A temporary, sparsely equipped kitchen
You have very little worktop space and want to be able to put an appliance away after use, while still preparing more than just reheated meals.
Who are these options for?
Home-cooked meals in a small space
You cook regularly and want to cover your usual cooking methods without leaving several appliances on the worktop.
Adding to an existing kitchen
You already have a built-in appliance or a socket, but need to work out what’s actually missing and check the connection requirements before adding another appliance.
How do you decide what you need?
If an existing hob or oven already covers the meals you usually make, one extra appliance may be all you need. Otherwise, start by choosing the cooking method you’re missing most. These appliances take up different amounts of space and are suited to different dishes.
Portable hob
Consider it if : you mainly cook with a frying pan or saucepan and want to clear the worktop after use.
Bear in mind : it won’t cook oven dishes, and induction hobs also require compatible cookware.
Combination microwave
Consider it if : you often reheat food and would also like the cooking or grilling modes available on your chosen model.
Bear in mind : it takes up a permanent spot on the worktop and won’t automatically replace a hob for frying.
Mini oven
Consider it if : you regularly make dishes that need to be baked and your accommodation doesn’t have an oven.
Bear in mind : it needs a stable place to sit, and its capacity in litres doesn’t guarantee your dishes will fit inside.
Multi-cooker
Consider it if : you mainly make one-pot meals and want a choice of cooking programmes.
Bear in mind : it won’t replace several saucepans used at the same time or an oven for recipes that need one.
Existing built-in appliances
Consider them if : the hob or oven provided works and covers the cooking you usually do.
Bear in mind : check its condition and capabilities before deciding what to buy; don’t alter the installation to accommodate a new appliance.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and storage | External dimensions, room needed to open the door and the clearances specified in the manual. | When I need to keep the worktop clear, I’m looking for an appliance I can set up and put away safely; around 36 % of consumers prioritise space and portability. |
| Reheating and cooking without a built-in oven | The modes actually available on the combination microwave and the space needed with the door open. | I often reheat meals, but would also like to prepare some dishes without immediately adding an oven; versatility without a built-in oven comes first for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Cooking methods for your meals | Whether your cookware is suitable for induction and the size of dishes the oven can accommodate. | Some of my meals need a frying pan or saucepan, while others need to be baked: I need to cover the cooking methods I’m missing, even if that means combining two appliances. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise this variety of cooking methods. |
| One-pot cooking | A capacity suited to the portions you plan to make, the model’s programmes and how easy its removable parts are to clean. | For soups or slow-cooked dishes, I’d rather make the meal in one pot with less hands-on cooking; this way of cooking is a priority for around 14 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on capacity or the number of functions
An appliance’s cavity may be big enough for your food, but that doesn’t mean the appliance will fit on your worktop. You also need to consider the door opening and the size of your dishes.
Measure the width, depth and height of the space, then allow for the door to open and for the clearances specified in the model’s manual.
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Forgetting to check your cookware before choosing induction
An induction hob needs cookware with a magnetic base, so your existing saucepans and frying pans may not be suitable.
Check the cookware labelling or test the base with a magnet before choosing a portable induction hob.
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Assuming a portable appliance can go just anywhere
Portability doesn’t remove the need to follow guidance on ventilation, supervision and connecting the appliance. For example, the manual for IKEA’s TILLREDA portable hob says to keep the ventilation openings clear and not to leave the appliance unattended while it’s running.
Follow the manual for your chosen model and check the location and available socket. Any changes to the electrical installation need a proper assessment, not an improvised fix.
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Adding an appliance without checking what’s already in the kitchen
A working built-in hob or oven may already cover the cooking method you’re thinking of buying another appliance for.
First, check the condition and use of the appliances already there, then choose an extra one to meet a specific need.
Brands to know
IKEA
IKEA’s range includes TILLREDA portable induction hobs with one or two cooking zones, designed for small kitchens.
