Everyday reheating
If you mainly heat up leftovers, soups or individual portions, a microwave is ideal for reheating and defrosting. A combination model adds cooking functions, depending on its features, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
Which appliance suits each use ?
Roasting small portions
An air fryer is suited to cooking or roasting small quantities, usually in a basket. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that it overlaps with an oven in terms of what it can do, so consider whether it could replace an appliance you already own.
Using oven dishes
For gratins, pizzas or dishes that need to go on a shelf or baking tray, take a look at the internal dimensions of a mini oven. Moulinex, for example, offers mini ovens in different capacities; the stated volume alone won’t tell you whether your dish will fit.
How do the appliances compare ?
For everyday portions in a small kitchen, start with your main use. Then check what your current appliances can already do and how much space you have when the appliance is in use.
Air fryer
Worth considering : if you mainly cook or roast small portions in a basket.
Bear in mind : according to UFC-Que Choisir, its cavity is smaller than a mini oven’s, and its functions may duplicate those of an oven.
Combination microwave
Worth considering : if reheating and defrosting are your priorities, but you’d also like a grill function.
Bear in mind : oven functions vary by model; fan-assisted cooking isn’t always included, and you’ll need space to open the door.
Mini oven
Worth considering : if the size of your dishes, a shelf and a baking tray matter more than microwave reheating.
Bear in mind : it needs a permanent spot or somewhere to store it between uses, and may be redundant if your current oven meets your needs.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Microwave functions, compatible containers and the space needed in front of the door. | When I often have leftovers or portions to reheat on a plate, I want to warm them up without turning on the oven. Around 42 % of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Several functions in one appliance | What your existing appliances already do, and whether the model you’re considering actually has a grill, fan-assisted cooking or a basket. | If my worktop is already full, I’d rather replace several functions than add another appliance. This would be the priority for around 33 % of consumers. |
| Size of oven dishes | Internal dimensions, room for your usual dish, and whether it comes with a suitable shelf or baking tray. | To make a gratin or use a baking tray, I need a cavity that will actually fit my dishes. Around 25 % of consumers would put this factor first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Adding an air fryer when your oven already does the job
Cooking, roasting and grilling are overlapping uses. UFC-Que Choisir recommends avoiding unnecessary extra appliances if the air fryer isn’t replacing anything.
Make a note of the dishes you cook most often and which appliance you use for each. This will make it easier to see which function you’re really missing.
An extra appliance takes up valuable space on your worktop or in a cupboard.
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Comparing litres alone
Two cavities with the same volume can fit dishes of different shapes. An air fryer basket isn’t the same as a mini oven cavity.
Measure your usual plate or dish, then compare it with the internal dimensions and accessories of the specific model.
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Measuring the appliance but not the space it needs in use
The open door, cable and ventilation clearances can make a spot impractical. For its countertop microwaves, Whirlpool gives open-door depths of 68 to 99 cm; the instructions for the specific model are what matter.
Before ordering, mark out the appliance’s footprint, door opening and required clearances on your worktop.
If the space is too tight, you may have to move the appliance every time you use it.
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Assuming every model in a range is cleaned the same way
Dishwasher-safe parts and cleaning functions vary by model. Moulinex lists dishwasher-safe parts for the Easy Fry Deluxe EZ401D10; Whirlpool features AutoClean on the MCP349WH.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering to find out which parts can be removed and how to clean each one.
Brands to know
Moulinex
Its Easy Fry and Optimo ranges let you compare two distinct formats: an air fryer basket and a freestanding mini oven.
- Moulinex states that the Easy Fry Deluxe EZ401D10 has a capacity of 4.2 L, a temperature range of 80 to 200 °C and dishwasher-safe parts.
- According to Moulinex, the Optimo 19 L offers a different approach, with six cooking modes. Check the usable dimensions of the model you choose rather than assuming the same features apply across the whole range.
Whirlpool
The MCP349WH is an example of a freestanding combination microwave for when reheating and oven functions need to share the same spot.
- Whirlpool lists a 25 L cavity for this model, with microwave, grill and fan-assisted functions.
- Its stated dimensions of 52 × 30.1 × 49.4 cm mean you’ll need to check the available depth, door clearance and ventilation gaps specified in the instructions.
Electrolux
Its KVLBE08X compact combination oven is designed for a kitchen with a built-in space, rather than a clear worktop.
- Electrolux states that this model has a 43 L cavity, combining microwave and oven functions.
- The specified built-in space measures 450 × 560 × 550 mm, so you’ll need a compatible cabinet and an installation that follows the instructions.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
These appliances cover the three uses explored here: cooking small portions in an air fryer, reheating in a microwave and cooking in a freestanding mini oven. Compare their exact functions and the space they need when in use before choosing a model.
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Midea air fryer, 2 L, 1 150 W, black
Worth considering if you mainly prepare small portions in a basket rather than dishes on a baking tray.
The model name indicates a capacity of 2 L and a 60-minute timer. Measure the space you have in mind and check the instructions for the required clearances.
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Ninja FN101EUGY Crispi air fryer
Worth a look if you want to cook or roast small portions and prefer this type of appliance to a mini oven.
Before setting aside a spot for it, check the size of containers that fit this version, how to clean them and the ventilation space required.
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Hkoenig VIO7 freestanding microwave, 23 L, 900 W
Worth considering if microwave reheating matters more to you than cooking in a basket or on a baking tray.
The model name indicates a capacity of 23 L and a power rating of 900 W. If you also want to brown or cook food as you would in an oven, check the exact functions of this version: don’t assume a combination appliance has fan-assisted cooking.
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Taurus Horizon23 freestanding mini oven, 23 L, black
Worth considering if oven dishes are your priority and you have space for a freestanding appliance.
Its stated capacity is 23 L. Compare the internal dimensions with those of your usual dish, and allow for a suitable surface and the clearances listed in the instructions.
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Midea air fryer, 4 L, 1 500 W
Compare it with the Midea 2 L model if you’re looking for a basket with a different stated capacity for your usual portions.
The name of this version indicates eight modes, a temperature range of 35 to 200 °C and a 60-minute timer. A 4 L capacity doesn’t guarantee that your usual dish will fit in the basket: check its usable dimensions and the appliance’s external measurements.
Frequently asked questions
Which appliance should I choose if I mainly reheat leftovers ?
Prioritise microwave functionality if reheating and defrosting are what you’ll use it for most. A combination model may also include a grill and, depending on the model, fan-assisted cooking. Check the functions before relying on it to replace an oven.
Can an air fryer replace my mini oven ?
It can replace one for some small portions that you want to cook or roast, as long as they fit in the basket. UFC-Que Choisir notes that air fryers take on some of an oven’s functions, but have a smaller cavity than a mini oven. Measure your dishes before switching appliances.
How can I tell if an appliance will fit in my kitchen ?
Measure the space in width, height and depth, then check how much room you need to open the door and allow for the ventilation specified in the instructions. For countertop microwaves, Whirlpool gives an open-door depth of 68 to 99 cm; this range doesn’t replace checking the measurements of the model you’ve chosen.
What should I check to avoid a tricky clean-up ?
Check which parts of the specific model can be removed, which are dishwasher-safe and what cleaning methods are allowed in the instructions. Moulinex lists dishwasher-safe parts for the Easy Fry Deluxe EZ401D10, while Whirlpool lists an AutoClean function for the MCP349WH; these features don’t automatically apply to other models.