A long list of modes doesn’t prove that you’ll use them regularly. ADEME recommends thinking about whether a piece of equipment will be useful before buying it.
Make a note of the dishes you cook often and start by looking for an appliance that meets a regular need.
Every extra appliance needs storage space and adds more parts to clean.
Moulinex’s stated 15-year repairability commitment is different from a free repair guarantee. For the legal guarantee of conformity in France, Service Public says the fault must appear within two years of the goods being delivered.
Check the terms of the brand’s commitment, who the seller is and which guarantees apply to your purchase.
Repairs outside the guarantee may involve paying for parts, labour or a repair service.
The models documented here include the 19 L Optimo OX444810 mini oven and the 3 L Cookeo Mini CE880410 multi-cooker.
The Series 1000 NA120/00 air fryer documented here has a 4.2 L basket, with adjustable time and temperature settings.
IKEA presents its single-zone TILLREDA portable induction hob as suitable for small kitchens. It can be put away between uses.
The NN-CD87KS, available in France, is a 34 L combination microwave with grill and convection.
This selection includes countertop appliances for reheating and grilling, cooking in a basket, preparing one-pot meals or using a portable induction hob.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance with microwave, grill and defrost functions.
The description gives dimensions of 47 × 26 × 37 cm. Check the space needed for use and the connection, heat and ventilation requirements in the instructions for the exact model.
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Worth considering if its basket-cooking functions and removable containers suit the dishes you make.
The description lists two glass containers, with capacities of 1.4 L and 3.8 L, and the Air Fry, Roast, Keep Warm and Recrisp functions. The containers and accessories may be hot after cooking, so the description recommends using heat-resistant gloves. Check the installation requirements for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you often prepare one-pot meals and the available modes suit your recipes.
The description gives a capacity of 3.8 L and seven functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming. The cooking pot, lid and accessories are listed as dishwasher-safe. When pressure cooking, follow the fill limits and steam-release precautions. Check the requirements in the instructions for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you’d like to cook on a portable hob and have induction-compatible cookware.
The description lists eight power levels, a temperature range of 60 to 270 °C, seven preset functions and a 3-hour timer. Cookware must have a flat, magnetic base measuring 12 to 26 cm. Before choosing a location, check the electrical, heat and ventilation requirements in the instructions for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you make small portions and want a compact basket for meals or snacks.
The description lists a 2 L basket and says the basket and removable parts are dishwasher-safe. It recommends a grounded 220–240 V socket. Check the requirements for use without renovation work, as well as the heat and ventilation requirements in the instructions for the exact model.
Compare the appliance with a specific quantity of food you prepare and check what size of container you’ll need. Philips says the NA120/00 can hold up to 500 g of chips; Moulinex presents the Cookeo Mini CE880410 as suitable for two people, with a 3 L cooking pot. These details don’t make capacities directly comparable across different appliance types.
For the TILLREDA model documented here, the H display indicates that the cooking zone is still hot. Wait for it to cool before handling it and putting it away, and follow the instructions.
Don’t assume an alcove is suitable just because the appliance fits. Check that the instructions for the exact model allow it to be used there and that you can follow all the requirements. For the TILLREDA, IKEA says to keep the ventilation openings clear.
The Cookeo Mini CE880410 product information lists its cooking pot and steaming basket; the Philips NA120/00 information lists its pan and StarPlate. This doesn’t apply to other parts or different models.
No. Moulinex describes a repairability commitment at a fair price, which is different from a free guarantee of performance. In France, Service Public says that, for the legal guarantee of conformity, the fault must appear within two years of the goods being delivered. Commercial guarantees are separate.