- Worth considering if you need a cooking zone you can put away after use.
- Check your cookware and follow the model’s ventilation and supervision guidance.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding and combination microwaves; cooking and grilling functions vary by model.
- A range to explore if you want to combine reheating with some cooking functions in one appliance.
- Compare the external dimensions, door opening and placement instructions for the model you’re considering.
Moulinex
Moulinex’s range includes OPTIMO mini ovens in 19 L and 33 L sizes, with modes that vary by model.
- Sizes to compare if your kitchen doesn’t have a built-in oven.
- Check the size of dishes the oven can accommodate and the required clearances, not just its stated capacity.
Tefal
Tefal offers one-pot cooking appliances, including multi-cookers designed for a range of everyday dishes.
- A range to explore if one-pot meals suit the way you cook.
- Check the programmes and capacity of the model you’re considering; this type of appliance won’t replace a hob for every recipe.
Appliances to equip your kitchen
These appliances cater for different needs in a small kitchen: cooking in an oven, on a hob or in a single pot, as well as reheating with a combination microwave. Choose according to the meals you want to prepare and the space you have available.
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Taurus Horizon23, black mini oven, 23 L
Worth considering if your accommodation doesn’t have an oven and you have a stable space for a worktop model.
Stated capacity of 23 L. Check that your dishes fit inside the cavity and that the space meets the specified clearance and connection requirements.
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IAGREEA DF200-14V10, portable induction hob, 2 000 W
For cooking with a frying pan or saucepan when you don’t have a built-in hob, provided you have a suitable space and compatible cookware.
The product name specifies eight power levels, a 3 h timer and cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Check the space needed, ventilation and whether the socket is suitable for the stated power.
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Taurus Dual Induction Hob Darkfire Domino
The two-zone design lets you cook two dishes on the hob at once, provided your worktop has room for the appliance.
Check that your cookware is suitable for induction, follow the clearances in the manual and make sure the socket is suitable for the stated total power of 2 900 W.
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LG MJ3965ACS, combination microwave, 39 L, stainless steel and black
For reheating meals and using the model’s cooking modes in a freestanding appliance, if you have enough space for it.
Stated capacity of 39 L. Also measure the space needed to open the door and check the manual for clearance and connection requirements.
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Plodon Hot Pot, electric cooker, 5 L, 1 200 W
Worth considering for meals made in a single pot, especially if you’re interested in steaming with the basket.
The product name lists two heat settings and a steaming basket. If you want a timed cooking programme, check separately whether the model has programmes or a timer, as well as its dimensions and connection requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a portable hob anywhere in a kitchenette?
No. The location must meet the requirements in the manual for your chosen hob. For its TILLREDA portable hob, IKEA specifies, among other things, that the ventilation openings must be kept clear and the appliance must not be left running unattended. Check the guidance for your own model.
Is an existing socket enough to plug in a portable cooking appliance?
Don’t assume so. Compare the appliance’s power and connection instructions with the available socket and electrical installation. If the installation may need adapting, get it assessed before using the appliance rather than altering the circuit yourself.
Can a combination microwave replace a hob and an oven?
Not for every recipe. A combination microwave can bring together reheating and some cooking modes, but it won’t automatically handle meals made in a frying pan or several saucepans. Whirlpool offers cooking and grilling functions across its range; check the features of the model you’re considering against the meals you usually make.
How can you tell whether a mini oven or microwave will fit in your kitchen?
First measure the space for the appliance and the room needed to open its door, then check the clearances specified in the manual. Next, compare the size of the dishes or plates you plan to use with what the appliance can accommodate: capacity in litres alone isn’t enough.
Should you check your tenancy agreement before installing a portable cooking appliance?
Check your tenancy agreement and any guidance for the property, particularly if you’re considering fixing or drilling anything or altering the installation. Even with a freestanding appliance, check the instructions for use in its manual; don’t assume that being portable means you can make changes to the property.