Start by choosing the cooking method you use most often: frying or simmering on the hob, oven cooking, microwave heating with oven-style cooking, cooking in a pot or cooking in a basket. Then measure the space and check the model’s instructions for clearance, ventilation and electrical requirements. These appliances are not all interchangeable, even when they’re compact.
You want to keep frying or simmering without a built-in installation. A portable hob could suit your needs if your cookware and electrical supply are compatible; Tefal describes the IH210801 as a portable induction hob.
You need to choose between a cooking cavity and an appliance that also heats food using microwaves. The recipes you make and the size of your dishes can help you decide between a mini oven and a combination appliance, as the Severin and Panasonic product details show.
You mainly make slow-cooked or steamed dishes, or portions for an air fryer basket. Moulinex and Philips offer different formats: the container and cooking method matter more than a general promise of versatility.
In a small kitchen, start with the meals you usually make. Then check that the appliance, cookware and installation requirements are a good fit for the space available.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Hob cooking | Whether your cookware is induction-compatible; available space and the electrical supply’s capacity. | If you want to keep your usual cooking habits without a built-in hob, check your pans and electrical supply first. Around 25% of consumers are said to prioritise frying or simmering on the hob. |
| Oven cooking | External dimensions, dish sizes and the clearances specified in the instructions. | If you make dishes that need baking or grilling, check they fit in the cavity and that the appliance can be installed in the intended space. Around 25% of consumers are said to prioritise oven cooking. |
| Microwave and oven cooking | Whether it has the modes you actually want; dimensions, suitable cookware and installation instructions. | If you often reheat food and also want oven-style cooking, check the model’s modes rather than relying on the word ‘combination’. Around 19% of consumers are said to prioritise both uses. |
| Cooking in a pot | A capacity suited to your portions; room to open the lid and follow the steam-related instructions. | If you mainly make slow-cooked or steamed meals, check the pot’s capacity and the space needed around the appliance. Around 19% of consumers are said to prioritise cooking in a pot. |
| Basket cooking | Room for your portions; air circulation and the basket-loading instructions. | If you cook portions in an air fryer basket, check its usable size and allow air to circulate as instructed. Around 12% of consumers are said to prioritise this cooking method. |
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you the usable dimensions of the cavity or how much space the appliance needs around it. For the TO 2068, Severin states a capacity of 20 L and external dimensions of 29,5 × 44 × 39 cm.
Measure the space and the dishes you plan to use, then check the clearances specified in the instructions.
A dish or appliance that doesn’t fit the space could mean choosing a different model or cookware.
These appliances meet different needs: an air fryer basket doesn’t necessarily offer a microwave function, while a combination appliance may bring together microwave heating and oven-style cooking modes. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between standard microwaves, grill microwaves and combination microwaves.
Make a note of the modes you need for your meals and check they’re listed on the model’s product page before comparing sizes.
If an essential mode is missing, you may need a second appliance to cover all your needs.
The Tefal IH210801 is rated at 2 100 W and requires induction-compatible cookware. Legrand points out that extension leads have a maximum power rating and advises against connecting them in series because of the fire risk.
Check that your pans are compatible and follow the instructions for the model and your electrical installation. Don’t assume a socket is suitable based on the hob’s power rating alone.
You may need to replace incompatible cookware to use an induction hob.
The scope of the energy labelling presented by the European Commission does not apply in the same way to all compact cooking options. So, an absent or different label isn’t enough to compare their energy use.
Compare only features and energy consumption figures established on the same relevant basis for the models in question.
These examples relate to specific ranges or models. A brand appearing here doesn’t guarantee a model is available or right for your kitchen.
The brand’s portable induction hobs include the Everyday Slim IH210801, designed for frying or simmering in a limited space.
The brand offers countertop mini ovens, including the TO 2068 shown here, for dishes that need a cooking cavity.
The brand’s combination microwaves include the NN-CD58RS, which combines reheating with several cooking modes, according to the manufacturer’s product details.
The Cookeo multi-cookers include the Touch Mini, designed for cooking in a pot.
The brand’s basket air fryers include the HD9252/90, designed for food suited to hot-air circulation.
This selection features countertop appliances for hob cooking, oven cooking, combination microwave cooking, basket cooking or cooking in a pot. Check the space each model takes up and its specific installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you want to fry or simmer without a built-in hob; your cookware must be induction-compatible.
Stated dimensions: 37 × 29 × 4,5 cm. The product details list 10 power levels, a timer and a keep-warm function.
Keep the ventilation openings clear and check the model’s electrical connection instructions.
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Worth considering if your meals need a cooking cavity rather than a hob or pot.
Stated dimensions: 36,5 × 26 × 22 cm. The product details list an adjustable temperature of 100 to 230 °C and a 60-minute timer, with a wire rack and baking tray.
Check the dimensions of your dishes and the clearances in the instructions against the space available.
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Worth considering if you want to combine microwave reheating with other cooking modes in a countertop appliance.
The product details list a 29 L cavity, a 31,5 cm turntable, 1 000 W microwave power, a 1 000 W grill and a steam function.
Don’t block the ventilation openings or use metal containers in microwave mode.
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Worth considering if you make portions suited to an air fryer basket rather than dishes cooked in a pan or microwave.
The product details list a capacity of 2 L and a power rating of 1 150 W. The removable parts are listed as dishwasher-safe.
Don’t cover the air inlets or outlets during use.
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Worth considering if you cook meals in a pot, including rice, soup or steamed food.
Stated dimensions: 220 × 245 × 215 mm. The product details list a removable non-stick pot, a keep-warm function and a delayed-start timer.
Allow at least 40 cm of clearance above and 10 cm at the sides, and don’t block the steam outlet.
Measure the space, then compare it with the appliance’s dimensions and the clearances in its instructions. Measure your dishes too: the 20 L capacity stated for the TO 2068 mini oven doesn’t tell you the usable dimensions of its cavity.
Don’t assume you can: Legrand points out that extension leads have a maximum power rating and advises against connecting them in series because of the fire risk. Check the appliances’ power ratings and instructions. For the ovens covered by its advice, Legrand recommends checking the instructions and avoiding extension leads. This alone doesn’t confirm that a particular connection is suitable for your home.
No, you shouldn’t assume it is. Follow the guidance on the packaging and in the instructions for the mode you’re using. Anses recommends following the preparation instructions for products designed for microwave use.
Check the cleaning instructions for each part: Moulinex says the Cookeo Touch Mini pot is dishwasher-safe. For the Philips air fryers covered by its guidance, don’t cover the bottom of the basket, as this can restrict airflow. Always follow the instructions for the model you choose.
No. The European Commission explains that the mandatory energy labelling presented for this regulatory category applies to ovens and cooker hoods, with a scope that distinguishes, among other things, small ovens and appliances with a microwave heating function. So, the absence of an identical label means you can’t directly compare the energy use of all these options.